Meet MENA's 50 Over 50 Women 2023

Here are the trailblazers from MENA recognized in Forbes's second annual 50 Over 50: EMEA 2023 list, proving that age is no barrier to success.

- MAGGIE MCGRATH

Mona Ataya

Cofounder and CEO, Mumzworld

Age: 53

Country: U.A.E.

Founded in 2011 by CEO Ataya and CCO Leena Khalil, Mumzworld is the largest online marketplace for mothers in the Middle East. The platform counts 2.5 million users across the region, offering over 250,000 products for parents and children. The Dubai-based firm had raised a reported $50 million before Saudi Arabia's Tamer Group acquired a majority stake in 2021. Before settling in the U.A.E., Ataya worked in brand management at Proctor & Gamble in Ohio and for Johnson & Johnson in Switzerland. With her brother, the Palestinian entrepreneur later cofounded job-search site Bayt.com, before leaving to start Mumzworld. Ataya is an eTrade for Women Advocate for the UN Trade Agency, UNCTAD.

Salam Dakkak

Chef and Owner, Bait Maryam

Age: 59 

Country: U.A.E.