DAME MARIA B. HALL: Influential Women To Watch for in 2025
British expat Maria B. Hall (D’Annunzio) is a Business Advisory Consultant and International Protocol Expert, who has extensive experience as an Advisor with international corporations and private family offices in the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. Expert business strategist with a sound understanding of organizational development and processes. Skilled communicator with over 25 years of experience providing companies with successful solutions to building organizational success, market penetration, and relationship building. Persuasive negotiator and high-level networker who utilizes her sound GCC network to present joint ventures, assess acquisition opportunities, and identify business collaborations within the region.
Maria equips her clients with business development insights that elevate a client’s business negotiations for a successful entry into the UAE and Saudi markets. Government Liaison – official government procedures, formalities, and bureaucracy, working with trade missions. Expert strategist who uses research of market intelligence, due diligence, and organizational core competencies to claim company success in the region. She has been working with VIPs, C-suite executives, and middle-level management, possessing extensive knowledge of Investor and Government Relations with a special focus on Gulf Business Protocols and Regional Business Development. She has specialized corporate expertise in International Protocol, Psychometrics, Banking Compliance/AML, and Regional Business Set Up.
What does the day and life look like for Dame Maria B. Hall?
My days are a dynamic blend of strategy, relationship-building, and onboarding new business to the region. As an Advisor and Protocol expert for the GCC, and being on several boards,I spend much of my time guiding companies through the complexities of setting up and operating in the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. I also engage with various private offices, and high-net-worth individuals, trade missions by ensuring that business protocols and market entry strategies, are seamlessly woven into their operations and business setup. My banking operations and compliance background adds another layer to my work, by helping businesses understand regulatory frameworks and licensing. On a personal level, balancing my career whilst being a single mother shaped my resilience and adaptability. Every day is a mix of high-level negotiations, local market insights, and ensuring that my family remains at the heart of my career journey.
Why does protocol matter?
Protocol is the invisible thread that weaves diplomacy, business, and social interactions together, ensuring respect and business alignment. Understanding protocol is crucial for successful engagement in the GCC, were traditions and hierarchy shape interactions .I previously wrote about this for Protocol International—https://www.protocol-int.com/blog/why-protocol-matters-in-the-uae-and-saudi-arabia-a-guide-for-expats where I emphasized how protocol fosters trust, credibility, and long-term relationships. Whether in family or royal offices, corporate boardrooms, or high-net-worth gatherings, international events, those who respect and follow proper protocol will be received more favourably
“In the UAE, relationships are at the heart of business success.” Explain.
In the UAE, business is not transactional—it is deeply personal. Trust and rapport must be established before any serious negotiations take place. This is why networking, face-to-face meetings, and cultural intelligence are non-negotiables. A strong personal introduction can open doors that no pitch deck ever could. Decision-makers want to collaborate with people they trust, and that trust is built through shared experiences, demonstrated reliability, and a genuine commitment to the region’s values. In my experience, long-term business partnerships are cultivated over time, often through mutual respect, and consistent engagement.
You were invited to DC Finance’s UAE Family Office & High Net Worth Conference. What genuine connections did you make?
Attending the DC Finance Family Office & High Net Worth Conference was a testament to the importance of relationship-building in this space. I connected with visionary leaders, investors, and next-generation family office members who are shaping the future of wealth management. One of my biggest takeaways was the evolving role of family offices in impact investing—there is a clear shift toward sustainable investments, philanthropy, and legacy-building, increasing alignment between global investors and the regions unique investment philosophy—one that is focused on ethical and impactful investing, sustainability, and legacy preservation. I was honoured to contribute my insights to these discussions.
Women’s Empowerment is at the forefront of your mind. Share your vision for the future.
Women’s empowerment (as I say ‘INpowerment’) is not just a talking point for me—it is a commitment. Having balanced a career in high-stakes environments while being a single mother, I understand the challenges women face in leadership and entrepreneurship. My vision is to see more women in decision-making roles, especially in finance, governance, and diplomacy. I actively mentor and collaborate with women-led initiatives and speak at events that champion women in all industries, I also want to remove the misconceptions surrounding Emirati or Saudi women and highlight what their respective governments are doing with their generous development in women programmes. Currently, I participate in Women in tech, sports, wellbeing projects, along with many speaking engagements. My goal is to ensure that women not only have a seat at the table but also the confidence and the support to lead. I encourage other women to ‘pay it forward’ by mentoring other women in their circles. I would love to come to the US and participate in women in business speaker tours who want to understand the Gulf and MENA region better.
What is your advice to American entrepreneurs who want to do business in the GCC and MENA region?
- Do your homework – Understand the legal, cultural, and economic landscape before entering the market. Each GCC country has its own nuances.
- Invest in relationships – Business in the GCC and MENA is built on trust. Engage with local partners, attend key events, and foster genuine connections. Seek out advisors like me who can give you the right market entry strategies.
- Respect cultural norms – Business etiquette, dress code, and communication styles matter. Business Protocols can make or break a deal.
- Choose the Right Local Partner – A strong local partner can provide crucial market insights, connections, and regulatory guidance.
- Compliance Matters – Regulations are evolving, particularly in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Ensure that you have expert guidance on business setup and compliance.
- Collaborate with the right advisors – Having an expert who understands compliance, operational setup, and stakeholder engagement can prevent costly mistakes.
You are a member of the Global Sustainability Network (GSN). What is important to you? How is the UAE and Saudi Arabia a leader in sustainable initiatives?
Sustainability is not just about environmental consciousness—it is about ethical business practices, social impact, and long-term vision. As a member of the Global Sustainability Network (GSN), I am particularly invested in initiatives that promote ethical practices, sustainable finance, and women’s empowerment. The GCC has emerged as a leader in sustainability through ambitious projects like NEOM in Saudi Arabia, Masdar City in Abu Dhabi, and the UAE’s commitment to Net Zero by 2050. Governments are investing heavily in renewable energy, green finance, and corporate responsibility, setting a precedent for global sustainability. The shift is not just policy-driven; it is embedded in the region’s economic transformation.
May we contact you?
Yes! I welcome meaningful connections and collaborations. You can connect with me on LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/maria-b-h-560b5213
