In collaboration with the AWE – Arab Women Entrepreneurs program, I had the privilege of facilitating an intensive 18-hour Design Thinking workshop aimed at empowering women innovators to rethink challenges and craft human-centered solutions for their ventures.

The workshop brought together a remarkable group of passionate entrepreneurs whose energy and curiosity transformed the sessions into a living lab of creativity and collaboration. Over several days, we explored the full Design Thinking process, from empathy and problem framing to ideation, prototyping, and testing, using real-world challenges drawn directly from the participants’ businesses.

What made this experience so powerful was the participants’ ability to connect deeply with their users’ needs and translate insights into actionable ideas. Each group pushed boundaries, reimagining products and services that not only solve business problems but also deliver social value within their communities.

Throughout the journey, we witnessed countless moments of discovery, from redefining business models and sketching prototypes to testing solutions that addressed unmet needs. The room became a dynamic ecosystem of shared learning, courage, and innovation.

Beyond design tools, the workshop fostered a mindset of empathy, resilience, and co-creation. These women didn’t just learn a methodology, they embraced a way of thinking that champions experimentation, collaboration, and purpose-driven impact.

I’m deeply proud of their achievements and inspired by their determination to make a difference. Their passion for innovation and social good reminds us that the future of entrepreneurship in the Arab world is both inclusive and visionary.