Dr. Arshi Ayub Zaveri: Powerwoman of Legacy
Global leader. Visionary CEO. Voice of purpose.
In a world where influence often fades with the moment, Dr. Arshi Ayub Zaveri stands as a timeless force—building legacies that cross industries, cultures, and continents. From boardrooms in Abu Dhabi to global policy platforms, her journey is a tapestry of innovation, diplomacy, and award-winning leadership. Honored alongside names like Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, and the Dalai Lama, Dr. Arshi’s accolades are as impressive as the impact she continues to make. As CEO of Trust with Trade Group and Founder of Oxygenate, she embodies the rare fusion of business acumen and humanitarian vision—redefining what it means to lead in the 21st century.
You’ve received some of the world’s most prestigious honors, including the Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award and the Mother Teresa Memorial Award. How have these accolades shaped your vision and responsibility as a global leader?
Professional accolades are truly a humbling experience. It is a reminder of not just a successful career, but a responsibility towards ensuring the collective success of everyone around you as well. A greater purpose and building a structure to the life that you’re meant to lead, and a legacy that will continue to inspire the generations to come. By all means, ambition has been a defining attribute in my career from the very beginning. It has compelled me to start working from the age of 17, establish a bold vision, break barriers, take on challenges, step into leadership roles, and pursue opportunities that may be unconventional for many. Without this ambition and the intrinsic need-to-win, achieving this level of recognition would have been a distant reality. With many years of professional service and prestigious laurels, this ambition has now evolved from the need-to-win to the need-to-make-change. It is a huge responsibility to channelize these acclamations to meaningful progress, based on the tenets of innovation and collaborative development of our societies. And, I’m extremely mindful of it.
As the first woman to receive the UAE’s Mother Teresa Memorial Award after HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, what does this milestone mean to you personally and professionally?
The Mother Teresa Memorial Award has been an illustrious milestone in my professional trajectory. An honor, personally, to have received it after His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Prime Minister & Ruler of Dubai. The UAE leadership has time and again demonstrated a farsighted approach to creating an ecosystem that enables innovation and entrepreneurial excellence, free from gender bias and stereotypical challenges that undermine the status of a woman in the workplace.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is a celebrated leader and is recognized globally as a thorough advocate for the empowerment of women, for leading constructive dialogue vis-à-vis women’s rights and has relentlessly been strengthening access to equitable work opportunities. The government has reaffirmed the role of women as equal partners in shaping the future of the country, by taking the lead and exemplifying all avenues of the vertical economies and of the modern sciences.
Today, it is a moment of great pride to witness the celebration of merit, acceleration of opportunity and recognition of efforts that are directed towards
The progress of the economy, with women at the fulcrum of the nation’s growth story.
Your leadership spans sectors as diverse as oil & gas, neuroscience, biotechnology, and sustainability. How do you balance innovation with impact across such complex industries?
Innovation has to be developed & encouraged in conjunction with impact. A pragmatic methodology has to be chartered and assessed so that it is easier to achieve consensus and attain quicker implementation. For the expansion of our business, we meticulously understand the merits and demerits of an innovative offering, the financial repercussions and the output at the ground level. These factors have to be clearly understood and underlined by each stakeholder involved, and efficacy in communication is key to being able to realize the potential of any growth expansion policy.
One has to agree that innovations that do not have a feasible and sustainable business model are unlikely to have a long-term impact. The financial viability of the business model is truly the first critical driver of impact. Alongside profitability, technology has the power to transform lives, and this will ensure end-to-end value creation. All the industries that we foray ourselves into, the endeavour is always to lead with responsibility and generate profitable, ethical, diverse and sustainable ways of advancing lives.
What inspired the creation of Oxygenate, your sustainability enterprise, and what are its most promising initiatives in combating climate change?
Oxygenate is a sustainability enterprise in the United Arab Emirates, dedicated to the environmental, social & industrial upbringing. We establish plantations with tissue culture bamboo trees from our affiliated laboratory and provide scientific expertise for maximum direct carbon sequestration and creation of renewable energy. Inspired by the vision of Late HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan to enhance the transformation of the UAE, towards a sustainable green circular economy, to educate & create the key pillars for highlighting the execution of the Oxygenate Bamboo, as the “Next Disruptive Technology for Global Warming”.
Oxygenate Bamboo is the fastest growing tree (minimum 1.5 ft – 3 ft PER DAY), has a CO2 sequestration capacity of 450 kg of CO2 per tree p.a, generates 300 kg of oxygen per tree p.a, regenerative by nature and is planted only once in a 100 years, reduces 5-7 degrees of atmospheric temperature, stronger than steel by its tensile strength, 100% biodegradable & is an excellent “energy crop” for generating bio ethanol, bio fuels, green electricity, pulp, paper. Due to its unique capabilities and a proven intelligent nature-based solution, oxygenate bamboo has been recognised as a landmark climate initiative globally.
Oxygenate Bamboo; Awarded 1st place by the UAE Ministry of Economy Youth Council by HE Abdulla Bin Touq, UAE Minister of Economy, HE Shamma Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Youth, HE Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Trade,
Awarded at the British House of Lords, British parliament in October 2022 for commitment to sustainability.
