Women of MENA Spotlight: Ashwaq AlShathri

HRH Dr. Maha Al Saud: A Legacy of Medicine, Academia, and Global Leadership

In this spotlight, we profile Her Royal Highness Dr. Maha Al Saud, the Chief Executive Officer of the FII Institute. With a distinguished career spanning over 25 years, Dr. Al Saud has built a professional legacy rooted in healthcare, international engagement, and institution-building. This episode explores her extensive journey, from her 31-year tenure as an Internal Medicine Consultant at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center to her pivotal role as Vice President of External Relations and Advancement at Alfaisal University. We examine how her leadership now guides the FII Institute in its mission to address global challenges through investment and innovation, aligning with the priorities of Saudi Vision 2030. Join us for a profile on a leader dedicated to advancing humanity through interdisciplinary collaboration and global leadership.

Mirvatte Mtanos: The Architect of Emotion and Human-Centered Design

In this spotlight, we profile Mirvatte Mtanos, a Lebanese interior architect, graphic designer, and entrepreneur who is redefining the creative landscape through her signature philosophy of “design with emotion”. Since 2013, Mtanos has led her firm, Mirvatte Architect & Design, focusing on the intersection of elegance, functionality, and deeply human-centered experiences. This episode explores her journey to becoming a recognized figure in international design and leadership circles. We examine how her work—featured in global publications such as Female Entrepreneurs Magazine and UAE Stories—emphasizes the power of creativity to transform life's "fractures" into healing spaces that speak and shine. Join us for a look at a visionary leader dedicated to shaping environments that resonate with the human spirit.

Architect of the MENA Venture Ecosystem: A Profile of Amal Dokhan

In this episode of Women of MENA, we profile Amal Dokhan, a powerhouse who has spent more than a decade as an entrepreneurship advocate, venture capitalist, and ecosystem builder in the region. We explore her current role as Managing Partner at 500 Global, where she leads the Sanabil 500 MENA seed accelerator fund, focusing on high-impact early-stage tech startups. The episode traces her journey through the pillars of Saudi Arabia's innovation landscape, from her time at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) managing the TAQADAM accelerator to her leadership as Director of the BABSON GLOBAL Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership. We also discuss her strategic influence on government initiatives through Monshaat and the Ministry of Health’s Vision Realization Office. Recognized by Forbes as one of the "Top 100 Most Powerful Businesswomen" in both 2023 and 2024, Dokhan’s reach extends across the Middle East through her board positions at the Middle East Venture Capital Association and the Saudi Venture Capital and Private Equity Association. Join us as we break down the career of a Kauffman Fellow who has not only invested in the future of MENA tech but has actively designed the frameworks that allow it to flourish.

Spotlight: Eng. Rana Algowaiz – Driving Innovation and Strategic Partnerships in Saudi Logistics

In this episode of Women of MENA — Spotlights, we profile Eng. Rana Algowaiz, a leader at the intersection of public-private collaboration and industrial growth. Currently serving as the Executive Director of Business Development and Partnership at Saudia Cargo, Rana has dedicated her career to opening markets and turning strategic ideas into tangible outcomes through ecosystem leadership. Her professional journey reflects a unique blend of technical expertise and strategic management, beginning with a Bachelor of Science in Physics and a Master’s in Manufacturing Systems Engineering. We trace her career path through influential roles at the Ministry of Commerce, the Strategic Management Office (SMO-CEDA), and her current contributions as a Board Member for the Logistics Partnership Council with the Private Sector. Join us as we explore how her commitment to growth, innovation, and "the right people coming together around the right idea" is helping shape the future of the logistics sector in Saudi Arabia.

Noor Sweid: The Visionary Architect of MENA’s Venture Capital Landscape

In this profile episode of Women of MENA, we explore the career of Noor Sweid, a trailblazer who has fundamentally reshaped the Middle East’s entrepreneurial and financial ecosystems. As the Founder and Managing Partner of Global Ventures and the Founding Chairwoman of the Middle East Venture Capital Association, Noor stands at the forefront of the region’s venture capital evolution. We trace her professional journey, from her early success managing the US$ 1 billion IPO of Depa Ltd—a landmark event as the first private UAE company to list on NASDAQ Dubai—to her diverse entrepreneurial ventures, including the founding of ZenYoga. Beyond her investment leadership, we examine her vast influence as a board member for transformative organizations such as Clue, TechWadi, and Education For Employment (EFE), highlighting her commitment to female health, regional tech growth, and youth job placement. Join us as we profile a leader recognized by the Forum of Young Global Leaders and the Aspen Institute, whose work continues to bridge the gap between global innovation and Middle Eastern talent.