Dr Maryam Al Dhaen is a Bahraini parliamentarian, researcher and specialist in media and international relations who brings considerable experience and expertise to the Woman of the Year Awards 2026 judging panel. She views serving on the jury as both an honour and a responsibility, and an opportunity to recognise women whose achievements create meaningful impact while celebrating diverse forms of leadership, excellence and service.

She believes recognising women across different sectors can inspire others, encourage ambition and contribute to Bahrain’s continued progress and development.

Sabah Almoayyed is a veteran Bahraini banking leader, investor and entrepreneur with more than three decades of experience spanning banking, finance, investment, corporate leadership, entrepreneurship and board governance. She also established Bahrain’s first start-up accelerator.

Her extensive leadership experience has given her a broad understanding of business performance, innovation and strategic decision-making. As a juror, she will look beyond professional titles to consider authentic leadership, meaningful impact, resilience, integrity and commitment, particularly valuing women who use their influence to empower others and create lasting change.

Dr Najma Taqi is President of Arab Open University in Bahrain and brings more than two decades of experience in education, training, higher education leadership, quality assurance and institutional development.

Her leadership experience includes initiatives focused on innovation, employability, partnerships and student success, alongside an interest in entrepreneurship, digital transformation and developing the next generation of leaders. As a juror, she will look beyond titles and positions to consider genuine impact, leadership, innovation, resilience and a commitment to making a positive difference.

Dr Suzanne White is Managing Director of Gulf Oasis Consultancy and an ICEF and British Council accredited agent. Her international career spans four decades, numerous sectors and nine countries, including every GCC nation.

A licensed psychologist with experience in human resources, Dr White brings expertise in assessing individual achievement and performance, alongside a diverse professional background that supports her in considering nominees across the awards’ many categories. As a juror, she will be looking particularly for consistency, drive and resilience, believing that continuing to show up is what sets extraordinary people apart.

Dr Hana Kanoo is CEO of Bahrain Food Monitor and MENA Centre for Investment, bringing extensive experience across both the public and private sectors. Her career has given her a strong understanding of the challenges women face in their careers, workplaces and society, with persistence and determination at the heart of her own professional journey.

As a member of the Woman of the Year Awards 2026 jury, Dr Kanoo will be looking for women who normalise ambition, encourage persistence, build confidence and foster inclusion in their own unique way.