Forbes Middle East has unveiled its annual list of 40 Women Behind Middle East Brands to highlight the female entrepreneurs in the fashion and lifestyle space whose brands have achieved major global recognition.
Huda and Mona Kattan
First on the list are Dubai-based US-Iraqi sisters, who built a multi-million dollar beauty empire with their cosmetics label Huda Beauty, fragrance brand Kayali and skincare offering Wishful.Reem Acra
Hailing from Lebanon, the womenswear designer rose to prominence for her feminine ready-to-wear label and her bridal collections. Her creations have been worn by the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Angelina Jolie and Beyonce.Azza Fahmy, Amina and Fatma Ghali
Established in 1969, Egyptian label Azza Fahmy Jewelry is one of the earliest jewelry brands to emerge from our region.Dima Rashid
Coming in fourth is the Cairo-based Palestinian jeweler who launched her namesake brand Dima Jewelry in 2003.Gemy Maalouf
The Lebanese designer, which secured the fifth spot on the list, is known for her eponymous label’s feminine silhouettes, delicate fabrics and striking colors.Nour Hammour
The Paris-based designer of Syrian origin launched her namesake brand in 2013, with a focus on customizable leather jackets that have been championed by Bella Hadid and Hailey Bieber, to name a few.
