After an extensive nomination and interview process with hundreds of talented women, the final 50 nominees for the Woman of the Year Awards 2024 were revealed at a powerful ceremony at The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa.
In this article, we profile all 50 nominees across five broad categories and 18 individual awards. The winners will be announced at the grand finale gala on December 2.
ENGINEERING & TECHNICAL
Women in Architecture, Construction and Real Estate
Eman Mohamed Almannai:
A trailblazing real estate expert with 19 years of experience, known for selling over 6,000 units and launching the #welcometomybahrain initiative.
Tanima Chakravorty:
She champions women in leadership roles, drives innovation in construction and electrical services, and promotes sustainability
Anastasia Ageeva:
A pioneering real estate agent who transformed Bahrain’s industry by founding the Amwaj Lifestyle Community and leveraging social media for property marketing.
Women in Aviation
Hend Alawadhi:
A pioneering aircraft engineer inspiring young women through her social media journey and community outreach.
Nagma A. Ansari:
An aviation expert with 20 years of experience, currently overseeing lost baggage operations at Qatar Airways.
Women in Science, Technology and Engineering
Dr Hanan Albuflasa:
One of the most prominent scientists in Bahrain in the field of sustainability, environment and renewable energy, recognised for her contributions to international projects and efforts to establish Bahrain as a low-carbon sustainable economy.
ARTISTIC & CREATIVE
Women in Art & Design
Leena Al Ayoobi:
Bahraini artist blending Japanese manga with local folklore, a pioneer in the NFT art scene in the MENA region.
Rand Alkishtaini:
Interior decorator turning art into functional furniture, collaborating with artists to create unique decor pieces.
Riddhi Nair:
Versatile artist crafting nature-inspired works across diverse media, promoting sustainability in fashion and decor.
Women in Fashion
Nada Alawi:
Founder of an affordable luxury brand transforming art into fashion accessories and lifestyle creations.
Nadia Almoosa:
Started a fashion line printing custom designs on cotton fabrics and designing jalabiyas using these fabrics.
Dr. Shweta Kinra Kaira:
Fashion education expert with 26 years of experience specialising in textiles and clothing, creator of innovative programmes fostering student growth and collaborations.
Women in Jewellery
Ella Prakash:
An artist, designer and entrepreneur transforming her contemporary art into innovative jewellery and fashion designs.
Hajer Ghani:
Jewellery designer inspired by Bahrain and Arab culture, crafting each piece to tell a story.
Marwa AlHussaini:
First Bahraini jewellery designer to introduce 3D designs, owning a studio, retail shop and manufacturing facility.
Women in Entertainment
Ranya Malovic:
Performing artist and one of the first women to own and run an artist management agency in Bahrain.
Victoria Shaban:
An IDTA-accredited dance teacher and founder of a dance school, with over 15 years of experience teaching students of all ages.
Anna Nazimova:
A visionary cellist owning an event management company, she uses her creative flair to craft unique, locally sourced performances.
HEALTH, HOSPITALITY, EDUCATION, PHILANTHROPY
Women in Health
Dr. Fatema Marhoon:
A genetic counsellor specialising in personalised medicine and autism awareness.
Dr. Sara Al-Reefy:
A breast and oncoplastic surgeon who revolutionised cancer care in Bahrain with innovative clinics.
Dr. Lamya Mahmood:
A leading laser dentist in the GCC with over 27 years of experience, recognised for her innovative contributions and successful dental and medical ventures.
Women in Hospitality
Fatima Ali:
As Security Manager, she revolutionised security operations with a digital system, improving efficiency and response times.
Zahra Ebrahim:
Rose to Marketing Manager, known for innovative guest engagement and data-driven strategies in hospitality marketing.
Maryam Al Maskati:
Transformed HR, digitalising processes and fostering an efficient, supportive team environment.
Women in Education
Dr. Nehal El Naggar:
Promoted entrepreneurship in Bahrain, guiding students to win awards, and mentoring startups in various industries.
Victoria Labdon:
Established three schools in Bahrain, providing affordable English education to underprivileged communities.