Oxygenate was selected at the IRENA NewGen Renewable Energy Accelerator Programme for Youth 2023 for high-level dialogues by YOUNGO, SES, Arab Youth for COP, World Bank, UNFCCC, UNEP, IRENA, IEF, Bezos Earth Fund. Received the “Innovation Award Winner” at the ADNOC Decarbonization Challenge 2023 at the COP28, and 1st Place for “Sustainability Innovation” by the Mohamed Bin Rashid Fund for Government Innovation, UAE Prime Minister’s Office.
The global bamboo market size has risen exponentially in recent times and is estimated to grow from $74.52 billion in 2024 to $79.33 billion in 2025. Often referred to as the “GREEN GOLD”, Oxygenate Bamboo is the Bio-raw material of the future. Fastest growing, robust, requires little water, no fertiliser, no pesticides, fire and termite resistant. Absorbs up to ten times more carbon dioxide while growing, as compared to other tree species.
As a Company, we aim to plant 10 Million Oxygenate Bamboo Trees by 2030 and expand the vision of creating localized “BAMBOO OXYGEN PARKS” and “CARBON NEUTRAL FREEWAYS” worldwide for maximum direct carbon capture and mainstreaming nature-based solutions into the global sustainability agenda.
You’ve advised royal family offices and led international business development—how do you navigate high-stakes decision-making across cultures and governments?
As a civilization, we are witnessing the global risk landscape that has transformed dramatically and is intensified by prolonged economic fragmentation, geopolitical conflicts and increasing financial instability in most nations. International Business development in such an environment has to be informed, agile, collaborative and diversified.
Amidst the global chaos, the UAE has maintained its position as a strategic haven for global investments with massive political, economic and social stability & resilience. The focus of the nation has been to forge diverse economic connections with the world, providing a global economic environment with competitive advantages and incentives to drive trade & investments. Aligned with the creation of a “Competitive Knowledge-based economy”, the nation is home to the world’s top talent, entrepreneurs, private investors, family offices, scientists and innovators from across 198 nationalities and cultures, who coexist and equally flourish.
Strategic decision making across cultures and governments requires a pragmatic and forward-looking approach. High stakes often come with high risk. An early assessment of all of the immediate and long-term consequences will ensure that
the reward outweighs the risk. Having accurate information and empirical data is key to negotiation & the strategic decision-making process, in an amalgamation of cultures and diverse administrations. Evidence-based and data-driven decision-making minimises bias and cements a foundation for productive impact.
Collaboration is another pivotal rounder. A team of experts and advisors can provide perspectives and moderate the potential shortcomings, as the inclusion of input from others who are unaffected by the decision will give you a non-biased opinion that it’s well-rounded and has been established on purely merit.
We must also remember to reflect upon the past. The pros & cons of a decision that was taken previously, for reflection will allow clarity, adjustment and won’t cloud a judgment of the present and of the future. Essential to keep learning from the mistakes and oversights, and inject dynamic methodologies into the journey of self-improvement.
Being recognized among the Top 100 Arab World Influencers, what do you believe is the role of influence in today’s volatile global landscape?
We learn from the leadership of the United Arab Emirates. H. H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is the President of the UAE and the Ruler of Abu Dhabi, whose vision is the guiding force behind the socio-economic growth, cultural diversity, and the revitalisation of the nation. With massive global influence, the leadership has maintained regional stability, internal peace and security and advanced cooperation in the global fraternity by building bridges of communication with world leaders and promoting a binding culture of tolerance and coexistence.
To be able to influence positively, one must build credibility and have good character. It is essential to understand this to influence or drive change. Everyone today is an influencer in their capacity. The inter-connectivity of the world has empowered individuals to start shaping the minds of many with easier access and visibility on various formats of media. And this is another reason why one must do it responsibly.
An investment in effective articulation is another key imperative, for at times, they are truly a game changer. The way we underpin information and relay it requires continuous learning, which will ultimately lead to the delivery of value at scale.
Finally, we can collectively agree and ascertain that relationships are the keystone of influence. Hence, invest time in building genuine relationships with
your team members, colleagues, partners, and stakeholders on the tenets of trust and credibility. People appreciate people who are true to their knowledge, values, mistakes and susceptibilities. Humanize your approach, as we collectively witness AI, robots, and machines emerge, the need for human-based leadership and people-to-people connectivity will increase, and the demonstration of coherence, resilience, and ethical decision-making will be a prerequisite for sustainable growth.
In the ‘Era of augmented intelligence” we have a responsibility to stay up-to-date with the global industry trends and create a culture of agile adaptation by collaboration, consensus and positive dialogue to influence and lead a deep-rooted transformation in a larger capacity.
With a Doctorate in International Business and studies at Oxford in Public Policy Economics, how do you blend academic theory with real-world business strategy?
Academia teaches us concepts and cases to identify and analyze competitive advantages, explore possibilities, address shortcomings, and finally mitigate any potential risks that may emerge.
