Abla al Riyami
Gas Director, PDO
In the spotlight

Because as the Gas Director of Petroleum Development of Oman she is directly accountable for meeting the company’s obligation as gas operator for the government of Oman. She is the winner of Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE)’s regional service award in 2010. The award was conferred on her recognising her outstanding service to SPE and the industry.

His Majesty Sultan Qaboos inaugurated the government gas plant at Yibal on October 29, 1978, marking the beginning of the Sultanate’s gas industry. Thirty years after the start of gas production, close to half of PDO’s hydrocarbon production is in the form of gas and condensate. PDO finds, develops and operates natural gas fields and their associated production systems. The company delivers gas to the government gas system, which supplies fuel for most of Oman’s power stations and some of its industries, and to the Oman LNG plant at Qalhat.

Leadership principle:
In her ‘enabling’ style of leadership, she specifies her objectives to the subordinates giving them the freedom to accomplish the assigned tasks within a reasonable time frame
 

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Amal Bahwan
Director, Suhail Bahwan Group
Leading from the front

Because as the Director of Bahwan IT she has played a pioneering role in the remarkable growth of the company as the industry leader in the IT landscape of Oman. She leads a dedicated and competent team comprising professionals with vast industry experience.

Winner of the prestigious QMS ISO 9001:2000 certification in 2009, Bahwan IT offers end to end IT products and services which revolve around the industry standard hardware, networking, security, data capture and software domain. The 25-year old company works closely with the world’s best IT organisations such as Microsoft, Hewlett Packard, Cisco, 3i Infotech, Red Hat, Oracle etc to bring the best of IT solutions that meet the requirements of the customers. It practices strong quality systems and an excellent project management approach. Amal is also a member of the Board of Director’s of the Suhail Bahwan Group one of the foremost business houses in Oman.


Managerial hallmark
A consultative approach to address customer requirements
 

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Areej Mohsin Haider Darwish
Joint Deputy Managing Director, MHD
A constructive leader

Because as Joint Deputy Managing Director handling the Automotive Division and Internal Audit & Computer Systems function of MHD, She has played a key role in the success of the company. She is actively involved in the decision making process charting business strategies and operational plans that align objectives with corporate goals. Says Areej, “I believe that quality after sales service is very important to retain customer loyalty and have chalked out plans towards restructuring the customer care function that would have specific action items linked to deliverables and performance indicator objectives.”

She believes that a leader’s obligation is to lay out clear-cut strategies and goals and to create a healthy working environment of mutual trust, respect and consideration for each other’s ideas and feelings.



Social conscience:
Goodwill of the community means more to us than making profits
 

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Assilah Zaher Al Harthy
Head of Economic and Business Research
Oman Oil Company
Off the beaten track

A s a head of Economic and Business Research, Oman Oil Company, she has proved her mettle in the intensely competitive oil and gas industry. Earlier in 2001, she had shown the exemplary courage to join Oman Oil Company leaving the comfort zone of her family owned business Al Harthy Group where she was the Managing Director.

At OOC she leads team involved in fostering a performance culture within the organisation and building its reputation as a world class company. She also played an important role in securing a “Sultan of Oman Professorship of International Relations” at Harvard Business School, her alma mater, in April 2004. The professorship encourages scholarship regarding Oman’s contribution to international affairs.

Besides, she was actively involved with the “Five-Year Planning” process for the Omani government from 2001 to 2005 as a representative of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry.


Work ethic
As long as you are ready to take on challenges you are bound to grow
 

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Fatma al Kharusi
Finance Director, PDO
The Midas touch

Because with a career spanning over 30 years at Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), Fatma is one of the longest-serving members of the company and one of the most experienced and respected businesswomen in the Sultanate.

She oversees the company’s financial services, business controls, internal audits, legal advice as well as its contracting and procurement. She also serves as secretary to the company’s Board of Directors. A graduate in commerce and accounting, she joined PDO in 1974 as a payroll accountant. Her career trajectory has seen her move into a plethora of roles within PDO and Shell in auditing, management accounting, investor relations and financial management. She was appointed finance director in 1996. After over a decade as finance director at PDO, Fatma says her role still presents new challenges.

