Welcome to the 1001 Stories Initiative
WHAT IS IT
Inspired by Shehrazad’s 1001 Stories
Throughout history, stories have held the power to inspire, to transform, and to ignite change. And there is no greater storyteller in tradition than Shahrazad—the brilliant, strategic, and courageous woman who used the art and power of storytelling not just to survive, but to create a new reality.
In collaboration with The Arab Entrepreneurs Board, the digital publication partner, we are proud to introduce 1001 Stories of Success—an initiative that honours the resilience and ingenuity of women in business & entrepreneurship who are transforming the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) region.
Inspired by the legendary Shahrazad, who used the power of storytelling to strategically inspire change, these remarkable women are rewriting the narrative of business and innovation, governance, and society across the Middle East.
Through this initiative, we will spotlight 1001 success stories of trailblazing women, sharing short but impactful accounts of their journeys—how they built their businesses, overcame challenges, and contributed to society in ways that will inspire generations to come.
We want these 1001 stories to be documented and recorded in history as a legendary testament to women’s contribution to this transformational era of the MENA – one story at a time.

To support this initiative in any other way, please contact: [email protected], with subject 1001 initiative.
What do we look for in these women?
We highlight the essence of Shahrazad in entrepreneurship & business, in:
Leadership
For pioneers, and visionaries who transform and disrupt at scale.
Creativity & Strategy
In leveraging innovation and vision to build successful enterprises.
Adaptability
To survive and thrive in a constantly evolving landscape
Resilience
And ability to persist and turn challenges into opportunities.
Community Building Starts Here
While 1001 Stories Initiative brings powerful stories and bold ideas to life, it’s just one part of a much larger ecosystem.
Our partners, The Arab Entrepreneurs Board offers a dynamic platform for aspiring and established entrepreneurs across the region — with resources, mentorship, and opportunities to grow and scale. Ready to go further?
Explore their full range of services here and take your next step with the Arab Entrepreneurs Board.
Visit the BoardNominate a woman for 1001
You can nominate yourself or an inspiring woman you believe deserves a place to be featured in the prestigious 1001 List. Your nomination fee helps support the administration of this meaningful project, with a portion dedicated to a women’s charity—details of which will be shared transparently.
Once a nomination is accepted, our team will reach out to the nominee to gather further insights into her journey and request a photo for publication.
For any further information, please contact: [email protected], with subject 1001 initiative