Page 203 - AAE PR REPORT - MARCH 2025

Under Al Mazrouei’s leadership, ECI has focused on providing financial security for UAE exporters,
particularly in the wake of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (Cepas) led by
the Ministry of Foreign Trade. These agreements aim to strengthen trade relationships and enhance
market access for UAE businesses looking to export, as well as for foreign business looking to enter
the UAE market. “One of the biggest challenges exporters face is non-payment from foreign buyers,”
Al Mazrouei says. “By offering trade credit insurance, we help businesses mitigate risks and expand
internationally.”

The push for economic diversification gained momentum following comments made by President
Sheikh Mohamed, who was then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of
the UAE Armed Forces, during the 2015 World Government Summit, where he said “in fifty years’
time we will celebrate the last barrel of oil”. Sheikh Mohammed went on to stress the importance of
building a knowledge-based economy that relies on innovation, words that resonated deeply with Al
Mazrouei.
“If you look at global markets today, technology companies have overtaken traditional industries in
market capitalization. AI adoption in trade finance is no longer optional—it’s necessary,” says Al
Mazrouei.

While AI is expected to bring efficiencies and enable volume operations, regulatory frameworks and
operational challenges remain key concerns for businesses in the UAE. “The appointment of AI
officers across government entities shows the commitment to integrating AI into all sectors,” she
notes.

Women in leadership and financial services

In addition to her role at ECI, Al Mazrouei serves as Chairperson of the Harvard Business School
MENA Advisory Board and sits on the boards of financial institutions such as Zand Digital Bank and
Al Ansari Financial Services. “In the UAE, we see women in leadership as a norm,” she says,
pointing to the fact that nearly 40% of the UAE Cabinet comprises women. She acknowledges
however that in global financial sectors, gender representation remains a challenge.

Raja, who is both a career person and a mother, stresses the importance of supporting women’s
professio al development, but also has a message for women, saying, “There is no deadline for
success. “Women should be able to balance career and personal responsibilities at their own
pace.”

Challenges and leadership approach

Launching the DIFC FinTech Hive in 2017 was a pivotal learning moment for Al Mazrouei. At the
time, fintech was still a developing industry in the region, and the initiative, as well as her
leadership role within this sector faced skepticism, she shares. Today, DIFC hosts over 1,500
startups and the FinTech Hive is celebrated as one of the city’s success stories.

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