Fatma has also been instrumental in highlighting the need for a robust and recognised accounting education in the Sultanate through her status as an FCCA as well as her presence on the government accreditation committee. “I am delighted that at last we have a professional body like ACCA represented here in Oman. Organisations like PDO know their staff will get the best professional education,” says Fatma.


Motto in life
In Oman, it’s about what you do and
if you do it well, that’s what counts
 

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Hind S Bahwan
Director, Suhail Bahwan Group
Dynamism personified

Because she has been instrumental in making Bahwan CyberTek a leader in the Global IT Solutions market with world-class products. Bahwan CyberTek links four nations known for excellence in IT and ICT – Oman, the UAE, India and the US. Hind is the Executive Chairperson of Bahwan CyberTek.

Her contribution to the Suhail Bahwan Group (SBG) is matchless and cuts across verticals. A graduate in Computer Science and a Harvard Business School alumna, she stands out as an enterprising and dynamic young businesswoman across the Middle East. As the Director of Bahwan Travel Agency, she has been instrumental in bringing all travel related facilities in Oman under one roof.

She also plays a leading role in working with government and other leading commercial companies in the joint pursuit of creating a digital society in Oman. Hind is also a member of the Young President’s Organisation.

Achievements
‘Young entrepreneur of the year 2000’ awarded by the Government of Oman and Ernst & Young
Arabian Business ‘e-Achiever of the Year’ award from HH Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rasheed in 2001
‘IT women of the year 2002’ award by United Nations Development Programme
‘Global Leaders for Tomorrow’ by the World Economic Forum in 2003
 

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Lujaina Mohsin Darwish
Joint Deputy Managing Director, MHD
An all-round woman

Because she is a versatile figure with lots of remarkable achievements to her credit ranging from being an SQU lecturer, to Majlis as Shura member to being voted as one of 50 most powerful women in the region year after year by Forbes Arabia.

As the head of the Human Resources Omanisation and Training (HROT) department at MHD, she built up a well trained and equipped workforce, which has cohesively worked together, to achieve and exceed targets.

As the head of the HROT department, she tried out a strategic and coherent approach to the management of employees who according to her “individually and collectively contribute to the objectives of the business”.

Deeply held belief
Omani women do no longer prefer to stay at home and are emerging as a power to reckon with in business
 

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Maithaa Al Mahrouqi
Country Manager, Oman, Oman Air
Flying high

Because Maitha’s exposure of working with major airlines of the region enables her to wield her influence and competence to promote Oman Air. Maitha has experience in sales operations, reservation, ticketing, holidays-packaging, revenue-optimisations techniques and the related support services. Born, brought up and partly educated in Oman, Maitha brings with her a wealth of experience and knowledge that she acquired within a span of a decade. She also carries with her the tag of perhaps being the first female cartographer from the region, and the first Omani cartographer as well.

Maitha, a science graduate from the University of Oxford Brookes, UK, started her airlines stint with Emirates Airlines, then moved to Gulf Air as its business development manager and was subsequently promoted as the general manager of Gulf Air for Oman.

Favourite quote
I feel honoured to be part of our national carrier. It is like working directly for the progress of your country, which is what I had always wanted to do
 

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Malak Ahmed Al Shaibani
General Manager, Human Resources, Sohar Aluminium
At a formidable pace

Because she is effectively utilising her management skills to transform Sohar Aluminum, Oman’s first foray into the Aluminium industry, into one of the most efficient, cost effective and competitive aluminium smelters in the world.

Sohar Aluminium intends to become a benchmark smelter while contributing to the sustainable development of Oman. By implementing decades of industry insight in its design, specification and construction, Sohar Aluminium has been created to ensure efficiency, environmental protection and the utmost safety of its workforce. In many ways, its development mirrors the Sultanate’s own emergence onto the world stage.

Earlier, as General Manager of Sharakah Fund for Development of Youth Projects, Malak has worked hard to promote the spirit of entrepreneurship in Oman. She helped small-scale entrepreneurs with necessary funding and expertise needed to convert their business ideas into profitable ventures.

Malak is a seasoned professional and administrator with her years of experience in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry
and OCIPED.

