In the dynamic and rapidly evolving landscape of the U.A.E, a select group of extraordinary women are making waves on LinkedIn, captivating audiences with their insightful speeches, and earning prestigious awards for their contributions. This blog shines a spotlight on these trailblazers, celebrating their achievements and influence in the professional world. From thought leaders with massive followings to dynamic speakers at renowned forums, these women are redefining success and inspiring others along the way. In this blog, we have featured, U.A.E’s some of the influential women and how they are leaving an indelible mark on the digital landscape and beyond. Join us as we delve into their journeys, accomplishments, and the impact they are making in their respective fields.
In this blog, we have spotlighted 20 Leading Ladies, highlighting how they are excelling not only within the U.A.E but also making significant impacts across all countries and regions globally.
1. Dr.Hoda A.Alkhzaimi – Co-Chair for Global Future Council for Cyber Security at World Economic Forum
Industry: Non-profit Organization
She is a leading expert in cybersecurity and emerging technologies, currently serving as the Co-Chair for the Global Future Council for Cyber Security at the World Economic Forum since January 2023. With over five years as a council member and contributor, she has significantly impacted the field from Dubai, UAE. She is also an accomplished chairperson, board member, non-executive director (NED), strategic expert advisor, and founder. Her expertise spans cryptography, investments in research and development, and advisory roles focused on the economy and industry collaboration.
LinkedIn Profile –: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-hoda-a-alkhzaimi-b36a3910b/
2. Sagarika Chakraborty – Head, Gulf & Africa (IIRIS GAC) at IIRIS Consulting Pvt. Ltd.
Industry: Security and Investigations
She is a versatile leader, serving as the Head of Global Investigations at IIRIS, where she also oversees the company’s operations in the MENA region. With a background in corporate law, she has transitioned into a distinguished career in risk management, specializing in (white-collar) investigative practices. Her accolades include the FRSA 2011 award, recognition in Times 40u40, and accolades from Security Today as one of the Top Women Influencers in India. She has also received prestigious awards such as the OSPAS and SECONA Best Security Professional awards, along with the ASIS Young Professional Award. She is an accredited researcher with over 36 publications, associated with esteemed organizations like the World Bank, the United Nations, and the Wall Street Journal (India).
LinkedIn Profile – : https://www.linkedin.com/in/sagarikachakraborty/
3. Sheeba Hasnain – Chairwoman & CIO at SENTIENTE
Industry: Book Publishing
With extensive experience across IT leadership roles such as Senior Digital Transformation Leader and Head of IT Operations, she has consistently demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, team leadership, and project management. She is recognized for driving efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing performance through innovative IT strategies aligned with business objectives and regulatory standards. Her accolades include prestigious awards like “Women in IT and Business 2022 by IDC,” “Visionary Women in AI 2022 by Trescon,” and “Executive Business Women 2022 by GEC,” highlighting her influence in technology and leadership. As an internationally acclaimed speaker at events like the World AI Show 2022 and the World SD-WAN Summit 2022 in Dubai, she continues to contribute thought leadership to the global IT community.
LinkedIn Profile -: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheebahasnain/
4. Nishu Mittal – Senior Director – Head of Technology Regulations & Business Management at Emirates NBD
Industry: Banking
She is an accomplished and performance-driven information security & data privacy professional with over 13 years of experience in the banking & financial services and IT services industries across the UAE, South Africa, and India. Currently serving as Senior Director – Head of Technology Regulations and Business Management at Emirates NBD, Group IT, Dubai, UAE, she specializes in information security governance, security awareness, regulatory compliance, cyber risk management, and data privacy strategies. She holds certifications in CISM, CIPT, and CIPP/E, demonstrating her commitment to industry standards and excellence in her field.
LinkedIn Profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/nishu-mittal-a0776925/
5. Aruna Vaz – Risk Director, M2
Industry: Financial Services
With two decades of international experience, she specializes in enterprise and operational risk management, compliance, internal controls, and assurance reviews. She currently oversees enterprise-wide risk activities across M2, M2 Bahamas, and MSX. She previously led enterprise risk management at Aster DM Healthcare, managing a global network with over 350 hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies. She also worked at M&G plc for 15 years, supporting risk and compliance efforts and leading diversity and inclusion initiatives. She holds a Bachelor’s in Accountancy and Economics from Mumbai University and certifications in Operational Risk and Financial Analysis.
Linkedin Profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/aruna-vaz-1378009/
6. Nehal Al Hemeiri – Manager, Enterprise Data Quality & Governance at ADNOC Group
Industry: Oil and Gas
She is a focused IT professional with over 14 years of experience in digital transformation, IT governance, IT infrastructure, information security, IT risk management, and compliance domains. She has solid experience in designing and implementing enterprise information security management systems and possesses in-depth expertise in maintaining industry best practices and frameworks. Her extensive background includes leading digital transformation initiatives, ensuring effective IT governance, and managing comprehensive IT infrastructure projects. She excels in developing and executing IT risk management strategies and compliance programs.
