Arab Women Week London

We are incredibly proud to announce the launch of the first-ever Arab Women Week in London, a landmark initiative celebrating women in business across MENA and the UK. This week is designed to empower, inspire, and accelerate meaningful collaboration, while maximising exposure and real deal-making opportunities between women founders, CEOs, investors, and pioneers from both regions.

Event details

We are honoured to announce that the 1st Arab Women Week will be opened by

The Rt Hon. Lady Mayor Dame Susan Langley DBE

The Arab Women Week will be opened by The Rt Hon. The Lady Mayor Dame Susan Langley DBE, the 3rd woman to be a lord mayor of the City of London, and the first to hold the title ‘Lady Mayor’ in 697 mayors in over 800 years. The lady mayor will be accompanied by ceremonial unit of the Honourable Artillery company, the oldest regiment in the British Army.

The Lord Mayor of the City of London is one of the United Kingdom’s most ancient civic roles, tracing its origins back over 800 years to the medieval heart of London. Today, while rooted in history, the office remains a powerful ambassador for global finance, diplomacy, and community engagement.

In 2025, Dame Susan Langley DBE became the 697th Lord Mayor of London, and only the third woman in history to hold the office, but the first to be styled “Lady Mayor” in 800 years. Her election and the renaming of the historic parade signify both continuity and change in an institution steeped in tradition. Dame Susan brings a deep background in finance, insurance, and public service and is committed to modernising the mayoralty, enhancing London’s competitiveness, and demonstrating the City’s inclusive and global future.

Pikemen & Musketeers

In the opening ceremony of the Arab Women Week, the Lady Mayor will be accompanied by the Pikemen & Musketeers, a ceremonial unit of the Honourable Artillery Company (the HAC) and one of only six royally-warranted bodies in the UK. The Honourable Artillery Company was established by Royal Charter on 25th August 1537. Since the 17th century the Company has also been described as a Regiment.

Patroned by King Charles III, the Pikemen and Musketeers are dressed and equipped as members of the HAC would have been in the 1640s and the Company is tasked with providing a ceremonial bodyguard and escort for the Lord Mayor of the City of London when on official business. As well as escorting the Lord Mayor’s State Coach each year at the Lord Mayor’s Show.

Speakers & VIP attendees

About the Arab Women Week

The Arab Women Week will bring together an exceptional audience of business VIPs, decision-makers, and trailblazers for a dynamic program. We will explore many topics including the role of female entrepreneurship in shaping economies, both macro and micro, its impact on society, and the future of business across sectors. Topics will span technology and AI, finance, energy, innovation, ethical scale-ups, empowerment, and policy-making, all through the lens of leadership and growth.

The week will also feature our prestigious Arab Women Awards Ceremony at the House of Lords, alongside a one-time reception at the Royal Society, founded in 1660, celebrating Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and opening the dialogue between inventors, investors, researchers, and policy makers.

The week will also feature exclusive announcements, strategic partnerships, VIP tours of some of London’s most iconic institutions, including the UK House of Lords, Mansion House and the Royal Society, as well as exciting prize draws throughout the program.

For more details about the Arab Women Week events’ programs and how to participate, please see the next section.

About the Venues

Mansion House:

Located in the vibrant heart of the City of London, Mansion House serves as the distinguished residence and office of the Lord Mayor. Built in the 1740s in the Palladian style by architect George Dance the Elder, this Grade I listed building is renowned for its grand architecture and historical significance.

This architectural gem offers an unparalleled backdrop for the Arab Women Business Forum and the inauguration of the Arab Women Business Week.

House of Lords:

Situated on the River Thames, The Palace of Westminster is the iconic, UNESCO-listed home of the UK Parliament in London. It is the most photographed building in the UK, and a symbol of London with its famous Big Ben clock tower, now named to the ‘Elizabeth Tower’ in honour of Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee.

