Rola Abu Manneh is one of the most prominent names in the banking sector in the UAE and the broader Middle East, known for both her leadership and her advocacy for gender equality, inclusion, and digital transformation. In recent years, her influence has expanded further — from steering Standard Chartered’s UAE operations to shaping the wealth management agenda and commenting on regional finance trends.
Rapid Rise & Historic Milestones
Abu Manneh assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer for Standard Chartered in the UAE, Middle East & Pakistan in 2018, becoming the first Emirati woman to lead an international bank in the UAE. Under her leadership, Standard Chartered UAE has been transformed into one of the five most significant markets for the group.
Her track record before her current role includes leadership positions at First Abu Dhabi Bank, particularly as Head of Corporate & Investment Banking in Abu Dhabi and general management of wholesale banking functions.
Recent Moves & Strategic Focus
Wealth Management Reinvention
In March 2025, Abu Manneh gave an exclusive interview about the launch of a Priority Private centre under Standard Chartered — a move she suggested would help redefine the wealth management landscape in the region. The new centre is intended to cater to high-net-worth clients, combining global capabilities with local insight to offer more tailored services.
Spotlight on Gender Equity & Leadership
On International Women’s Day 2025, The Digital Banker spotlighted Abu Manneh’s role as a leader accelerating gender inclusion (and specifically placed her in the context of the push for more women in C-suite roles). She has consistently emphasized that diversity and inclusion are more than buzzwords — under her stewardship, Standard Chartered UAE has pushed structured mentorship, sponsorship, and return-to-work programs for women.
Further, in a February 2025 feature by Standard Chartered, she detailed her own journey and how she prioritizes building a culture of acceptance, advocating systemic change, and overcoming self-doubt among women in finance.
Views on Regional Finance & Saudi’s Rise
Abu Manneh has also voiced insights on macro trends. In an October 2024 interview with Arab News, she declared Saudi Arabia as an emerging hub for global finance, citing infrastructure, investment projects, and the need for Saudi entities to diversify funding sources as key drivers. She also flagged the role of digital transformation and AI in banking — noting that while technology is critical, human touch remains essential in private banking.
Beyond that, her statements suggest she sees opportunity in aligning with mega-projects (such as Saudi’s Red Sea initiative), linking contractors, banks, and credit agencies to bridge capital and risk.
Leadership Style & Thought Identity
Abu Manneh’s leadership philosophy is frequently described as emotionally intelligent, inclusive, and globally minded. In interviews, she emphasizes that “nurturing global ties can reset globalization” and that open communication is key in a diversified workforce. She often frames her decisions around how to enable companies to access new markets, leverage trade corridors, and adapt to a changing world.
She is also active beyond banking — serving on various boards, including Standard Chartered Pakistan and Standard Chartered Uganda since early 2023, as well as philanthropic and institutional boards (e.g. Make-A-Wish UAE, Dubai International Chamber).
Challenges & Opportunities Ahead
- Balancing growth with stability
In launching the new private wealth wing, Abu Manneh must navigate fierce competition from regional and global players, while ensuring regulatory compliance, risk management, and client trust in volatile markets. - Gender inclusion in finance
Though strides have been made, the broader banking industry still sees low female representation at leadership levels. Abu Manneh’s advocacy faces inertia, structural biases, and the challenge of turning institutional commitment into sustained practice. - Digital disruption & AI integration
As banking becomes increasingly tech-driven, she must balance automation with human relationships. Her recent statements suggest she sees AI as augmenting, not replacing, human roles — especially in areas requiring advisory depth. - Regional political & economic shifts
Operating across UAE, Middle East, and Pakistan exposes her to divergent regulatory regimes, currency risks, and geopolitical uncertainties. Steering a bank across such a landscape requires agility and foresight.
Why Rola Abu Manneh Matters Today
Rola Abu Manneh stands at the confluence of many transformative trends: digital finance, women’s leadership, Middle Eastern economic diversification, and cross-border banking. Her decisions and views today aren’t just internal to Standard Chartered — they reverberate across regional finance, entrepreneurship, and inclusion agendas.
As we move further into the decade, leaders like her will help shape which banks not only survive disruption but thrive by combining global scale with local depth.