Empowered women empower economies, and the UAE is proof of it.
The UAE is a booming business hub, offering women endless opportunities to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.
With supportive policies and a vibrant economy, women are making their mark through groundbreaking startups and innovative ventures. Their journeys prove that big dreams are achievable with the right mindset.
Here’s a look at some inspiring women entrepreneurs to motivate your journey.
List of Women Entrepreneurs in the UAE
Here are some inspiring women entrepreneurs making their mark in the UAE:
1. Badreeya
During the pandemic, Badreeya launched 14 Stitches, transforming her passion for crochet into a successful business offering unique handcrafted items like cardigans and boho-chic pullovers.
2. Mara Giogaki
Mara Giogaki founded Bianco Spa In 2018, a Dubai-based salon dedicated to enhancing natural beauty. Inspired by timeless European designs, Bianco Spa offers a serene escape for those seeking elegance and refinement.
3. Ruby Giroux
Ruby Giroux co-founded The Botanist, a sustainable brand committed to eco-friendly living. Known for its home and cleaning products, the brand is available at prominent retailers like Spinneys and Waitrose.
4. Nicole Farrelly
Nicole Farrelly turned her love for ceramics into Cole and Cinder, a brand celebrated for its nature-inspired creations. From vases to candleholders, her handcrafted pieces are available online and at Al Quoz’s Oka Ceramics studio.
5. Orit Abdurahman
Orit founded Booncoffee, a café renowned for its exceptional cold brews, which also supports communities by partnering with nonprofits and promoting agricultural initiatives in developing nations.
6. Salam Dakkak
Salam is the chef and founder of Bait Maryam, a restaurant celebrating Arab hospitality with home-style Levantine dishes from family recipes, earning her the title of Middle East & North Africa’s Best Female Chef in 2022.
7. Lisa Knight and Chef New
Lisa Knight and Chef New started Café Isan, bringing authentic Thai flavors to Dubai with aromatic curries, spicy soups, and vibrant street food that connect cultures through rustic charm.
8. Charlotte Lenton
Charlotte founded Miami Pitstop, a lively loungewear brand known for its cozy, colorful two-piece sets, a favorite among Dubai’s fashion-savvy community.
9. Emmanuelle Sawko
Emmanuelle established Comptoir 102, a Parisian-inspired space in Dubai that merges wellness, art, and fashion with nourishing food and eclectic designs for a holistic visitor experience.
10. Erika Doyle
Erika launched Drink Dry, a brand offering premium alcohol-free beverages like wines and spirits, redefining social experiences with innovative, non-alcoholic options.
11. Rumana Nazim
Rumana Nazim left her legal career to establish The Edit, a Dubai concept store with fashion, art, and relaxation. The store supports women-led businesses and a unique shopping experience.
12. Chef Sara Aqel
Chef Sara Aqel leads Fi’lia, Dubai’s first fully female-led restaurant with Italian-Mediterranean cuisine. Known for its handmade bread, pasta, and fresh ingredients, Fi’lia highlights women’s leadership in the culinary world.
13. Penelope Diaz
Penelope owns Fusión Ceviche, a Dubai restaurant that offers Peruvian flavors by blending traditional tastes and textures. It is a favorite spot among foodies for its community-focused approach.
14. Tahany Taher
Tahany founded Hayawiia, an Emirati-owned e-commerce platform offering high-quality natural and ‘free-from’ products, making healthy eating affordable and inclusive for those with dietary needs.
15. Huda Kattan
Huda Kattan turned her beauty blog into Huda Beauty, a global brand known for iconic makeup products and the skincare line Wishful. She also co-founded the fragrance brand Kayali with her sister Mona.
16. Gabriela Cury
Gabriela founded Intellect Coffee during the pandemic, offering premium coffee blends, equipment, and experiences while empowering women through diverse hiring practices.
17. Kaushali Fernando
Kaushali Fernando founded Island People.Co to connect with her Sri Lankan heritage. The brand collaborates with artisans to create home products, like handwoven linens and crockeries.
18. Neha Mishra
Neha founded Kinoya, a ramen restaurant in Dubai renowned for its authentic Japanese cuisine. From slow-cooked ramen to yakitori, sushi, and tempura, prepared with the finest ingredients.
19. Chef Shaw
Shaw created Lila Taqueria, a Mexican restaurant in Dubai famed for its authentic dishes. Using locally sourced ingredients and traditional wood-fired ovens, the restaurant brings the essence of Mexico to the UAE.
20. Sara Daher
Sara’s Le Guépard, a sophisticated French brasserie in Alserkal Avenue, offers exquisite cuisine in a vintage-inspired, elegant ambiance ideal for exclusive events.
21. Lyndsay Doran
Lyndsay Doran redefined activewear with L’Couture, a Dubai-based female-led brand combining style and functionality. Empowering women with chic and versatile designs, L’Couture is a go-to for modern and fashionable activewear.
22. Anna Breuer
Anna co-founded Little Majlis, one of the first artisan marketplaces in the region, honoring Emirati culture with handcrafted boutique gifts and designs.
23. Luma Makhlouf Al Assam
Luma Makhlouf Al Assam co-founded Maiz Tacos, transforming a food truck into a popular Mexican restaurant in Dubai. She also expanded her culinary ventures with Good Burger and Luma’s Cakes, delighting food lovers across the city.
24. Rita and Jessica Kahawaty
Rita and Jessica Kahawaty founded Mama Rita, a home-cooked meal delivery service that combines Middle Eastern, Venezuelan, African, and Indian flavors bringing homely dishes straight to doorsteps.
25. Rie
Rie founded Megumi Matcha, offering ceremonial-grade matcha from Kyoto and immersive tea workshops, celebrating Japanese tea traditions in Dubai with a women-run business.