Her motto
There is so much to achieve that at times
I feel that there is not enough time in a day
 

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Maryam Al Zadjali
Chairperson, Dar Al Atta’a
On a blessed mission

Because she has transformed Dar Al Atta’a or the House of Giving from a small six-member team in April 2002 to one of the biggest in the region. The enthusiasm exhibited by Dar Al Atta’a volunteers and the way it galvanised young Omani people into action in the wake of the recent adverse weather condition will suffice to illustrate the importance of its noble social services.

With its family welfare, hospital and student care programmes, Dar Al Atta’a has made an impressive legacy in serving the under-privileged families and supporting the weaker sections of the society. The organisation has helped raise awareness about the need to help the underprivileged through its programmes and fund raising activities. It has helped over 600 cases over the years.

Says Maryam, “We have gained the trust of people over the years and I cannot describe the joy that I get from working for the needy.” She confesses that while she was hesitant in the initial years, her confidence has grown over the years.
Apart from Dar Al Atta’a, she is the Chairman of Essence Spa; and the Editor-in-Chief of Al Youm al Sabah, an Arabic weekly.

Fond of saying
It’s a joy to work for
the needy

 

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Natasha Yahya Nasib
Member, Board of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Empowering woman

Because as the chair- person of the Omani Businesswomen’s Forum she embodies the aspirations of Omani women entrepreneurs. Over the last few years, she has steered the growth of her family business, Snowhite, as its chief operating officer and director. She looks after long term policy issues, customer relationship, employee welfare and matters related to Omanisation. Her style of management while result oriented and assertive takes into account the genuine concerns and sympathies of her employees. An alumni of the Sultan School and a business major from Switzerland, Natasha reflects the increasing number and clout of businesswomen in Oman.

At the recently concluded Women In Business Conference, she said, “We at the OCCI confirm and are fully prepared to extend our support and co-operation in implementation of the recommendations of last year’s Seih Al Makrim Women’s Symposium into reality in a way that will enable business entrepreneurs and women in general to strengthen their role in economic development of the Sultanate.

Gem of a quote
We bring a women’s touch to business


 

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Sayyida Rawan Bint Ahmed Bin Thabit Al Said
Deputy Chairwoman,
National Bank of Oman and
Group CEO, ONIC Holding

Because Holding sway

Because she has an unique position of being involved with two of the leading financial institutions in the country – National Bank of Oman and Onic Holding.

Sayyida Rawan has a distinguished career in banking and investments and has been acknowledged by NBO stating that she is an asset to their Board of Directors. Her intellect, passion and management experience has been making a significant contribution to the bank. Sayyida Rawan was also chosen as a board member of ONIC Holding besides her existing role as group CEO of the company. This shows that the stakeholders of the company have reposed their faith in her.

She earlier held positions like Director of Oman Oil Marketing Co and Director of Research and Financial Analyst in The State General Reserve Fund. Sayyida Rawan holds a Master of Science degree in Economics and Finance, from Loughborough University, UK; a Post Graduate Diploma in Investment Analysis, from Stirling University, UK; and a Bachelors Degree in Economics and Political Science from American University, Cairo.

Commitment
The opportunities given to me strengthen my resolve to implement the long term strategies of the company and take it to greater heights
 

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Reem Bint Omar Al Zawawi
Chairperson, Oman International Bank
A quite performer

Because Because she was the first woman to lead an Omani corporation. All eyes from the sultanate’s banking community were on her in 2002 as she was appointed as the chairperson of Oman International Bank (OIB), one of the leading banks in the Sultanate.

She has been on OIB’s board since 1996. Founded by her father, OIB came into being on January 1, 1984 and became the first 100 per cent Omani owned commercial bank in the Sultanate of Oman. Reem has won numerous awards for her leadership of the bank, including the Arab Women Award 2006.

OIB is known as an innovative bank with a long list of firsts – it was the first bank in the Gulf region to offer mobile banking service, the first Omani bank to issue a Visa Card, and the only bank currently offering a phone banking service. OIB has more than 80 branches in the country and four overseas branches at Mumbai and Kochi in India and Karachi and Lahore in Pakistan.

