The TiE Women MENA Program, a key initiative by the Dubai chapter to support female entrepreneurship, has announced the winners of its “Rest of Middle East Track” for 2025. The competition spotlights innovative female-led startups from across the region, providing them with a platform for global exposure and growth. Rahaf Aldruby, founder of TarKeys, was named the winner, with Oumeyma Jouini of Bionic Soul and Shanga Saadallah of Doctorekem securing the runner-up positions.
Spotlight on the Winners
The winners represent a diverse range of sectors, showcasing the depth of innovation driven by female founders in the region.
- Winner: Rahaf Aldruby, TarKeys: The first-place winner, Rahaf Aldruby, is the founder of TarKeys, a real estate investment consultancy firm based in Turkey that assists clients in navigating the property market.
- Runner-up: Oumeyma Jouini, Bionic Soul: Oumeyma Jouini founded Bionic Soul, a Tunisia-based deep-tech startup that develops affordable and accessible 3D-printed bionic hands for amputees.
- Runner-up: Shanga Saadallah, Doctorekem: Shanga Saadallah is the founder of Doctorekem, an Iraq-based health-tech platform designed to connect patients with doctors for consultations and healthcare services.
Global Opportunities and Mentorship
All three founders have earned a place in the prestigious TiE Women Global Accelerator Program, providing them with valuable resources and networking opportunities. As the top winner, Rahaf Aldruby will also receive exclusive mentorship from industry leaders and the chance to pitch her startup at major international events, including Expand North Star at GITEX in the UAE and the TiE Women Grand Finals in Jaipur, India. The competition was evaluated by a panel of esteemed jurors, including Sion Hau, Mayank B. Varyani, and Nesma Abdel Azim.
About TiE Dubai
TiE Dubai is the regional chapter of The Indus Entrepreneurs, a global non-profit organization dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship. Through mentorship, networking, education, and funding, TiE Dubai supports the entire entrepreneurial ecosystem in the UAE and the wider MENA region. The TiE Women MENA Program is one of its flagship initiatives, specifically designed to empower and accelerate the growth of businesses founded by women.
Source: Facebook
