While the Technical Jury ensures the selection process for the Woman of the Year Awards 2025 is thorough and transparent, the final decision lies with a distinguished panel of five individuals who form the Main Jury.
Tasked with the responsibility of evaluating the shortlisted candidates, this core group brings exceptional experience, integrity and insight to the table.
We are proud to present the six individuals who make up the Woman of the Year Awards 2025 Main Jury.
Ubaydli Ubaydli
A stalwart of Bahraini journalism and digital innovation, Ubaydli Ubaydli has spent over five decades shaping thought and advancing knowledge in the Arab world. Since 1970, he has contributed to numerous Arab publications, and his pioneering spirit led to the founding of Al-Fihrist in the 1980s, the first Arab index dedicated to periodical literature. His editorial leadership also extended to Scientific Horizons, a monthly scientific journal published through Afaaq Publishing Company.
Mr. Ubaydli’s contributions to Arab publishing were complemented by his efforts in technological development. From 1995 to 2016, he served as president of Al-Nadeem Information Technology, one of Bahrain’s earliest tech ventures promoting a virtual presence on the web. His entrepreneurial drive continued with the founding of Atyaf Holdings in 2017 and earlier ventures such as Dilmun Publishing Company in Cyprus.
Beyond publishing and IT, Mr. Ubaydli has played significant advisory roles, including with Ahlia University’s Department of ICT and the Board of Trustees at Ibn Khaldun National School. As president of the Arab ICT Union since 2018 and founder of BTECH, he has consistently advocated for digital advancement and regional cooperation.
Now, as a member of the Main Jury for the Woman of the Year Awards 2025, Mr. Ubaydli reflects on the importance of this role: “It is truly an honour to spotlight the dynamic and innovative spirit of Bahrain’s young women. Their fresh perspectives and unwavering commitment are essential to our nation’s future.”
He praises the efforts of UNIDO ITPO Bahrain, recognising their pivotal work in empowering women entrepreneurs: “Through initiatives like the EDIP programme, they have built an ecosystem where women can thrive and lead.”
By celebrating women’s achievements, Mr. Ubaydli believes we foster inclusivity, inspire future generations, and strengthen the fabric of national development.
Sonya Janahi
A trailblazer, Sonya Janahi has carved out an influential role as a business leader, advocate and mentor. As the Founder and CEO of Maya La Chocolaterie, Maya Delices and SJ Investments, Ms. Janahi has become synonymous with home-grown excellence, transforming her artisan chocolate brand into a globally recognised symbol of Bahraini innovation.
With over two decades of experience across banking, telecom, retail, oil and gas, investment and real estate, Ms. Janahi has not only led her own ventures to success but has also played a pivotal role in expanding her family business internationally through mergers, acquisitions and strategic partnerships.
A Certified Professional Chocolatier and mentor to Maya’s chefs, she continues to champion creativity and quality within the hospitality and F&B sectors. Her passion for turning local concepts into international franchises speaks to her broader commitment to placing Bahrain on the global stage.
Her influence extends well beyond the boardroom. Ms. Janahi holds numerous leadership positions, including Board Member of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Titular Member of the ILO Governing Body representing Employers, Vice President of the Asia Group of the International Organization of Employers, Vice Chair of the ICC National Committee, and Board of Trustees Member at the University of Bahrain. She is also the proud Ambassador for the Smile Initiative for Children with Cancer, underscoring her commitment to social impact.
As a member of the Main Jury for the Woman of the Year Awards 2025, Ms. Janahi says: “It’s an honour to be able to present women with an opportunity to shine. Women today are incredible and worldwide are doing some exceptional work, multitasking by supporting families and managing businesses at the same time and doing it with perfection. This is our chance for us to recognise them.”
Huda Janahi
Huda Janahi is a pioneering Bahraini entrepreneur and one of the Arab world’s most recognised business figures. She is the Founder of Global Cargo and Traveller Services, a company she established with just BD1,000 in start-up capital from a modest office in Muharraq. Despite facing initial rejection due to gender-based restrictions in the cargo industry, she persisted, eventually securing commercial registration through the support of the UNIDO Enterprise Development and Investment Promotion Programme.
Since launching her enterprise in 2001, Ms. Janahi has built a diversified business portfolio spanning services, retail, media and manufacturing. Her 2008 merger with Kuwait’s Global Logistic Company, valued at US$3 million, marked a significant milestone in her regional expansion. Today, she owns eight companies employing 85 staff, with her estimated net worth standing at US$25 million.
Her contributions to entrepreneurship have been widely recognised. Among her accolades are the Mohammad bin Rashid Award for Best Arab Start-Up (2005), the MENA Investor of the Year Award (2006) and the GCC Young Entrepreneur Award (2008). In 2008, she was named among the 50 Most Powerful Businesswomen in the Arab World by Forbes and was commended during the World Economic Forum by the President of the United States. UNIDO has since honoured her with the Leader Entrepreneur Award” and named her an Entrepreneurs Ambassador for her advocacy of women’s economic empowerment.
Ms. Janahi has served as an ambassador for Visa International, a jury member at international entrepreneurial forums including in Denmark, and remains active in national initiatives such as Injaz Bahrain. Her longstanding commitment to women’s advancement is underpinned by personal experience and professional success.
