Consisting of seven countries including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, Gulf Corporation Council (GCC) which was established in the year 1981. The council was established with a purpose to unify the countries' currency, trade markets, and other economic markets. GCC implemented many changes to promote trade within the council countries like generating unified technical standards, harmonized customs administration procedures, and reduced clearance requirements to lower non-tariff barriers within the GCC.

The most important source of economy for GCC countries is oil & gas production. However, these countries are taking massive efforts to diversify their economy by reducing dependency on oil & gas resources and are moving towards new technology and digital world. This is necessary in the future, with the world looking for an alternate option of energy for non-renewable resources. By 2022, it is estimated that the non-oil GDP in the gulf countries will reach 34 percent. However, the region faces a problem of lack of high-tech talent locally, for which investments are spurring to develop skills in the region. Today, GCC members are investing in 5G, AI, Cloud Computing, IoT, Data & Analytics, Machine learning, Augmented Reality & Virtual Reality and cybersecurity, and notable changes are witnessed in the sectors like Fintech, Retail and eLearning.

GCC countries are also making easier for business, where UAE and Saudi Arabia are leading the way when it comes to the inbound investment. This is opening-up opportunities for young entrepreneurs all over the world. The reforms are also encouraging women, as the countries are also focusing on increasing women's economic inclusion. In the year 2020, Saudi Arabia was recognized as the global top reformer, following the enactment of breakthrough reforms supporting women's participation in the economy. The countries have also implemented legal reforms to protect women from discrimination, including criminalizing sexual harassment in employment, prohibiting employers from dismissing women during pregnancy, maternity leave, and equalizing the retirement age for women & men at 60 years in the companies.

In this issue, Women Entrepreneur magazine presents a list of `Top 10 Women Leaders from GCC Countries - 2022' who have proved themselves by bringing innovative ideas into business & corporate sector and are shining at leading positions in corporate and business sector. The following list has been prepared after being closely scrutinized by a distinguished panel of judges including CXOs, analysts and our editorial board. We believe that their stories will inspire the young women aspirants all around the world to chase their dreams.