Business philosophy
Our tradition of reliability, loyalty and integrity has enabled us to always be there for our growing family of customers, employees and shareholders’ our friends and partners
 

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Shakoor bint Salim Al Ghammari
President, Omani Women’s Association
Parliamentarian par excellence

Because as the first woman to be elected to the Majlis A’Shura in1994 she achieved the unique distinction of opening the doors for Omani women to stand for elections and vote. Winner of an award for the Arab world’s most distinguished female parliamentarian and public figure in 2004, this dynamic president of the Omani Women’s Association has been active in voluntary works for women, disabled people and children since 1975. Shakoor who was re-elected to Shura council in 1997 for another term is currently a Member of the Council of States. As president of the Oman Women’s Association, she is a role model for every woman to emulate.

Shukoor says, “Women here enjoy many rights. Omani women are appointed to top posts in both public and private sectors. This has had a positive impact on the country’s development. But then there is more to be done,” says. Shukoor feels women need to be more aware of their rights. “Women should ask for their rights and get it. They deserve these rights. Women need to work closely with each other to enjoy these rights.


BELIEF
It is not enough if the rights are on paper. They should be used in a positive way

 

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Sharifa Mohammed Abdulla Al Harthy
Vice Chairperson, Shareholder and Board Director of MB Holding Company
Abiding commitment

Because of Sharifa’s active role in the overall day-to-day functioning of MB Holding, a company which has over 6,800 employees. At one time, she was also head of two departments at the Institute of Public Administration.

Sharifa possesses a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Jordan University (Amman, Jordan) and Masters Degree in Business Administration from Texas Southern University (USA).

In addition to MB group of companies she has also worked for the Institute of Public Administration, Oman from 1980-1990. Was the head of two departments, and gained extensive experience in instructing government employees in public policy, administration, and work efficiency.

She left the Institute of Public Administration to join MB Petroleum Services and was involved in developing its management systems. She was responsible for human resources, administration, development of policies, management systems, training and government liason.

In 2005, MB Holding Company was formed as the parent company of a number of companies with wide ranging interests in oilfield services, oil & gas exploration and production, mining and investments. In the last few years, the MB Group has spread its operations to 20 countries, grown its employee strength and generates revenues in excess of $1bn.

She has also spear headed MB Holding’s corporate social responsibilities (CSR) activities, charity and participated and supported Women’s Leadership conferences in Oman and internationally.

instrumental role
Was the head of two department in Institute of Public Administration and instructed government employees in public policy and work efficiency

 

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Sheila Jamal
CEO, Al Madina Development & Supply
Synthesis of cultures

Because she braved many challenges in her professional life to emerge as one of the most successful businesswomen in the Sultanate. Since she took the helm of Al Madina in 2004, she played a constructive role in the growth of the company.

Thanks to her background, Sheila combines all the positive traits of both the far East and the West. While in the US she worked with a Japanese company. After graduation, she worked as an assistant analyst with the NASA International.
After marriage she moved to Kuwait with her husband who was a specialist in industrial engineering. After eight years in Kuwait, they came to Oman to join his brother.

A mother of two, Sheila hopes one day her children will take up the company so that she can relax and allot more time for her hobbies.

Favourites and hobbies
Travelling, Italian food, sushi and tofu
 

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Barka S Al Bakry
Life honorary member of the Al Noor Association for the Blind
Leading from the front

Because as one of the founders of Al Noor Association for the Blind she has been working strenuously for the cause of the visually impaired and blind in Oman for the last ten years.

Barka has selflessly worked for creating a society where each and every blind person will be able to lead a life up to his optimum potential and be so empowered as to be able to work towards his own growth and development. She firmly believes that the visually impaired and blind, If properly trained, would be perfect for any job. “It is most important for blind people to have the chance to choose whatever job they want, and for the public to give blind people the opportunity,” she says.

Barka who has turned 64 and is considering retirement is happy that things are moving in the right direction. She is also hopeful that an eye bank at Oman will become a reality in the next five year plan. For 2011, she wants a professional director taking over the running of Al Noor Association for the Blind.


Inspiring remark
The blind have the potential to contribute to the development and manpower requirements of the country
 

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Sayyida Alia bint Thuwaini Al Said
Honorary president of Al Noor Association for Blind and Patron, Women in Business Conference

Committed to bring light

Because of her commendable social services as the honorary president of Al Noor Association for Blind and the leadership qualities she exhibited as the patron of highly successful Women in Business Conference.