On her appointment to the Woman of the Year Awards 2025 Main Jury, she notes: “It is truly an honour to serve as a member of the jury. Being part of a platform that celebrates extraordinary women from diverse walks of life is both humbling and inspiring. I believe in the power of recognition to uplift, empower, and create a ripple effect of positive change across our communities. I’m proud to contribute to this meaningful celebration.
Recognising women’s achievements is essential – not only to honour their contributions, but also to break down barriers and challenge outdated stereotypes. When we celebrate women, we validate their impact and inspire future generations to aim higher.”
Noora AlNusuf
Noora AlNusuf is a seasoned corporate communications leader with over two decades of experience shaping brand, reputation and stakeholder engagement across the banking and investment sectors in the Gulf region. She currently serves as the Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand & Marketing (CABM) for Standard Chartered Bank across Bahrain, Iraq and Qatar.
In her current capacity, Ms. AlNusuf leads the CABM strategy for three diverse markets, overseeing a wide portfolio that includes public affairs, external media relations, client communications, digital engagement, community initiatives and the bank’s sustainability agenda. She is also the Chair of the Bahrain Association of Banks’ Sustainable Development Committee, underlining her commitment to embedding ESG priorities within the financial ecosystem.
Her previous leadership roles have included Head of CABM for Standard Chartered in the Middle East (formerly UAE), Regional Director of Communication at Abu Dhabi Investment House, Head of Corporate Communication at BBK and Marketing Communication Manager at Batelco. Her breadth of experience has allowed her to navigate complex regulatory environments, shape strategic narratives and build impactful communication frameworks across both corporate and public platforms.
Ms. AlNusuf holds a bachelor’s degree in International Affairs with a concentration in International Communication, along with a minor in Art Design from The George Washington University. Her academic and professional background together underscore her dual ability to deliver high-level strategic thinking and creative brand execution.
She says: “I am honoured and privileged to be a part of WOTYA 2025 and it will be personally very interesting for me to witness the various contributions of women to our community. It is important for us to celebrate achievements by every member of society, especially women, because they encourage and inspire others to take the same steps and do more, creating new opportunities for themselves.”
Tamara Hostal
Tamara Hostal is a pioneering force in fashion education and the creative industries, best known as the Founder and CEO of the French Fashion Institute, ESMOD Dubai. With over three decades of experience in fashion, marketing and international design communication, she has played a transformative role in shaping the region’s fashion education landscape.
Ms. Hostal began her professional journey with a degree in Economics and a DESS-MBA in Marketing Strategy. She went on to establish a global fashion and design communication agency in France, where she managed projects for renowned brands including Piaget, YSL, Guerlain, Yamamoto Kansai, Esprit, Hang Ten, and NafNaf. Her strategic insights and design leadership helped export the signature ‘French touch’ to global markets.
Her ties to the Middle East began in 1994 as a consultant for local brands, eventually leading her to relocate permanently to Dubai in 2003. There, she launched ESMOD Dubai, the first and only French fashion institute in the region, which has since become a benchmark in fashion education across the GCC. Under her leadership, the institute has empowered countless young designers, many of whom have gone on to launch their own successful fashion labels.
In addition to her work in education, Ms. Hostal is a respected consultant in textile innovation, styling and trend forecasting. She is a regular speaker at global forums, including the Abu Dhabi Culture Summit, World Entrepreneur Investment Forum in Manama, and the World Free Zone Congress in Dubai, where she promotes the creative economy and sustainability through the lens of cultural heritage.
She states: “I am very happy to support women from different cultures and worldwide, as part of the Fashion Creation industry myself! It is like having a common language to emphasise tradition, modernity and craftsmanship.
“I’m truly honoured to be a member of the Jury for WOTYA 2025. It’s a privilege to witness and support the incredible impact women are making across industries and communities. Celebrating women and highlighting their achievements is about reshaping narratives and inspiring future generations.”
Nivedita (Nivs) Dhadphale
Nivedita (Nivs) Dhadphale is a seasoned marketing professional, CSR strategist and advocate for mental health and inclusion. A British national residing in Bahrain for nearly three decades, she is the Founder of ConsultNivs, a consultancy focused on community engagement and sustainable corporate social responsibility.
Ms. Dhadphale is also the creator of Bahrain For All (BH4ALL), a landmark event launched in 2013 that champions unity in diversity. The 2018 edition, held at Prince Khalifa bin Salman Park, drew over 50,000 visitors.
Her journey into entrepreneurship was formalised through the Enterprise Development and Investment Promotion (EDIP) Programme, graduating with its 100th cohort in 2018. The course helped her transform her passion into a structured business model, enabling her to guide companies in aligning CSR objectives with genuine community impact. Through ConsultNivs, she supports brands in using their platforms for sustainable and inclusive growth.
Ms. Dhadphale’s work is rooted in both professional acumen and a humanitarian vision. She has worked closely with the special needs community in Bahrain and the UK, and continues to advise institutions on deploying CSR budgets effectively to serve social goals while enhancing brand equity.
On her role with WOTYA 2025, she says: “I’m truly honoured to be part of the jury. It’s a privilege to contribute to a platform that recognises the strength, resilience and achievements of women making a real difference.
“Highlighting women’s accomplishments challenges stereotypes and builds a culture where their contributions are visible, valued and remembered.”
