< PreviousINTERVIEW 40 Edge/ October 2024 This Q&A with Nuwa Capital’s Stephanie Nour Prince explores the evolving landscape for women in technology within the MENA/ GCC region. Our discussion highlights the strides towards more excellent representation and the initiatives driving diversity and inclusion in the tech sector. We also dive into the crucial roles of mentorship programmes, leadership development, and venture capital funds in fostering an inclusive environment where women can thrive and lead. Through these insights, we aim to understand what more needs to be done to achieve a truly diverse and equitable tech ecosystem. How has the role of women in tech evolved in the MENA/GCC region, and what further changes are needed? Over the past decade, there has been a noticeable shift in the representation of women within the tech industry in the MENA/GCC region. Initially, women were of ten t he minorit y, especially in technical and senior r o les. H o weve r, we se e more women across diff erent levels today, including leadership and decision-making positions. There is also a growing presence of women on the allocator side in funds and investments. This progress is essential because it can inspire the next generation of women, showing that success in tech is attainable. Despite these improvements, signifi cant gaps still need to be addressed. More must be done to ensure women have equal access to opportunities, mentorship, and funding. It’s also crucial to create supportive environments that encourage women to enter the tech fi eld and to remain and advance within it. Until it becomes normal for women to be present in every room, eff orts to enhance diversity must continue. What are tech organisations in the region doing to promote diversity and inclusion? Tech organisations in the region increasingly recognise the importance of diversity and inclusion (D&I) and are implementing several initiatives to promote these values. Many companies are off ering D&I training programmes that focus on unconscious bias and the benefi ts of a diverse workforce. Some have established dedicated D&I departments or task forces to ensure these eff orts align with their company goals. Initiatives include diversity audits, forming employee resource groups (ERGs), and adopting inclusive hiring practices to create a more balanced and equitable workplace. Despite these ef for ts, there remains a discrepancy between the number of women graduating in STEM and those who secure successful careers in tech, highlighting the need for sustained and targeted actions. How are regional tech companies supporting women in technology roles? Regional tech companies are increasingly taking steps to support women in technology roles. This includes launching mentorship programmes, of fering t r aining and de v e lopment oppor t unities, and networking events for women. Flexible working arrangement s and family-friendly policies are also implemented to help women balance their professional and personal lives. Additionally, some companies are setting up women-in-tech networks and off ering scholarships to encourage more women to pursue careers in technology. TOWARDS AN INCLUSIVE TECH SECTOR Nuwa Capital’s Stephanie Nour Prince on Women Leading Change in MENA/GCC Words by Sindhu V Kashyap /Stephanie Nour Prince, Nuwa Capital Mentorship and leadership development programmes are pivotal in fostering diversity within tech organisations. These programmes help identify and nurture diverse talent, providing individuals with the guidance and skills to advance their careers and take on leadership roles Edge_Oct2024_40-41_Interview 2_13392493.indd 4030/09/2024 15:58INTERVIEW Edge/ October 2024 41 Broader initiatives, such as the She Wins Arabia programme and the Women in Tech Accelerator, provide vital resources and support to help women advance in tech roles. How do mentorship and leadership programmes contribute to diversity in tech organisations? Mentorship and leadership development programmes are pivotal in fostering diversity within tech organisations. These programmes help identif y and nurture diverse talent, providing individuals with the guidance and skills to advance their careers and take on leadership roles. Mentorship, in particular, connects emerging talent with experienced professionals who can off er insights, share their own experiences, and provide access to valuable networks. Leadership programmes are equally crucial as they empower employees with skills in areas such as strategic thinking and team management, which are essential for leadership positions. These ef for ts are not just about supporting underrepresented groups; they also enrich the entire organisation by bringing various perspectives and fostering innovation. What role can