Al Noor Association for the blind provides support for visually impaired people and helps them improve their living standard. The association focuses on the welfare, education and health of the blind and works out and implements plans and programmes for their overall development. It gives top priority for their education, training and professional development and conducts special training programmes for the teachers to treat the visually impaired students. Alia was the real driving force behind the highly acclaimed exclusive annual conference for women which attracted entrepreneurs, prominent businesswomen from all over the world who shared their expertise and experiences in the corporate arena.

The conference which addresses key issues particularly relevant to Arab world is aimed at helping the delegates develop key skills in business processes needed for effective company management. The conference 2010 included workshops conducted by America-Mideast Educational and Training Services (AMIDEAST) on two topics – Strategy Development and Leading with Emotional Intelligence. It provides a platform for women in the Sultanate to come together for networking and imbibe core business values and principles for running a successful enterprise.

ACHIEVEMENTS
Patron of Women in Business Conference and honorary president of Al Noor Association
for Blind
 

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Sayyida Tania bint Shabib Al Said
President, Environment Society of Oman

For a green cause

Because for the last 16 years she has been in the vanguard of a noble mission to conserve the natural environment and rich heritage of Oman for future generations.

As the President of the Environment Society of Oman (ESO), Sayyida Tania, together with the members of the ESO, is making every possible effort to educate and spread awareness among the public on environmental issues. ESO enables the public to become actively involved in conservation by organising participatory events and serves as a platform for exchange of ideas and information related to human and the natural environment of Oman. ESO has led initiatives to reduce the use of plastic by offering shoppers an alternative in canvas bags. It has conducted clean ups, held lectures, started a paper recycling project in schools and taken part in various marine research projects focusing on turtles, whales, dolphins and the coral reefs around the Daymaniyat islands.

In 2009, she bagged the Environment Personality of the Year award at the GCC Environment Awards. It was quite a feat, because she was the only woman to be ever nominated to this category.

Her aspiration
A green building as the headquarters of the ESO, so that it sets an example for other real estate projects in Oman
 

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Yuthar bint Mohammed Al Rawahi
Founder, National Association for Cancer Awareness (NACA)

Way to go

Because Yuthar is a three times cancer survivor and has been at the forefront of cancer awareness programmes in the Sultanate of Oman. Not only that, she is the founder of the National Association for Cancer Awareness (Naca) which is the leading organisation in the Sultanate helping to not only combat cancer but also support victims of the dreadful disease by developing awareness, advocacy and research in cancer in Oman so as to help the community.

Realising that cancer was a taboo topic in Oman, Yuthar decided that it was her duty to speak out and shed light on the disease, especially given the crucial importance of awareness and regular examination. As a living proof of the life-saving importance of early detection, Yuthar has not only been inspiring cancer-stricken people but is also fighting to remove to misconceptions about the disease.


On Omani women’s rights, Yuthar says, “We have held our head high because of the backing of His Majesty but there is the societal attitude we need to address when we talk about rights of women. However we are moving in the right direction.”

opinion
Omani women enjoy an extensive range of civil and political liberties that are founded on the basis of religious and state laws but I think we can’t rest on the laurels since we have a long way to go.
 

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THE MOST POWERFUL WOMEN FROM THE PUBLIC SECTOR

HE Hunaina Sultan Ahmed Al Mughairy
Oman’s Ambassador to the US

Diplomacy talk

Because dispelling inaccurate or outdated stereotypes about women’s roles in the Arab world – or at least in Oman – is one of HE Hunaina’s primary objectives as Oman’s top diplomat in the US. HE Hunaina is not only Oman’s first women ambassador to the US but she is also the first woman ambassador to represent an Arab country in America.

An economist and New York University graduate and hailing from a prominent Omani family, HE Hunaina was Oman’s permanent representative in the United Nations in New York before she was appointed as the country’s ambassador to the US in 2005. She played an instrumental role in lobbying for congressional ratification of the US-Oman Free Trade Agreement, which came into effect in 2009.

