{"id":1949,"date":"2026-09-01T23:09:50","date_gmt":"2026-09-01T23:09:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/womanbanker.com\/home\/?p=1949"},"modified":"2026-09-08T23:49:13","modified_gmt":"2026-09-08T23:49:13","slug":"breaking-through-women-leading-uae-banks-a-celebration-of-achievement-a-roadmap-for-progress","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/womanbanker.com\/home\/2026\/09\/01\/breaking-through-women-leading-uae-banks-a-celebration-of-achievement-a-roadmap-for-progress\/","title":{"rendered":"Breaking Through: Women Leading UAE Banks. A Celebration of Achievement, A Roadmap for Progress"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Every Emirates Women\u2019s Day brings a wave of tributes to trailblazers across government, business, and civil society. In banking, an industry that still, globally, promotes remarkably few women to the very top, the UAE has quietly produced something remarkable: three women who now run full banking franchises, not committee seats or advisory roles, but real P&L responsibility across some of the region\u2019s most significant financial institutions.
This year, we celebrate them, map the broader landscape of women shaping UAE bank leadership, and offer an honest assessment of where the industry still has ground to cover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FEMALE CEOs<\/strong>
Hana Al Rostamani: The Transformer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In January 2021, Hana Al Rostamani became the first woman to lead a UAE-headquartered bank when she was appointed Group Chief Executive Officer of First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB). Her appointment was not a diversity gesture; it was a strategic choice grounded in her exceptional track record. With over 25 years of banking and financial services experience, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Master\u2019s in Information Management from George Washington University.
Before her appointment, she served as Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer and Group Head of Personal Banking, where she led a digital transformation. The bank introduced industry-leading mobile banking applications, adaptive websites, open banking APIs, and a customer-centric operating model that earned multiple awards.
The financial results under her tenure have been extraordinary, with the bank reporting significant year-on-year growth and strategic international expansion. But Al Rostamani\u2019s vision extends far beyond quarterly results. She has led international expansion and made landmark sustainability announcements, positioning the bank as a leader in sustainable finance.
Beyond her executive role, she maintains membership on advisory boards and reflects the modern demands on senior banking leaders: balancing institutional governance with wealth management. She sits on FAB\u2019s Board of Directors and is Chairperson of FAB Private Bank Suisse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rola Abu Manneh: The Pioneer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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In August 2018, Rola Abu Manneh became the first Emirati woman to head a bank in the UAE when she was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Bank UAE. Eight years into her tenure, she remains not only the longest-serving female bank CEO in the country, but also one of the most strategically consequential.
Before her appointment, Abu Manneh was Senior Managing Director and Head of Corporate and Investment Banking, overseeing wholesale banking operations. She brought to her role a deep understanding of local market dynamics, client relationships cultivated over years of senior banking experience, and a strategic vision that has transformed her franchise into one of the region\u2019s top three global markets.
Abu Manneh holds a BSc in Mathematics and Operational Research from the University of London\u2014Royal Holloway. Beyond her CEO mandate, she has emerged as one of the region\u2019s most visible champions of diversity and inclusion. She has championed structured mentorship and sponsorship programmes, introduced return-to-work initiatives, and expanded maternity policies beyond legal minimums.
Her broader leadership roles speak to her stature: she serves on the Global Council for SDG 5 (Gender Equality), acts as a UAE delegate to G20Empower, and holds board positions at the Make-A-Wish Foundation UAE and the Dubai International Chamber. In 2021, she was recognized as Banking Leader of the Year at the Gulf Business Awards. In 2022 and 2023, she received the accolade \u201cMost Impactful Woman Leader of the Middle East\u201d and was recognized as \u201cMiddle East\u2019s Most Inspirational Woman in Leadership\u201d at the ME Women Leaders\u2019 Summit.
Fluent in Arabic and English, married with two children, Abu Manneh embodies the modern banking leader: deeply regional, globally connected, and uncompromising on excellence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shamsa Al Falasi: The Rising Force<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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In 2023, Shamsa Al Falasi was named Chief Executive Officer of Citibank N.A. UAE Onshore Branch, becoming the first Emirati woman to lead this franchise. The appointment granted her dual mandate as Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) across all of Citi\u2019s UAE entities\u2014onshore and offshore.
Al Falasi\u2019s trajectory is instructive. She joined Citibank as a graduate in 2004, now two decades ago and rose through the ranks with strategic focus. Her international postings span multiple countries and roles, including Corporate Banking, Global Subsidiaries Group leadership, and interim executive positions before her permanent appointment.
