"Ascend"

A notable success story of Pakistanis in the Middle East is the recognition of two prominent women, Shaista Asif and Shazia Syed, who were named among Forbes' Middle East 100 Most Powerful Businesswomen for 2024.

Shaista Asif, co-founder and Group CEO of PureHealth Holding has significantly impacted the healthcare sector in the UAE. She led PureHealth through a successful IPO on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange in 2023, raising $986 million. Under her leadership, the company has expanded through acquisitions like Circle Health Group and Sheikh Shakbout Medical City, positioning PureHealth as a major player in the healthcare industry.

Shazia Syed, General Manager of Unilever North Africa, Levant, and Iraq, is another exemplary figure. With a career starting at Unilever Pakistan in 1989, she has held various leadership roles, including CEO of Unilever Pakistan, and currently sits on boards such as United Bank Limited and Pukka Tea.

These women exemplify the influence and success Pakistanis have achieved in the Middle East, especially in leadership roles within large multinational organizations.