In the bustling playground of the Middle East, a wave of female flair is stirring up quite the commotion, revolutionizing everything from the kitchen to the catwalk. These gutsy Arab women aren’t just breaking glass ceilings; they’re crafting home-grown brands that scream innovation, resilience, and dedication. So, grab your popcorn and let’s dive into 10 fabulous brands led by these powerhouse women, each leaving its sassy mark on the global stage.
1. Bait Maryam
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In Jumeirah Lake Tower, you’ll find a delightful spot exuding Arab hospitality, offering Levantine cuisine in a cosy ambience. Owner Salam Dakkak, once a teacher, now a renowned chef, runs the joint, named after her mum. It’s a nod to home-style cooking, with Levantine dishes inspired by family recipes. Dakkak’s culinary prowess earned her the title of MENA’s best female chef in 2022 by the World’s 50 Best. Don’t miss out on her scrumptious creations!
2. Apotheca Beauty
Helmed by Kuwaiti sisters Nora, Sarah and Dana Al-Ramadhan, is a haven for beauty enthusiasts seeking high-quality skincare, makeup, and wellness products. With a carefully curated selection of luxurious brands and expertly crafted formulations, Apotheca Beauty offers a transformative beauty experience that celebrates self-care and empowerment.
3. Sugargram
In 2019, Elaf Patel brought her dessert passion to life with Sugargram, offering delightful and playful bite-sized treats. Armed with expertise from pastry school and a degree in Communications and Media Studies, Elaf’s creations, ranging from cupcakes to cakes, candy, and cookies, provide a delightful assortment of sweets. With the recent addition of mini cupcakes, the sweetness never ends.
4.The Edit
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Meet Rumana Nazim, the fearless entrepreneur behind The Edit concept store. With a daring spirit, she embarked on a journey to create a haven that marries her passion for fashion and art, while also serving as a sanctuary for coffee aficionados. A staunch advocate for women empowerment, Rumana proudly champions products from fellow female-led businesses, making The Edit a powerhouse of feminine flair. Whether you’re in search of stylish loungewear, chic clothing, or eye-catching accessories like jewellery, sunglasses, and bags, this is the place to be. And don’t forget to recharge your batteries with a cup of coffee or a refreshing matcha concoction from their delightful bar. It’s more than just shopping; it’s an experience tailored for the modern-day fashionista.
5. Majama
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Founded by Riwa Khan, Majama embarked on a journey to create guilt-free desserts that are vegan and gluten-free, following health challenges. Committed to using real, high-quality natural ingredients, Majama offers a range of dairy, gluten, and sugar-free desserts, including ice creams, cakes, and cookies bursting with flavour.
6. Huda Beauty
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Huda Kattan, raised in Oklahoma by Iraqi immigrant parents, abandoned her finance career due to dissatisfaction and transitioned into makeup artistry, subsequently launching a blog in 2010. Faced with the unavailability of false eyelashes, Kattan, along with her two sisters, initiated Huda Beauty in 2013. Today, the brand offers over 100 cosmetic products ranging from eyeshadow palettes to lip gloss, generating approximately $200 million in annual revenue.
7. OKHTEIN
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Okhtein, a clever play on the Arabic word for ‘sisters’, was born from the dynamic duo of Egyptian siblings Mounaz and Aya, both of whom happen to be Pisces, adding a dash of astrological flair to their creative journey. Their brainchild, launched in 2013, aimed to inject a dose of true luxury into Egypt’s fashion scene while celebrating the country’s rich artisanal heritage. Drawing inspiration from the labyrinthine streets of Old Cairo and the majestic architecture of ancient Egypt, Okhtein’s collections stand out like a pharaoh in a crowd of mere mortals. With Hollywood A-listers like Alessandra Ambrosio and the Kardashian clan sporting their designs, Okhtein’s rise to prominence has been as meteoric as Cleopatra’s entrance on the Nile. In just a decade, they’ve not only made waves but also carved out a permanent spot at every soirée’s gossip circle.
8. J by Joëlle Fine Jewellery
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Enter J by Joëlle, a high-end jewellery brand that doesn’t just accessorize but orchestrates a symphony of style. Her work is set to dazzle up your ears, wrists, and beyond. Founded by the gem of a designer Joelle Moughalian, she polished her craft at the Gemological Institute of America in the Big Apple. This brand is the epitome of elegance with a touch of je ne sais quoi. From gracing the lobes of Aseel Hameem to the wrists of Ola Al Fares, J by Joëlle has become the go-to choice for celebrities looking to add a sprinkle of sparkle to their ensemble. With headquarters nestled between the chic streets of Lebanon and the opulence of Qatar, this brand is not just jewellery; it’s a lifestyle.
Also Read: 6 Things To Do With Your Girl Gang In Abu Dhabi On Emirati Women’s Day
9. Temraza
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Farida Temraz, the fashion maestro is rewriting the rulebook on Egyptian elegance one stitch at a time. She is the youngest Egyptian designer to conquer the catwalks of London, Los Angeles, and New York Fashion Weeks. The name behind the Temraza Haute Couture, is the Cinderella of Couture. You can spot her turning heads and winning hearts with her exquisite creations. She created history at Paris Fashion Week. Also, she clinched the title of “Best Female Couture Designer” at New York Fashion Week. Temraz is not just breaking boundaries; she’s shattering glass ceilings with style and panache.
10. SALT Restaurant
Let’s talk challenges & success with the SALT duo, Amal Al Marri & Deem Albassam. http://t.co/EuTIeC10uZ pic.twitter.com/MF84uq8O4N
— Expo City Dubai (@expocitydubai) October 17, 2015
Driven by their desire to foster community through locally-inspired food concepts, Amal Al Marri and Deem Al Bassam established the Independent Food Company. It’s a hospitality venture based in the UAE. Presently, the company boasts a diverse portfolio of pioneering F&B establishments. Overall, it includes names like SALT, Switch, Parker’s, Grind, Somewhere, and Public.
These 10 locally-grown gems led by Arab women are like the ultimate squad goals. They’re not just defining trends; they’re rewriting the rulebook on entrepreneurship in the Middle East’s vibrant sandbox. So, as these fierce trailblazers continue to knock down barriers and serve up sass. Also, these powerful women are not just inspiring the next generation, they’re practically daring them to dream bigger and bolder. Watch out, world; Emirati women are here to slay!
Cover Image Courtesy: UAE Restaurants Group, Huda/ Insta
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