Etihad Credit Insurance leads strategic dialogue on leadership, innovation and women empowerment at MENA Futures Lab

Business

Etihad Credit Insurance leads strategic dialogue on leadership, innovation and women empowerment at MENA Futures Lab

H.E. Raja Al Mazrouei, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Credit Insurance (ECI) – the UAE’s federal export credit company – participated in a high-level fireside chat at the MENA Futures Lab, held as part of Abu Dhabi Finance Week.

Aligned with the forum’s theme, “Women in finance: Innovation as an economic equaliser,” Her Excellency shared insights on leadership, innovation, and the critical role of women in shaping the future of the financial sector.

Organised by The Atlantic Council in partnership with Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) for the third consecutive year, the MENA Futures Lab convened leading entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers from across the region. Discussions focused on how business leaders can harness artificial intelligence, FinTech, and emerging technologies to place innovation at the core of their strategies, drive inclusive growth, and accelerate regional economic development.

During the session, H.E. Raja underscored the importance of women’s participation in finance and entrepreneurship as key engines of economic progress. She noted that increasing female workforce participation could add USD 2.7 trillion to the MENA economy by the end of 2025, highlighting the tangible economic impact of inclusivity.

She also emphasised the UAE’s leadership in advancing gender equality, citing progressive national policies and the growing representation of women in senior executive and decision-making roles as clear evidence of the country’s commitment to empowering women.

The discussion further explored the transformative role of artificial intelligence in finance, with H.E. Raja highlighting how predictive analytics and emerging technologies are enabling smarter, more resilient financial systems. She outlined a vision for the future of finance in the MENA region that is tech-enabled, inclusive, and collaborative, offering significant opportunities for women to lead and drive sustainable economic growth.

In recognition of her contributions, H.E. Raja was presented with the ‘Women in Finance Award’, honouring her visionary leadership, commitment to innovation, and impact on the regional financial ecosystem. The award reflects her dedication to advancing gender equality in MENA and building inclusive platforms that empower women and foster long-term economic development.