Forbes Middle East's annual list of the region's most powerful female leaders for 2023 ranks the female leaders championing business success in the region and beyond. Based on the size of the company, the individual's impact, achievements, and performance in the last year, and the scope of the company's CSR and other initiatives, the list was compiled.

There are eight Kuwaiti women on the list, which is dominated by banking and financial services.

Hana Al Rostamani, Group CEO of First Abu Dhabi Bank and Raja Easa Al Gurg, Chairperson & Managing Director of Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group are holding the top two entries on the list.

Shaikha Al-Bahar, the Deputy Group CEO of NBK is in 4th place. Wadha Al-Khateeb, CEO of KNPC is in 6th place. Group CEO of KIPCO Dana Nasser Al Sabah is on 12th place and Chairperson of Agility Henadi Al-Saleh is on 20th position on the list.

Others on the list are Zain Kuwait CEO Eaman Al Roudhan (22nd), CEO of Ahli United Bank of Kuwait Jehad Al-Humaidi (34th), Nadia Bader Al-Hajji - CEO of Petrochemical Industries Company (PIC) (35th) and CEO & Vice Chairman of United Projects for Aviation Services Company (UPAC) Nadia Akil (88th).

The list also includes two Indians Renuka Jagtiani (Chairwoman of Landmark Group) and Poonam Bhojani (CEO - Innoventures Education).