Before joining Citi, Al Falasi held roles at several major UAE financial institutions including Commercial Bank of Dubai, Emirates Bank International, and National Bank of Dubai. This mosaic of experience across retail banking, corporate finance, and diverse sectors gave her the versatility required for senior banking roles.
In 2013, Al Falasi was awarded the Best UAE National Female Banker Award\u2014recognition that placed her in a cohort of exceptional national bankers at a relatively young point in her career. Beyond her CEO role, she has become an advocate for women in banking, serving on business councils and co-leading women\u2019s professional networks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

WOMEN ON BOARDS
UAE Women Banking Leaders<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  • Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg \u2013 Deputy Chairperson, National Bank of Fujairah (NBF)<\/strong>\"\"
    Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg stands as a pioneering figure in UAE banking governance, serving as Deputy Chairperson of National Bank of Fujairah. Beyond her role at NBF, she serves as President of the Dubai Business Women Council, championing women’s economic participation across the Gulf region. Her distinction as the first Emirati woman on HSBC Bank Middle East board underscores her recognition at the highest levels of international banking. With over two decades in trade finance and corporate strategy, Dr. Al Gurg brings deep institutional knowledge to boardroom contributions. Her advocacy for female talent extends through mentorship and policy engagement with regulatory bodies. Dr. Al Gurg holds advanced qualifications and has been recognized across multiple industry forums for leadership impact. She bridges traditional banking expertise with contemporary governance best practices, positioning institutions for inclusive growth. Her career trajectory exemplifies the pathway for Arab women in senior finance roles. Through her roles at NBF and Dubai Business Women Council, she shapes the region’s financial landscape. Dr. Al Gurg advocates for board diversity as both an ethical imperative and institutional performance driver.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Moza Al Futtaim \u2013 Chair, Risk & Compliance Committee; Independent Non-Executive Director, CBD<\/strong>\"\"
    Moza Al Futtaim represents a new generation bridging traditional finance with technological innovation. As Chair of the Board Risk and Compliance Committee at Commercial Bank of Dubai, she provides strategic oversight of governance functions and regulatory navigation. Her role as Independent Non-Executive Director amplifies her objective perspective on board decisions. Notably, she holds the distinction of being Al-Futtaim Group’s first Chief AI Officer, reflecting the conglomerate’s commitment to artificial intelligence as strategic imperative. This dual positioning situates her uniquely at the intersection of banking governance and digital transformation. Her expertise encompasses risk architecture, compliance frameworks, and AI governance\u2014critical areas for modern banking. Moza brings both technical understanding and boardroom judgment to discussions of digital risk and operational resilience. Her appointment reflects the UAE’s recognition that women leaders navigate banking’s transition to AI-enabled operations. Through her roles at CBD and Al-Futtaim, she influences governance in an age of technological disruption. Her contributions span oversight, advisory, and strategic implementation across financial and industrial sectors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Aysha Al Hallami \u2013 Independent Non-Executive Director, ADCB<\/strong>\"\"
    Aysha Al Hallami serves as Independent Non-Executive Director at Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, one of the UAE’s flagship financial institutions. Her independent status ensures unbiased board scrutiny and objective decision-making on strategic matters. ADCB’s scale\u2014managing billions in assets across 70+ countries, places her in a position of substantial influence over banking policies. Her expertise informs governance discussions on credit risk, operational resilience, and stakeholder engagement. As an independent director, Al Hallami participates in committees addressing audit, risk, compensation, and corporate governance. Her perspectives contribute to ADCB’s competitive positioning amid digital disruption and regulatory evolution. She brings professional acumen from experience in corporate strategy and financial management. Her appointment reflects ADCB’s commitment to gender diversity and women’s participation in financial decision-making. Through her service, she influences how the bank navigates post-pandemic challenges and emerging technologies. Aysha Al Hallami exemplifies the caliber of women serving at the apex of UAE banking governance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Fatima Al Nuaimi \u2013 Independent Non-Executive Director, ADCB<\/strong>\"\"
