Abeer Shoukry-Al Otaiba is a visionary entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist.
She is the Founder and CEO of Otaiba Investments, which supports innovative entrepreneurs and transformative startups across the US, UAE, Asia and the Middle East. Launched in 2020, the company builds partnerships that align discerning investors with curated, high-end opportunities focused on real estate, lifestyle and luxury. In addition to her seat on the board of directors at Takalam, a mental health platform, Abeer serves on the Steering Committee of the Ras Al Hekma Development, located on the Mediterranean Sea in Egypt.
Abeer serves as Chief Strategy Officer of Alpha Technology Group, where she helps shape the company’s growth strategy as it develops AI and technology solutions that support digital transformation and innovation for businesses. She is also a Senior Strategic Advisor to DIAFA, a luxury lifestyle group based in Abu Dhabi that’s building a global platform for luxury food, beverage and lifestyle.
She is also the Founder and Creative Director of fashion label SemSem, which was inspired...Abeer Shoukry-Al Otaiba is a visionary entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist.
She is the Founder and CEO of Otaiba Investments, which supports innovative entrepreneurs and transformative startups across the US, UAE, Asia and the Middle East. Launched in 2020, the company builds partnerships that align discerning investors with curated, high-end opportunities focused on real estate, lifestyle and luxury. In addition to her seat on the board of directors at Takalam, a mental health platform, Abeer serves on the Steering Committee of the Ras Al Hekma Development, located on the Mediterranean Sea in Egypt.
Abeer serves as Chief Strategy Officer of Alpha Technology Group, where she helps shape the company’s growth strategy as it develops AI and technology solutions that support digital transformation and innovation for businesses. She is also a Senior Strategic Advisor to DIAFA, a luxury lifestyle group based in Abu Dhabi that’s building a global platform for luxury food, beverage and lifestyle.
She is also the Founder and Creative Director of fashion label SemSem, which was inspired by her daughter. SemSem celebrates women globally, integrating designs with women's rights advocacy and philanthropy. Abeer's passion shines through in her fashion designs, reflecting her Middle Eastern heritage.
Philanthropy is central to everything that Abeer does. Under her leadership as Co-chair of the Children's National's Annual Children's Ball in 2014, the Ball raised over $10.9 million, and the Al Otaiba family's contribution was recognized with the Joseph E. Robert Jr. Prize in Philanthropy.
Additional organizations she has supported include the Meridian International Center, The Kennedy Center, The Washington Ballet, the National Museum of Women in the Arts and the National Gallery. She has a BS in civil engineering and a Master’s in structural analysis and is enrolled in multiple executive programs at Harvard Business School.READ MOREVIEW LESS
Otaiba Investments is an investment company with offices in Abu Dhabi and Washington, DC. The business aims to identify transformative capital investments. The focus is mainly on exclusive opportunities in real estate, lifestyle and luxury.
Alpha Technology Group Ltd is an AI company that builds Exclusive Large Language Model (LLM) solutions and develops AI agents. Abeer Shoukry-Al Otaiba was appointed Chief Strategy Officer, reporting to the CEO.
SemSem is a luxury fashion brand inspired by Abeer’s bond with her daughter. She created a brand to connect mothers and their daughters, using elegant designs complementing each other. The brand is centred around a multi-cultural aesthetic and outstanding quality designs, reflecting the strength of women globally.
Orascom Telecom
Civil Engineer
2004
-
2009
Cairo, EG
Orascom Telecom is a leading international telecommunications company that was a subsidiary of Orascom Investment Holding.
Culturvator is a multi-disciplinary cultural platform and consulting firm, founded by Egyptian-French curator Nadine Abdel Ghaffar, and also operates the Culturvator Cultural Foundation as a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
DIAFA is a luxury lifestyle group in Abu Dhabi affiliated with IHC Group. Its goal is to create the world’s leading global platform for luxury food, beverage and lifestyle.
Ras Al Hekma is a village on the north coast of the Mediterranean Sea in Egypt. The development is a major project for Egypt, aiming to build a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable destination.
Abeer Shoukry-Al Otaiba discusses how SemSem blends technical discipline with creative expression to challenge stereotypes, elevate modest fashion and empower women globally.
Abeer Shoukry-Al Otaiba reflects on SemSem’s evolution, her vision for empowering women through fashion and how her engineering background continues to shape the brand’s bold, philanthropic approach.
