It is the second crack in Saudi Arabia’s glass ceiling in a month.
Earlier this week, Sarah Al Suhaimi was named chief executive of the investment banking arm of Saudi Arabia’s National Commercial Bank (NCB). Not only is this the first time a woman has held such a post, but it is at the largest asset manager in the country.
The appointment follows that of Somayya Jabarti as the first female editor of a national newspaper, the Jeddah-based Saudi Gazette. While women's freedom remains restricted in the kingdom, many are beginning to make their mark in the world of business thanks to high levels of education.
Fittingly, Ms Al Suhaimi’s appointment comes in advance of International Women’s Day on Saturday, when the achievements of women will be celebrated around the world.
Ms Al Suhaimi is considered a “rising star” in the world of banking. She arrives at NCB from Jadwa Investment, where she was head of asset management and chief investment officer.
The announcement also comes as CEO Magazine revealed its list of the 100 most powerful Arab women in the world.
For the fourth consecutive year, the UAE’s first female minister, Sheikha Lubna Al Qassimi, the nation’s foreign trade chief, heads the list.
She beat the Saudi movie director Haifa Mansour, whose film Wajda, about a rebellious girl dreaming of a bicycle, picked up two awards at the recent Dubai Film Festival.
In third place is Reem Ibrahim Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State and the managing director of the Dubai World Expo 2020 Bid Committee. In fourth place is Princess Ameerah Al Taweel, wife of Prince Al Waleed bin Talal.
Emiratis and Saudis dominate the list, with 24 and 16 entrants respectively. Of the listed women, 15 are entrepreneurs, 25 are chief executives and the remainder represent the arts and social organisations.
lgutcher@thenational.ae
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