venture capital funds play in promoting inclusion in the tech sector? Venture capital funds have a signifi cant role in driving greater inclusion and equity within the tech sector. By actively investing in diverse teams and fostering inclusive cultures, VCs can help shape the industry more representative and equitable. Supporting women-led ventures and ensuring gender diversity within their portfolio companies contributes to a more inclusive ecosystem and drives better business outcomes. Research has shown that diverse teams are more innovative and perform better. Therefore, venture capital funds can infl uence systemic change by setting standards encouraging diversity and backing companies that prioritise inclusion at all levels. /Regional Tech Companies are taking steps to support women in tech /Venture Capital Funds have a significant role in gender inclusion Edge_Oct2024_40-41_Interview 2_13392493.indd 4130/09/2024 15:58THE POWER LIST 42 Edge/ October 2024 TH E TECH LEADERS Words by Sindhu V Kashyap and Arya Devi MEET POWER PLAYERS The Leaders Transforming the Region’s Technology Landscape Edge_Oct2024_42-79_The Power List_13391269.indd 42Edge_Oct2024_42-79_The Power List_13391269.indd 4204/10/2024 15:2404/10/2024 15:24THE POWER LIST Edge/ October 2024 43 cover story Born in Dubai in 1990, His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama has rapidly become one of the most infl uential fi gures in global AI. In 2017, the UAE appointed him as the world’s fi rst Minister of State for Artifi cial Intelligence, marking the country’s dedication to leading in the digital sphere. His appointment symbolised a bold step forward, positioning the UAE as a pioneer in AI governance and innovation. Al Olama’s career has blended public service and technological leadership. Before his ministerial role, he held several key positions in the UAE government, including Deputy Head of the Prime Minister’s Offi ce and Secretary General of the World Organisation of Racing Drones. He has served as Vice-Chair of the World Government Summit, further solidifying his infl uence in shaping global AI policy. Under his leadership, the UAE has launched numerous initiatives on the digital economy, AI governance, and remote work applications. HE OMAR AL OLAMA MINISTER OF STATE FOR ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, DIGITAL ECONOMY, AND REMOTE WORK APPLICATIONS Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Governor of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), has been instrumental in transforming the Kingdom into a global tech player. Al-Rumayyan led the PIF’s fi rst major tech investment in 2016 with a $3.5 billion stake in Uber, signalling a shift towards innovation. His vision grew with the 2017 announcement of Neom, a $500 billion project to build futuristic smart cities. In 2024, the PIF reportedly is looking at establishing a $40 billion AI-focused fund, cementing Al-Rumayyan’s role as a key fi gure in the country’s tech-driven future. Al-Rumay yan’s abilit y to secure signifi cant deals, like Amazon’s $5.3 billion pledge to build data centres, underscores his infl uence in repositioning Saudi Arabia on the global tech stage. His leadership has been pivotal in the Kingdom’s push to diversify its economy and lead in AI and semiconductor investments. YASIR AL-RUMAYYAN GOVERNOR OF SAUDI ARABIA’S PUBLIC INVESTMENT FUND (PIF) Edge_Oct2024_42-79_The Power List_13391269.indd 4330/09/2024 16:12THE POWER LIST 44 Edge/ October 2024 His Excellency Faisal Al Bannai is a critical change architect in the UAE. As the Secretary General of the ATRC, Al Bannai is at the head of the ambitious initiative to transform Abu Dhabi into a global nexus for advanced technology research and a magnet for world-class talent. Al Bannai’s infl uence extends beyond his official titles. As the Strategic Research & Advanced Technology Aff airs Advisor to UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, he embodies the leadership’s commitment to placing research and AI at the forefront of national priorities. His role on the Emirates Research and Development Council, led by HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, further underscores this dedication. Al Bannai’s portfolio does not end there. He is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of EDGE Group. He serves on the boards of UAE’s most prestigious academic and research institutions, including Khalifa University, the United Arab Emirates University, and the UAE Space Agency. HE FAISAL AL BANNAI SECRETARY GENERAL ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH COUNCIL(ATRC) Her Excellency Huda Al Hashimi, Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Strategic Affairs, is at the forefront of the UAE’s push towards