It appears the world of leadership is no longer reserved for the few. In the our region, where ambition meets innovation, conversations about empowerment are growing ever bolder, more candid, and undeniably urgent.

Returning for its third edition, the Women to Watch Conference 2026 has blossomed from a celebration of women’s achievements into a stage for voices of all kinds – from women, men, allies, and rising stars to challenge conventions, confront invisible barriers, and redefine leadership for a swiftly changing world.

This year, we explore the realities rarely spoken aloud: the challenges of young professionals entering the workforce, invisible barriers like bias, corporate culture, and subtle workplace aggressions, as well as women’s health, invisible disabilities, and the unseen pressures that shape careers.

And, of course, the evening shall shine with the Women to Watch Awards, honouring trailblazing women and the allies championing meaningful progress across industries.

More than a platform for recognition, Women to Watch is a catalyst for progress, celebrating how far we’ve come while driving the change still needed.

Whether you are a rising leader, seasoned executive, or committed ally, this is your invitation to listen, learn, converse, and lead, with curiosity, courage, and style.

Diving Into the Real Issues: Key Ongoing Discussions

1. The Broken Leadership Ladder & Power Networks – Why capable women are still overlooked and how to navigate influence in the workplace.
2. What Does the Next Generation of Women Want? – Insights from young trailblazers shaping the future of leadership.
3. Who Gets the Capital? – Addressing funding gaps for female founders and lessons from those scaling beyond the region.
4. The Silent Barrier: Neurodiversity in the Workplace – Understanding invisible differences and building inclusive organizations.
5. Real Talk Sessions – Executives share failures, lessons, and insights rarely spoken aloud.
6. Building a Supportive Ecosystem – Harnessing the power of mentorship, sponsorship, and networks.
7. Digital Transformation & Women – Exploring how technology reshapes opportunity, leadership, and impact.
8. The Double Expectations Problem – Balancing cultural identity with global career ambitions.
9. Microaggressions at Work – How small biases create long-term barriers to confidence and opportunity.
10. Burnout in High-Achieving Cultures – Examining the hidden cost of success in competitive economies.
11. The Invisible Cycle: Health & Productivity – Exploring how menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause affect professional life.
12. Mental Health & Resilience – Strategies for building strength in adversity and sustaining high performance.
13. The Male Allyship Reality Check – Moving beyond words to actionable support for women in the workplace.

Date: 16 September, 2026 – Thursday
Location: United Arab Emirates

INTERESTED IN SPEAKING OPPORTUNITIES?

*Note: Nomination does not guarantee your confirmation as a speaker and the team will evaluate the nomination before getting back to you.

WOMEN TO WATCH AWARDS

It has come to our attention that across the UAE, an extraordinary circle of individuals is redefining leadership, innovation, and inclusion, sometimes in quiet defiance, and at other times in ways far too remarkable to ignore. The Women to Watch Awards 2026 exist for one simple purpose: to ensure such names are not merely admired in passing, but celebrated in full.

From enterprising founders and visionary technologists to dedicated mentors, steadfast allies, and bold changemakers, these awards honour those who are breaking barriers and shaping meaningful progress within their organizations and communities.

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE

As an initiative of our upcoming Women to Watch Conference 2026, we invite you to celebrate women in your life who inspire you to grow and become the best version of yourself.

Who may put forth a nomination?
Pray, let it be known, anyone! Be you a gentleman or a lady, a director or an executive, from the realms of marketing, technology, or retail… Your voice holds weight in this celebration.

Fill out this form and nominate your boss, colleague, work-bestie as a woman that drives change, inspires & motivates you and we will feature them on our social platforms as a part of our W2W Hall of Fame.

INTERESTED IN PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES OR HAVE AN INQUIRY?