Future Women Leaders Forum 2025 brings inspirational voices to the forefront

The second edition of The Future Women Leaders Forum 2025, taking place on March 8 at InterContinental Dubai Festival City, will feature a distinguished line-up of women leaders and change-makers as speakers, representing a wide range of sectors. Through engaging panel discussions and fireside chats, these influential figures will share their experiences, offering valuable insights on overcoming challenges, achieving professional goals, and inspiring women to pursue leadership roles.

Celebrating International Women’s Day, Dubai-based global energy logistics leader Tristar Group, a long-time advocate for women’s progress in the workplace and leadership, has partnered with Gulf News and BeingShe to present this special forum.

“Achieving gender parity and advancing women’s empowerment needs constant, continuous and collective efforts. We see the Future Women Leaders Forum as an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of successful women, encourage greater equality in workplaces, and ignite societal action,” says Eugene Mayne, Founder and CEO of Tristar Group, who will deliver the welcome address at the forum.

“Events like this let us actively engage with various stakeholders to break down barriers and challenge stereotypes to create more environments where all women are valued and respected,” Mayne adds.

The Future Women Leaders Forum features a curated agenda that addresses the unique challenges and opportunities women face in leadership, providing valuable insights on how to succeed and rise to the top.

Sanaa Ouahmane, CEO of AWR Mobility Services & AWR Trading, will deliver the keynote at the forum. She will discuss how the UAE has emerged as a global leader in gender balance, driven by the nation’s leaders’ trust in the capabilities and potential of women.

During the panel discussion, Lessons in Leadership: Winning Strategies, women leaders from diverse sectors will share their experiences of overcoming obstacles in today’s fast-paced business world, focusing on driving innovation, achieving success, and building resilient teams.

“We live in a world where women still face unique challenges in leadership roles, and events like these play a key role in dismantling those barriers. They don’t just inspire—they catalyse action,” says Habiba Al Mar’ashi, Chairperson of Emirates Environmental Group, and a panel speaker.

“These forums bring together powerful voices, highlight transformative success stories and offer vital mentorship that equips young women with the confidence, knowledge and strategies to challenge the status quo and break down barriers,” she adds.

Sara Boueri, Group Vice President of People & Culture, CAFU, who will be speaking at the panel, says, “These events provide a space for people to hear unfiltered stories of success and failure, to build networks they might not have access to otherwise, and see leadership modeled in different ways. The real power of these forums is helping people see that they already have what it takes and giving them the tools to step into that mindset sooner.”

She advises women not to be impacted by self-doubt, explaining that these doubts are often based on limiting beliefs, not on true capability. 

 “Self-doubt is normal, but it should never dictate your choices. Men and women all face barriers and self-doubt in their own ways. The difference is that many women wait until they feel 100 per cent ready, and men often take the leap with much less hesitation, irrespective of how ready they feel,” says Boueri, adding, “Adopting a growth mindset will always open more doors, irrespective of gender.”

In an exclusive fireside chat, Women Rising: The Unseen Challenges, Ahlam Bolooki, CEO of the Emirates Literature Foundation, will share insights on achieving success in the literary and creative fields and discuss how the Emirates Literature Festival is creating more opportunities for women writers on the global stage.

“True impact lies in the future, which is why these forums are vital. They allow us to celebrate our successes, while also addressing mentorship and succession planning. The networking opportunities further empower us, creating a community of women leaders who can collectively support each other’s growth and multiply our strength,” says Bolooki.

Another fireside chat will give the audience the chance to engage with Danya Al Mulla, TV personality and entrepreneur, as she talks about her journey from reality TV to building a successful business, blending fame with business expertise.

“When women come together in spaces like this, something powerful happens – we see what’s possible. My journey in media and entrepreneurship wasn’t mapped out for me; I had to carve my own path, take risks, and prove myself in industries that demand resilience,” she says, adding, “These forums provide that sense of connection and validation. They remind women that leadership doesn’t have one definition. Whether you’re building a brand, stepping into the public eye, or launching a business, you belong at the table, and your voice matters.”

