Women in Sport
Leading the way to empowerment
BIOGRAPHY
Tara Thomas | Founder, WiMENA
For over three decades, Tara Thomas has worked at the intersection of business, culture, and opportunity across the Middle East and international markets – long before it became the global focus it is today.
Her journey began with a simple but powerful belief: that women must be part of the economic story of every nation.
Where it Started
In 1997, Tara founded Women in Business International (WIB) as part of a UK Trade & Investment initiative. At the time, conversations around women’s economic participation –particularly in the Middle East – were still in their early stages.
Through WIB, she brought together government leaders, global businesses, and women from across regions to create platforms for dialogue, collaboration, and change. From international forums in Saudi Arabia, Syria, and across Africa, to launching the first Women in Business magazine in the Gulf, her work helped open doors and shape early momentum.
It wasn’t just about events – it was about building bridges.
Staying at the Heart of the Region
While WIB created impact on a global stage, Tara’s connection to the Middle East never paused.
As UK Director of the Al Hilal Publishing & Marketing Group, she spent years working across industries – from construction and energy to travel and hospitality – leading international business into the region.
Through platforms such as Trade Arabia, Gulf Construction, Oil & Gas News, and Gulf Daily News, she developed a deep, ground-level understanding of how the region was evolving – not just politically, but economically and culturally.
This wasn’t a separate chapter. It was a continuation.
Why Wimena, Why Now
Today, the Middle East – particularly Saudi Arabia – is undergoing one of the most significant transformations in the world.
For Tara, Wimena is a natural evolution of everything that came before.
A platform that reflects the moment we are in now.
Wimena expands the conversation beyond business into sport, culture, leadership, and investment – sectors that are redefining opportunity and influence on a global stage.
Through initiatives like Wimena Women in Sport and the upcoming Wimena Awards, she continues to bring together people, ideas, and institutions that shape the future.
The Vision
Tara’s vision has remained consistent throughout her career:
To create platforms that connect worlds – between East and West,between business and culture,
and between opportunity and impact.
Because when women are part of that connection, transformation happens faster – and lasts longer.
“Wimena is not a starting point – it is the continuation of a journey that began over 30 years ago, building bridges between women, business, and opportunity across the Middle East and beyond.”
Tel: +44 (0)7836 565 110
Email: tara.thomas@wimena.com