Launch of the First Arab Women’s Week in the UK Organized by the Arab Entrepreneurs Board
The inaugural Arab Women’s Week in the United Kingdom has officially launched in London, organized by the Arab Entrepreneurs Board. As the first initiative of its kind in the UK, the event represents a pivotal milestone in advancing Arab women’s leadership, strengthening their presence in global economic and decision-making spheres, and opening new avenues for institutional and investment cooperation between the UK and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
Bringing together more than 700 prominent leaders, the event gathers entrepreneurs, investors, CEOs, policymakers, academics, and international experts. The program runs from April 14 to 18, 2026, and is hosted across some of the UK’s most prestigious venues, including Mansion House, the House of Lords, and the Royal Society.
The week aims to support the Arab women’s entrepreneurship ecosystem, foster cross-border partnerships, and create meaningful networking opportunities that enable knowledge exchange and expand collaboration between British and Arab markets.
Historic Opening Led by the Lord Mayor of the City of London
The event was officially inaugurated by the Lord Mayor of the City of London, Susan Langley, recipient of the Order of the British Empire. Her presence marked a symbolic and historic moment, reflecting the significance of the initiative. Langley is only the third woman to hold this position in over eight centuries, and the first to carry the modern title of “Lord Mayor” in its current form within the institution’s long history.
The role of the Lord Mayor of the City of London, dating back to the Middle Ages, remains one of the UK’s oldest civic offices and continues to serve as a key ambassador for international economic relations and financial leadership.
The opening ceremony also featured a ceremonial escort by the Honourable Artillery Company’s Pikemen and Musketeers, one of Britain’s oldest ceremonial military units, established by royal charter in 1537 and under the patronage of King Charles III—adding a distinct sense of tradition and formality to the occasion.
A Comprehensive Program Reflecting Arab Women’s Role in the Global Economy
Arab Women’s Week features a dynamic agenda of professional events and high-level discussions addressing major global and regional economic and technological transformations, with a particular focus on the role of female leadership in shaping the future of business, investment, and innovation.
Key discussion themes include:
- The role of women’s entrepreneurship in shaping national and regional economies
- The future of artificial intelligence and advanced technologies
- Cross-border investment and entrepreneurship
- Energy transition and sustainability
- Economic policies supporting female leadership
- Ethical business expansion and its societal impact
- Strengthening public-private partnerships
- Building more inclusive and sustainable economic ecosystems
These sessions are expected to generate actionable recommendations that will further enhance Arab women’s participation in knowledge-based economies, advanced technology sectors, and global investment landscapes.
A Strategic Platform Connecting Investors and Institutions
The event serves as a practical platform for building strategic networks between Arab and UK-based female leaders. Through curated networking sessions and closed-door meetings, participants are provided with real opportunities to establish joint ventures and develop long-term economic partnerships.
It also creates an enabling environment for exchanging professional expertise and leadership experiences, facilitating knowledge transfer between financial institutions, startups, and research centers—ultimately strengthening Arab women’s presence in high-value, future-oriented sectors.
Distinguished Participation from Political, Economic, and Academic Leaders
Arab Women’s Week features a distinguished lineup of prominent figures across politics, technology, investment, and institutional leadership, including:
- Graham Brady, Member of the House of Lords and Honorary President of the Arab Business Council
- Wendy Hall, Regius Professor of Computer Science at the University of Southampton and Fellow of the Royal Society
- James Bethell, Former UK Minister of Health
In addition, the event brings together a remarkable group of Arab and international female leaders, including:
Sheikha Dr. Alia bint Hamid Al Qasimi, Her Highness Sayyida Basma Al Said, Sheikha Awtf Al Sabah, Lubna Qassim, Noor Sweid, Dr. Carole Nakhle, Dr. Hajar Al Hadaoui, Karen Jones, Dr. Hanaa Al Muaibed, Taiba Al Humaidi, Sophie Bell, Dr. Najat Benchiba-Savenius, Ferial Zrouki, Shahra Hussein, Donna Ida Thornton, Dina Fayez, Hazeline Ahmed, Chantal Khoury, Lata Gulabali, Dr. Hanaa Al Banna, Dr. Inas Abu Hamad, Dr. Mounia Lalmas, Dr. Abeer Haddad, Dr. Louisa Alemany, Omran Anwar, Farah Saleh Al Babtain, Dr. Ghada Al Harithi, and Cosmina Dorobantu.
This diverse participation highlights the growing influence of Arab women across multiple sectors, including technology, energy, finance, public policy, sustainability, and social innovation.
Arab Women Awards at the House of Lords
As part of the program, the Arab Women Awards will be held at the House of Lords, recognizing outstanding female leaders who have made significant contributions to economic development, innovation, and community impact.
Hosting this ceremony at such a prestigious political institution underscores the rising global profile of Arab women leaders and the importance of amplifying their voices within international policy and institutional dialogue.
Royal Society Reception to Enhancing Scientific Collaboration
The Royal Society will host an official reception during the week, aimed at strengthening collaboration among researchers, innovators, investors, and policymakers, while opening new pathways for partnerships in science, technology, and innovation.
Founded in 1660, the Royal Society is one of the world’s oldest and most respected scientific institutions, and its involvement reflects the initiative’s strong emphasis on knowledge, research, and innovation.
Official Visits, Strategic Partnerships, and Upcoming Announcements
The program also includes official visits for high-level participants to leading British institutions such as Mansion House, the House of Lords, and the Royal Society.
In addition, the week will feature announcements of new initiatives and strategic partnerships between Arab and British economic and academic institutions, alongside private meetings designed to accelerate economic cooperation and expand joint investment opportunities.
A Defining Step Toward Global Recognition of Arab Women Leaders
The launch of the first Arab Women’s Week in the UK marks a significant step toward positioning Arab women as key contributors to the future of the global economy. It reinforces their role in shaping strategic sectors such as advanced technology, sustainable energy, investment, and policymaking.
The initiative also reflects a broader shift in UK–Arab economic relations toward more inclusive, collaborative partnerships based on knowledge exchange, capacity building, and the empowerment of female leadership in shaping a shared economic future.
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