The grand ballroom of Intercity Hotel Muscat pulsed with energy and conviction. Over two days, leaders from business, diplomacy, entrepreneurship, and creative industries came together to speak, listen, and redefine what it means to lead in today’s Oman. The message that resonated throughout was clear –  leadership begins within.

Redefining Leadership: Beyond Balance and Barriers

The discussion began where leadership conversations often end with the question of balance. At the panel “Women in Leadership: Shaping Tomorrow,” an ensemble of Oman’s most influential executives shared candid insights that challenged long-held assumptions.

Lamees Al Lawati, Chief Financial Officer at Shell Oman, dismissed the traditional idea of work-life balance altogether. “Gone are the days when people were obsessed with balance,” she said. “When you learn to integrate both, the guilt disappears.”

Dr. Sora Al Rowas, CEO and Co-Founder of Al Sorat Consulting, balance is not a formula but a choice — one made possible by the people who stand beside you. Hanaa Al Hinai, CEO of Liva Insurance, admitted the struggle is real, but celebrated the shift in culture where even male colleagues are prioritising family. And Fatma Sultan Bahwan, Chief Commercial Officer of ALJABR, spotlighted a rising trend among young women launching businesses while still in university driven not by competition but by clarity of purpose.

Together, their voices painted a picture of leadership that is no longer about managing time, but mastering alignment between personal values and professional ambition.

The Entrepreneur’s Voice: Lessons in Self-Worth and Resilience

If the leadership panel examined integration, the “Power of Women in Business” panel peeled back the emotional layers of ambition itself.

Maryam Al Amri, Founder and CEO of Matterz Group, spoke of perseverance in the face of isolation. “We kept going when no one supported us,” she said, a quiet statement of defiance that echoed across the hall.

Varsha Roy, Finance Director at Adlife Hospital, offered a deeply personal reflection on self-criticism and perfectionism. “Speak to yourself with strength and kindness,” she urged. “It is the voice within us that speaks the loudest.”

For Lubna Al Zakwani, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Endemage, the journey was cultural and creative. “Every Omani city has its own traditional dress — the challenge was making it global,” she recalled, reflecting on how Muscat Fashion Week 2013 became a breakthrough moment for Omani design.

Marise Assaf, Founder and CEO of Kenshō Mindful Communications, challenged the myth that mentorship alone creates success. “Action is the antidote to fear,” she said. “Clarity comes from doing, not waiting.”

Their stories converged on one powerful truth leadership is not a title, it’s an act of courage repeated every day.

Diplomacy and Purpose: Voices from Beyond Borders

The “Ambassadors’ Forum: Shaping Change Beyond Borders” offered a global dimension to the HerStory narrative.

Her Excellency Ingrid Amer, Ambassador of Estonia to Oman, shared that the toughest barriers are often internal. “The glass ceiling was inside me,” she reflected.

Her Excellency Maartje Peters, Ambassador of the Netherlands, added that leadership begins with aligning values and purpose. “When your why is clear, the how follows naturally.”

Her Excellency Sumaiya Al Yarubi, Honorary Consul of New Zealand, shared how she once felt the need to project authority through appearance even dressing older to be taken seriously. Her honesty revealed how vulnerability itself can become a source of strength.

Their stories reminded the audience that diplomacy, like leadership, is about empathy and endurance — breaking invisible barriers one conversation at a time.

A Movement, Not Just a Moment

By the time the final award was announced, it was evident that the HerStory Oman Summit had transcended the boundaries of a traditional conference. It became a movement, a collective affirmation that women in Oman are no longer waiting for seats at the table; they are building new ones.

As Maimuna Al Sulaimani, one of Oman’s most respected legal figures, received the Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions to law, human rights, and public policy, the audience rose in applause that felt like a standing ovation for every woman’s untold story.

From boardrooms to classrooms, studios to embassies, the women of Oman are rewriting what leadership looks like inclusive, authentic, and fearlessly their own.

