Inspirational Omani Women
Every year on March 8th, the world celebrates International Women's Day (IWD) and takes a moment to celebrate and highlight the accomplishments of women worldwide. The Sultanate of Oman is no different, as the Gulf country has provided opportunities for women to excel and become pioneers in various fields.
Here is a list of some influential and inspirational Omani women:
Lujaina Mohsin Haider Darwish
Lujaina Mohsin Darwish is one of the most admirable female figures in Oman. She is a businesswoman, politician, and public figure. Darwish was one of the first two women to be directly elected to the Consultative Assembly in 2000, along with Rahila Al Riyami. In 2015 she was appointed to Oman’s Council of State. In 2003 Darwish became President of Sidab Football Club, making her first woman in the Gulf and only the second in the Arab world to head a football club. Darwish is currently the chairperson of ITICS - Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC and along with her sister Areej, were among six Omani women to be featured in Forbes Middle East's annual list of the region’s most powerful businesswomen for 2023. Darwish, who graduated with a degree in English Literature from Sultan Qaboos University, is also a philanthropist and sits on the board of several charities and NGOs.
Maha Al Balushi
Maha Al Balushi is the first Omani female pilot and was promoted in 2023 to become the first female Omani Captain. Despite initial doubts from her family, Al Balushi's determination led her to achieve great success. She began her career flying Boeing 737s and eventually co-piloted the Airbus A330. Al Balushi graduated from Sultan Qaboos University in 2009 with a degree in Marketing before joining the cadet program at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) in Australia. She joined Omanair in 2010 and was promoted to first officer in 2013.
Sayyida Basma Al Said
Her Highness Sayyida Basma Al Said is an influential figure in Oman's healthcare sector, having established the first mental health clinic in the country. She is dedicated to raising awareness about mental health in Oman and the Gulf region. Sayyida Basma is a psychotherapist and hypnotherapist who received numerous accolades, including the "Golden Recognition Award," the GR8! Women Achievers Awards, and an Honorary Doctorate. Her work with youth volunteer projects is particularly noteworthy.
Hind Bahwan
Hind Bahwan is quite an intrepid entrepreneur. She has a comprehensive portfolio of businesses that she founded and is currently running. Bahwan is the Founder and Chairperson of Bahwan CyberTek Group. She is also the Chairman of HBTI DMCC and the Founder and Chairperson of Bahwan Lifestyle. Bahwan is also very accomplished on the academic level, she holds a degree in computer science, is a Harvard Business School alumna, and is a Kellogg School of Management Executive Scholar in leadership and management.
Fatma Al Nabhani
Fatma Al Nabhani is the first female professional tennis player in the GCC region. She won her first tennis tournament at the age of nine when she finished in 1st place the West Asian Championship in the under-13 category. Al Nabhani has won several singles and doubles titles on the ITF tour during her career. Nike produced a video featuring Al Nabhanias an outstanding example and a role model for female athletes in the Arab world.
Safiya Al Bahlani
Safiya Al Bahlani is an inspiring young woman from Oman who was born without hands and wascadopted by a single mother. She never attended special needs school, which helped her become independent and confident. Safiya found solace in art and used it to express her feelings and experiences. Today, she is a successful artist and in-demand for her talent.
Huda Al Lawti
Huda Al Lawati is a seasoned private equity, operations and investments expert with over 20 years of experience under her belt. She the founder and CEO of Aliph Capital the first female-founded private equity firm in the Middle East. Al Lawati, graduated with a BSc in Neuroscience and a BA in Business Economics from Brown University in the United States. Al Lawati sits on the board of several major companies and entities and is a member of the Investment Committee of Al Ula Development Company.
Ibtisam Al Salmi
Ibtisam Al Salmi is one of the first female professional sailors in Oman and the Middle East. Al Salmi started her career as a volunteer with Oman Sail and has competed in various sailing races across Arab countries, and in February 2020, she made history by reaching the podium of the EFG Sailing Arabia - The Tour.