The Raemona 40 over FORTY list is BACK for its 4th year!
Here are the first ten of our inspiring Raemona 40 over Forty list for 2025!
This year, we are celebrating the FORCE that is women over forty - whether a force for good, a force for change or a force to be reckoned with - we know that with age not only comes wisdom but also the power of experience and knowledge.
This week, ten amazing women from around the world, today based in the UAE and wider GCC region from the worlds of law, publishing, charity, healthcare, mental health care, advocacy and humanitarian activities make up our ‘force for good’. Making a difference on a daily basis for the things that matter the most, whilst continuously pushing boundaries to excel - we admire and salute them all.
We’ll be sharing our 40 over FORTY every Monday in March 2025, and we can’t wait to share the other 30 ladies on the list throughout the month, but for now, meet this first group of 10 fabulous women.
· Sarah Malik - Lawyer, SOL International Ltd.
Sarah Malik is an award-winning lawyer and the driving force behind SOL International Ltd, a legal consultancy based at the ADGM.
Sarah's legal career began as a Barrister at a top-tier Commercial Chambers in London, where she spent 15 years. She furthered her experience at a prominent UK law firm and then headed the Advocacy and Investigations team of an international law firm in Dubai for over 3 years. Sarah then founded her own consultancy and she has become known for her straightforward approach and unwavering commitment to her clients.
Her impact has been widely recognised. In 2022, Sarah was named "Litigator of the Year" at the GCC Women in Law Awards, also receiving an honourable mention as "Law Firm Leader of the Year." In 2022, Legal 500 EMEA also listed SOL as "A Firm to Watch in Dispute Resolution: Arbitration and International Litigation." She handles a broad range of commercial litigation at the DIFC and ADGM Courts and has even been involved in landmark cases, such as the first race discrimination claim against a multi-national bank before the DIFC Courts in 2023. Sarah is also a skilled mediator and has successfully resolved numerous high-value disputes.
Sarah is also deeply involved in the legal community, handling complex cross-border matters, and is often called upon to conduct high-profile investigations. Within DIFC, she’s the go-to person for resolving disputes between lawyers and law firms and is appointed to the DIFC Court Users' Committee. She shares her expertise by teaching for the DIFC Academy and acts as external counsel and advocate for other law firms and in-house clients. She is also a trusted advisor to UHNWI’s. In May 2024, she gave a keynote speech at the ILS Summit at the beginning of London International Disputes Week, which was subsequently published by CIARB.
· Kat Kearsey - Chairwoman, Gulf for Good
Since 2007, Kat Kearsey has been the driving force behind Gulf for Good, a Dubai-based charity that transforms lives through unique adventure challenges with a passion for combining adventure with giving back.
Kat’s journey with Gulf for Good began with her own participation in the Everest Base Camp challenge. This experience sparked a commitment to the charity's mission, leading her to take on various roles, eventually becoming the Chairwoman. She's still an active participant, taking on challenges like marathons and summiting Kilimanjaro, all while raising funds and awareness for important causes.
Kat volunteered in Malawi alongside her daughter, Rosalie. Witnessing the impact of their work together and the resilience of the local community left a lasting impression on both of them.
In addition to her work at Gulf for Good, Kat is also a Senior Director of Change Management, Communications and HR Planning at Marriott International. She's played a key role in spearheading events like the Gulf for Good Ball, which has become a signature event for the charity, and has been involved in various community socials and the annual events calendar.
Kat is incredibly proud of Gulf for Good’s impactful projects, such as their partnership with Chicuchas Wasi, a girls’ safe house in Peru, and the Enjoro Primary School project in Tanzania. Seeing the tangible difference these projects make in the lives of children is what fuels her passion.
· Dr Valentina Faia MD - Specialist Psychiatrist
Dr. Valentina Faia is a dedicated Specialist Psychiatrist making a significant impact at the Free Spirit Collective in Dubai. With a focus on ADHD, mood and anxiety disorders, Bipolar disorders, work-related stress, burnout, and PTSD, she brings a wealth of experience and a compassionate approach to her practice.
Valentina's journey began in Italy, where she earned her Medical Degree in Medicine and Surgery cum Laude from Campus Bio-Medico in Rome in 1999. She furthered her qualifications by becoming a Psychiatrist and earning her Psychotherapist Degree from the Catholic University of Sacred Heart in Rome in 2003. Her training wasn't confined to Italy; she expanded her knowledge through experiences in the United Kingdom and Europe, incorporating Freudian Analytical Therapy into her practice.
Dr. Valentina believes in the power of connection and understanding. She enjoys working with women, particularly focusing on their emotional experiences and reproductive cycles. This has led to her interest in Integrative Medicine, which emphasises a holistic approach to health and healing. She values the relationship between practitioner and patient, using various therapeutic and lifestyle methods to support well-being.
