With over two decades of experience driving digital transformation and fostering fintech ecosystems, Raja Al Mazrouei is a visionary leader and innovator in the finance and technology sectors. As the Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Credit Insurance (ECI) since last year, she has been instrumental in reshaping trade credit insurance and enhancing the UAE’s position as a global trading hub.
Prior to her role at ECI, Raja served as the Executive Vice President of FinTech Hive at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), where she played a pivotal role in establishing one of the region’s most successful fintech hubs. Her leadership has been recognised globally, earning her accolades such as being named among the Top 100 Most Powerful Businesswomen by Forbes Middle East.
My passion is rooted in creating meaningful impact and fostering growth. I believe we are all here to uplift one another, enabling individuals and communities to achieve their full potential. Knowing that we have access to tools and opportunities to grow together is powerful – it’s what drives me every day.
By empowering communities to embrace economic development, we can elevate welfare standards, provide better access to quality education, healthcare, sustainable energy, and ensure food security. My passion lies in helping others realise this vision and supporting our journey toward a brighter, more resilient future.
Being an Emirati is an immense blessing. Growing up in an inclusive, supportive, and forward-thinking environment has afforded me access to exceptional educational opportunities, cutting-edge technologies, and a vibrant cultural diversity – all within the UAE. This foundation has deeply influenced my worldview, instilling a strong sense of purpose and a commitment to continuous growth, both personally and professionally serving my community.
The UAE’s commitment to progress and inclusion has been transformative and unlike any other, especially with regard to females and empowering them in the workplace.
With legal and regulatory reforms, women in the UAE have gained unprecedented access to career growth and leadership roles across numerous sectors.
This inclusive approach has widened our participation in the economy, empowering us to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s continued success.
By sharing my own journey, I aim to inspire and guide younger women to navigate the unique dynamics of our ecosystem.
I am also passionate about developing programmes tailored for women, and promoting their representation across various sectors. Creating these pathways is my way of ensuring that the next generation of female leaders can step confidently into their roles, prepared, educated and empowered.
I wish I’d realised sooner that I could become anything I aspired to be. Understanding the importance of having a vision and fully committing to that vision would have been invaluable.
If I could go back, I would tell my younger self to shed insecurities early on and approach every opportunity with confidence and intention.
I’m eager to harness the power of advanced technologies and AI to revolutionise global trade and cross-border payments.
By spearheading this digital transformation, I hope to set a new standard for global organisations, demonstrating best practices in technology-driven growth and innovation.
I am incredibly proud of my Emirati heritage and culture. It is an honour to share the story of our young, dynamic nation and its visionary leadership, which has always placed people and their welfare at the forefront. This focus has enabled us to emerge as globally competitive, and I look forward to embodying and sharing these values with the world.
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