WEEK TWO: A FEMALE FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH
Continuing the Raemona 40 over FORTY for its 4th year!
Here are the next ten of our inspiring Raemona 40 over Forty list for 2025!
This week we showcase ten amazing women from around the world, today based in the UAE and wider GCC region, from the worlds of publishing, healthcare, photography, dermatology, real estate, HR & Emiratisation, PR, business and beauty, fashion, and brand. Every one of them is making big moves - and we can’t wait to see what 2025 will see for them. Inspiring, powerful, but importantly, ‘walking the walk’ - these make up our ‘force to be reckoned with’ list.
This year, we are celebrating the force that is women over forty - whether a force for good, a force for change or a force to be reckoned with - we know that with age not only comes wisdom but also the power of experience and knowledge.
We’ll be sharing our 40 over FORTY every Monday in March 2025, and we can’t wait to share the other 20 ladies on the list throughout the month, but for now, meet this second group of 10 fabulous women.
• Sarah Omolewu - Founder - Maven Marketing & Events
As an American who has lived in the Gulf for over a decade, Sarah helps U.S. brands expand into the region through franchise opportunities and joint ventures, and is the ‘go to’ for bringing global A-listers and brands into the region
Omolewu co-founded a boutique marketing and PR agency in Atlanta, Georgia, before moving to Dubai and founding Maven Marketing and Events. She got her start in the entertainment industry working in sales at V-103FM, a radio station in Atlanta. Recognising the untapped entertainment market in Dubai, she has pioneered several firsts in the region. Sarah also led the first female-owned agency to secure talent for the Saudi market. Over 15 years in the UAE, Sarah has built a reputation for herself as the person who could garner high-quality press for brands and personalities. Less than a year into opening her business in the UAE, she had an idea to create a Dubai version of the NBA All-Star Weekend, which ultimately morphed into the Kobe Bryant Health and Wellness Weekend. It stemmed from Bryant’s brand manager reaching out to her, asking what they could collaborate on. From that event, she became the first private agency to organize a major red carpet event in the UAE with the star of the movie, Will Smith, in attendance for the Suicide Squad premiere. In addition, Omolewu was the first to bring celebrity clothing line pop-up stores to Dubai (Jaden and Willow Smith’s MSFTS and Nicole Richie House of Harlow 1960).
While the world shut down during the pandemic, Omolewu worked on launching another company, Maven Global Access, and launching Access Abu Dhabi. The program launched last November with a number of celebrities and high-profile businessmen and women, including Christina Milian and former NBA star Metta World Peace. Now 4 years into the partnership with Invest Abu Dhabi - she supports the expansion of minority and women-led businesses to the UAE capital.
Omolewu is passionate about helping other women fulfil their dreams. She continues to coach entrepreneurs and mentors young women, encouraging them to “Live Urgently”.
• Dr. Radmila Lukian - Founder, Lucia Clinic
Dr. Radmila Lukian is both a dermatologist and a visionary in aesthetic medicine. As the founder and chief physician of Lucia Clinic in Dubai, she's become the go-to expert for those seeking radiant, youthful skin, including A-list celebrities from the worlds of fashion, entertainment, and sports. Notably, Dr. Radmila is go to Dr to Lindsay Lohan - an aesthetic transformation that has had the world asking “Who*is* her Dr?” Dr Radmila has also treated Naomi Campbell, Eva Longoria, and Mona and Huda Kattan. She’s also worked with Dubai Blind’s Diva Dee and Khalid Al Ameri.
Internationally trained and certified, with board certifications in both Europe and America, Dr. Lukian's expertise is globally recognized. She's a leading authority on the latest dermatological trends, frequently sharing her insights as a keynote speaker at international conferences. Her dedication to continuous learning and innovation ensures her clients receive the most cutting-edge treatments available.
Dr. Lukian's philosophy goes beyond skin deep. She advocates for a holistic approach to beauty, emphasizing the importance of a healthy diet, stress reduction, and exercise alongside her bespoke cosmetic treatments. She treats each patient's skin as if it were her own, creating personalized beauty regimens that address individual needs and promote long-lasting radiance.
With a career spanning two decades, Dr. Lukian has perfected the complexions of Dubai's most discerning residents and influential international visitors. Her aesthetic sense and skill have empowered countless individuals to age gracefully and confidently, making her one of the most sought-after aesthetic professionals in the world.
• Zeina Khoury - Owner, Zed Capital and Reality TV Star
Zeina Khoury is the Lebanese-born, Dubai-based real estate mogul who has built her fortune through multiple endeavours. She has been the president of Zed Capital Real Estate, and the founder of the fashion startup brand I Am The Company since February 2023. Khoury also spent a decade as the CEO of High Mark Real Estate Brokers, where she managed a portfolio of high-end properties for Palazzo Versace Dubai and D1 Tower among other luxury properties in the city. For reality TV fans however and those women over 40 who may have seen ‘Dubai Bling’ - there was one person who stood out, for all the *right* reasons.
