Dubai, United Arab Emirates, November 26, 2024—The second day of the Global Women’s Forum – Dubai 2024 carried forward its mission of celebrating female entrepreneurship at the ‘Entrepreneurship Hub’, held under the theme ‘From Dubai to the World’. Prominent businesswomen shared their transformative success stories, spotlighting ventures that have garnered regional and international acclaim. Dubai’s supportive ecosystem—built on advanced legislation, cutting-edge infrastructure, and streamlined processes—emerged as a common thread in their achievements.

Mona Ataya: A Digital Pioneer Shaping the Future

Mona Ataya, the visionary founder of Mumzworld, exemplifies entrepreneurial excellence in the Middle East. With a portfolio of three successful digital enterprises, Ataya is not only a prominent investor but also a global advocate for entrepreneurship, supporting United Nations initiatives and mentoring emerging business leaders worldwide.

Reflecting on her journey with Mumzworld, the pioneer and one of the largest e-commerce platforms for mothers and children, Ataya said, “This company has achieved remarkable growth, securing six rounds of funding to become one of the most well-funded and leading e-commerce businesses in the Middle East as well as a successful regional exit. As a woman-led enterprise, it underscores the critical role women play in the digital entrepreneurship space.”

Ataya also shared her experiences co-founding Bayt.com and Digitise360 Advisors, the latter launched in 2024. Through Digitise360, she collaborates with public and private sector leaders to offer strategic consulting and leadership development, fostering growth in the region’s digital economy.

She expressed her pride in contributing to the startup ecosystem and her role as a women’s advocate and delegate for  the  the United Nations Commission for  Trade and Development. “It’s an honour to see these efforts recognised globally,” she said, citing her inclusion on Forbes lists such as the Most Powerful Women in the Middle East and the Most Influential Women in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.  As an Outlier Member of the prestigious Endeavor she was also featured on Times Square’s Nasdaq and Endeavor screens in New York, reflecting the Multiplier effect of the businesses she has built over the years and is a testament to the potential of women-led businesses.

Lamis Al Hashimy: Innovating for Sustainability

Emirati entrepreneur Lamis Al Hashimy, co-founder of Palmade, captivated the audience with her eco-conscious vision to replace single-use plastics with sustainable alternatives crafted from palm fronds. Speaking at the ‘Entrepreneurship Hub’ platform, she said, “Through this initiative, we aim to create a sustainable economy based on palm products. Our goal is to raise environmental awareness among consumers and guide them toward choosing sustainable, eco-friendly alternatives.”

Al Hashimy also delved into her extensive experience in finance, where she spent over a decade in leadership roles at Dubai Holding, focusing on investor relations and corporate governance. She described her pivotal role in attracting global investments to Dubai Holding and its subsidiaries.

Her commitment to social impact extends beyond business. As a member and co-founder of the Milele Zanzibar Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to sustainable development, she has worked to enhance health and education outcomes in Zanzibar.

A Platform for Global Inspiration

Day two of the Global Women’s Forum – Dubai 2024 reinforced the importance of entrepreneurship as a tool for economic empowerment and social transformation. With their stories of innovation, resilience, and global impact, Mona Ataya and Lamis Al Hashimy embody the spirit of the forum’s theme, illustrating how Dubai continues to serve as a launchpad for ambitious women shaping industries and driving change across the globe. 

 

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About Dubai Women Establishment

Dubai Women Establishment (DWE) was formed as a statutory body of Dubai Government in 2006 under law no. (24) by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. DWE aims to enhance the professional and leadership capabilities of women, increase their participation in the comprehensive development journey, and strengthen their role in shaping the economic and social future of Dubai, by proposing and developing relevant and impactful policies. DWE is headed by Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, President of DWE and wife of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court. DWE’s strategic plan for 2023-2027 includes three pillars: creating an enabling environment for women in the labour market, developing women leaders, and enhancing the quality of life for women in society, through which DWE seeks to achieve its vision of “Dubai as a pioneering model for women-friendly cities.” The new strategic plan focuses on contributing to the strengthening of supporting legislation and policies, consolidating partnerships and allowing women to influence locally and globally.

About Global Women’s Forum Dubai 2024

The Global Women’s Forum Dubai (GWFD) provides a platform to explore new strategies for enhancing gender balance and raising women’s participation in the economy and society worldwide. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, GWFD reflects the UAE’s leadership in advancing gender equality and its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 5: Gender Equality. Since its inception eight years ago, the forum has become a leading international gathering for fostering dialogue and collaboration to address challenges and opportunities for women worldwide. With a rich agenda featuring diverse discussions, transformative workshops, and impactful speakers, GWFD brings together thought leaders, policymakers, and innovators to inspire progress toward building a more inclusive and sustainable future. The 2024 edition of GWFD, themed The Power of Influence, takes place on November 26-27 at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, gathering over 6,000 participants, 250 speakers and 25 prominent figures and ministers from across the globe. The 130 panel discussions at the forum centre on three pillars: Future Economies and Societies, Collective Engagements and Actions, and Impactful Technologies and Innovations.