In 2025, Dr. Valentina is increasingly sought after for her empathetic and compassionate treatment of conditions like ADHD in mid-life women. She feels privileged to help people navigate life's challenges, interpreting their experiences and helping them find relief from emotional pain. Her dedication and integrated approach make her a vital resource for those seeking mental health support.
· Isobel Abulhoul OBE, CEO and Trustee of the Emirates Literature Foundation.
Isobel Abulhoul is a remarkable figure who has dedicated her life to fostering a love of literature and education in the Arab world. Born and educated in Cambridge, she made Dubai her home in 1968 and has been instrumental in shaping its cultural landscape ever since.
Isobel's early career involved teaching at the Dubai Infants School, which sparked her passion for education. This passion led to her involvement in establishing Al Ittehad Private School and, in 1975, co-founding Magrudy’s, the beloved bookshop chain of generations of UAE families. Recognising the importance of culturally relevant reading materials, Isobel also ventured into publishing children’s books in both Arabic and English. Her commitment to empowering teachers resulted in the creation of Bustan Al Qusas, an innovative Arabic reading and teaching program supported by the Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation.
In 2008, Isobel founded the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, which has grown into the Arab World’s largest celebration of the written and spoken word. This festival brings together people of all ages and authors from around the globe to promote education, lively debate, and, above all, the joy of reading. The festival's success has been recognised with multiple awards, including Best Festival and Best Family Friendly Day Out.
Isobel's contributions have earned her numerous accolades. She was named Cultural Personality of the Year by the Ruler of Sharjah in 2010, received an OBE from HM Queen Elizabeth II in 2012, and was recognised as a Cultural Icon of the UAE. Her tireless efforts to improve literacy and promote a love of books, particularly among children, have been consistently acknowledged and celebrated. She is today a Trustee for the International Prize for Arabic Fiction and the CEO of the Emirates Literature Foundation.
· Maha Gorton - Head of Women's Pavillion - Expo City Dubai
As Head of the Women’s Pavilion at Expo City Dubai, Maha champions gender equality, sustainability, and youth empowerment through meaningful collaborations and impactful programs. Her work focuses on education, career development, mentorship, and professional growth, creating opportunities for women to thrive.
With over 15 years of experience in communications, PR, content, and events, Maha has worked with leading international and regional brands, crafting narratives that inspire and engage. She excels in strategic brand positioning, media relations, and storytelling, always striving to create real impact beyond mere visibility. Maha believes deeply in the power of storytelling and knowledge-sharing to bring people together, spark conversations and drive positive change.
Before her role at the Women’s Pavilion, Maha was well-known in Dubai as the creator and owner of Little Farasha, a children’s fashion brand featuring handcrafted, Middle Eastern-inspired fashion and accessories. She's also recognised for her courage and advocacy regarding breast cancer awareness. Diagnosed at 33, she has openly shared her journey, working tirelessly with the Estée Lauder Breast Cancer Awareness campaign and the CH Pink Campaign to raise awareness.
Maha’s work is driven by her passion for creativity, connection, and making a difference. She loves the multifaceted nature of her work, which allows her to express herself, create impact, and shed light on important issues. Her dedication to empowering women and supporting communities make her a pillar of strength and positivity.
· Shaista Asif - Co-founder and CEO PureHealth
Shaista Asif is a powerhouse in the UAE healthcare sector. As the Group CEO of PureHealth, the UAE’s largest integrated healthcare company, she is transforming how healthcare is delivered in the country. Her journey with PureHealth began in 2006, and her appointment as CEO in December 2023 marked a significant milestone. That month, she oversaw PureHealth's hugely successful IPO, which raised $986 million.
Shaista has been the driving force behind PureHealth’s rapid growth and expansion. She spearheaded numerous healthcare acquisitions, including the U.K.’s Circle Health Group and the UAE’s Sheikh Shakbout Medical City. This makes PureHealth the fastest-growing healthcare company in the region. With over 17 years in senior leadership roles in both healthcare and technology, she brings a wealth of experience and strategic vision. She’s known for her ability to drive transformational change, consolidate operations, and focus on quality and growth.
Shaista is driven by a vision of the future of healthcare. Her "North Star" is longevity, and she’s passionate about shifting from “sick care” to preventative care. She envisions "Healthcare in the Cloud," embracing the 4th Industrial Revolution to create a healthcare ecosystem where people live healthier, fuller lives, for longer. She believes in the power of technology and the increasing compute power to bring about this technological singularity. Shaista is dedicated to building a future where people don't just get treated when they're ill, but where they thrive in optimal health.
· Leah Cotterill - CEO, Cigna Healthcare - Middle East & Africa
Leah Cotterill is a trailblazer in the Middle East and Africa's health insurance industry. As the CEO of Cigna Healthcare for the region (excluding KSA), she made history in 2024 by becoming the first female CEO to lead an international health insurance company in the UAE.
Leah's career spans over 25 years, during which she's accumulated a wealth of experience across sales, operations, and customer service in the health and wellness sector. Before stepping into the CEO role, she was Cigna's Chief Distribution Officer (CDO). Notably, she was instrumental in launching SmartCare by Cigna Healthcare, the first open-access network health insurance product in the region. Her strategic thinking and drive also played a key part in Cigna's expansion into Africa.