Al Mulla encourages women to trust in their abilities and not be deterred by hurdles. “If you’re facing barriers, remind yourself that you’re capable, even if you don’t feel ready,” she says. 

Meanwhile, in an insightful session, Sweta Prabhakaran, President – Global Business Development & Marketing, DEI, will explore how female intelligence (FI) – empathy, holistic thinking, and collaboration – has shaped her leadership and offer strategies to harness FI’s potential for business success.

The panel discussion, The Role of Women in Shaping the Future of Business, will bring together business leaders to discuss how women in the UAE are transforming industries, driving innovation, and shaping the region’s economic future.

Anisha Sagar, Managing Partner at Creo and a panel speaker at the forum, emphasises the importance of events like The Future Women Leaders Forum in offering real-world insights from women who have defied the odds. “These forums allow women to connect, learn, and see what’s possible.”

She also highlights how these platforms help break isolation, encouraging women to share their challenges with others.

“By fostering these conversations, we create a ripple effect, equipping future leaders with the tools and confidence to push boundaries,” Sagar adds.

For women looking to step into leadership roles but facing barriers or self-doubts, she offers some crucial suggestions, “Imposter syndrome affects even the best. Michelle Obama admitted she felt it at times. The key is to act despite doubt. Take small steps: Oprah Winfrey started in local news before owning a media empire. Surround yourself with mentors and allies who challenge and uplift you. Be prepared, be persistent, and don’t wait for perfection.”

Presenting partner of the event is Tristar, Support Partner is Veloche, Venue Partner is InterContinental Festival City, Fragrance Partner is Miss Armaf, Gifting Partners are Lush, Ahmad Tea and Chocodate, Flower Partner is Arpan Flowers, AV Partner of the event is AV Lords, and Trophy Partner is Crystal Gallery.

Ahlam Bolooki, CEO, Emirates Literature Foundation

Aparna Bajpai, CEO and Founder of BeingShe

Habiba Al Mar’ashi, Chairperson of Emirates Environmental Group

Shada El Borno, Managing Director, Global Subsidiaries team for Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan (MENAP), Standard Chartered Bank

Sara Boueri, Group Vice President of People & Culture, CAFU

Rania Tadros, Managing Partner, Stephenson Harwood

Danya Al Mulla, TV Personality & Entrepreneur

Sweta Prabhakaran, President – Global Business Development &

Debanjali Kamstra, Founder and Director of Veloche & Mrs. Earth 2023

Anisha Sagar, Managing Partner, Créo Global

Jessica Schroeder, Head of Corporate Communications & Government

Neeta Tarachandani, Head of Business, Doo Group

Latika Chopra, Founder & Director of Hola Keto

Nikita Taimni, Marketing and Public Relations Specialist, Inaayat

“Our partnership with Gulf News for the Future Women’s Leader forum holds immense value for us at InterContinental Dubai Festival City,” says Thomas Schmelter, Area General Manager, InterContinental Dubai Festival City.

“This collaboration gives us the opportunity to engage with influential thought leaders while amplifying the voices of women who are driving meaningful change. It aligns with IHG’s core values of diversity, empowerment, and leadership. By supporting such a prestigious event, we are reaffirming our commitment to promoting gender equality and inspiring the next generation of female leaders across the hospitality industry and beyond,” Schmelter says.

InterContinental Dubai Festival City offers exceptional facilities for meetings and conferences. Events by InterContinental Dubai Festival City features 15,000 sq.m of event space, including the 7,200 sq.m pillarless Festival Arena, ideal for conventions and exhibitions for up to 9,000 people.

The newly enhanced 5,000 sq.m waterfront Event Centre includes ballrooms, meeting rooms, and a promenade with stunning views of Dubai Creek and the city skyline.