The HerStory Oman Summit & Awards 2025 did not end with applause; it began a new chapter. A call to action. A reminder that progress is not about perfection, but persistence — and that the story of leadership is, and always will be, her story.

From CEOs to community heroes, eleven remarkable women were honoured for their impact across leadership, entrepreneurship, education, innovation, and social change — marking a defining moment for women’s recognition in the Sultanate.

From Trailblazer to Lifetime Achiever: HerStory Oman Awards Crown Top Women Shaping the Nation’s Future

In a moment that will be remembered as a milestone in Oman’s journey toward inclusive leadership and gender equality, The Arabian Stories (TAS) unveiled the winners of the inaugural HerStory Oman Summit & Awards 2025, a grand celebration of women rewriting the narrative of success across industries and communities.

Held under the inspiring theme ‘Leading the Charge’, the summit proved to be a movement; a declaration that Omani women are not only participating in the nation’s progress, they are defining it.

From entrepreneurs breaking barriers to educators transforming the future, from corporate leaders to changemakers on the ground — HerStory shined a well-deserved spotlight on those making waves, both quietly and boldly.

HerStory Oman 2025 Award Winners: The Women at the Helm

Selected by an esteemed jury of industry leaders, academics, and legal minds, these eleven women were honoured for their excellence, vision, and impact:

Trailblazer of the Year – Nashwa Al Rawahy: Director of HMR Consultants, Nashwa is an environmental and sustainability professional who has led transformative work on large-scale projects in Oman and the U.S., including pioneering initiatives in green hydrogen. Her work is, indeed, shaping a greener and more sustainable future for Oman.

Voice of Change – Shatha Al Maskiry: Country Managing Director of Protiviti Oman, Shatha is a transformation leader with over 25 years of global experience. She’s also the driving force behind youth and community initiatives such as ‘Lahunna Oman’, making her one of the most respected leadership voices in the country. 

Entrepreneurial Excellence – Rajwa Al Ojaili: Partner and Chief Impact Officer at IDENTITY. Rajwa has more than 14 years of experience designing and leading multi-channel communication campaigns across sectors like luxury, telecom, automotive, and hospitality, she has built a legacy of creativity and strategy. A recipient of the Oman Woman of the Year Award in Communications, Rajwa is a home-grown success story — a communicator, a mentor, and a changemaker. 

Excellence in Education – Dr. Nabila Al Macki: Deputy Dean of Majan University College and Ex-Chairperson of the Oman Association for Quality in Higher Education, Dr. Nabila has been instrumental in raising the bar for academic quality, leadership, and student empowerment across the sector.

Rising Star – Linna Al Kendi: Associate at Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle, Linna is an accomplished lawyer recognised in Legal 500 EMEA 2024; she’s building an impressive reputation in corporate governance and dispute resolution.

Excellence in Corporate Leadership – Alya Al Raisi: Acting Head of Communications & Branding at OQ Exploration & Production, Alya has more than 15 years of experience spanning the banking and energy sectors. She has led strategic branding, corporate communications, and high-impact events across organisations including OQ, Orpic, Alizz Islamic Bank, and NBO. Alya is also known for building authentic narratives that elevate organisations and inspire people — a leader who truly blends vision with execution.

Excellence in Leadership – Khawla Al Amri: Acting Chief Corporate Services Officer at Ooredoo Oman, Khawla’s leadership is defined by strength, clarity, and an unwavering commitment to empowering others.

Woman in Startups – Walaa Hamdan: Chapter Director of Startup Grind Muscat, Walaa is a passionate coach and ecosystem builder dedicated to helping early-stage ventures grow and succeed.

Science & Innovation – Maryam Al Amri: Founder and CEO of Matterz Group, Maryam is an innovation leader and Certified Chief Innovation Officer. She has been instrumental in advancing Oman’s innovation ecosystem and currently serves as President of GInI Oman Chapter.

Community Hero – Wujood Al Zadjali: A mentor and advocate, Wujood dedicates her time to empowering women through entrepreneurship and skills development — quietly creating ripples of impact that uplift communities.

