Women of the GCC are breaking barriers and violating the norms prevailing there due to a booming ecosystem that fosters innovation and entrepreneurship. Initiatives taken in the forms of government-funded funding programs, mentorship networks, and female-focused business incubators paved the way for aspiring female entrepreneurs. Countries like Saudi Arabia have really taken tremendous leaps over the years. Initiatives under Vision 2030 have hence been geared to enhance women's participation in the workforce through entrepreneurship as an integral part of economic diversification.

Impact of women founders in GCCs is quite significant, considering the fiscal contribution they are making as well as being a change agent in the community. They thus create businesses in the major sectors such as technology, healthcare, education, and fashion, bringing in innovation and new standards into corporate social responsibility while using their unique perspectives and experiences in making the business practice more inclusive and sustainable.

The GCC women entrepreneurs' success stories are truly inspiring for generations to come. Resilience, creativity, and determination become a bonding element in overcoming obstacles and achieving business goals. As the region continues embracing this diversity of talented pools, the narrative around women entrepreneurship is shifting toward a more holistic approach toward balanced growth.

In short, we are witnessing the change of entrepreneur profile in the GCC-the formation of women as founders. It is more than a trend; it is the shift promising to power entrepreneurship in the region. Continued support and efforts for an enabling environment will see women in the GCC provide much-needed levers in driving innovation and realizing a better economic diversification plan towards sustainable development in the region. Her journey reflects a wider orientation towards gender equality and empowerment, and positions them at the heart of regional economic transformation.

In this issue, the Women Entrepreneurs Review magazine brings a list of ‘Top 10 Women Founders from GCC – 2024’, featuring leaders who are domineers of change in the corporate realm of the country. This list of ten leading and inspiring women is crafted by a team of CEOs, VCs, and the editorial board, delivering inspiring stories of their journey and the contributions & roles played by them in the creation and empowerment of an economically powerful nation.