Areej Mohsin Haider Darwish

Areej Mohsin Haider Darwish is a dynamic business entrepreneur and remarkable
leader whose achievements have set a benchmark for entrepreneurship and
leadership in the Arab world. She is a successful entrepreneur who has steered
organizations across diverse industries. With over three decades of progressive
business leadership experience, she has become synonymous with progressivethinking, resourcefulness and exceptional vision and strategic leadership in both
private and public sectors. Her journey as a leader has been driven by purpose,
passion and perseverance.
She is the Chairperson of ACERE cluster of Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC. Having
joined the company three decades ago, she has been playing a key role in
expanding MHD’s business operations. She spearheads the Automotive,
Construction Equipment, and Renewable Energy (ACERE) division of the family
business and leads the organization to develop modernizes business practices and
aims to carry the family legacy to greater heights. She has undertaken several
developments which reflect the company’s commitment to fostering sustainable
growth and diversity in the workforce and highlights its alignment with Oman’s
Vision 2040.
Being part of a family business, she has had a passion for business and being an
entrepreneur and established her own venture, Areej Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC,
launching two successful retail businesses: “Blessing Chocolates and Gifts”, and
First “Impression Artwork”.Beyond her business ventures, Areej also serves as Chairperson, Board member
and Committee Member of different organizations.
She is the Board member of the Oman Chamber of Commerce & Industry as well
as Chairperson of Business Women Committee of the Oman Chamber of Commerce
& Industry.
As a Board Member of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, she has been
actively involved in strategic activities of the Chamber such as reviewing the goals
and economic development strategies, participating in business forums which aim
to enhance bilateral trade and investment for Oman, reviewing policy regulations
and community engagement.Being an entrepreneur herself, she plays a vital role as a Chairperson of the
Businesswomen committee at the Chamber of Commerce in empowering women
entrepreneurs. She provides strategic vision to the Committee by planning
initiatives that support women and align with the Chamber’s vision. She has
created platforms and organized workshops for entrepreneurs and SME’s
encouraging them to pursue their goals.
Her association and membership with different Business councils and Friendship
associations such as Oman Kuwait friendship association, Omani Qatari business
council, Oman India Association. Oman Turkey friendship association establishes
her as a global leader as she has built valuable relationships with entrepreneurs,
executives, and diplomats from other countries.
Youth empowerment is at the forefront for her as she believes that they are the
greatest pillar of Oman vision 2040 & she believes that to build a better tomorrow,
encouraging and nurturing the youth today is a top priority. She is the first
Honorary President of Omani Student Association in Edinburgh and looks forward
to extending her support to the associations’ mission to empower Omani students
and promote key initiatives by the student association.
She is also Board member of Muscat University, Chairperson of Areej Vegetable
Oils & Derivatives SAOG & Duqm United Logistics; Committee Member of Sultan
Qaboos University –The College of Engineering Industrial Advisory & Sultan Qaboos
University - College of Science. Her advocacy extends to many Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, and
charitable work, embodying the spirit of a true leader who gives back to her
community.
In line with her CSR initiatives, she is a Board Member of the Unicef Leadership
Circle, an initiative launched by UNICEF Oman to collaborate between the private
sector and Unicef in advancing children’s rights and well-being. She played a pivotal
role in the MOU agreement between Oman Chamber of Commerce & Industry and
Unicef that aims to achieve more sustainable communities that assists companies
in providing suitable conditions for childcare. She was also part of the delegation
from Oman to visit UNICEF’s Global Supply and Logistics Hub in Copenhagen.Her past representations as a Board member for well renowned organizations and
bodies has been a transformative part of her leadership journey. As a Chairperson
of the Oman Business Forum, she engaged directly with business and government
leaders to foster cooperation between its members and to explore growth
opportunities as well as enhancing the business environment in the Sultanate to
support the objectives of Oman Vision 2040. The forum supported the Public and
Private sectors and contributed to sustainable economic development
Her outstanding contributions have earned her many prestigious awards and
recognitions in the past decade, including honours from Forbes, Stevie Awards,
Arab Women of the Year award, Harvard Business Council and Arabian Business.
She has been featured in the Most Powerful Businesswomen Leading Family Firms
and The Middle East’s 100 Most Powerful Businesswomen from Forbes Middle East
for more than a decade. The numerous awards received over the years in
recognition of her leadership by global organizations motivates her to go above and
beyond.
Her vision is ‘to set an outstanding example for tomorrow’s women,’. Through her
dedication to contribute to the development & wellbeing of society, her inspiring
leadership, and her unwavering commitment to excellence, she has established
herself as a role model for women not just in the Sultanate of Oman but for women
in business everywhere.