In this episode of Women of MENA, we profile Amal Dokhan, a powerhouse who has spent more than a decade as an entrepreneurship advocate, venture capitalist, and ecosystem builder in the region.

We explore her current role as Managing Partner at 500 Global, where she leads the Sanabil 500 MENA seed accelerator fund, focusing on high-impact early-stage tech startups.

The episode traces her journey through the pillars of Saudi Arabia's innovation landscape, from her time at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) managing the TAQADAM accelerator to her leadership as Director of the BABSON GLOBAL Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership.

We also discuss her strategic influence on government initiatives through Monshaat and the Ministry of Health’s Vision Realization Office.

Recognized by Forbes as one of the "Top 100 Most Powerful Businesswomen" in both 2023 and 2024, Dokhan’s reach extends across the Middle East through her board positions at the Middle East Venture Capital Association and the Saudi Venture Capital and Private Equity Association.

Join us as we break down the career of a Kauffman Fellow who has not only invested in the future of MENA tech but has actively designed the frameworks that allow it to flourish.

In this episode of Women of MENA — Spotlights, we profile Eng. Rana Algowaiz, a leader at the intersection of public-private collaboration and industrial growth.

Currently serving as the Executive Director of Business Development and Partnership at Saudia Cargo, Rana has dedicated her career to opening markets and turning strategic ideas into tangible outcomes through ecosystem leadership.

Her professional journey reflects a unique blend of technical expertise and strategic management, beginning with a Bachelor of Science in Physics and a Master’s in Manufacturing Systems Engineering.

We trace her career path through influential roles at the Ministry of Commerce, the Strategic Management Office (SMO-CEDA), and her current contributions as a Board Member for the Logistics Partnership Council with the Private Sector.

Join us as we explore how her commitment to growth, innovation, and "the right people coming together around the right idea" is helping shape the future of the logistics sector in Saudi Arabia.

This episode presents a professional profile of Haneen Al-Saleh, the Managing Director at Bosch KSA RHQ.

We examine her career trajectory within the energy and industrial sectors, highlighting her leadership in power generation, operations management, and supply chain management.

The spotlight traces Al-Saleh’s journey from her early roles as a mechanical design engineer and building services engineering associate to her significant tenure at GE Power, where she served as the Global Project Execution Operation & Intervention Leader.

With a specialized academic background featuring a Master’s Degree in Energy Engineering and Carbon Management from Heriot-Watt University, she brings a deep technical and strategic perspective to her current executive role leading Bosch's regional headquarters in Riyadh.

This narration focuses on her professional milestones and her role in shaping industrial operations across the Middle East.

In this profile episode of Women of MENA, we explore the career of Noor Sweid, a trailblazer who has fundamentally reshaped the Middle East’s entrepreneurial and financial ecosystems.

As the Founder and Managing Partner of Global Ventures and the Founding Chairwoman of the Middle East Venture Capital Association, Noor stands at the forefront of the region’s venture capital evolution.

We trace her professional journey, from her early success managing the US$ 1 billion IPO of Depa Ltd—a landmark event as the first private UAE company to list on NASDAQ Dubai—to her diverse entrepreneurial ventures, including the founding of ZenYoga.

Beyond her investment leadership, we examine her vast influence as a board member for transformative organizations such as Clue, TechWadi, and Education For Employment (EFE), highlighting her commitment to female health, regional tech growth, and youth job placement.

Join us as we profile a leader recognized by the Forum of Young Global Leaders and the Aspen Institute, whose work continues to bridge the gap between global innovation and Middle Eastern talent.

In this spotlight, we profile Deemah AlYahya, the founding Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) and a prominent tech diplomat.

Over a twenty-year career spanning leadership roles at Microsoft, the Misk Foundation, and the Saudi National Digital Transformation Unit, AlYahya has emerged as a fervent champion for digital inclusion and transformation.

This episode explores her work in fostering global multi-stakeholder cooperation to advance an inclusive and sustainable digital economy.

We also examine her dedication to empowering female entrepreneurs through her founding of WomenSpark, the first Saudi female angel investment group, which has supported over 26,000 women.

Join us as we trace AlYahya’s mission to connect individuals and nations with the resources and skills needed to prosper in the digital age.

