The London-founded organisation is now focusing on AI, digital economies and the next generation of Arab women leaders.
As conversations around women’s leadership, entrepreneurship and economic inclusion continue to evolve across the Middle East, one organisation marking a major milestone this year is the Arab International Women’s Forum (AIWF).
The London-based institution is celebrating 25 years of advocacy, cross-cultural dialogue and women’s economic empowerment across the Arab world and beyond.
Founded in 2001 by Haifa Al Kaylani OBE, AIWF was established with a clear mission: to strengthen business, cultural and development links between the Arab world and the international community while placing women at the centre of those conversations.
Over the past two and a half decades, the organisation has grown into one of the region’s most recognised platforms focused on women’s leadership, entrepreneurship and inclusive economic growth.
Why AIWF’s 25th Anniversary Matters in 2026
This year’s anniversary arrives at a moment when conversations around women’s participation in technology, artificial intelligence and the future economy are accelerating across the GCC and wider MENA region.
For 2026, AIWF says its strategic focus will centre on helping women navigate and succeed in AI-driven and digital economies.
The organisation plans to spotlight artificial intelligence as a new frontier for women’s economic empowerment while supporting Arab women entrepreneurs and tech leaders with mentorship, policy advocacy and professional networks.
“Twenty-five years ago, we founded AIWF on a clear belief that no society or national economy can reach its full potential while half of its human capital remains underutilised,” said Haifa Al Kaylani OBE, President and Founder of AIWF.
“What began as a vision to connect women from the Arab world with their counterparts internationally has grown into a powerful global platform for women’s economic empowerment and leadership.”
Supporting the Next Generation of Arab Women Leaders
One of AIWF’s most recognised initiatives is the Young Arab Women Leaders (YAWL) programme.
The initiative has already supported more than 3,000 young women across the Arab world through mentorship, leadership development and networking opportunities.
Designed to connect emerging talent with established business and policy leaders, the programme focuses on preparing young women for leadership roles across business, public service, education and innovation.
AIWF has also continued to advocate for stronger female representation on corporate boards and in senior executive positions across the region.
A Growing Focus on STEM, Sustainability and Climate Leadership
In recent years, AIWF has increasingly expanded its work into areas including sustainability, STEM, climate action and the future of work.
Through partnerships with organisations across the UAE and wider region, the Forum has convened conferences and produced research focused on women’s roles in climate resilience, food and water security, clean energy and emerging technologies.
The organisation argues that women’s leadership will play a critical role in shaping long-term economic and environmental resilience across the MENA region.
Looking Ahead to the Next 25 Years
To mark its anniversary, AIWF will host a programme of events and initiatives bringing together partners, policymakers, academics and business leaders from across the Arab world, the UK and the wider international community.
The celebrations are expected to focus not only on the organisation’s achievements over the past quarter century, but also on the future of women’s leadership in rapidly changing economies.
“As we look to the next 25 years, our mission remains as relevant and urgent as ever,” Al Kaylani said.
“We are committed to accelerating partnerships, strengthening opportunities for women and young people, and ensuring that the leadership of Arab women continues to transform economies and societies across the region and around the world.”