To find an intersection with academic theory and real-world business strategy, one must apply the skillset that has been developed into an ongoing phase of continual learning and information building. To learn proactively is an invaluable experience, which fortifies the basic understanding of concepts into the real-world implementation. Diversified networking is another enabler of broadening your perspectives and learning from the techniques of others, which you can incorporate into your professional journey. Periodic assessment and internalisation of individual experiences that draw connections between theory and practice will also support a better structure of business strategy and business development in the long run.
Women-led startups and impact investing are at the core of your social mission—what shifts do you believe are still needed to truly empower women entrepreneurs globally?
It is important to learn from the best practices of a nation and replicate or upgrade them for your own. For collaboration is the only attribute to make this world a better place for women to innovate and lead successful, independent lives.
The United Arab Emirates has created a model that continues to empower women-led enterprises through government initiatives, financing and multi-stakeholder partnerships to encourage economic acceleration & sustainable innovation, which are a testament to the nation’s commitment towards gender balance for long-term peace and prosperity.
The key initiatives led by Dubai SME, ADIA, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, Khalifa Fund for Enterprise, Ministry of Econom,y Youth Council streamline
the process for license registration and offer reduced fees for fast track company set-up, free-zone benefits, tax exemptions, subsidies on various compliances, disbursement of standard templates to create business plans, feasibility and market intelligence modules, varied mentoring workshops with industry experts, business networking sessions with relevant stakeholders, access and visibility to local & international sovereign wealth funds, government financing programs, grants, sponsorships and entrepreneurial seed capital by venture capitalists and credit guarantees with large financial institutions, are few enablers of the thriving female led entrepreneurial ecosystem in the UAE. For a better future, the key gaps in the innovator ecosystem of any nation need to be addressed. Awareness and resource availability about government policy have to be underlined. Public-Private partnerships are to be encouraged, for they are the only way to nurture entrepreneurship, economic development and growth. Simplification of personal investments of female entrepreneurs and divestment of wealth is another imperative for the financial empowerment of women. This aspect is often overlooked, but should be discussed and brought into the mainstream dialogue. Sector-wise industry incentives, such as Sustainability, AI, space and satellite economics, machine learning and renewable energy must be chartered and directed towards larger female participation. Governmental policy must be in alignment with the acceleration of women in workplaces with better economic, social and legal policy and frameworks, such as the UAE’s inclusive policies and a family-friendly environment that constructs a fertile ground for women to live, start and grow successful businesses.
What leadership values have guided you through your 16-year journey to becoming a globally recognized CEO and thought leader?
There are a few key attributes that have kept me grounded and are my guiding forces.
Always value your people. Work as an extended family, consultatively and in tandem with one another. Be transparent with the people around you, so they can perform better for the business. And, rely on your people to deliver great results that ultimately ensure success for everyone. A sustainable business is
always built around capable people, and a great community can be built around a group of individuals who excel at what they do. Focus on creating a diverse team, and make sure that everyone feels valued as well as accountable for the long-term health of the business.
Stay authentic. Be genuine to create trust and connections. And make sure to continuously seek feedback to understand every aspect of the impact created. Communicate with clarity. A clear vision and roadmap will always require the utmost transparency and consistency to operate. The only way to achieve it is by having clarity in communication and all of the business processes.
Simplification and effective transmission of complex ideas and processes are always a critical enabler.
Create a strong analytical prowess. Learn, upskill, unlearn & Re-skill. Seek diverse experiences and perspectives to stimulate ideas & to drive innovation. Work in an arena that stretches your skill set, and for which you might not be 100% qualified, but where you can learn and upgrade your intellectual offerings, because one has to advocate for their intrinsic ability to take on more responsibility. Focus on developing skills to decode complex issues and make informed strategic decisions, keeping in mind your internal & external environment.
Manage your time well. A good practice that has been maintained by me from the beginning of my career is having a dated to–do list of work meetings and a quarterly review of the time spent on a particular project or customer, or a public engagement. It is important to document your professional calendar and constantly review it to create better, productive schedules for prioritizing professionally and creating an equilibrium within work-life, for yourself and for everything that matters to you.
Looking ahead, what legacy do you hope to leave through Trust With Trade Group, Oxygenate, and your broader work in global innovation and diplomacy?
At present, as business owners, we are manoeuvring the ever-changing landscape of innovation, influence, and impact, which requires an enterprising and progressive outlook. Businesses play a huge role in improving society, aligned with the pillars of ethical leadership and corporate social responsibility. We endeavour to continuously evolve and to stay relevant, as well as maintain our credibility, with the times. A successful corporate heritage shall foster a purpose-driven approach to entrepreneurship, one where all stakeholders benefit, society will witness furtherance, and there is sizeable economic development in the nation. Our investment group has been proactively identifying ventures that are not only commercially viable, but also positively advancing the lives of many in healthcare innovation, generative AI and alternative energy, generating sustainable employment for indigenous and disadvantaged sections of society. We shall continue to keep people at the core of our operations and hope to leave a legacy of excellence, innovation, integrity and international philanthropy.
