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Her Excellency Lujaina Mohsin Darwish is a force to be reckoned with. Not only in the world of business, but in her advocacy for women in Oman, the GCC and beyond.
Stepping into the world of business at the age of just 24, she took on a mission to redefine leadership in infrastructure and technology. Inspired by values of trust and ethics instilled in her from a young age, she saw the evolving corporate landscape as not a barrier, but a canvas where women could lead, innovate, and inspire.
Over the last three decades, Her Excellency has gone on to pave the way for many in the region, from her historic election to Oman’s Consultative Assembly in 2000, to her role as Honorary Consul of South Africa in the Sultanate of Oman, Lujaina has consistently used her platform to challenge norms and pave new paths. This ties in with her belief that leadership transcends simple titles – it’s about service.
As Oman looks towards its Vision 2024, which includes a national call to action for inclusive progress, Her Excellency’s work aligns seamlessly with this. But beyond boardrooms and strategy decks, her true power lies in her advocacy, especially for women.
Her Excellency’s story is one of reinvention and relentless purpose to help others rise – a journey which the Omani trailblazer shares below with GRAZIA.
GRAZIA: You’re a prominent figure in Oman’s business landscape. What first inspired you to pursue a leadership role in a traditionally male-dominated industry?
LMD: My inspiration stemmed from a deep-rooted commitment to legacy, growth, and impact. Growing up, I observed my late father Mohsin Haider Darwish’s, unwavering vision in building a business grounded in trust, ethics, and service. When I joined Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC (MHD) in 1994, I knew I wasn’t just stepping into a business, I was stepping into a platform to redefine what leadership could look like, especially for women in Oman. The business world, particularly sectors like infrastructure and technology, had long been seen as male-dominated. Rather than being discouraged, I viewed this as a space to break barriers, introduce new perspectives, and help other women envision themselves in leadership roles.
GRAZIA: How do you see Oman’s economic vision aligning with the goals of private sector leaders like yourself?
LMD: Oman’s Vision 2040 is more than a roadmap – a call for national transformation through innovation, diversification, and inclusive development. As Chairperson of the Infrastructure, Technology, Industrial &
Consumer Solutions (ITICS) cluster of MHD, I’ve had the opportunity to align our business strategies with the country’s broader economic goals. Whether it’s investing in smart infrastructure, embracing clean energy, or championing digital transformation, we see the private sector as an engine of national progress. Our responsibility is not only to grow commercially but to help shape a resilient, future-ready economy – one that offers meaningful opportunities for all Omanis, especially youth and women.
Photo: Supplied
GRAZIA: What do you consider your most significant achievement to date within the Mohsin Haider Darwish Group?
LMD: Among the many milestones, the restructuring and elevation of our business through the ITICS cluster stand out. We brought together key sectors – Infrastructure, Technology, Industrial, and Consumer Solutions – under one strategic umbrella to accelerate modernisation, digitalisation, and customer-centric innovation. This transformation was not only structural but also cultural. It reflected a mindset of evolution, agility, and ambition. Beyond financial success, I’m proud of how this shift empowered our teams, deepened our customer relationships, and reaffirmed our relevance in a changing market landscape.
Carrying forward the legacy of my late father, Mohsin Haider Darwish, has been both a personal and professional mission – one that I hold with immense pride. Under my leadership, we have not only preserved the values and vision he instilled in the Group but also significantly enhanced its performance by strategically expanding into new high-growth sectors. From pioneering advancements in the Technology, Infrastructure, and Energy cluster to making impactful forays into premium segments such as luxury hospitality and lifestyle, we have diversified our portfolio while staying true to our roots. This journey has been about embracing innovation, empowering local talent, and aligning with Oman’s Vision 2040. It is this balance of legacy and forward-thinking that I consider one of my most significant achievements within the Group.
GRAZIA: Oman has been undergoing rapid modernisation while preserving its cultural identity. How do you strike that balance in your business strategies?
LMD: The beauty of Oman lies in its ability to embrace change while remaining anchored in heritage. At MHD, our strategies reflect this duality. We integrate advanced technologies and global best practices, yet we make decisions through the lens of our values – respect, authenticity, and responsibility. For example, when launching new initiatives, we ensure they are locally grounded, socially inclusive, and ethically driven. Our goal is to move forward while honouring where we’ve come from, progress that is innovative yet respectful of our cultural DNA, because culture is not a constraint—it’s a compass.