Abeer Shoukry-Al Otaiba blends her Eastern and Western heritage to create elegant, socially conscious fashion with a philanthropic mission to empower women and girls globally.
In a 2024 feature for Condé Nast Traveller, Abeer Shoukry-Al Otaiba shares her favorite destinations for uncovering timeless, story-rich fashion pieces.
Vogue Business explores the kaftan’s global evolution from traditional attire to a luxury fashion staple. Featuring insights from SemSem founder Abeer Al Otaiba, the article highlights how brands like SemSem and Taller Marmo are redefining the silhouette for modern wardrobes — blending heritage, comfort and elegance to meet year-round demand across markets.
Abeer's fashion brand SemSem is named in this article, having been included in Net-a-Porter’s 2021 Ramadan Edit. She explained that her designs are intended 'to strike a balance between expressing cultural and creative identity'.
This in-depth feature offers a look inside the Potomac River residence of Abeer Shoukry-Al Otaiba and her husband, UAE Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba’s home. Designed by Joan Behnke, the home blends modern elegance with Middle Eastern heritage, serving both as a serene family retreat and a space for high-level diplomatic entertaining, where Abeer’s creative influence is seen throughout.
Harper’s Bazaar Arabia spotlights SemSem’s exclusive Resort 2020 collection debut on Net-a-Porter. Drawing inspiration from Studio 54 and founder Abeer Al Otaiba’s multicultural heritage, the collection blends bold design with philanthropic purpose, showcasing hand-painted pieces that celebrate women’s empowerment and timeless craftsmanship.
Forbes covers a stylish luncheon hosted at Bergdorf Goodman by Lorraine Schwartz and Blake Lively in honor of SemSem founder, Abeer Al Otaiba. The event celebrates SemSem’s mission of empowering women and girls through fashion, highlighting the brand’s mother-daughter designs and philanthropic partnerships with global women’s charities.
Abeer was named on this list of 40 Women Behind Middle Eastern Brands for her fashion label, SemSem.
Joseph E. Robert, Jr. Prize in Philanthropy
Award Recipient
Feb 2015
Washington, DC, USA
Abeer was given this award jointly with her husband, Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba, by Children’s National Hospital, for their support of medical institutions.
To support the Smithsonian Institution’s National Portrait Gallery, Abeer attended the gallery’s Third Annual Biennial American Portrait Gala, which raised over $2 million in support of the museum’s future exhibitions and initiatives.
Abeer is an ongoing supporter of Children's National, having co-chaired the Children's Ball Committee in 2014 and provided funding for the drive-up COVID-19 testing sites in 2020.
Abeer and her husband, Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba, have supported The Kennedy Center’s arts & cultural programs since 2012. The couple partnered with the center to co-host the Washington National Opera’s annual ball at the UAE Embassy in Washington, DC. Abeer also served as a member of the 50th Anniversary Committee in 2021.
Abeer worked with the Meridian International Center through the Meridian Ball Leadership Committee, supporting Meridian's work of preparing the next generation of effective global leaders.
Egyptian-born Abeer Shoukry-Al Otaiba said that Otaiba Investments were honored to be asked to be a partner to help develop the historical Tahrir Complex. They believed the project will result in the enrichment of the history of all the stakeholders.
Ultimate Motors is the exclusive Lamborghini dealer in the UAE, offering a premier selection of supercars, hypercars and bespoke vehicles. The dealership represents the forefront of automotive innovation as Lamborghini transitions toward hybrid and electric models.
Monaco Marina Management (M3) specializes in the development and revitalization of marinas, yacht clubs and sailing schools. The company promotes sustainable tourism by transforming coastal destinations into environmentally responsible and economically vibrant hubs.
Ferretti Group is a global leader in the design and production of luxury yachts. With a focus on technological innovation and high-performance maritime engineering, the company continues to expand its international presence, including throughout the Middle East.
CairoHouse is a landmark redevelopment of the historic Mogamma El Tahrir in downtown Cairo. The project is transforming the site into a luxury hospitality and lifestyle destination under Marriott’s Autograph Collection, aiming to revitalize Tahrir Square as a cultural and commercial hub.
Arte Di Mare
Investor
Dubai, AE
Arte Di Mare is the exclusive regional dealer for Ferretti Group brands, including Riva, Itama, Ferretti Yachts and Pershing. The company is expanding access to premium maritime experiences across the Middle East, with a focus on craftsmanship, design and luxury service.
