Dubai again became a focal point in the global dialogue surrounding women’s leadership and empowerment at the WE Convention, held on November 1-2 at Atlantis The Royal. This event, organized by the WE Council, welcomed over 100 esteemed speakers and 2,500 attendees from more than 100 nations, reinforcing its status as a key gathering for women’s empowerment.
Tickets for the convention were sold out nearly a month ahead of time, reflecting the increasing global interest in discussing women’s financial independence, career advancement, and leadership roles. Participants hailed from vital regions including the UAE, the broader Middle East, the UK, the US, CIS countries, and the European Union.
“This year’s WE Convention has surpassed all our expectations in terms of scale, impact, and engagement,” remarked Mila Semeshkina, the founder of the WE Convention. “Our growth is reflected not only in numbers but also in the quality of discussions and the caliber of our speakers. Our reach now extends to over a billion women globally. Each year, the WE community becomes more robust, ambitious, and united in championing women’s leadership for a brighter future.”
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The 2025 convention, themed “ALL IN: Career, Money, and Life,” emphasized financial independence as a pivotal element for personal and professional empowerment. The two-day event featured an impressive roster of activities, including 24 keynote speeches, 14 industry roundtables, 6 workshops, 4 topic-specific meetups, and 42 mentorship sessions. Topics ranged from reconceptualizing women’s roles in global business to brand building, fostering innovation, and addressing how artificial intelligence is transforming entrepreneurship.
Insights from Anna Wintour on leadership and collaboration
A highlight of the conference was a keynote address by Dame Anna Wintour, chief content officer at Condé Nast and global editorial director of Vogue. Wintour offered frank insights into her leadership philosophy and the ongoing obstacles women face in positions of power.
“The glass ceiling is still a reality for women, and we must continue to challenge it,” Wintour asserted. “Using our voices and platforms is crucial, as is standing firm in our beliefs.”
She emphasized the value of surrounding herself with reliable and talented teams. “As a leader, I prioritize working with trusted individuals who bring diverse perspectives. I empower my team to make autonomous decisions and avoid micromanagement. My strength lies in recognizing others’ talents and ideas,” she explained.
Wintour also discussed the necessity of work-life balance for long-term success. “Weekends are essential for me; they allow me to unwind, read, enjoy sports, walk my dogs, and attend the theatre. Achieving balance is vital, and I encourage my team to pursue it as well,” she concluded.
Candace Bushnell advocates for financial independence
Another engaging conversation featured Candace Bushnell, celebrated author and creator of the iconic series Sex and the City. Bushnell reflected on how her work continues to motivate women to define success on their own terms.
“From a young age, I recognized that my thinking diverged from societal expectations for women,” Bushnell shared. “In the 1960s, women were funneled into a limited number of career paths. I aimed to present them with alternative ways of thinking and living.”
She highlighted financial empowerment as crucial to women’s autonomy. “The most important factor is achieving independence and earning your own money,” she stated. “It’s essential to have something to fall back on. My key advice to young women is to focus on building their confidence and independence. Financial empowerment offers women freedom, security, and choice.”
Bushnell concluded with a message of solidarity: “Women need to unite more to support each other. We are stronger when we stand together and celebrate one another’s achievements.”
Industry leaders and influencers unite on stage
The convention featured a lineup of prominent figures from various sectors, including government, business, and the arts. Among the distinguished speakers were Ohood Al Roumi, UAE Minister of State for Government Development and the Future, and Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority.
Notable names from the corporate sector included Dr. Maky Zanganeh, US billionaire and co-CEO of Summit Therapeutics; Amira Sajwani, Managing Director at DAMAC Properties; Mary Gukasyan, Managing Director at Kraft Heinz Middle East and Africa; Mirna Arif, General Manager for Microsoft Middle East and Africa Growth Markets; Alina Nazarova, Director at Alfa-Bank; Nisha Jagtiani, Group Director at Landmark Group; and Tina Ghafurian, COO of Omorfia Group.
The sports and cultural spheres were well represented, featuring Olympic champion Nawal El Moutawakel, Vice President of the International Olympic Committee, Grand Slam tennis champion Svetlana Kuznetsova, celebrity entrepreneur Joelle Mardinian, and Angela Orlov, co-founder and head of design at ORLOV Jewelry.
A stylish night of networking and culture
The momentum of the two-day summit continued with WE Night on November 1, which emerged as one of Dubai’s most fashionable social events of the season. Hosted at the Michelin-starred estiatorio Milos at Atlantis The Royal, the evening combined high fashion, art, and business networking.
Guests experienced red-carpet arrivals, an exclusive ORLOV Jewelry fashion showcase, a presentation of Schiaparelli Couture, live music from Jodok Cello, and a gourmet dinner designed to facilitate high-level networking among business and creative leaders. This event reinforced the WE Convention’s dual commitment to empowerment and community, fostering professional development while celebrating cultural achievement.
The WE Convention 2025 was made possible by a coalition of partners from various industries, including ORLOV Jewelry, Eywa by R.Evolution, Lectera.com, Kraft Heinz, Omorfia Group, META, LinkedIn, Oracle, Migems Dubai, La Biosthétique, OKX, Shiseido, Philip Morris International, Aeon & Trisl, AM Wealth, LITT, LETOILE, Keto Kartel, Divinom, Milena Aesthetic Clinic, Privé7 Dubai, the female factor, and Women in AI.
As the convention came to a close, its message resonated strongly across all sectors: women’s empowerment is not merely a movement, but a persistent global initiative driving economic growth, innovation, and leadership. With Dubai’s expanding role as a worldwide business hub, the WE Convention has established itself as a crucial platform for influencing the future of women’s involvement in the global economy.