30 Jan 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WISTA UAE Celebrates Exponential Growth and New Leadership at Successful 2025
Annual General Meeting in Dubai
DUBAI, UAE – January 30, 2026 – The WISTA UAE successfully concluded its Annual
General Meeting (AGM) 2025 on January 29, 2026, in Dubai. The gathering, which
officially met quorum as declared by the Secretary General, served as a powerful
testament to the association’s rapid evolution and its commitment to empowering
women within the maritime and trading sectors.
Exponential Growth and Strategic Evolution
A major highlight of the meeting was the membership report presented by departing
Secretary General, Christina Mavromichalis. She revealed that WISTA UAE has
achieved extraordinary growth, surging from just 14 members in 2022 to 129 members
today. This nearly tenfold increase underscores the vital role the organization plays in
the regional maritime community.
In a move to streamline operations, the Board announced that existing Committees
will transition to Functions in 2026, a strategic shift designed to enhance the
efficiency and impact of the association’s initiatives.
Financial Oversight and Leadership Updates
The financial health and transparency of the organization were confirmed by Honourary
Treasurer Meena Mathews, who presented the Financial Report to the attending
members.
The AGM also saw the re-election of key leadership figures to ensure continuity:
• Rania Tadros was re-elected as President for a new two-year term.
• Dina Kotoros remains as Board Member for Sponsorships for another two-year
term.
The association also welcomed Ms. Sarah Haidar as the newly elected Secretary
General of WISTA UAE. The Board extended its warmest congratulations to Ms. Haidar
and expressed full confidence in her leadership for this new chapter.In a powerful call to action,
President Rania Tadros stated:
"More hard work – more visibility – more presence – more leadership with purpose –
more support – more network – more community – more opportunities….. Lets do this
together."
Heartfelt Gratitude
The President expressed profound gratitude to the outgoing Secretary
General, Christina Mavromichalis, for her dedicated service. She also extended
heartfelt thanks to the Sponsors and Corporate Members whose trust has been
instrumental to WISTA UAE’s journey.
The meeting was adjourned following the successful election of the new Secretary
General and the ratification of all reports.
About WISTA UAE:
WISTA UAE is a national branch of WISTA International, connecting female executives in
the maritime and trading sectors.
Media Contact:
WISTA UAE Board
Email: events@wistauae.com
Website: www.wistauae.com