Leah is passionate about increasing access to high-quality healthcare. She sees the MEA region as a hub for global healthcare innovation, with a diverse and youthful population driving progress. She’s committed to enhancing the health and vitality of communities and is clearly excited to be leading the charge.
Beyond her professional achievements, Leah actively champions gender equity, diversity, and inclusion. She's a strong supporter of Cigna Healthcare's 'Women in Networking' (WIN) initiative, recognising the importance of empowering women in the workplace. Her academic credentials also speak to her drive and intellect—she holds an MBA with distinction from Hult International Business School, graduating as a Hodges Scholar.
· Sharon James - Women’s Wellbeing and UAE Menopause Coach
Sharon James is a dedicated health and well-being educator and coach with a 30-year career helping women navigate life's challenges, particularly those related to weight, menopause, and fitness. Her approach is deeply rooted in both her professional expertise and her personal journey. As she entered her own ‘third stage’ of life, she embraced the changes and challenges, using her experiences to further refine her methods. In 2024, Sharon was part of the co-founding team who brought the very first ‘Menopause Summit’ to the GCC, held in Dubai.
Sharon's extensive experience and education in Sports Science & Life Coaching have provided her with a strong foundation to support women. She understands firsthand the complex interplay of physical, mental, and emotional factors that women face, particularly during midlife and menopause. When she reached her mid-40s, Sharon found that despite being in excellent physical and mental shape, she wasn't exempt from the changes of perimenopause. This realisation led her to apply her professional knowledge and her in-depth study of menopause to herself. By using her own methods, she regained control and navigated the transition with confidence.
Now, Sharon is on a mission to shift the narrative around menopause from negative to positive. She aims to empower women to embrace this stage of life, fostering a "can-do" mindset. Through her programs, Sharon shares the valuable insights she’s gained, helping other women move through their menopausal years with positivity. Her dedication to her clients comes from a genuine place of understanding and experience.
· Dr. Sarah Sharif - Family Medicine Consultant
Consistently referred by patients as a popular and proactive advocate for women, Dr. Sarah Sharif is a warm and experienced Family Medicine Consultant based at Genesis Clinic, Dubai, with a special interest in women’s health and menopause. With 20 years in the field, and training from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, she brings a deeply human touch to her practice. Having grown up in both the United Arab Emirates and Ireland, she has a unique understanding of diverse cultures and experience, enabling her to connect with and care for a wide range of patients.
Dr. Sarah’s expertise is backed by membership in the Irish College of General Practitioners and diplomas in Child Health, Women’s Health, Family Planning, and Sexual Health. She also holds certificates in Medical Nutrition and, most recently, a Diploma in Aesthetic Medicine. Her training reflects her commitment to providing comprehensive and holistic care.
A significant focus of Dr. Sarah’s work is in women's health, with a particular interest in breast care, menopause management, and the detection and prevention of breast and gynaecological cancers. She actively promotes breast cancer awareness through her involvement with charities like Breast Friends and the Al Jalila Foundation. She is a strong advocate for her patients, supporting them throughout their health and wellness journeys and emphasises the importance of nutrition and lifestyle in disease prevention. Dr. Sarah's approach is truly holistic, and she genuinely cares about her patients' well-being.
· Maria Conceicao - Philanthropist & World Record Holder
Maria Conceicao's life story is nothing short of extraordinary. Born in Portugal, Maria's early life was marked by hardship. At just two years old, her mother left her with a lady named Christina, who, despite having six children of her own, took Maria in. At nine, Maria faced another blow when Christina passed away.
Maria's spirit remained unbroken. She left school at 12 and began working, but it was her decision to apply for a flight attendant position with Emirates Airlines in Dubai that changed her destiny. She soon found herself serving as a VIP Flight attendant for the Dubai Royal Airwing.
A 24-hour layover in Dhaka in 2005 proved to be a turning point for Maria. Witnessing the extreme poverty of the slums there deeply impacted her. This marked the beginning of her mission to provide education to children living in those slums. Starting with 39 children, her initiative has eventually grown to support over 600 youngsters over nearly 20 years.
To fund her mission, Maria transformed herself into an endurance athlete. She began running marathons, ultimately achieving eight Guinness World Records for ultramarathons and Ironman Triathlons and climbing Mount Everest to raise awareness and funds. Maria’s actions were never just about physical feats; they were about igniting change and giving hope to those who needed it most.
Many of the children Maria has she helped have now graduated from schools and universities and found employment. She has also shared her story through five books, including ‘A Woman on Top of the World’, ‘Butterfly Stories’, ’Altered Paths’, and ‘World's Super Heroes', inspiring readers with her tales of struggle and triumph.
Maria Conceicao continues to be an award-winning philanthropist and motivational speaker, alongside her continuing work for her Maria Christina Foundation.
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