As an entrepreneur, philanthropist and women’s rights advocate, Abeer Shoukry-Al Otaiba is challenging gender stereotypes and showing young women that they can be the change they want to see in the world. As Founder and CEO of Otaiba Investments, Abeer collaborates with some of the world’s leading innovators to develop global solutions addressing critical challenges.

Driven by her entrepreneurial spirit, Abeer’s ventures extend beyond Otaiba Investments, most notably through her luxury fashion brand, SemSem. Inspired by motherhood, Abeer launched SemSem in 2015, which features elegant dresses, tops, pants and other pieces for women and girls. 

Strongly influenced by Abeer’s Arab roots, SemSem’s line is entirely hand-made and dedicated to female empowerment and development. Integrating fashion and women’s rights advocacy, SemSem partners with a different nonprofit organization each season to improve the welfare of disadvantaged women and children worldwide.

Abeer also plays an active role in global development, serving as a Steering Committee Member for Ras Al Hekma Development — an ambitious, coastal city project in Egypt focused on building a sustainable, inclusive community through urban innovation, wellness, education and cultural enrichment.

Philanthropy and Outreach

Abeer actively champions philanthropic causes focused on key issues affecting women and girls, such as gender equality, women’s health, literacy, education and human rights.

After experiencing a medical emergency with her daughter, Abeer has also prioritized causes benefiting pediatric care and public healthcare. She supports medical institutions, like the Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, DC, and has established a Goodwill Fund to provide financial assistance to underprivileged patients receiving treatment at the King Hussein Cancer Center.

Abeer Al Otaiba has lived in several countries throughout her lifetime, amassing a unique set of experiences that shaped her into the woman she is today. Beginning her professional career as a civil engineer at Orascom Telecom in Egypt, and later joining Royal Group in Abu Dhabi, Abeer quickly distinguished herself as a leader in a traditionally male-dominated field.

As a lifelong creative, Abeer spends a great deal of time supporting creative and cultural organizations, including the Meridian International Center, the Kennedy Center, the National Museum of Women in the Arts, the Washington Ballet and the National Portrait Gallery.

Learn more about Abeer Shoukry-Al Otaiba.