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In a remarkable recognition of her leadership and impact, Mirna Arif, General Manager of Microsoft Egypt, has been appointed as a judge for Forbes Middle East’s “30 Under 30 Class of 2024”. This prestigious list celebrates the dynamic trailblazers in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region—young entrepreneurs, innovators, and social change-makers who are shaping the future of commerce, technology, social impact, and entertainment.
The “30 Under 30″list, now in its seventh year, showcases the next generation of leaders under 30, who are not only disrupting industries but also paving the way for a more sustainable and inclusive future. The list spans four key categories: Commerce and Finance, Sports and Entertainment, Science and Technology, and Social Impact. With 120 honorees representing 24 nationalities, the Class of 2024 reflects the diversity and vibrancy of MENA’s young talent. Among these distinguished judges is Mirna Arif, whose selection underscores her pivotal role in the region’s technology landscape.
With more than two decades of experience in the tech industry, she has been a force in shaping the digital economy of Egypt, focusing on empowering businesses and individuals through technology. Her leadership in Microsoft Egypt has resulted in numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing digital literacy, promoting **cloud adoption**, and encouraging **entrepreneurship**—aligning with the very ethos of the Forbes 30 Under 30 recognition.
Forbes Middle East’s 30 Under 30 Class of 2024
The 2024 cohort of Forbes Middle East’s 30 Under 30 includes 153 remarkable individuals, including entrepreneurs, creatives ,athletes, and activists from across the region. With a remarkable 48 Egyptians featured on the list, Egypt continues to shine as a hub of entrepreneurial talent. In fact, entrepreneurship is a major theme this year, with over 68% of the honorees representing founders and co-founders of **groundbreaking startups** and initiatives.
For Mirna Arif, who has consistently championed the role of technology in empowering people and driving economic development, this year’s list represents a new generation of leaders who are not only solving problems but creating new opportunities in ways that were once unthinkable.
### **Arif’s Role as a Judge: Recognizing the Visionaries of Tomorrow**
As part of the rigorous selection process for **Forbes Middle East’s 30 Under 30**, judges like Arif assess candidates based on a range of criteria, including their **impact on industries**, **entrepreneurial success**, **social influence**, and **potential for future growth**. With her vast experience in overseeing large-scale tech projects, mentoring young leaders, and advocating for **inclusive innovation**, Arif brings a unique perspective to the judging panel.
“I am incredibly honored to be part of the **30 Under 30** judging panel,” says Arif. “This year’s cohort is exceptionally talented, and it is inspiring to see the ways in which young leaders are driving change in MENA. These individuals are not just shaping their industries—they’re shaping the future of our region and the world at large.”
Her involvement as a judge reflects her belief in the power of technology to unlock opportunities, as well as her ongoing work to foster a culture of innovation and inclusion within the tech industry.
The 30 Under 30 Summit will be held in Abu Dhabi in December 2024, recognizing the next generation of pioneerswhile providing them with valuable opportunities for mentorship and growth.
For Mirna Arif, attending the summit is not just a celebration of young achievers but also an opportunity to continue supporting and nurturing future leaders. As someone who has spent her career building up the tech ecosystem in Egypt and the MENA region, Arif’s presence underscores her dedication to empowering the next wave of entrepreneurs and innovators**.
Looking to the Future: Empowering MENA’s Next Generation
The 202430 Under 30 Class marks a pivotal moment in the region’s ongoing journey of growth and transformation. With dynamic leaders like Mirna Arif as part of the process, the future of business, technology, and social impact in the MENA region is in capable hands.
As a role model for young leaders across the region, Merna exemplifies the kind of impact-driven leadership that the30 Under 30 list seeks to honor. With her insight and influence, Arif is helping to shape the future of MENA’s dynamic and fast-evolving industries.
As the Class of 2024 continues to make waves, Arif’s participation as a judge ensures that the legacy of **empowerment** and **inclusion** will be carried forward, helping to unlock even greater potential for the next generation of leaders across the region.