innovation. As the head of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation (MBRCGI), she drives initiatives that harness technology to improve public services, build resilient societies, and enhance infrastructure. “The transformative power of technology has always fascinated me,” she says. “It’s a cornerstone of progress, enabling smarter public services and a thriving society.” Under her leadership, MBRCGI launched Urbanist DubAI, the fi rst participative urban planning platform using generative AI. “Dubai is the fi rst city to train a language model to understand its unique architecture,” she notes. Other initiatives, such as Pitch@ Gov, help startups off er innovative solutions to government challenges, creating business opportunities. Huda also emphasises the need for balance. “Perfectionism can hinder progress. We must embrace learning through trial and error in a fast-changing world.” HE HUDA AL HASHIMI DEPUTY MINISTER OF CABINET AFFAIRS FOR STRATEGIC AFFAIRS Edge_Oct2024_42-79_The Power List_13391269.indd 4430/09/2024 16:12THE POWER LIST Edge/ October 2024 45 A new chapter in global industrial innovation unfolded with the appointment of Amit Midha as the Global CEO of Alat, a company backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. Alat has embarked on an ambitious journey to reshape the electronics and advanced industrial sectors, focusing on sustainability at its core. Midha, a veteran business leader who has helmed major operations across India, China, the US, and Singapore, steps into the role after a successful tenure at Dell Technologies, where he was instrumental in driving growth across the Asia-Pacifi c and Japan regions. Under Midha’s leadership, Alat aims to establish Saudi Arabia as a world-class manufacturing hub, tapping into the Kingdom’s clean energy resources— wind, solar, and green hydrogen. The company’s mandate is clear: to use advanced AI technologies and Industry 4.0 best practices to not only transform global industries but also to realign them with a vision of sustainability. AMIT MIDHA GLOBAL CEO ALAT In Dubai’s fi nancial hub, Shaker Zainal, Chief Business Officer at Emirates Development Bank and Head of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF), refl ects on a journey that began at thirteen. “I knew I wanted to become a banker,” he says. His fi rst job? Making coff ee for bank staff . “It taught me humility and the importance of every organisational role.” By 22, he was managing departments he once interned in. “I’ve been fortunate to work with great leaders who inspired me,” he notes. He joined EDB and MBRIF in the UAE, supporting over 250 startups. Embracing fi ntech and tech, Zainal says, ” AI-powered processes have streamlined operations and enhanced services. Looking ahead, he sees immense potential in generative AI. “Embracing technology allows us to scale and contribute more eff ectively to the UAE’s economic goals.” He advises entrepreneurs: “Building a successful business is a marathon, not a sprint. Patience and a long-term vision are crucial.” SHAKER ZAINAL CHIEF BUSINESS OFFICER EMIRATES DEVELOPMENT BANK & HEAD OF MOHAMMED BIN RASHID INNOVATION FUND Edge_Oct2024_42-79_The Power List_13391269.indd 4530/09/2024 16:12THE POWER LIST 46 Edge/ October 2024 Edge_Oct2024_42-79_The Power List_13391269.indd 4630/09/2024 16:12THE POWER LIST Edge/ October 2024 47 As Group CEO of e& (formerly Etisalat Group), Hatem Dowidar blends calculated purpose with enthusiasm. From a curious child in Cairo, breaking toys to understand them, to leading one of the world’s top telecoms, his career is a testament to his passion for innovation. “I’ve always been fascinated by how things work,” he says, recalling his childhood. After earning a telecommunications engineering degree, Dowidar realised innovation wasn’t just about technology but about people and possibilities. Throughout his career, managing telecom operations across various countries, Dowidar learned adaptability and resilience. “The pandemic showed us the need to embrace digitalisation and rethink our societal roles,” he refl ects. Under his leadership, e& has transformed from a traditional telecom company into a global tech powerhouse, “Connectivity is the backbone of the digital economy,” he says, highlighting the company’s commitment to enhancing services and expanding globally. Dowidar’s focus on the human side of business is clear. “Integrity is the cornerstone of trust and success,” he says. Balancing leadership with personal life, Dowidar unwinds with loved ones, sports, and action movies. Looking ahead, Dowidar envisions e& at the forefront of AI, machine learning, and 6G technologies, with sustainability at the core. HATEM DOWIDAR GROUP CEO e& I believe in the power of disconnecting. While