Over the years, Abu Manneh has championed women empowerment and female entrepreneurship through different initiatives and is committed to supporting the wider community by providing university students with mentorship programmes, in collaboration with leading partners, which aim to prepare participants with the necessary skills to succeed in their chosen professions.

A long way to go

“It’s no secret that the financial industry is a traditionally male-dominated field and, despite undeniable progress, a 20 percent representation of women on executive committees and 23 percent on boards is not enough. There is still a long way to go to create an industry in which women have equal access to opportunity and positive outcomes. Government authorities must be held responsible for creating inclusive and progressive frameworks that enforce measures that foster gender equality in the workplace. In this sense, I am proud to say that the UAE is paving the way,” says Abu Manneh.

Thriving in a digital society

“Corporations must also be held accountable for developing a gender diverse and equally opportune workplace. It’s not just about employing women, but also encouraging them to progress and supporting their success.

“A key area of opportunity for women is in digital and technology. As we become an increasingly digital society, we can expect that new technology will continue to enter the market and create new jobs and, therefore, require new skills. Likewise, technological platforms will enable women access to various vocational opportunities, as well as access to valuable SME and entrepreneurial markets.

“A great way to leverage the rise in technology is by equipping women with the necessary tools and resources needed to excel through training and education programmes. Standard Chartered is championing initiatives in this capacity, such as the Women in Tech and Goal programmes. These initiatives aim to educate women of all ages to adapt to the changing technological advancements and leverage them in their professions.”

During her first year with the bank, Abu Manneh was included in Arabian Business’ ‘World’s Most Powerful Arabs in 2019’ list. More recently, under her steer, the bank was honoured in 2020 as Best Banking and Financial Sector Institution in Supporting Gender Balance by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

“I suppose the height of my influence as a female leader was met during my appointment as CEO of Standard Chartered’s UAE operations and having been the first Emirati woman to do so. However, I truly believe that any woman that works to earn her seat at the table, regardless of industry or profession, is a role model to other females looking to do the same,” says the chief executive.

“Throughout my career, I have championed women empowerment and female entrepreneurship through various initiatives. I will continue to exercise my position in service of women so that they are not hindered by corporate hurdles or stereotypes and are able to achieve their full potential.”

A distinguished banking career

Before joining Standard Chartered Bank, Abu Manneh was the Head of Corporate & Investment Banking for Abu Dhabi at First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB). In this role, her responsibility was to maintain relationships between FAB and its client base, including government, government-related entities, elite customer groups, family corporations, local corporations, multinational corporations and commercial banking services. Prior to this, Abu Manneh served as General Manager of FAB’s Wholesale Banking Group, which comprised of Project Finance Syndications, Financial Institutions Group and Global Transaction Banking.

“Looking back over the years, a major barrier to female leadership has been organisational structure,” she notes. “Simply put, it’s unconscious bias and the lack of equal opportunities. I faced a lot of challenges while climbing the career ladder. There were times when I struggled just to be on the ladder! It was not easy, but throughout my career, I have always focused on business outcomes, open communication and confidence. This thinking has led me to effectively oversee a massive workforce of an international bank in the UAE, a responsibility I am more than happy to have undertaken.”

Abu Manneh completed her studies at the University of London – Royal Holloway and Bedford New College, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics & Operational Research. She is fluent in Arabic and English and is married with two children.