UAE business leaders Hana Al Rostamani and Raja Easa Al Gurg have secured their positions among the world’s most influential women. Forbes named both executives to its prestigious 2025 World’s 100 Most Powerful Women list, proof of the Emirates’ growing presence in global business leadership.
The annual Forbes ranking evaluates women based on four key metrics: money, media impact, spheres of influence, and overall reach. This year’s 100 honorees collectively command $37 trillion in economic power and influence over 1 billion people worldwide.
Hana Al Rostamani
Hana Al Rostamani, Group CEO of First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), stands as one of the Middle East’s most powerful banking executives. She took the helm of the UAE’s largest bank by assets in January 2021, becoming the first woman to lead the financial giant.
Under Al Rostamani’s leadership, FAB has delivered record-breaking results. The bank reported $367.4 billion in total assets and $4.4 billion in net profit for the first nine months of 2025. Her strategic vision helped FAB cross the AED 16 billion profit milestone for the first time, representing a 24% year-over-year increase.
Al Rostamani brings over 22 years of financial services experience to her role. Before becoming CEO, she served as FAB’s deputy CEO and Group head of personal banking. Her influence extends beyond banking through board positions at AW Rostamani Group, FAB Private Bank Suisse, and MasterCard Advisory.
Raja Easa Al Gurg
Raja Easa Al Gurg manages one of the region’s largest conglomerates as Group Managing Director and Chairperson of Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group. The business empire spans over 30 companies across retail, construction, manufacturing, and industrial services.
The Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group partners with more than 370 global brands, including Siemens, 3M, Osram, and Dunlop. Recent reports indicate the group generated $813.8 million in annual revenue for 2025, showcasing the scale of Al Gurg’s business operations.
Beyond running the family business founded by her father in 1960, Al Gurg champions women’s economic empowerment. She founded and serves as president of the Dubai Business Women Council, working to boost female entrepreneurship across the UAE. Her leadership roles extend to the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Dubai Women’s Association.
UAE Women Break Barriers in Global Business
The inclusion of both Al Rostamani and Al Gurg reflects the UAE’s commitment to women’s leadership in business. Their achievements demonstrate how Emirati women are breaking traditional barriers and commanding respect on the global stage.
Al Rostamani’s banking leadership comes at a time when FAB continues expanding its international presence. The bank recently issued a $50 million blue bond to support the UAE’s water agenda 2036, showing its commitment to sustainable finance initiatives.
Al Gurg’s conglomerate approach has created a diversified business portfolio that weathers economic uncertainties. Her group’s partnerships with international brands have established strong distribution networks across the Middle East and beyond.
Forbes Recognition Highlights Middle East Progress
The 2025 Forbes list includes 17 newcomers among its 100 honorees, with both UAE women maintaining their positions from previous years. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen topped this year’s ranking, followed by European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde.
The Forbes methodology considers multiple factors, including gross domestic products for political leaders and revenues, valuations, and employee counts for corporate executives. Media mentions and social influence also factor into the final rankings.
Both Al Rostamani and Al Gurg represent the UAE’s vision of diversifying its economy beyond oil dependence. Their leadership in banking and commerce showcases how the Emirates attracts and develops world-class business talent.
