Wellness routines are no longer a side note for business leaders in the Middle East—they’re part of the core strategy. From Dubai to Doha, women in leadership roles are turning to mindfulness not just as a stress tool but as a foundation for how they lead.
Meditation, journaling, breathwork, and early-morning workouts are increasingly part of the daily lives of female CEOs and founders. What was once considered a Western import has found resonance in the region, often blending with local spiritual practices, including prayer and reflection.
For many, the turning point came during the pandemic, when boundaries between work and home dissolved. Now, wellness routines are seen as a buffer against burnout and a way to model healthier practices for employees.
Leadership programs across the region are beginning to include wellness training. In Saudi Arabia, new business hubs offer meditation spaces and coaching. In the UAE, wellness has become part of executive development.
Women leaders say these routines are not about luxury. They are a necessity. Being grounded, calm, and rested helps them make better decisions and lead teams more effectively. Profit, they argue, is easier to achieve when the person in charge is well.