GRAZIA: You’ve been a vocal advocate for women’s empowerment. How would you describe the current landscape for women in leadership in Oman?
LMD: I personally believe that the future for women leaders in Oman is bold, promising, and transformative. Oman is experiencing a dynamic shift in women’s leadership, marked by increasing visibility and empowerment and we now occupy influential roles across public, private, and civil society sectors. With Vision 2040 in focus, women are central to national development goals. Government-backed programs like Sidrah and Tasmu are equipping women with vital leadership skills. Omani women are emerging as strong advocates for gender equality and mentorship. They’re not just participating, they’re shaping inclusive policies, driving innovation, supporting institutional frameworks and fostering societal shifts. We are definitely making a difference in all spheres.
GRAZIA: Can you share a pivotal moment in your career where being a woman in leadership presented both a challenge and an opportunity?
LMD: One defining moment was my election to Oman’s Consultative Assembly in 2000. At the time, I was one of the first two women ever elected—a milestone for both myself and the nation. It was a moment of pride, but also of immense responsibility. There were expectations, scrutiny, and a need to prove that women could lead at the highest levels of governance. That experience taught me that representation isn’t symbolic—it’s transformative. It opened doors for many others and reinforced my belief that leadership must reflect the society it serves.
GRAZIA: How has your background and family legacy influenced your approach to leadership and innovation?
LMD: My family’s legacy is my foundation. My late father’s entrepreneurial spirit, integrity, and belief in long-term vision over short-term gains deeply shaped who I am as a leader. At the same time, I’ve always believed that legacy must evolve. That’s why I constantly seek to blend tradition with innovation—honouring the past while building for the future. Whether it’s digital transformation, talent development, or community impact, I approach leadership as a balance between continuity and reinvention.
GRAZIA: In your view, what are the key factors driving the shift toward greater female participation in Oman’s workforce?
LMD: Several forces are converging. First, education has equipped Omani women with the skills to compete and excel. Second, policy reforms have actively encouraged their participation. Third, societal attitudes have matured—there’s a growing recognition that diverse teams perform better and are more resilient. And finally, success breeds success. As more women take on leadership roles and thrive, they become beacons for others to follow. Role models create ripple effects.
GRAZIA: What advice would you give to young Omani women aspiring to enter the corporate world or start their own ventures?
LMD: Be fearless in your ambition, but grounded in preparation. Invest in your skills, seek mentors, and build your confidence through action. Know that your voice matters, your perspective matters, and your contribution is needed. And when obstacles arise—as they inevitably will—treat them not as deterrents but as lessons. Every setback is a setup for greater growth. Lead with purpose, and success will follow.
GRAZIA: How do you think regional collaboration among GCC countries can support the advancement of women in leadership roles?
LMD: Collaboration is critical. The GCC has an incredible opportunity to build regional platforms for mentorship, investment, and policy alignment focused on empowering women. We can learn from each other’s successes and challenges, co-create ecosystems of innovation, and amplify women’s impact beyond borders. Shared networks, inclusive summits, and cross-sector partnerships can accelerate the shift from representation to real influence. Together, the GCC can create a more inclusive and diverse leadership landscape, driving both social and economic progress across the region
GRAZIA: Looking ahead, what legacy do you hope to leave for the next generation of Omani leaders, especially young women?
LMD: I hope to leave a legacy rooted in possibility, purpose, and progress. One that reminds young Omani women and all emerging leaders to embrace their potential. They can step forward with confidence, lead with values, and shape their own narrative. Leadership isn’t just about influence – it’s about service. That’s why being appointed as the Honorary Consul of the Republic of South Africa in the Sultanate of Oman was a deeply meaningful milestone. It reflects not only trust in my role as a connector between nations, but also a broader belief that women can represent their countries, their industries, their cultures and their ideals on the global stage. If I can open doors, challenge norms, and build bridges for others to cross, then that will be a legacy worth leaving. Real impact lies not in the titles we hold but in the paths we help others pave.