On women’s career prospects in Oman
As long as you know what you are doing and you are capable, there is no problem moving up the ladder

 

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Dr Saida Bint Khatir al Farsi State Council Member Pen is mightier than the sword  Because, as an Omani littérateur and academician, Dr. Saida has employed her writing as a powerful instrument for social transformation and woman empowerment. Saida who was born and brought up in Sur had moved to Kuwait when she found it difficult to pursue higher studies in pre-renaissance Oman. After her graduation from the University of Kuwait, she came back to Oman in 1970s when His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said urged thousands of Omanis living in exile to return to the country and help rebuild the nation. Later, she earned a PhD in Arabic literature and comparative literature from Cairo University in 2002. Her doctoral dissertation was on the psychological alienation of women in Gulf countries. She was the Head of Arabic department, Curriculum, Director of the Office of the Minister of Education, Director of Model School for Girls in 1980, Assistant Dean of Student Affairs for cultural activities at Sultan Qaboos University from1986 to 1996 and Incharge of cultural activity in Muscat Science and Technology College from 1996 to 1999. Notable milestone Dr Saida was one of the founding leaders of Family of Omani Female Writers in 1996

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Manal Mohammed Al Abdwani Chairperson, Oman Flour Mills and Mazoon Distribution Company (MDC) A tale of two successes  Because she has demonstrated her entrepreneurial skills to make Oman Flour Mills (OFM) a leading mill in the region with a flour capacity of 850 tonnes per day and over 1000 tonnes of animal feed. As the Chairperson of the mill, she has helped the mill grow not only in stature but also in credibility features that have been consolidated with sheer hard work and determination to deliver high quality products. These attributes have helped the mill in gaining an exceptional market share in the Gulf, in addition to developing exports to Africa, the Commonwealth countries and East Asia. Says Manal in her Chairperson’s report, “With a sales turnover of more than RO26mn, we are proud to be the market leader in the Sultanate, way ahead of competitors. Our presence in over 10 countries is a proof of our ability to understand customer requirements across the globe.” Her leadership also helped MDC, which distributes power in Al Dakhilyah, Al Sarqiyah and the South Al Batinah regions, to improve its financials and operation and reduce losses. Apart from these she also happens to be the Director General of Planning and Follow-Up at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Abiding contribution Has been instrumental in making Oman Flour Mills a leading mill in the region

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Sayyida Dr Mona bint Fahad Al Said Assistant Vice Chancellor for External Cooperation, Sultan Qaboos University Promoting learning  Because, as Vice-Chancellor of Sultan Qaboos Univer-sity (SQU) for External Cooperation, Sayyida Mona plays a major role in raising the profile of the University and promoting international collaboration. The Office of External Cooperation was instituted 2002 in this regards. SQU vigorously pursues collaboration with a variety of institutions in order to promote and strengthen both teaching and research, and also to enrich the experiences of its staff and students. Over the last few years, the Office of External Cooperation (OEC) has taken big steps to strengthen and improve its strategies and efficiency. Sayyida Mona holds a PhD in special education, Queen’s College, UK. She is fluent in English, Arabic and French. She is majorly involved in activities within the university and outside as well and is part of an ambitious project, the first-ever dedicated Children’s Public Library. Recent highpoint Presided over a dialogue on ‘Omani women in journalism’ in May which aimed at enhancing communications and sharing of information

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Sayyida Naashiah Saud Al Kharusi Member of Telecommunication Regulatory Authority Because Naashiah has been in the telecommunications industry for 40 years and is credited for being the first woman engineer to join the sector. Presently as a member of the TRA, she plays an influential role in the formulation of policies for the telecommunications sector in Oman. The telecom sector is presently going through an interesting phase with two fixed line operators and as many as seven mobile operators (two Class I and five Class II). She had assumed responsibi-lities at TRA at a time when it was important that TRA’s role was understood and respected at a professional level by the sectoral players. Naashiah was instrumental in establishing the first frequency coordination committee for the AGCC countries. In 1996, she acted as a governor for a full year on Intelsat Board, representing AGCC group in this organisation. On the international level, Engineer Naashiah was elected as Vice-chairperson of the Telecommunications Development Advisory Group of ITU from 2001 to 2002. Success mantra Be professional, never compromise your integrity, be knowledgeable, master your subject and be humble