In this spotlight, we profile Vera Futorjanski, a Dubai-based serial entrepreneur, investor, and global innovation strategist.

As the Founder and CEO of Veritas Ventures Global, she operates at the critical intersection of innovation, venture capital, and policy, advising governments and investors across the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and Asia.

The episode explores Futorjanski’s pivotal role in shaping the UAE’s innovation landscape as a founding team member of the Dubai Future Foundation and Dubai Future Accelerators, as well as her previous leadership of Middle East operations for 500 Global.

We also highlight her commitment to female empowerment through Beyond Global, a curated leadership community she founded for accomplished women.

Drawing on a truly international perspective—having lived in ten countries and speaking six languages—Vera Futorjanski continues to drive global progress through her advisory work with the World Economic Forum, the United Nations, and various venture funds.

Join us as we look at the career of a leader dedicated to building the invisible architecture of the global startup ecosystem.

In this profile episode of Women of MENA — Spotlights, we explore the career of Nada Nasri, a financial engineer and the Founder and CEO of Strategic Alpha Ventures®.

With a career spanning over 15 years, Nasri has dedicated herself to closing the gap between entrepreneurial ambition and the robust financial infrastructure required for institutional scaling.

We trace her professional evolution from her 11-year tenure at Syriatel Mobile Telecom and her work as a Financial Manager for UNDP Syria to her current role as a strategic advisor to venture-backed boards.

The episode highlights her pioneering work with The Alpha Framework™, where she integrates AI-native financial systems and predictive analytics to prepare Series A and B companies for high-stakes raises and acquisitions.

Join us as we spotlight a leader who is redefining the role of the CFO through the lens of technology and strategic discipline in the Middle East.

In this spotlight, we profile Sandra Atallah, the Managing Director of Marketing and Communications for Accenture Middle East & Africa.

Based in Riyadh, Atallah brings over 20 years of experience to her role, where she leads integrated strategies designed to accelerate business transformation and market leadership.

The episode explores her focus on "Total Enterprise Reinvention" and her commitment to incorporating AI-driven insights into organizational growth, a path supported by her executive studies at Stanford University and MIT.

We trace her professional journey from managing global accounts like Emirates and PepsiCo to her current leadership in navigating complex technology narratives and brand storytelling across the region.

This episode of Women of MENA — Spotlights profiles Nouf Badr Al Saud, a strategic leader dedicated to driving positive change through the intersection of business, education, and public service.

Currently serving as a Consultant for the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and Director of Investment and Financial Sustainability at the National Livestock & Fisheries Development Program, Nouf oversees critical financial and investment strategies within Saudi Arabia. Her professional journey is marked by a strong foundation in business law and finance, as well as executive leadership training from the University of Oxford.

Beyond her expertise in revenue and contract management—developed through years of service at the Public Health Authority of Saudi Arabia—this spotlight highlights her passionate advocacy for women’s empowerment. We explore how she utilizes her leadership roles to mentor others, break professional barriers, and foster equality through sustainable business practices.

Welcome to Women of MENA — Spotlights.

In this series, we highlight women shaping industries, institutions, and communities across the Middle East and North Africa.

In this profile, we explore the career of Adwa AlDakheel, the Founder and CEO of Falak Investment Hub.

With more than 12 years of experience in finance and entrepreneurship, AlDakheel has dedicated the last six years to growing Falak into a central pillar of the Saudi Arabian investment ecosystem.

We trace her journey from her early days as a competitive public equities trader in the U.S.—where she won multiple trading competitions—to the successful exit of her first e-commerce startup for more than 180 million AED.

Today, she leads Falak as a hybrid business accelerator and angel investment firm, overseeing a portfolio with a market cap exceeding 1.13 billion SAR.

Beyond venture capital, this spotlight examines AlDakheel’s diverse leadership roles, including her service as a representative for Riyadh Expo 2030 in Paris and her positions as President of the TeqBall Federation and a board member of the Saudi Squash Federation.

A best-selling author with an MBA from MBSC, she also balances her professional achievements with a wide range of personal pursuits as a professional guitarist, private pilot, and master diver.

This has been a Women of MENA spotlight.