The building was originally constructed in the eleventh century as a royal palace and was the primary residence of the kings of England until 1512. Today it is the place of work for the UK government. The House of Lords together with the House of Commons forms the Houses of Parliaments, another name often used to refer to the Palace of Westminster.

The House of Lords is a prestigious, historic venue and provide unique settings for our black-tie Arab Women Awards & Gala Dinner, with exquisite catering managed directly within the Lords.

The Royal Society:

The Royal Society, is a fellowship of many of the world’s most eminent scientists. Founded on 28 November 1660, it was granted a royal charter by King Charles II and is the oldest scientific academy in continuous existence in the world.

Formally The Royal Society of London for Improving Natural Knowledge, is a learned society and the United Kingdom’s national academy of sciences. The society fulfils a number of roles: promoting science and its benefits, recognising excellence in science, supporting outstanding science, providing scientific advice for policy, education and public engagement and fostering international and global co-operation.

The Royal Society is a hub for scientific genius and pioneers. It hosted British and International scientists and their research and publications and still has the same role until today. It is also the only society that has 4 royal members:

King Charles III
Princess Anne, the Princess Royal
Prince Edward, Duke of Kent
Prince William, Prince of Wales

Events During The Week

Arab Women Business Forum

Description: This event highlights the achievements of Arab women in business while fostering dialogue on leadership, entrepreneurship, and economic inclusion. Covering Technology, wellbeing & healthcare, retail, sustainability, finance, diplomacy & policy, media, culture, and social entrepreneurship; the forum convenes members of the UK House of Lords, diplomats, entrepreneurs, and C-suite executives to exchange insights, build networks, and drive meaningful impact in MENA & UK.

Arab Women Awards Ceremony

Description: This event celebrates pioneering women from the Arab world at the iconic House of Lords, bringing together diplomats, peers, entrepreneurs, and executives to honour achievements across industries. Attendees include members of House of Lords, Arab Embassies, media reps, entrepreneurs, and C-suit execs from MENA & UK. The event also features announcements, partnerships, and many prizes.

Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Description: This high-level gathering is dedicated to advancing entrepreneurship & innovation, particularly women in STEM fields including AI. Held at the Royal Society, the world’s oldest scientific academy founded in 1660 under the patronage of the King, this event brings together pioneering entrepreneurs, academic leaders, university deans, ministers, and policymakers to exchange insights and shape the future of innovation in MENA & UK.

Agenda

The Arab Women Business Forum

Mansion House

Tuesday 14th April 2026

09:00 – 10:00

Guest Arrival

Registration & Networking Breakfast

VIP registration followed by an exclusive networking breakfast with distinguished guests at the iconic Mansion House

10:00 – 10:10

Welcoming Remarks

Formal Welcome & Master of Ceremonies Address

A formal welcome to the First Arab Women’s Week in London, delivered by the Master of Ceremonies, with an overview of the Forum’s agenda.

10:10 – 10:20

Executive Welcome

Mr. Wael Alzein, Founder & CEO

Dr. Asma Ounnas, Co-founder, CSO, and the Women’s Champion

A formal welcome by the founders of the Arab Entrepreneurs Board, sharing the vision behind the creation of this event to empower, inspire, and maximise collaboration and opportunities for women in MENA and the UK, highlighting the week’s theme on Collaboration & Resilience.

10:20 – 10:30

Protocol Address

Ceremonial Preparation

Prepares the audience for the Executive Welcome and the ceremonial arrival of the Lady Mayor of the City of London

10:30 – 10:50

Official Opening

The Rt Hon.The Lady Mayor, Dame Susan Langley DBE

Formally opens the Arab Women Business Forum and delivers her inaugural address, accompanied by the ceremonial presence of the City of London guards

10:50 – 11:00

Collective Portrait

Group Photo with the Lady Mayor

All speakers will be invited to the stage to commemorate the opening of the first Arab Women Week in London

11:00 – 11:10

Coffee Break

Enjoy a refreshing tea or coffee while connecting with fellow participants

11:10 – 11:50

Panel 1: Frontiers

Female Frontiers: A Man’s World No More

This panel explores how women are breaking barriers and thriving in traditionally male-dominated industries, including financing, energy, and digital diplomacy.

