Dalal Marafie (Women’s Cultural and Social Society) Kuwait

Dalal A. Marafie is a highly accomplished professional with a strong academic background and extensive experience in private sector development, political economy, and gender equality. She holds a Master’s degree in Middle East Studies, with a specialization in GCC Studies, from the University of Exeter. With over seven years of experience at the World Bank Group (WBG), Dalal has led and supported impactful development and advisory projects across the Middle East, particularly in Kuwait, Qatar, and Iraq. Her expertise lies in enhancing the business environment, promoting investment, and supporting economic reform agendas. She played a pivotal role in Kuwait’s recognition as one of the Top 10 Reformers in the World Bank Group’s Doing Business Report 2020, and contributed to flagship initiatives such as the Silk Road City project and investment promotion efforts with the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA). Her work has focused on aligning regulatory frameworks with global standards and enabling private capital flows into strategic sectors.