Lifetime Achievement – Maimuna Al Sulaimani: An accomplished Omani lawyer and Legal 500 GC Powerlist honouree, Maimuna is a trailblazer in her field. She has broken barriers, mentored many, and continues to inspire generations through her work, wisdom, and voice.

Voices That Inspired a Nation

The summit itself was a rich tapestry of ideas and energy. From thought-provoking keynotes to interactive panel discussions, the agenda was packed with insights on leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, and the role of women in reshaping society.

The speakers didn’t just reflect on the challenges women face — they offered a bold vision of what’s possible when women are not just included, but empowered.

Meet the Jury Behind the Vision

Behind the scenes, a powerhouse jury helped shape the narrative, lending their expertise and insight to carefully evaluate each nomination:

• Aisha Al Kharusi, Deputy Executive Chairperson, Modern College of Business and Science
• Dr. Yasmin Al Bulushi, Senior Advisor, Royal Academy of Management
• Reem Al Zadjali, Lawyer & Founder, Reem Al Zadjali Lawyers & Legal Consultants
• Rumaitha Al Busaidi, Business & ICV Development Manager, Hydrom
• Anne Kurian, Founder, Luxury Bulletin

Their collective vision ensured that the awards remained inclusive, transparent, and rooted in real-world impact.

A Call to Action

HerStory Oman Summit wasn’t only about applause and accolades; it was about opening doors. It was about creating a platform where stories are shared, role models are revealed, and the next generation is inspired.

With its inaugural edition setting a high bar, HerStory Oman is poised to become a flagship celebration of leadership, courage, and the transformative force of women in Oman.

Because in every corner of the country, there is a woman leading the charge — and now, her story is being heard.

This weekend, we celebrate not just the winners — but every woman with a dream, a vision, and the drive to make it real. Her story is Oman’s future.

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Celebrating Visionary Women: HerStory’s Editor’s Choice Award Winners Lead with Purpose

At the heart of the HerStory Oman Summit & Awards 2025, one set of honours stood out for spotlighting exceptional leadership, innovation, and impact — the Editor’s Choice Awards, presented by The Arabian Stories (TAS).

Chosen by the TAS editorial team, these awards recognised four trailblazers – plus one standout innovation – who embody the summit’s powerful theme: ‘Leading the Charge’. From corporate boardrooms to community change-making, the winners are reshaping the future with boldness and purpose.

CEO of the Year

Hanaa Al Hinai, CEO, Liva Insurance: A leader with over two decades of experience in banking, investments, and insurance, Hanaa has steered Liva Insurance through a period of remarkable expansion, innovation, and transformation. Her leadership is a testament to the power of inclusive and forward-thinking governance in Oman’s financial sector.

Financial Leadership & Innovation

Zaina Al Muhaidhri, Treasury & Risk Manager, Abraj Energy Services: Analytical acumen and innovative financial strategies have positioned Zaina as a standout in the energy sector. Her work in enterprise risk and treasury demonstrates both technical expertise and a powerful vision for growth.

Changemaker of the Year

Maryam Al Owaisi: A grassroots worker with unwavering commitment to social development, Maryam is recognised for her outstanding role in empowering students and creating pathways for leadership and success. Whether through advocacy or action, her impact reaches deep into the heart of Omani communities.

Innovation in Mobility

Changan CS75 Plus: The Award for Innovation and Mobility is an ode to the brand’s commitment to advancing automotive innovation and mobility solutions in Oman.

Corporate Achiever Award

Rubaina Al Balushi, Trade Marketing Lead, Mazoon Dairy Company: As a strategic leader of one of Oman’s most dynamic home-grown brands, Rubaina is well-known for driving creative strategies that strengthen the company’s footprint.

The Editor’s Choice Awards not only honoured success, but shined a light on what’s possible when leadership meets purpose. As these winners continue to inspire, their stories echo the larger vision of HerStory Oman — empowering every woman to lead, innovate, and thrive.