    Fatima Al Nuaimi holds the position of Independent Non-Executive Director at ADCB alongside Aysha Al Hallami, representing institutional commitment to gender balance. ADCB’s inclusion of two women independent directors signals recognition that diverse perspectives enhance decision-making and risk oversight. As an independent director, Al Nuaimi contributes objective analysis essential to robust governance in complex international operations. Her role encompasses participation in board subcommittees on audit, risk management, compensation, and governance. She brings professional expertise developed through her career in finance or related sectors. Independent directors at ADCB carry fiduciary responsibility for shareholder interests, regulatory compliance, and reporting integrity. Fatima Al Nuaimi’s presence reinforces the institution’s governance sophistication and commitment to inclusive leadership. Her contributions shape how the bank addresses digital transformation and competitive pressures. Through her directorship, she participates in strategic discussions defining ADCB’s trajectory. Her appointment exemplifies women’s advancement into positions of genuine institutional influence.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Maitha Saeed Al Falasi \u2013 Board Member, Commercial Bank International (CBI)<\/strong>\"\"
    Maitha Saeed Al Falasi serves as Board Member at Commercial Bank International, contributing to governance at an institution managing credit portfolios across multiple jurisdictions. Her board position places her within an institution navigating complex regulatory environments and customer segments. As a board member, she participates in oversight of operational performance, risk management, and strategic initiatives. CBI’s role in the UAE financial system requires board judgment on credit risk, capital adequacy, and competitive positioning. Maitha Al Falasi brings professional expertise to discussions shaping strategic priorities and risk appetite. Her contributions inform decisions on market expansion, product development, and stakeholder engagement. Her presence reflects CBI’s recognition that women board members enhance governance quality and institutional legitimacy. Board service involves engagement with regulatory authorities, shareholders, and management across banking functions. Through her participation, she influences how the bank positions itself in competitive, digitally disrupted markets. Maitha Saeed Al Falasi exemplifies the growing cadre of Emirati women shaping commercial banking governance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Fatma Ibrahim Al Baker \u2013 Board Member, Commercial Bank International (CBI)<\/strong>\"\"
    Fatma Ibrahim Al Baker serves as Board Member at Commercial Bank International alongside Maitha Saeed Al Falasi, reflecting CBI’s commitment to diverse governance perspectives. CBI’s inclusion of two women board members demonstrates institutional recognition of gender balance importance. As a board member, Fatma Al Baker participates in oversight of financial performance, strategic initiatives, and compliance obligations. Commercial Bank International operates across retail, corporate, and investment banking, requiring board expertise across diverse financial products. Her board service encompasses engagement with executive management, regulatory authorities, and internal audit. Fatma Al Baker brings professional judgment to discussions on capital allocation, credit risk, and competitive positioning. Her contributions help shape CBI’s response to digitalization, regulatory evolution, and customer preference shifts. Board membership carries fiduciary responsibility for institutional stewardship and shareholder value creation. Through her role, she influences strategic decisions affecting capital allocation and competitive landscape navigation. Fatma Ibrahim Al Baker exemplifies women’s integration into core banking governance, bringing expertise to highest-level institutional decision-making.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • H.H. Sheikha Amneh Al Qasimi \u2013 Vice Chairman of the Board, Rakbank<\/strong>\"\"
    H.H. Sheikha Amneh Saud Al Qasimi holds the distinguished position of Vice Chairman at Rakbank, representing executive leadership at a prominent UAE financial institution. Her role places her at the apex of institutional governance, ensuring effective board functioning and strategic oversight. Beyond Rakbank, Sheikha Amneh serves as Chairman of the Investment and Development Office (IDO), Ras Al Khaimah’s strategic investment arm, optimizing investment portfolios across sectors. This dual role positions her at the intersection of banking governance and sovereign wealth management. Her academic credentials include an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business and a BS in Business Administration from American University of Sharjah. Prior to current roles, she spent time at Goldman Sachs’ Investment Strategy Group in New York, focusing on emerging market currencies and equities. She serves on boards of IDO portfolio companies, extending governance influence across multiple institutional settings. Through her roles at Rakbank and the IDO, Sheikha Amneh exemplifies leadership caliber women bring to financial governance. Her experience combines international finance expertise with local institutional knowledge. She represents a new generation of emirati women in sovereign and institutional financial leadership.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Maha Mohammad Al Qattan \u2013 Independent Non-Executive Director, ADIB<\/strong>\"\"