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HE Dr Rajiha bint Abdulameer bin Ali Minister of Tourism and Chairperson, Omran Cynosure of all eyes Because she occupies the chair of one of the most important government authority namely the ministry of tourism. Tourism is expected to be the mainstay of the government’s efforts to diversify the national economy from oil to non-oil sources. Dr Rajiha is also the Chairperson of Omran (Oman Tourism Development Company), a public-private vehicle established to develop key tourism infrastructure in the Sultanate. The Ministry of Tourism has been at the forefront of allowing the tourism industry to grow and prosper despite negative impact of the global financial crisis. Despite the global slowdown, Dr Rajha says that there were some positive effects. These include the elimination of speculation from the real estate market; investors who have became more keen on not depending on pre-selling of real estate units; and the appearance of focus on executing tourism components side by side with real estate components. Endearing thought Tourism is going to be a principal driver of the country’s economic development and developing international markets for Oman tourism is imperative

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HE Dr Rawiyah bint Saud al Busaidiyah Minister of Higher Education A historic achievement Because Dr Rawiyah was the first female Minister with portfolio in Oman’s history when she was promoted to become the Minister of Higher Education on March 8 in 2004. She is also the president of the council of Sultan Qaboos University. She obtained a PhD from Oxford University. Before her appointment as Higher Education Minister, Dr Rawiyah held the position of higher education undersecretary. The Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) is a key player in the development of Oman’s human resources and critical to the supply of qualified professionals and skilled labour for the country’s increasingly diversified economy. Serving a rapidly developing economy and society, the Sultanate’s system of Higher Education has grown quickly over the past two decades since the establishment in 1986 of Oman’s premier university, Sultan Qaboos University with a few hundred students. Sultan Qaboos University now has over 15,000 students and eight colleges offering forty-three programmes in a range of areas, including Engineering, IT, Medicine, Science, Agriculture, Business, Education, Arts,Humanities, Law, and Music. CONTRIBUTION Under Dr Rawiyah’s leadership, the Ministry of Higher Education has ushered in a number of vital changes in the system

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HE Aisha bint Khalfan Al Siyabiyah Chairperson, Public Authority for Craft Industries Preserving for posterity Because of her invaluable contributions and dedicated efforts for the survival and growth of Oman’s traditional crafts and trades. Her appointment as the Chairperson of the Public Authority for Craft Industries (PACI) in 2003, with the rank of a minister, was a remarkable milestone in the history of modern Oman. It paved the way for more women’s induction to the cabinet. As the chairperson of PACI, she played a pioneering role in the development of crafts industry as a vibrant sector capable of attracting a new generation of craftspeople. Established in 2003 as an independent legal entity overseen by the Diwan of Royal Court, PACI focuses on protecting traditional knowledge and cultural forms of expression, especially the Omani cultural heritage which is rich in traditional arts and craft. Recently, HE Aisha led the Sultanate’s delegation at the 48th World Intellectual Property Organisation (Wipo) meeting in Geneva. Aisha was the driving force behind an ambitious technical co-operation programme which PACI and WIPO signed at the sidelines of the conference. PACI will organise an Omani crafts exhibition to mark the 40th anniversary of Oman’s National Day which coincides with Wipo’s 40th anniversary. achievement Oman has made great strides in the intellectual protection of the traditional legacies of the craft industries under her leadership

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HE Rahilah Bint Amir Al Riyami Member of Majlis A’Dawla Indomitable spirit Because she is one of the formidable voices among Omani women parliamentarians. She was among the two women candidates elected to the fourth term of the Majlis a’Shura, which went into session in 2001. Rahilah who represented the wilayat of Bowshar in Majlis a’Shura till 2003 was appointed as a member of State Council in 2007. She is the chairperson of human resource development panel of the state council and heads Women and Children council at Oman National Commission for Education, Culture and Science (ONCECS) from 2004 which is chaired by the Minister of Education. With extensive parliamentary and administrative experience, Rahilah stands out as one of the more energetic public figures in the country. She has done her BA in Psychology and Social Studies from Egypt in 1969 in addition to a certificate course and a diploma in education from the United Kingdom in 1977. After returning from Kuwait in 1974, she joined the Ministry of Education where she served as the head of the private education department till 1978. Later, she became the director of public education department from 1978 to 1980 and the director of education planning department from 1980 to 1996. Her firm belief Look at our country; we have been given equal status (for women) in every sphere