Moderator:

Karen Jones, Editor & CEO of Citywealth

Speakers:

Noor Sweid, founder and managing partner of Global Ventures, and Shark Tank UAE judge
Dr. Carole Nakhle, Founder & CEO of Crystal Energy & Secretary General of the Arab Energy Club
Dr. Hajar El Haddaoui, Director General of the Digital Cooperation Organisation, Geneva & KSA

11:50 – 12:25

Panel 2: Wellbeing

‘W’ for Wellbeing: Women Leading the Future of Care

This panel explores the latest developments across medicine, pharmaceuticals, mental health, psychology, and sports, highlighting women’s leadership in shaping the future of care.

Moderator:

The Rt Hon Nicholas Francis Markham CBE, Baron Markham, Shadow Minister (Science, Innovation and Technology), Former Health Minister (2022-2024), and Chair of Spex Capital, a Health Tech Fund

Speakers:

H.H. Shaikha Dr Alia AlQassimi, Visionary Emirati Entrepreneur, Investor, Catalyst of Institutional Growth, UAE
Sheikha Awatif AlSabah, Master life coach, Author, and Founder of Puresoul institute for coaching and mental health, Kuwait
H.H. AlSayyida Basma Al Said, specialist in Mental Health, PTSD Trainer, Founder & CEO of Whispers of Serenity Clinic, and Head of Not Alone Mental Health Awareness Campaign, Oman

12:30 – 13:30

Networking Lunch

Enjoy a delightful lunch served by the distinguished catering team of Mansion House.

13:30 – 14:00

Panel 3: Prosperity

Building to last: The future of entrepreneurship

This panel focuses on sustainable entrepreneurial success and empowering the next generation through financial education.

Moderator: Dr. Najat Benchiba-Savenius, entrepreneur & director of Gazelle Advisory Group, UK

Speakers:

Dr. Hanaa Almoaibed, EdTech Founder: Wonder Inc and The TWENTY30 Podcast, UK & KSA
Taiba Hamad Alhumaidhi, entrepreneur and advocate for financial education for women, Kuwait
Sophie Belle, entrepreneur and founder of the Feminine Edge, and advocate for women in business

14:05 – 14:35

Panel 4: Branding

Beyond the Brand: Luxury, Retail, Manufacturing

A discussion on navigating change and driving sustainable growth across the luxury, retail, and manufacturing sectors.

Moderator:

Dyna Fayze, CEO & founder of the Prestigeous London Club & UN Women UK Delegate, UK

Speakers:

Feriel Zerouki, 1st woman to be President of the World Diamond Council (WDC), UK
Donna Ida Thornton, entrepreneur and founder of Donna Ida
Shohra Hussain, Funder & CEO, Re-Loved Luxury (Dubai – Bahrain – Riyadh)

14:40 – 15:00

Panel 5: Education

Rethinking Learning: The Voice of a New Generation

This live conversation brings students from The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the stage to share real experiences of learning, growth, and the perspectives shaping education today.

Moderator:

Farah London, award-winning entrepreneur and founder of bizNis International

15:00 – 15:15

Coffee Break

Enjoy a refreshing tea or coffee while connecting with fellow participants

15:15 – 15:30

Prize Draw

Prize Draw & Guest Appreciation

A celebratory moment as we present exclusive rewards to our guests, with distinguished gifts from London’s leading luxury hotels and retail brands, in appreciation of your presence. Prizes includes vouchers for afternoon tea at The Ritz, The Peninsula, Polo Game tickets, and Bloom Delight London very special chocolate.

15:30 – 16:00

Panel 6: Social Impact

‘She came, she saw, she conquered’: Impact Is the New ROI

This panel dives into how purpose-driven founders are reshaping markets, communities, and systems.