LinkedIn Profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/nehal-al-hemeiri-ciso-cdmp-96b594157/
7. Nehha Yadav – Information Security & Business Continuity Consultant at Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange
Industry: Financial Services
She is the Global Head of Information Security Assurance & CISO at a leading global fintech company, specializing in information security management systems, legal compliance, cyber defense, IT service management, business continuity, and incident management. She is certified in ISO 27001 LA, ITIL Foundation, ISO 20000-1, ISO 22301, ISO 27035, ISO 9001, and PAS 99, with extensive knowledge of NESA UAE IA, ISR V2, NIST CSF, and IS requirements of the Central Bank of Bahrain and ADGM. Her skills include EPP/EDR, WAF, ICT, DLP, threat hunting, phishing simulations, MDM/MAM, vendor risk management, project management, customer relationship management, management review meetings, global security incident management, and leading security awareness campaigns.
LinkedIn Profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/yneha/
8. Eng. Isha Aljasmi – IT Director at Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure – UAE
Industry: Government Organisation
She oversees the strategic planning, implementation, and management of IT systems and infrastructure, aligning them with the ministry’s vision and goals. With over 17 years of experience in the IT field and a strong background in Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, and Business Analytics, she leads a team of IT professionals dedicated to ensuring the security, reliability, and efficiency of IT operations and services across the ministry. She drives digital transformation initiatives to enhance performance, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Her achievements include developing and launching a blockchain-based platform for smart contracts, optimizing data management and analytics processes, and securing a significant contract with a leading cloud service provider.
LinkedIn Profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/ishaaljassmy/
9. Shivani Bisht – Senior Compliance Specialist at Dubai Airports
Industry: Airlines and Aviation
She is an accomplished information security professional specializing in cybersecurity, PCI DSS, ISMS, risk management, and data governance. In her current role as an Infosec Compliance Specialist at Dubai Airports, she leads the ISR by DESC regulatory compliance requirements, ensuring that the airport’s systems uphold the highest standards of security and integrity. Her expertise and leadership contribute significantly to maintaining strong security measures, protecting sensitive information, and ensuring compliance with critical industry standards and regulations.
LinkedIn Profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/shivani-bisht-68317237/
10. Eman Al Awadhi – VP Network and Cyber Security at Expo City Dubai
Industry – Community Development and Urban Planning
With over 27 years of experience, she is a distinguished Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), renowned for her expertise in technology advisory, professional consulting, and training. As a highly sought-after public speaker and mega event expert, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her engagements. She is dedicated to advancing cybersecurity practices and sharing her insights with a broad audience, making her a prominent figure in the information security landscape.
LinkedIn Profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/eman-al-awadhi-68094a99/details/experience/
11. Nisha Rani – CISO at Emirates Leisure Retail
Industry – Hospitality
She is an enthusiastic Information Security Professional with extensive experience in designing and implementing cybersecurity, IT security, privacy, business continuity, and IT risk management controls. She provides IT advisory and consulting services across various industries, ensuring compliance with organizational and local government requirements. She specializes in security strategy, enterprise risk management, data protection, and regulatory compliance. She has collaborated with stakeholders in BFSI, ITeS, energy, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals sectors. Nisha holds certifications including CISSP, CISA, ISO27001 Lead Implementer, and Certified Cyber Security Analyst.
LinkedIn Profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/nisha-rani/
12. Dr. Arijana Trkulja – Head of Cyber Security Center of Excellence at Ingram Micro
Industry – IT Services and IT Consulting
She is a certified multilingual Cyber/Information Security advisor with 15 years of international experience across Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. She has led numerous projects in various industrial sectors, focusing on information security management systems implementation, cybersecurity strategy design, policy and procedure development, risk management, and standards compliance. She also excels in designing and delivering security awareness programs, conducting security assessments, and performing IT audits.
LinkedIn Profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-arijana-trkulja-32b1393b/
13. Shuchi Chandra – Head – IT Audit at United Arab Bank
Industry – Banking
She is a professional specializing in IT audit and control reviews, ISMS implementation and reviews, vulnerability assessment and penetration testing, and ISO controls implementation for both government and private sector clients. She served as the Head of IT Audit at United Arab Bank, where she excelled in stakeholder management and contributed significantly to the financial services sector. She extensive experience and skills make her a valuable asset in ensuring strong IT security and compliance.
