From Oman’s bustling ports to the highest echelons of governance, Zahra Al Lawati’s career is a masterclass in resilience, innovation, and the power of principled leadership.
The hum of Oman’s logistics and maritime arteries is more than the sound of commerce—it is the heartbeat of a nation in motion. At the center of this dynamic landscape stands Zahra Al Lawati, a woman whose vision and integrity have not only fortified the backbone of Oman’s flagship logistics conglomerate, ASYAD, but also set new standards for governance and empowerment across the region.
Early Life: Foundations of Ambition
Raised in Oman, Zahra’s formative years were shaped by a family that valued education, discipline, and service. Her academic journey began at The University of Queensland, where she earned her Bachelor of Science, before pursuing a Master’s in Internal Audit Management & Consultancy at Birmingham City University—graduating with distinction. Zahra’s relentless pursuit of excellence led her to further hone her leadership skills at Harvard Business School and IESE Business School, absorbing global best practices that would later define her approach to leadership.
Building a Career on Integrity and Innovation
Zahra’s professional ascent is a testament to her expertise and unwavering commitment to ethical leadership. She began her career at Bank Muscat, where she quickly advanced through roles in internal audit, quality, and strategic development. Her ability to navigate complex regulatory environments and drive operational improvements earned her recognition as a trusted advisor and change agent.
Her pivotal move to Oman Shipping Company marked the beginning of her deep engagement with Oman’s logistics and maritime sectors. As Manager of Internal Audit, Zahra led transformative audits, implemented robust risk-control frameworks, and fostered a culture of transparency. Her leadership was instrumental in securing “Above Target” ratings for audit excellence—an early indicator of her future impact.
Leading Boldly at ASYAD Group
In 2017, Zahra was entrusted with establishing and leading the Centralized Internal Audit Function at ASYAD Group—a conglomerate spanning maritime and land transport, shipping, dry-dock, postal services, ports, and free zones. As Group Chief Audit Executive, she oversaw subsidiaries including Oman Shipping, Oman National Transport, Oman Dry Dock, Oman Post/ASYAD Express, Salalah Free Zone, and more.
Her role demanded not only technical mastery but also the ability to build bridges between diverse business domains, executive teams, and government stakeholders. Zahra’s leadership was characterized by her direct engagement with the Group Audit Committee, Board sub-committees, and CEOs—ensuring that integrity, accountability, and strategic foresight remained at the core of ASYAD’s operations.
Shaping National Policy and Global Standards
Zahra’s influence extends far beyond the boardroom. She has been directly nominated for critical government projects, including:
- Wethaq Project (Ministry of Finance): Drafting final recommendations and presenting to the Minister Responsible for Financial Affairs.
- Tawazun (Government of Oman): Establishing and overseeing the corporate governance scope for the National Program for Fiscal Balance.
- Rawabet (Oman Investment Authority): Developing the Code of Corporate Governance for OIA companies.
- Supreme Council of Planning: Participating in the Tenth Fiscal Plan within the Governance Committee.
Her selection for the prestigious “Maritime SheEO Leadership Accelerator” sponsored by the International Maritime Organization—one of only 30 women globally—underscores her status as a thought leader in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
Empowering Others and Driving Social Impact
Zahra’s legacy is not only measured in operational success but also in her commitment to mentorship and capacity-building. As Deputy Chairman of the State Audit Authority for Auditing Institutions, Investments & Companies, and as Board Member and Chairman of the Audit Committee at the SME Development Fund Oman, she champions governance, transparency, and opportunity for the next generation of Omani leaders.
Her advocacy for women in leadership, ethical business, and sustainable development has made her a role model across the Middle East and beyond.
Philosophy and Personal Ethos
Zahra’s leadership philosophy is rooted in integrity and courage. As she often says,
“True leadership is not about authority, but about responsibility—to the people you serve, the standards you uphold, and the future you help shape.”
Looking Ahead: A Legacy in Motion
Zahra Al Lawati’s journey is far from over. Her vision for the future is one where Omani women lead across every sector, where governance is a catalyst for innovation, and where integrity is the cornerstone of progress. She continues to inspire, not just through her achievements, but through her unwavering belief that the greatest impact comes from lifting others as you rise.
Zahra Al Lawati is a living testament to the power of vision, resilience, and ethical leadership—an inspiration for women everywhere who dare to chart their own course and redefine what is possible.