    Maha Mohammad Al Qattan brings to ADIB distinguished career spanning global financial services, organizational development, and sustainability leadership. Previously, she served as Group Chief People and Sustainability Officer at DP World, leading people strategy, culture, ESG, and sustainability across 70+ countries and 100,000+ employees. At DP World, she positioned human capital strategy and transformation as central to institutional success. Earlier, she held senior HR leadership roles at General Electric (GE), including HR responsibilities for Power Services across MENA, managing major acquisition integration including Alstom. This experience provided understanding of cross-border operations, integration challenges, and transformation\u2014competencies applicable to banking governance. Her expertise in ESG and sustainability is valuable at ADIB, a Shariah-compliant institution integrating Islamic principles with global sustainability expectations. As independent director, Al Qattan contributes objective oversight of governance, cultural alignment, and sustainability positioning. Her background in multinational organizational leadership provides unique perspective on institutional change and value creation. Through her role, Maha Mohammad Al Qattan bridges banking governance with contemporary human capital and sustainability expectations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Sarah Al Jarman \u2013 Board Member, Ajman Bank<\/strong>; VP, TV Channels and Radio, Dubai Media Inc.\"\"
    Sarah Al Jarman brings to Ajman Bank a distinctive profile bridging media leadership and financial governance. As Vice President of TV Channels and Radio at Dubai Media Inc., she leads content strategy across national and international platforms, requiring business strategy and capital allocation understanding. Ms. Al Jarman pioneered pathways for Emirati women in UAE broadcast media, a historically male-dominated sector. Her media career began at DMI, progressing through Channel Manager (2012), contributing to Dubai One TV startup launch. She evolved through roles spanning content creation, programming, business development, and production management. In 2016, she became Director of General Channels; in 2022, Vice President\u2014reflecting recognition of leadership capability. Her roles required collaboration with government and private entities shaping UAE narratives on humanitarian, economic, business, health, and entertainment sectors. Academically, she holds an MA in communications, media, and management from Sorbonne University, a Dubai Leaders Program certification from the Mohammed bin Rashid School for Leadership Development, and certification from the Civil Defense College’s Media Leaders Program. Through Ajman Bank board service, she brings cross-sector perspective and media acumen to banking governance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Arwa Al Owais \u2013 Independent Non-Executive Member, Bank of Sharjah<\/strong>\"\"
    Arwa Al Owais serves as Independent Non-Executive Member at Bank of Sharjah, contributing objective board oversight to a regional banking institution. Her independent status ensures unbiased judgment on board matters, enabling rigorous scrutiny of management performance and strategic initiatives. Bank of Sharjah operates across retail banking, corporate banking, and financial services, requiring board oversight spanning diverse product lines and customer segments. Her independent member status reflects institutional commitment to governance diversity and women’s participation value in financial institution stewardship. As independent member, Arwa Al Owais participates in oversight of financial performance, risk management, capital adequacy, and regulatory compliance. Her board responsibilities extend across governance, stakeholder engagement, and fiduciary duty\u2014functions essential to banking institution credibility. She contributes professional expertise informed by background relevant to banking governance and financial management. Her role encompasses board subcommittee participation addressing audit, risk, compensation, and governance. Through board service, Arwa Al Owais influences how Bank of Sharjah navigates digital transformation, regulatory evolution, and competitive pressures. Her participation reflects Sharjah’s commitment to board diversity and recognition that women’s leadership enhances decision-making quality. Arwa Al Owais exemplifies growing women’s influence in UAE banking governance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Room still to grow<\/strong>
    Several major UAE banks including @Dubai Islamic Bank, Al Maryah Community Bank, Emirates Investment Bank, and the newly launched Ruya Community Islamic Bank show no women in listed board or top-management positions in currently available disclosures. This is not necessarily evidence of complete absence, since disclosure quality varies by institution, but it’s a useful reminder, on a day devoted to celebrating women’s achievements, that the work of opening doors continues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A call to action<\/strong>
    To women in banking considering advancement to the very top: the data says it\u2019s possible. The precedents say it\u2019s being done. The infrastructure says we\u2019re building the conditions for it to become normal.
    To banking institutions still lagging on female representation: the competitive case is clear. Talent, capital, and clients reward diversity. Progress in other institutions is visible. The question is no longer \u201cshould we?\u201d but \u201cwhy are we behind?\u201d
    To regulators and policymakers: the UAE\u2019s regulatory framework for female board representation is working. The next generation of quotas for executive positions, for boards of smaller institutions, for specific sectors will accelerate progress without disrupting meritocracy.
    To the next generation of Emirati and resident women banking leaders: Rola, Hana, and Shamsa have broken the pattern. The ceiling is cracked. Your job is to make it shatter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Celebrating Emirates Women\u2019s Day <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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