Zeina moved to Dubai in 2006 seeking opportunity and stability amidst political unrest in Lebanon. She has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Notre Dame University and then went on to take classes at Columbia Business School and the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton Online School, before receiving an executive master’s degree in business administration and management from London Business School (Dubai) in 2022.
Since 2006, she has built a successful business, found love, and started a family. Zeina credits Dubai with securing her and her children's future and providing a safe and supportive environment to thrive. She participated in Dubai Bling to showcase the city that has given her so much and to share her life as an independent and successful individual.
Zeina stresses the importance of investing in one’s self, and says “Invest in your education, in yourself, in your skill, and then you take the money and invest it again. And then invest it later in big brands.” “I chose to put my money into real estate. Every single Dirham I made in Dubai for the first four-five years, so I managed to get the original amount plus the premium… this is how I built myself in Dubai”.
• Fatima Alloghani, Founder and Managing Owner of Born2Localize
Fatima Alloghani is the founder and Managing Owner of Born2Localize, a consultancy specialising in Emiratisation strategies. With over 20 years of multi-industry experience, Fatima has held key roles at Schlumberger Oil and Gas Services, Dubai World, Etihad Airways, Total ABK Academy, Abu Dhabi Terminals, Expo 2020 Dubai, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, and Majid Al Futtaim Group.
Fatima led Majid Al Futtaim Group’s initiative to hire 3,000 Emiratis in five years, successfully onboarding over 2,000 UAE nationals and implementing the group’s first comprehensive Emiratisation framework. At Expo 2020 Dubai, she launched transformative programs like Expo Gen, inclusion programs (POD), and a national talent legacy plan.
Fatima holds a master’s degree in global HR management from the University of Liverpool and is pursuing a doctorate at the University of Strathclyde Business School. Her contributions have earned her the “Making an Impact on Nationalization” award at the GCC GOV HR in 2019 and recognition as a LinkedIn Top Voice.
A fervent advocate for youth empowerment, Fatima frequently shares her expertise on HR best practices, talent retention, and employee engagement at high-profile conferences and workshops.
Through Born2Localize, Fatima continues to inspire and partner with organizations to build sustainable, inclusive workforces that embody the UAE’s vision for a prosperous, talent-driven future.
• Haiku Desesto - Managing Director and Senior Photographer & Videographer at Hyku D Photography
Hyku Desesto took a leap of faith and arrived in Dubai in 2010. Taking various jobs and supporting her family at home in the Philippines, with a passion and talent for capturing moments on film, and a degree in mass communication, she persevered, eventually finding her footing in a photography studio. A twist of fate led her to shooting her first campaign, and she soon established her own venture, Soul Trap Studio.
Hyku is now a director, photographer, videographer, brand ambassador, and entrepreneur. Fully driven by the support of her UAE based father's unwavering work ethic and a passion for her craft, Hyku has forged her own path to become one of the most sought-after photography and videography studios for regional and global brand campaigns and agencies, now operating as Hyku D Photography. Hyku's talent allows her to collaborate with Netflix, Louis Vuitton, and Vogue, and work with high-profile celebrities. Her rise was recognized by international publications, and she was hailed as one of Dubai’s Coolest Female Entrepreneurs by Harper's Bazaar.
In 2020, Hyku adapted to the constraints of the pandemic, encouraging her staff to learn new skills and initiating outreach programs for migrant workers. Her commitment to helping others led her to provide assistance and support, earning her the JCI Philippines' The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) award. Hyku is continuously paving the way for other Filipinos in Dubai's creative industry. Her philosophy in life is “to show everything’s best side, always seeing the positive attributes in people, giving second chances, believing in better and continually seeking to expand her network of shiny happy people”.
• Huda Kattan - Founder & Owner, Huda Beauty
Needing little introduction to anyone in the UAE, Huda Kattan is a beauty mogul, makeup artist, and entrepreneur who transformed her passion for beauty into a billion-dollar Dubai-based cosmetics empire. Born in Oklahoma to Iraqi parents, she studied finance but found her true calling in makeup artistry. After working as a freelance makeup artist and beauty blogger, Huda was already a social media sensation, influencer and highly respected within the industry. She launched Huda Beauty in 2013, initially selling false eyelashes. The brand quickly expanded to include a full range of cosmetics, gaining the cult following it enjoys worldwide today.
In 2018, Huda Beauty expanded into skincare with Wishful and in 2021, launched Kayali, a fragrance line co-founded with her sister Mona Kattan. In February 2025, it was announced that Huda Beauty had sold its ownership in Kayali to General Atlantic, and will now operate as an independent company, with Mona continuing on as CEO.
The separation of the businesses comes after years of developing Kayali as a “globally renowned Middle Eastern brand” recognised for its gourmand fragrances and scent layering.
Huda announced that Huda Beauty will fully redeem the ownership interest that minority shareholder TSG Consumer has held in the cosmetics company since 2017.
With this move, Huda Beauty is making history as one of the few established beauty brands to return to full founder ownership. Huda Kattan will continue to lead Huda Beauty, independently in a bid to continue driving the brand to new heights as a global beauty powerhouse.