LinkedIn Profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/shuchichandra/
14. Dr. Yasmin Razack – CISO at MAVEN INTERNATIONAL
Industry – Translation and Localization
She brings over 25 years of expertise in IT, airline, and fintech industries, specializing in IT Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC), cybersecurity, and mission-critical service delivery. She has led change management divisions for prominent fintech and airline companies in Dubai, demonstrating strong skills in strategy, stakeholder management, project and change management, and Lean Sigma principles. With a recent doctoral degree in Cybersecurity/Information Assurance from the University of Fairfax, USA, she is passionate about emerging technologies, teaching, and cloud security GRC.
LinkedIn Profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-yasmin-razack-4a15628/
15. Angela Knight – Global Head of Risk and Compliance, Member of the Board at 3S Money
Industry – Financial Services
She is a leader with extensive regulatory experience spanning the UAE, Korea, Switzerland, and Europe, recognized for her roles in large-scale regulatory projects and governance across financial institutions. With over 14 years specializing in credit and operational risk management, Angela has served on management and risk committees in the UK, Switzerland, and the UAE. Her decade as COO included transforming businesses in complex, multinational environments and collaborating with fintech firms on global client solutions. Angela’s expertise extends to overseeing corporate reorganizations and liquidations across 23 countries
LinkedIn Profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in%20/angela-knight-09656a13/
16. Seema Sharma – Head of Information Security at Wio Bank
Industry – Financial Services
She is a results-oriented Information Security Leader renowned for her ability to build and lead highly talented teams, driving exceptional levels of enterprise information security assurance. With a strong skill set, Seema specializes in Risk & Compliance, Data Privacy & Protection, DevSecOps, Security Engineering & Threat Management, Security Incident Response, Business Resiliency (BCP/DR), and Cloud Security. Her strategic approach and extensive experience enable her to effectively safeguard organizations through comprehensive security frameworks and proactive risk management strategies.
LinkedIn Profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/seema-sharma-a8463321/
17. Stephanie Liew – CISO at BAT
Industry – Tobacco Manufacturing
She is a dedicated CISO (APMEA) at BAT. Known for her approachable and motivated leadership style, she brings over 23 years of experience in security leadership, guiding executive teams with risk-based corrective plans and enhancing team performance. She is certified as an Associate Certified Coach by the International Coaching Federation (ICF), a Licensed Master Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP®) Coach, and a Human-Centred Design (HCD) Practitioner. She serves as a Leadership & Career Mentor at ISACA Malaysia Chapter and advocates for Diversity & Inclusion while nurturing growth mindsets through mentoring and coaching. Her life purpose revolves around fostering unity and realizing individual potential for a more harmonious world.
LinkedIn Profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanieliew/
18. Siham Benhamidouche – Digital Risk Leader at Schneider Electric
Industry – Automation Machinery Manufacturing
She is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in cybersecurity leadership and digital risk management. Currently serving as the Digital Risk Leader at Schneider Electric for over 12 years, she is responsible for leading cybersecurity strategies across the MEA region. Her role includes ensuring compliance with regulations, implementing PCI-DSS and data privacy standards, and driving cybersecurity awareness within global marketing practices. Previously, as the MEA Cybersecurity Officer, she contributed significantly to enhancing Schneider Electric’s cybersecurity maturity and posture. Prior to these roles, she served as the Web Infrastructure and Support Director, specializing in Amazon cloud and hybrid models to deliver secure infrastructures for critical applications.
LinkedIn Profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/siham-benhamidouche/
19. Asma Al Yassi – CISO, Confidential
Industry – IT Services and IT Consulting
She is a qualified IT security professional with over 10 years of experience across diverse organizations, specializing in resolving mission-critical issues and executing various projects related to applications and security. Currently serving as the Chief Information Security Officer at the NESA Office within ACTVET, Abu Dhabi, UAE, she is known for her passion for learning new technologies and implementing strong security systems. She is recognized as a dedicated team player and a quick learner, seeking challenging senior managerial roles to further contribute her expertise.
LinkedIn Profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/asma-al-yassi-b3a0728a/
20. Lorna Trayan – Executive Partner, CISO Advisor at Gartner
Industry – Information Services
She brings over 20 years of expertise in the information security industry, serving as a Security Executive Partner and CISO Advisor at Gartner. She has counseled over 45 Cybersecurity Executives/CISOs across diverse GCC industries and is a respected speaker at conferences, sharing valuable strategies for achieving security objectives. Beyond technical proficiency, she excels in communication, translating complex security concepts into actionable insights for non-technical stakeholders. She plays a pivotal role in conducting security awareness sessions for boards of directors, non-security executives, VPs, and GMs across organizations.
LinkedIn Profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/lornatrayan/
Disclaimer: The content of this blog is based on research conducted by CXO Junction using keywords such as “women leaders, women influencers and others.” The primary source of this research is LinkedIn. The information provided is intended for informational purposes only and reflects the data available at the time of the research. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy. Source: LinkedIn