I’m always available for urgent matters, I consciously try to carve out time when I put my phone away and focus on the present moment Edge_Oct2024_42-79_The Power List_13391269.indd 4730/09/2024 16:13THE POWER LIST 48 Edge/ October 2024 Omar Boulos, took on the role of Market Unit Lead for Accenture in the Middle East in September 2023, marking a new chapter in his long-standing career with the global technology powerhouse. Having f irst joined Accenture in 1997, Boulos has developed a deep expertise in driving technology-driven solutions across various sec tors. His leadership journey has spanned continents, with previous roles including client group lead for US South Resources and resources industry group lead for North America. His diverse experience makes him uniquely positioned to navigate the complexities of the rapidly evolving Middle East market. Under Boulos ’ s leader ship , Accenture has already made signifi cant regional strides. In December 2023, the company signed a landmark three-year strategic agreement with Riyadh Air, providing the airline with advanced cloud and cybersecurity infrastructure. This partnership underscores Accenture’s commitment to supporting regional growth and digital transformation in one of the most dynamic sectors—aviation. OMAR BOULOS MARKET UNIT LEAD – MIDDLE EAST ACCENTURE Khaled Hashem, the Egyptian- born President for Honeywell’s Middle E a s t and A f ri ca operations, has been at the helm since January 2024. His journey with the US- based diversifi ed giant began in 2016 when he was appointed president for Egypt and Libya. O ver the year s, his inf luence has grown, leading to signif icant milestones, including signing multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with government and private sectors. These agreements aim to bolster local energy infrastructure, and support development projects. Beyond his role at Honeywell, Hashem holds critical positions in Egypt’s business landscape. He serves as the energy committee chairperson at the American Chamber of Commerce in Egypt and sits on the Egyptian Export Council of Engineering Industries board. His leadership refl ects a blend of corporate expertise and a commitment to fostering regional growth, particularly in the energy sector. KHALED HASHEM PRESIDENT – MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA HONEYWELL Edge_Oct2024_42-79_The Power List_13391269.indd 4830/09/2024 16:13THE POWER LIST Edge/ October 2024 49 Peng Xiao, CEO of Abu Dhabi- based G42, is a visionary at the intersection of technology and business. With expertise spanning AI, big data, and cloud computing, Xiao leads G42’s ambitious drive across sectors like healthcare, energy, and smart cities. His leadership at G42 has positioned the company as a global tech powerhouse, developing solutions in emerging technologies. Previously, Xiao served as CTO and CIO at MicroStrategy, where he led R&D for a vast product portfolio. His experience also includes fostering strategic partnerships with tech giants like Facebook and Alibaba. Now, as a member of the Board of Trustees at Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artifi cial Intelligence (MBZUAI), Xiao is nurturing the next generation of AI talent. Under Xiao’s leadership, G42 has also been instrumental in advancing Abu Dhabi’s AI strategy, with initiatives that merge public and private sector eff orts to create scalable digital solutions. His vision for G42 extends beyond commercial success, focusing on building a robust technological infrastructure that drives innovation and global collaboration. PENG XIAO CEO G42 In the early days of the dot-com boom in Singapore, Thomas Pramotedham found his passion for innovation. Choosing Computer Science as his major, he was drawn to technology’s potential to reshape industries. His fi rst venture was blending the old with the new—creating one of the world’s fi rst print analytics platforms to evaluate a $4 billion industry. This marked the start of a journey that would take him across continents, eventually leading him to Presight AI. A pivotal moment came when he shifted his focus from media technologies to enterprise-level solutions that could transform cities and nations. His time at Esri, working with visionaries like Jack Dangermond, solidifi ed his belief in technology’s power to eff ect societal change. “Technology’s ability to disrupt and innovate continuously fascinates me. It’s been about seizing opportunities and pushing the envelope further with each step.” Today, at Presight AI, his team develops AI-driven platforms that optimise urban living and governance, creating real-world impact through data- driven insights. THOMAS PRAMOTEDHAM CEO PRESIGHT Edge_Oct2024_42-79_The Power List_13391269.indd 4930/09/2024 16:13Next >