Moderator:

Dr. Hana Al Banna, Sustainability Expert, Lecturer and Module Leader, Jordan, KSA, and UK

Speakers:

Chantal Khoueiry, Chief Culture Officer, The Bicester Village Collection and Founder of Brides do Good, UK, MENA, LATAM, South East Asia
Hazleen Ahmad, Applied Neuroscience Researcher, Entrepreneur, Impact Investor, and The Honorary Member of our Board in APAC
Lata Gullapalli, Investor, Banker, and Chairperson of Savoir Faire

16:00 – 16:10

Closing Remarks

Future of the Board

An inspiring closing address highlighting key partner exclusive events and upcoming board-led events, offering a forward-looking perspective for the remainder of 2026

16:10 – 17:00

Networking & Interviews

Networking, Media & Interviews

Photos: Official photography at the main media wall

Interviews: Share your insights and experiences with the Board media team

Networking: Continue building meaningful connections with fellow visionaries

We are honoured to host you for this extraordinary forum

The Arab Women Gala Dinner & Awards Ceremony

House of Lords

Wednesday 15th April 2026

16:00 – 17:00

House of Lords Tour

Step into one of the world’s most iconic institutions with an exclusive private tour of the House of Lords, offering VIP guests a rare glimpse into its historic chambers and rich heritage

17:00 – 18:30

Welcome Reception

An elegant gathering of leaders and entrepreneurs, designed to foster meaningful connections and inspiring conversations in a refined setting

18:30 – 18:35

Opening Remarks

A formal address by the Toastmaster outlining the order of proceedings and the agenda for the event.

18:35 – 18:40

Welcoming Speech

Mr. Wael Alzein, Founder & CEO

Dr. Asma Ounnas, Co-Founder, CSO, and the Women’s Champion

Arab Entrepreneurs Board in London

18:40 – 18:50

Keynote Address – UK

RT Hon the Lord Brady of Altrincham PC (Sir Graham Brady)

The Honorary President of the Arab Entrepreneurs Board

18:50 – 19:00

Perspectives & Insights – MENA

Ms. Lubna Qassim

Senior Multilateral Diplomat, UN Geneva

19:00 – 19:30

Awards Ceremony – Part I

Award recipients from the MENA region are officially announced and invited to the stage to receive their awards, presented by distinguished guests, followed by brief acceptance remarks.

19:30

Gala Dinner

Enjoy a delightful dinner served by the House of Lords catering team, accompanied by a live violin performance.

20:00 – 20:15

Awards Ceremony – Part II

Honoring the outstanding contributions and achievements of distinguished British members of the Arab Entrepreneurs Board

20:15 – 20:25

Polo Game Announcement

Arab Entrepreneurs Board Summer Reception & Polo Game, presented by Wael Alzein – Chief Executive Officer

Join our CEO for a special session unveiling this year’s summer party and polo experience, promising a wonderful day of connection, culture, and fun under the British sun.

20:25 – 20:50

Prize Draw

A moment of excitement as we present exclusive rewards to our guests, adding a special touch of celebration and gratitude for your presence, featuring exclusive gifts from our distinguished partners:

The Ritz afternoon tea
House of Lords inspired Halcyon Days Enamle Bangle
AEB Polo Game x2 tickets
The Chancery Rosewood afternoon tea
Life.London full feature

20:50 – 21:00

PR Division

Introducing Strategic PR & Media Services

Presented by Wael Alzein – Chief Executive Officer

Empowering Arab Voices in the UK and Beyond

21:00 – 21:05

Closing Remarks

Round of gratitude and final words from the hosts to mark the conclusion of the formal proceedings

21:05 – 22:30

Networking & Interviews

Winner’s Group Photo: At the main Media Wall

Winner Interviews: Share your thoughts and experiences with the media team

Networking Time: Continue building connections with fellow visionaries

22:30

Event Closure

The evening concludes with a guided departure from the House of Lords, led by the Toastmaster, offering guests the opportunity to admire the historic interiors of the Houses of Parliament