26. Kunwal Safdar
Kunwal, founder of Moreish by K, blends multicultural flavors in her zero-waste kitchen, hosting over 4,000 supper clubs and pop-ups with signature dishes like gourmet samosas.
27. Amélie Hua
Amélie Hua revolutionized fitness in Dubai with Motion Cycling. Offering candlelit spinning classes that blend a full-body workout with community and mindfulness, her concept brings energy to the cycling experience.
28. Huda Al Nuaimi
Huda founded Nuaimi, a luxury label featuring bold, customizable fabrics for dresses, shirts, and accessories to promote individuality and craftsmanship.
29. Aya
Aya created The PiercingSpot, offering stylish, high-quality jewelry and empowering women through her piercing parlor in Dubai Healthcare City.
30. Anna McKeown
Anna McKeown, founder of Pop and Toast, changes bold, fashion-inspired art into vibrant statement pieces. Her creations bring personality and color to homes, making her brand a global sensation in contemporary decor.
31. Hannah Curran
Hannah Curran founded Pure Born, a global brand offering eco-friendly baby products. Specializing in organic, compostable, and vegan nappies, the brand serves parents in over 10 countries with sustainable solutions.
32. Becky Balderstone
Becky Balderstone established Ripe, a community-driven brand for fresh, organic produce. Starting as a farmers’ market, Ripe has grown to include permanent locations and delivery services across the UAE.
33. Amal Al Marri and Deem Al Bassam
Amal Al Marri and Deem Al Bassam co-founded Salt Dubai, a gourmet burger joint turned lifestyle movement known for high-quality sliders with multiple vibrant locations throughout the city.
34. Shaikha Eissa
Shaikha Eissa founded SHE Burger, redefining Dubai’s burger scene with innovative flavors. As a self-taught cook in a male-dominated industry, she has showcased her creativity and redefined gourmet fast food.
35. Simona Stanton
Simona Stanton created Shimi’s, a yoga studio in Al Quoz blending fitness and mindfulness. With unique spaces like The Box Studio and The Green Room, Shimi’s offers a holistic workout experience.
36. Diana Rysbaeva
Diana Rysbaeva founded SHI, a fine-dining destination on Bluewaters Island. Renowned for its authentic Chinese and Japanese cuisine, SHI offers stunning Gulf views and a dim sum pop-up on JBR.
37. Yasmine Junaid
Yasmine Junaid launched So Free Organics, delivering gluten-free, dairy-free, and GMO-free baked goods. Her creations make healthy eating accessible without sacrificing taste or quality.
38. Natasha Sideris
Natasha Sideris built Tashas Group, featuring venues like Avli and Galaxy Bar. Her culinary empire blends art, flavor, and hospitality into stunning dining experiences across Dubai.
39. Tania
Inspired by her health journey, Tania founded Tania’s Teahouse, offering unique tea blends in a cozy atmosphere. This therapeutic space has become a favorite for tea enthusiasts in Dubai.
40. Fatma Saifan
Fatma Saifan co-founded Vanilla Sukkar, a coffee shop and bakery in Jumeirah renowned for its sourdough pastries and matcha specialties. What began as a student project has transformed into a community hub.
41. Emmanuelle Sawko
Emmanuelle Sawko founded Wild & The Moon, a vegan and gluten-free eatery offering dishes made with local, seasonal ingredients. The brand encourages sustainable and nourishing lifestyles.
42. Maha Hassan
Maha Hassan, CEO and head chef of WYT Cafe, brings a Parisian touch to Dubai Hills Mall. Known for Mediterranean flavors and impeccable pastries, the cafe offers a serene and refined dining experience.
43. Lama Riachi
Lama, founder of BLSSD, merges fashion with purpose, creating sustainable clothing while supporting cancer patients with proceeds that fund treatments and promote wellness.
44. Stasha Toncev
Stasha Toncev introduced 21 Grams, a family-style bistro in Meyan Mall celebrating Balkan cuisine. Known for authentic dishes like burek, the eatery brings the soulful flavors of the Balkans to Dubai.
45. Kemal Yazici
Kemal Yazici, Dubai’s first Turkish gallery owner, founded the Bedia Gallery in Al Quoz. This space highlights contemporary abstract art featuring geometric and organic elements and doubles as Yazici’s personal art studio.
46. Elise Kerr
In 2022, Elise Kerr founded The Rume, a brand specializing in toxin-free coconut and beeswax candles. Offering six distinctive scents, these decorative candles are designed to be both elegant and thoughtful gifts.
47. Faiza Bouguessa
Faiza Bouguessa founded Bouguessa, a UAE-based fashion brand offering minimalist, luxurious designs. Blending Middle Eastern influences with modern aesthetics, the brand is renowned for tailored abayas and ready-to-wear collections.
48. Candice Fanucci
Candice Fanucci created Pirates Surf, a water sports and lifestyle program at Kite Beach. Offering lessons and fostering a supportive community, to empower individuals of all ages towards water sports.
49. Alia Al-Serkal
Alia founder of the Alserkal Group, leads a diversified business in real estate, construction, and logistics, focusing on innovation and sustainability.
50. Léa Sfeir
Léa Sfeir was founded to transform table design with chic, timeless pieces. Her hand-painted plates and elegant candleholders blend Parisian and Milanese styles, bringing sophistication to any setting.
51. Gillian and Jess
Gillian and Jess, co-founders of The Happy Tribe, offer customizable essentials like bags and pajamas. Their Motor City store provides on-the-spot personalization, creating a unique and fun shopping experience.
Conclusion
We hope these stories of inspiring women have left you motivated and excited about the possibilities ahead.
We’ll continue sharing more pieces like this to fuel your inspiration.
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