The road to the top of the business world is riddled with obstacles and continuously renewed challenges, and the journey doesn't get any easier when that position is obtained.
For the Middle East's most powerful businesswomen, maintaining their position at the top certainly comes with complications but their perseverance is nothing short of inspirational.
These are 10 inspiring quotes from the Arab women who have time and time again pushed boundaries, topped Forbes lists, and set an example for the leaders of tomorrow.
1. "Obstacles are always a stepping stone to success. Surmounting an obstacle is a test of character. You will be surprised to realize how far you can go from the point you thought was the end."
Raja Easa Al-Gurg runs the UAE's Al Gurg Group, whose trade and commerce she has expanded to include 24 companies and 370 international brand partnerships. She has also participated in multiple economic, political, and social advancements in the UAE.
2. "The more challenges you face in life, the more of life you experience. This lived experience gives one the influence to impact others' lives."
One of the most influential businesswomen in the Middle East, Lubna Olayan runs Saudi Arabia's Olayan Financing, one of the biggest investors in the region's stock markets.
She was the first woman to be elected to a board position in Saudi Arabia and the first woman to deliver a keynote address at a major conference in the country.
3. "You need to make sure you're always ahead of the game. You work harder, you give your opinion, you prove your point and you continue to perform."
Maha Al-Ghunaim was the Vice Chair and group CEO of Global Investment House (GIH), a leading investment company which she co-founded. Considered a pioneer in Arab finance, she re-engineered the firm after the 2008 meltdown and made it profitable again.
4. "We all have success within us, it is about how we can bring it out, it is all about the passion and love you have for what you are doing. We all go through failures, but that does not mean we have to give up."
Fatima Al-Jaber runs the UAE's Al-Jaber Group, which has worked on some of the country's most iconic construction projects. She was the first Emirati woman to be elected to the board of directors at the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and is also an advocate for various social issues.
5. "You need to stay focused and be humble when you are successful and learn from your failures. There are no limits but the limits you set for yourself. Take the step and don't shy away."
Henadi Al-Saleh is the Chairperson of the Kuwaiti logistics giant Agility, which generated $4.8 billion in revenues last year, providing global distribution and warehousing for various sectors.
6. "Personal and professional fulfillment, along with true empowerment, comes from an individual accomplishing her goals and working with a clear focus of her purpose. Ultimately, women empowerment is about defining one's place in the society."
Dr. Dalya Al-Muthanna is a former entrepreneur and the CEO of the UAE's General Electric (GE) Gulf. She was the first Emirati national to graduate from the company's two-year marketing, sales, and leadership program.
7. "Define an objective and find a mentor, learn as much as you can. Adopt high standards, cultivate a professional mindset and don't be afraid to be viewed as decisive."
Shaikha Al-Bahar is the Deputy Group CEO of the National Bank of Kuwait, which has assets of more than $74 billion. Her education at Harvard Business School, Stanford University and Duke University have led her to many places, including being a board member at Zain mobile telecommunications company and others.
8. "When you are a woman, nothing comes easy in business. My advice to women is to not give up and to continue working hard until their boss recognizes them."
Mona Al-Moayyed runs YK Almoayyed & Sons, Bahrain's oldest business conglomerate. She was the first woman to be elected to the board of a publicly traded company in Bahrain, Bahrain Maritime and Mercantile International.
9. "Stop thinking you're a man or woman. Be yourself, know what you want from life and go get it."
Ghada Gebara is the former CEO of Djezzy, an Algerian telecom company. The Lebanese businesswoman helped build Iraqi mobile operator Korek Telecom and is the former CEO of Digicel, a telecom company that operates in the Caribbean, Central America, and Oceana.
10. "It is performance that will decide destiny, not anything else."
Muna Al-Hashemi runs Bahrain's Batelco, the country's leading telecom company that also operates services across the Middle East.