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HE Dr Sharifa bint Khalfan Al Yahya’eyah Minister of Social Development Transforming lives Because of her exemplary services for the comprehe-nsive development of all sections of Omani society. A university professor, Dr Sharifa was appointed as the Minister on October 22 in 2004. Since then she has been actively involved in the efforts of the Ministry of Social Development to provide basic community and family services. Sharifa believes women are key players in ensuring sustainable development and in shaping their communities and families. The Ministry of Social Development carries out technical and research studies and operates projects and pilot schemes in various social fields with the aim of promoting community development, providing people with the tools and knowledge to enjoy more productive and fulfilling lives. The Ministry prepares social welfare plans and programmes for families and individual citizens, frequently backed up by material assistance. It takes steps to improve the housing, economic and social conditions of families on social security and involves the government and non-government sectors in an increasing number of development and social projects in cooperation with various state authorities. The Ministry of Social Development employs a highly professional team of more than 160 experts and administrators to fulfill a range of functions, including research into social trends and developments, interviewing families applying for social welfare and conducting regular home visits where necessary. Oft-quoted saying Omani women are the foundation of support for their families and in the forefront in every sphere of life

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Zamzam Al Rashdi Editor-in-chief, Oman News Agency Knowledge is power Because she is the first woman editor of Oman News Agency also known as ONA – the most important news agency in the country and the official channel for news about the Sultanate. Zamzam graduated from Sultan Qaboos University and worked as a teacher of English before moving to the Ministry of Information, where she held a range of positions. These included several stints in the Oman TV as a news broadcaster, chairperson of the news and advertising department and then marketing. Her effective contribution in the establishment helped her to become the Director-General of Oman TV 2. From a television presenter and broadcaster to the helm of the country’s most important news agency, it was a qualitative leap and a different experience for Zamzam but she is excelling in her present role. The spread of news to the public has undergone a great metamorphosis with the emergence of new information channels and this is the challenge that information providers face. However, ONA under Zamzam has risen to the occasion. Comment about women Women are now seen in all sectors of political, economic and social spheres. Similarily, Omani women have made a name for themselves in the media both at the local and regional levels

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Neelima Vyas COO, Sohar Free Zone Delivering results Because she plays a major role in the development of Sohar Free Zone, one of the most important infrastructure projects in the country, expected to attract billions of dollars through FDI. Vyas, who is the Chief Operating Officer of Sohar Port and Free Zone has been in Oman for almost five years and has been professionally involved with infrastructure projects. Vyas first came to Oman to join the Sohar Industrial Port Company (SIPC) heading the Finance and Strategic Development. Prior to joining SIPC, Vyas was involved in setting up the Pipavav Port, a Greenfield and India’s first private sector port. She has specialised in Transport and Logistics in The Netherlands at Delft and Rotterdam and has a Master’s Degree from The World Maritime University. Often asked the Question: How does it feel as a lady to be a CFO or a COO? She replies: Responsibilities should be managed and delivered irrespective of being a woman or man. Sincerity and dedication in anything that one does whether at home or work as a home maker or a COO is rewarding. THOUGHT-PROVOKING I would be very concerned if an individual at work is not taken seriously as he or she has to deliver results as responsible human beings   Methodology OER’s listing of the Most Powerful Women in Business and the government involved various stages of research. The UMS editorial team reached out to various industry leaders asking them to suggest names of the Most Powerful Women. A comprehensive list was drawn up based on these suggestions. This list was deliberated upon by a team of senior editors from UMS and a final listing was arrived upon after consensus by the editorial team. The following parameters were used for the process: The position occupied Length of experience Contribution to the organisation and society at large Visibility Ability to influence others Respect amongst peer group Leadership Courage to take decisions Integrity Ability to drive change Motivating and encouraging others Empowering others Humility Innovation and generating new ideas. The editorial jury from UMS comprised: Mayank Singh, Khalfan al Rahbi, Rana Alawneh, Rekha Baala, Visvas Paul D Karra, Sunil Fernandes, Fatma al Araimi, Mysaa Said al Hinai, Deepa Rajan and Muhammed Nafie. The survey is a listing and not a ranking. The effort has been made to place the personalities in an alphabetical order, though some exceptions have crept in due to editorial and design constraints.

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