Top 100 Arabs 2024

Maryam Al Suwaidi is the fi rst female CEO of the Securities and Commodities Authority in the UAE. She has under her ambit, the legislative framework for the development and strengthening of capital markets in the UAE, including the Dubai Financial Market, Abu Dhabi Stock Exchange, and the Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange.

The SCA regulations may also apply to institutions registered in free zones such as Dubai International Financial Centre or the Abu Dhabi Global Markets, especially if there is a mutual agreement or an MoU in place. Since taking charge, she has overseen the roll out of the framework for special purpose acquisition companies and special purpose vehicles in the Emirates, among other sweeping reforms.

Al-Suwaidi has a doctorate in law from the University of Leeds. She is the first Emirati woman accredited by the Financial Action Task Force as an international assessor in anti-money laundering.