Honored for scaling one of the fastest-growing leadership platforms for Arab women across 100+ countries.
Playbook, the global leadership and career development platform for women, has been honored with the prestigious Entrepreneurship in Leadership Empowerment Award at the Arab Entrepreneurs Board Awards, hosted at the historic House of Lords in London.
The award was presented by Her Excellency Sheikha Alanoud bint Hamad Al-Thani, recognizing Playbook’s pioneering role in building one of the fastest-growing leadership ecosystems dedicated to advancing Arab women across borders.
Founded with a mission to close the gender leadership gap, Playbook today connects over 10,000 members across 100+ countries, providing access to high-quality education, mentorship, investment networks, and executive-level opportunities for women leaders.
Marking a pivotal move in its international expansion, Playbook also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Arab Entrepreneurs Board, founded by Dr. Asmaa Ounass. This strategic partnership aims to fast-track entrepreneurial leadership initiatives across the GCC, MENA, and Europe — reflecting a shared vision for cross-market collaboration and women’s economic advancement. Trusted by leading banks and institutions across the GCC, Playbook is now extending its impact to European markets.
Further strengthening its presence in the UK, Playbook hosted its inaugural London Soirée, a private leadership gathering attended by distinguished executives from the UK and MENA region. Held under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice, the event represents a key milestone in Playbook’s ambition to create globally connected networks of influence.
Wafa AlObaidat, Founder and CEO of Playbook, shared: “Being honored at the House of Lords, hosting our inaugural leadership gathering in London, and formalizing new strategic partnerships are deliberate steps toward scaling Playbook into a truly global platform. Our expansion into the UK is not incidental — it’s part of a larger plan to bridge Arab and global leadership ecosystems, unlock new pathways for investment, and position women leaders at the center of economic growth and innovation.”
Playbook’s recognition at the House of Lords, alongside its strategic collaborations and community-building efforts in London, reflect the platform’s broader commitment to shaping the future of leadership on a global stage — redefining access to opportunity, accelerating regional growth, and setting new standards for women’s advancement worldwide. Playbook’s growth aligns with the broader global imperative to accelerate women’s economic participation, a cornerstone of initiatives like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the UN SDG 5 agenda, and the UK’s
national efforts.