• Dima Ayad - Founder, Dima Ayad
Dima Ayad's journey began with a simple yet powerful frustration: the lack of inclusive fashion options in Dubai. This frustration ignited a fearless entrepreneurial spirit, propelling her to launch her eponymous clothing label in 2011. Born from a personal need, her brand quickly evolved into a statement on body inclusivity, challenging industry norms and championing the idea that fashion should be accessible to all sizes. The Dubai-based Lebanese offers dresses, kaftans, abayas, and jackets and dressed Melissa McCarthy for the premier of The Little Mermaid in 2023. Other celebrities that have worn the brand include Ashley Graham, Ghizlan Guenez and Karen Wazen.
Ayad initially juggling her label with a successful career in hospitality and PR, honed invaluable business and marketing skills that would later fuel her fashion venture. She fearlessly navigated the challenges of the fashion world with no formal training, learning through experience and her innate understanding of the market gap. Her persistence paid off, with early collections selling out and gaining recognition from key retailers.
Despite early setbacks and the need to balance her fashion passion with her day job, Ayad's commitment to inclusivity remained unwavering. She has pushed boundaries, using her own platform to showcase her designs and challenge the lack of representation in the industry. The Dima Ayad brand has become synonymous with stylish, well-fitting clothing for all women, a message that has resonated deeply in the region and beyond. What started as a personal quest for stylish clothing has transformed into a thriving fashion empire, leaving an indelible mark on the region's fashion landscape.
• Perihan Abouzeid - Founder & CEO, PeriCare
Perihan Abouzeid is a seasoned entrepreneur with a background in tech and a passion for maternal well-being. Upon founding fem-tech pioneer PeriCare, Perihan’s journey began with a desire to create impactful solutions for the challenges faced by mothers during postnatal care. Her motivation stems from a personal experience that drove her to pioneer change in the industry - specifically by empowering the journey of breastfeeding - advocating for both maternal support and supporting corporations and workplaces in their own support needs for women returning to the workplace.
In 2025, Perihan has proudly created the International Breastfeeding Summit, a revolutionary global conference set to transform the landscape of breastfeeding science, innovation, and policy. Taking place in Dubai in April, this first-of-its-kind event will bring together leading scientists, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and industry innovators to explore the future of breastfeeding and maternal health.
Perihan says “The International Breastfeeding Summit isn’t just about discussions—it’s about driving real, evidence-based change that will shape how mothers and babies are supported worldwide.”
As the UAE marks 2025 as the Year of Community, the Summit aligns with the nation's vision of fostering initiatives that support families and maternal well-being. By bringing together global experts and providing hands-on support for mothers, Perihan and PeriCare are reinforcing their commitment to empowering women and advancing maternal health as a cornerstone of thriving communities.
• Kate Midttun - CEO, Acorn Strategy
Kate Midttun is a dynamic leader with over 20 years of experience in strategic marketing and communications. She is the force behind UAE-based Acorn Strategy, a global agency that has tripled in size under her leadership, gaining international recognition and multiple industry awards from MEPRA, MENTL, PRCA, and Transform.
Kate is deeply committed to positive social impact. This is demonstrated by Acorn Strategy's pursuit of B-Corp certification, award-winning mental health initiatives recognised recently by the Mentl Awards, and support for community initiatives, CSR efforts, and volunteering. She champions diversity in the workplace, with her team representing over 15 nationalities.
Kate also serves as Chair of the Middle East PR Association (MERPA), having been voted in for her third year recently, and sits on the Executive Board of The Marketing Society. She is a newly appointed Trustee of The PR Trust, an organisation focused on empowering aspiring communication professionals. As part of Acorn’s commitment to the Future Communicators Foundation, the firm will sponsor an annual academic scholarship at US$ 2500 over 4 years.
Lara Mansour, Vice President, Brand, ADNOC Group
As Vice President of Brand at ADNOC Group, in Abu Dhabi, Lara Lara leads with emotional intelligence and empathy, fostering a supportive work environment where vulnerability is seen as a strength. She highlights ADNOC’s progress in diversity and inclusion, with more women in leadership roles, though work remains to ensure equal opportunities. Balancing motherhood with leadership, Lara encourages boldness and prioritising both career and family goals. She advocates for flexible policies, mentorship, and authentic leadership, urging women to embrace their uniqueness, build networks, and support each other’s success to create a thriving, inclusive workplace.
She is responsible for driving strategic brand initiatives with over 20 years of experience. A seasoned brand marketing strategist and communications specialist, she has overseen growth for diverse organisations from startups to established corporations across sectors including aerospace, healthcare, energy, and financial services. Lara has extensive experience with Abu Dhabi Government organizations, notably powering strategic milestones at Mubadala. Passionate about raising industry standards, she founded Brandly Works in 2016. A Central St. Martins College of Art & Design graduate with international experience, Lara brings a unique blend of agency and client-side expertise to every project.
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