Fatima Sultan Al-Kuwari is one of Qatar’s most recognized female business leaders. Her name has become closely linked with Ooredoo, a major telecommunications company that operates in more than 10 countries. With a career spanning almost two decades at the company, Fatima has climbed the corporate ladder to become the Group Chief Human Resources and Sustainability Officer, a position that puts her at the center of Ooredoo’s people, culture, and purpose.
This is the inspiring story of Fatima Sultan Al-Kuwari — a woman who is breaking barriers, driving transformation, and creating a more inclusive future in the corporate world.
Early Life and Academic Journey
Fatima was born and raised in Qatar, a country that is investing heavily in empowering women and developing future leaders. From a young age, Fatima showed interest in technology, leadership, and public service. Her strong desire to learn and grow took her to several respected academic institutions.
She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Qatar University. Later, she pursued an Executive Master’s in Leadership from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., one of the top programs in the world for executive education. Not stopping there, she also completed an MBA with a specialization in Marketing from the University of Liverpool.
This diverse educational background gave her a unique edge. She understood both the technical side of business and the creative, strategic side of marketing and leadership. It was the perfect mix for someone aiming to take on leadership roles in a fast-evolving industry like telecom.
Climbing the Ladder at Ooredoo
Fatima Sultan Al-Kuwari joined Ooredoo in 2006. From her first day, she was seen as a motivated and capable professional. She worked in several departments and took on challenging roles that pushed her to grow.
Her early leadership positions included Executive Director of Marketing and Director of Public Relations and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). These roles allowed her to shape the public image of the company and build deeper connections with customers and communities.
Fatima’s understanding of people and her creative thinking eventually led to her being appointed as the Chief Consumer Officer at Ooredoo Qatar. In this position, she was responsible for customer strategies and marketing campaigns that impacted millions of subscribers. She also became Acting Group Chief Commercial Officer, managing commercial operations at the group level — a role that requires deep knowledge, global insight, and strong decision-making skills.
Leading Human Resources and Sustainability
In April 2021, Fatima took on a new challenge. She was appointed as Group Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), a move that surprised many but excited those who knew her capabilities.
Under her leadership, Ooredoo’s HR function underwent a major transformation. She introduced new policies to promote flexibility, productivity, and employee engagement. Fatima believed that a happy and motivated workforce is key to any company’s success.
Soon, her role was expanded again to include sustainability. She became Group Chief Human Resources and Sustainability Officer — one of the most important roles in the organization today. She is now responsible for shaping the company’s sustainability strategy, social impact programs, and environmental initiatives.
Her passion for equality and diversity also shines through in her work. Fatima is a strong believer in equal opportunities for all. She actively promotes gender balance and supports the inclusion of women in leadership positions.
Breaking Barriers and Making History
Fatima Sultan Al-Kuwari is a trailblazer in many ways. She has made history by becoming the first woman ever appointed to the Board of Directors of Ooredoo Kuwait. This appointment marked a major step forward in gender representation at the top levels of the company.
Her achievements have also earned her international recognition. In 2022, she won a prestigious Gold Stevie Award for ‘Female Executive of the Year – Business Products – More Than 2,500 Employees’. The Stevie Awards are global honors given to women who have shown excellence in the workplace and made a positive impact on their industries.
This award not only acknowledged her contributions but also encouraged other women to follow her example. Fatima continues to mentor young professionals and speak at industry events, where she shares her knowledge and motivates others to believe in themselves.
A Visionary Leader with a Purpose
What sets Fatima apart is her strong sense of purpose. She is not just focused on profits or results — she cares deeply about people and the planet. Her work in sustainability is closely aligned with Qatar’s National Vision 2030, which aims to create a more balanced and inclusive society.
Under her guidance, Ooredoo is investing in programs that promote digital inclusion, support environmental sustainability, and empower local communities. She has been part of projects that provide internet access to rural areas, reduce carbon emissions, and offer job opportunities to women and youth.
Fatima is also driving cultural change within the company. She is encouraging flexible work arrangements, promoting mental health awareness, and making sure employees feel respected and valued. Her leadership style is open, honest, and people-centered — a refreshing change in a corporate world often dominated by rigid structures.
Inspiring a New Generation
Fatima Sultan Al-Kuwari is more than just a corporate leader — she is a role model for young girls and aspiring professionals in Qatar and across the Middle East. Her journey from computer science graduate to global HR leader proves that with passion, education, and hard work, anything is possible.
She stands as a symbol of what modern leadership should look like: inclusive, forward-thinking, and socially responsible. In every role she takes on, Fatima leaves a lasting impact — not just on the company she works for, but also on the people she leads and the communities she serves.
As Ooredoo continues its journey toward digital innovation and global expansion, Fatima’s leadership will no doubt remain a key driving force. Her focus on people, culture, and sustainability makes her one of the most respected and admired figures in the region’s telecom industry.
Final Thoughts
Fatima Sultan Al-Kuwari’s story is a powerful reminder that leadership is not about titles or positions — it’s about creating positive change. Her rise to the top of Ooredoo is an example of what’s possible when talent meets opportunity and when organizations are willing to embrace diversity and innovation.
As more companies around the world look for ways to become more human-centric, sustainable, and inclusive, they would do well to follow the example set by Fatima and the leadership culture she is building at Ooredoo.
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