We are honoured to host you for this extraordinary celebration

Entrepreneurship & Innovation Reception

The Royal Society

Thursday 16th April 2026

18:00 – 19:10

Guest Arrival & VIP Tour

Registration and Welcoming Reception

VIP registration, followed by an exclusive networking reception with distinguished guests at the iconic Royal Society, including a private tour of the Society Library and its priceless artefacts led by the Royal Society librarians. Drinks and Canapes served during the networking.

19:10 – 19:20

Welcome Reception

Dr. Asma Ounnas, Co-founder, CSO, and the Women’s Champion

Mr Wael Alzein, Founder & CEO of the Arab Entreprenerus Board

An executive welcome to introduce the event, outline the agenda, set out the purpose in advancing entrepreneurship and innovation, and reflect on the Royal Society’s long and distinguished history

19:20 – 19:50

Keynote Conversation

Professor Dame Wendy Hall, Regius Professor and Fellow of the Royal Society

A welcome and fireside chat with Professor Dame Wendy Hall, a distinguished leader in science and a prominent champion of women in STEM: Science, Technology, Maths & Engineering

19:50 – 20:00

Keynote Address

Dr. Hajar Haddaoui, General Director of the Digital Cooperation Organisation (DCO)

A principal address from our VIP guest from the Middle East & North Africa

20:00 – 20:45

Visionary Panel

Entrepreneurship & Innovation

This panel explores how innovations can be transformed into successful entrepreneurial opportunities, including ethical considerations, with a focus on women in STEM.

Moderator:

Imran Anwar, CEO @ Alt Labs, Publisher of ‘Applied Intelligence’ UK, KSA

Speakers:

Dr Enass Abu-Hamed OBE, inventor, award-winning entrepreneur in technology and member of the Royal Society of Engineering, UK
Prof. Mounia Lalmas, Head of Tech Research @ Personalization at Spotify, UK
Dr. Abir Haddad, Founder and Director of the Institute for Legal Transformation
Dr. Luisa Alemany, Academic Director, Institute of Entrepreneurship and Private Capital, The London Business School

20:45 – 21:00

Final Reflections

Closing Remarks & Collective Portrait

After the closing remarks, participants are invited to a commemorative photograph on the Royal Society’s iconic staircase, adorned with portraits of the Society’s distinguished women fellows

21:00 – 22:00

Networking

Networking Reception

An opportunity to network over refreshments with leading academics, policy makers, entrepreneurs, innovators, and chief executives and senior C-suite leaders

We are honoured to host you for this extraordinary reception

Be part of the legacy!

This is your chance to experience one of the most prestigious gatherings of leaders, innovators, and changemakers. With the majority of seats reserved for invitation-only guests, a very limited number of tickets are available to the public, and they sell out fast. Don’t miss your opportunity to be part of an unforgettable day of inspiration, networking, and influence. Once tickets are gone, access closes. Reserve yours now, be part of the legacy.

All ticket buyers will be entered into a draw to win 1 of 3 private and exclusive invitations to our Summer Reception & Polo Game on the 27th of June.

To attend only one event during the week, such as the Arab Women Business Forum, kindly refer to the section on the list of individual events.

Ticket Categories

By Invitation Only – Tickets Available for External Guests

Individual Pass

Full price

+VAT

£1500

Early Bird Pass

10% off – until 31 Mar 2026

+VAT

£1350

VIP Pass

front-row seating, VIP lunch/dinner with speakers, premium networking

+VAT

£2000

Past Attendees & Partners

Past Speakers

Membership & Sponsorship Advantage

Want to attend multiple events for free? Become a member of The Arab Entrepreneurs Board in London and enjoy exclusive benefits:

Sponsorship packages are also available for businesses looking to showcase their brand to UK–Middle East leaders