Maryam Ahli named among Forbes’ most powerful marketing leaders 2026
Emirati leader credits vision, perseverance and innovation for regional success
Dubai: Maryam Ahli embodies an inspiring model for Emirati women who have honed their expertise across diverse national fields, leaving a clear mark in the banking sector and event management on one hand, and through memberships on boards of directors and sports federations within the country on the other. This remarkable journey, led with determination and a clear vision, culminated in her recent selection on Forbes’ list of the most powerful marketing leaders in the Middle East for 2026.
Maryam Ahli affirmed that this recognition represents an exceptional milestone and a dream realised after five years of positive planning and dedicated work. Maryam Ahli does not see this achievement as the end of the road or a final crowning of her journey, but rather as a starting point that gives her renewed energy to pursue greater ambitions, through which she aims to raise the name of the UAE high. She emphasised that the secret to the success of Emirati women in regional forums lies in the vision of leadership that believed in their capabilities and provided an environment that fosters competition and excellence.
Crowning and pride
At the beginning of her remarks, Maryam Ahli reflected on the story behind her inclusion on this prestigious list, explaining that she had nominated herself several months earlier by submitting her application without high expectations. She then immersed herself in her work and projects until she was surprised by a call from a friend congratulating her on the selection. She said: “At first, I thought there was a mistake or misunderstanding because I had not followed the results. But once I confirmed the news, it was an exceptional moment where surprise met joy and gratitude.”
She added: “I do not see this recognition as just a personal achievement, but as a reflection of years of hard work and learning, and the result of the great support I received from my family, colleagues and everyone who believed in my journey.”
Comfort zone
Speaking about her diverse professional path, which includes leading marketing at Al Hilal Bank, managing the Education Interface exhibition, and serving on boards of Thuraya platform, sports federations and national committees, Ahli said: “I believe that the most important decision that led me to this achievement was not hesitating to leave my comfort zone. After a successful and long career at Al Hilal Bank, I could have stayed, but I chose to pursue a different and more ambitious experience.” She added: “Success is not tied to a position as much as it is to seizing opportunities that create real impact and embrace innovation and digital transformation.”
On her work across education, events, banking and financial technology, she said: “Modern marketing is no longer limited to advertising campaigns; it has become a strategic function that connects customer needs with sustainable business growth. The most successful marketers today are those who can combine creativity with data and build strong brands while delivering results.”
Leadership vision
In a related context, Ahli attributed the success of Emirati women and their access to senior executive roles to the country’s forward-looking development approach. She said: “I grew up in a country that made empowering women part of its vision. I was inspired by the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and I follow the path of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, who believes that true investment is in people. I also look to the future through the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.”
She stressed that the responsibility of women leaders today goes beyond personal success, extending to building the next generation of leaders capable of continuing the journey. “The greatest legacy a leader leaves is not their position, but the people they help develop,” she said. “The true measure of leadership success is how many leaders you create.”
A message and a dream
Maryam Ahli addressed a message to ambitious Emirati women: “Do not limit your dreams, do not wait for opportunities — create them. Do not fear change, and most importantly, do not try to copy others; be the best version of yourself.” She added: “My ultimate goal is to leave a lasting impact that goes beyond positions and to inspire the next generation. I hope my children will look back on my journey with pride — not for the accolades, but for the perseverance, determination and values that shaped it.”
An exceptional experience
Speaking about her move to join the founding team of Vision Bank in Saudi Arabia, the region’s first AI-powered digital Islamic bank, Ahli said: “This experience enriched me at a leadership level by allowing me to work in a fast-evolving market, face new challenges, lead diverse teams and contribute to building a new banking brand during a transformative phase in the financial sector.”
She added that the experience reinforced her belief that learning never stops, regardless of experience, and that the best leaders are those who continuously place themselves in competitive environments that drive growth and development.
Maryam Ahli concluded: “The secret to the success of Emirati women in regional forums lies in the vision of exceptional leadership that believed in their capabilities and provided an environment that stimulates competition and excellence.”