Haifa Al Kaylani OBE was honoured to join the Official Launch Event of the PRME Working Group on Global Women and Leadership (GWAL) and to deliver keynote reflections on Economic Empowerment of Women through Education at Al Ain University on 20 May 2026.
In her remarks, she reflected on the importance of lifelong learning and responsible management education, the need for more women-led research and policy scholarship in the Arab world, and the vital role of leadership development in supporting women’s advancement across sectors. She also spoke about the transformative impact of AI literacy and digital skills in preparing the next generation of women leaders and entrepreneurs for a rapidly evolving global economy.
As we celebrate 25 years of the Arab International Women’s Forum in 2026, it is more evident than ever that education remains the foundation of sustainable empowerment, inclusive prosperity, entrepreneurship, and peace. Across the GCC and wider MENA region, women are making extraordinary advances in higher education, STEM, entrepreneurship, public leadership, and innovation. Yet there is still important work ahead to ensure that educational achievement translates fully into economic participation, leadership opportunities, and influence in shaping the future economy.
It was also a pleasure to hear from distinguished speakers Fozia Fayyaz Ahmad and Supriya Verma in this important conversation on inclusive leadership, sustainability, and the future of women’s empowerment. The future prosperity of our societies depends on fully engaging the talent, creativity, and leadership of women. Investing in women’s education is a social imperative, an economic necessity and a strategic investment in innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth.
AIWF extends sincere thanks to Dr. Iffat Sabir, Deputy Dean of the College of Business at Al Ain University, and the GWAL leadership for the kind invitation to be there with you all, and for convening such an important global dialogue on women’s leadership, responsible management education, research, and skills development. We are especially proud to count Al Ain University as a valued MoU partner of the Arab International Women’s Forum, and we all look forward to continued collaboration into the future.