Anthonia Eboseremen Bamidele:
An accomplished academic, and founder of Bahrain’s first Writing Clinic at her university, having international recognition for her contributions to education and writing.
Women in Philanthropy
Dr. Julie Sprakel:
Founder of Think Pink Bahrain, advancing breast cancer care and awareness, co-authoring National Breast Cancer Guidelines, and leading innovative projects like the ‘I Check Think Pink’ app.
Zahra Abdul Malik:
A pioneering horticulturist in Bahrain, promoting gardening in Bahrain’s desert climate. She is the Chairwoman of Bahrain Garden Club, instrumental in educating and inspiring gardening enthusiasts.
Marietta Dias:
Advocate for migrant workers’ rights in Bahrain for over 56 years, co-founder of the Migrant Workers Protection Society, dedicated to improving the lives of low-paid migrant workers.
LIFESTYLE AND MEDIA
Women in Beauty
Buthaina Alshomili:
A dynamic entrepreneur, owns salons and a coffee shop, known for innovative beauty services like exclusive hijab-styling for weddings.
Badia Dhrari:
A beauty business expert with over 25 years of experience, specialising in guiding salon owners and providing recruitment, training and opening academies.
Usha Govindram:
Promoting natural and organic wellness treatments alongside mainstream services, focusing on personalised wellness solutions.
Women in Media
Dana Zubari:
An advocate for a healthy lifestyle and balanced living, a lifestyle influencer, who inspires her audience to prioritise self-care while actively contributing to community charitable initiatives.
Raji Unnikrishnan:
A journalist with over two decades of experience, a passionate storyteller of human interest stories, hosting shows and moderating panels with influential figures across the region.
Evangeline ‘Nanju’ Reyes Francisco:
Founder of Pinoy Aksyon News and a multimedia journalist, engaging the Filipino community in Bahrain through her online newspaper and YouTube channel.
Women in Motoring
Safa Matar:
A PMP-certified marketing expert who introduced agile project management for an automobile launch, and digitally promoting hybrid technology in the automotive sector.
Marwa Al Derazi:
Transformed after-sales automotive marketing with educational content boosting customer trust, launched a successful app, and enhanced customer engagement for a healthy lifestyle and balanced living through AI and data analysis.
Priya Shankar:
A passionate biker, she organised charity rides like the Think Pink ride for cancer awareness, and completed challenging European bike tours as a certified road captain.
Women in Sports
Nadeen Yateem:
The first Bahraini woman to compete in Muay Thai, starting her training at 17.
Madhu Sarda:
A mountaineer who began climbing after 40, aiming to conquer the tallest peaks on all seven continents.
Shaikha Al Shaiba:
A Bahraini para-athlete, the first differently-abled person to complete the Bahrain Half Iron Man, and is a 2019 Paris Marathon finisher.
BUSINESS FINANCIAL & SERVICE
Women in Banking & Finance
Dr Nasreen Al Qaseer:
A risk management expert with extensive experience in global banking and regulatory compliance.
Eman Deabil:
A seasoned transformational leader and senior management consultant in banking, and finance and an expert in project and portfolio management
Women in Business
Pooran Alansari:
An innovative educator and entrepreneur who owns and operates four schools in Bahrain from preschool to age 12.
Naz Grimley:
An entrepreneur in Bahrain’s health and wellness sector, revolutionised personalised medicine offering tailored vitamin supplements, Ivy therapy and comprehensive DNA-level treatments.
Dr Lulwa Almutaq:
A distinguished educator who has contributed to human resource development, education and women’s empowerment.
Women in Innovation
Huda Radhi:
A visionary entrepreneur, founder of an innovative EdTech software for special needs students, a mentor of entrepreneurs and committed to social impact.
Sonya Janahi:
A founder of pioneering innovative F&B concepts with international franchise potential across the GCC, and a Certified Professional Chocolatier from Ecole Chocolat.
Cristina Fulgencio:
Founder of an innovative platform revolutionising artist bookings, and recognised as a top women-led startup.
