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Abeer Shoukry-Al Otaiba

Founder & CEO, Otaiba Investments

Founder & Creative Director, SemSem

Washington, DC, USA

Abeer Shoukry-Al Otaiba

Bluestone Equity Partners

Oracle Industries

Abeer Shoukry-Al Otaiba’s Biography

Abeer Shoukry-Al Otaiba is a visionary entrepreneur, philanthropist, and advocate for gender equality.

Abeer founded Otaiba Investments to support innovative entrepreneurs and transformative startups. Launched in 2020, the company builds partnerships that align discerning investors with curated, high-end opportunities across geographic regions, with an initial focus 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.

She is also the Founder and Creative Director of fashion label SemSem, which was inspired by her daughter. Abeer celebrates women globally with her brand and integrates her designs with women’s rights advocacy. Abeer’s passion shines through in her fashion designs, reflecting her global citizenship in the blend of influences from the Western and Eastern worlds.

Dedicated to collectively giving back, SemSem partners with a charity every season and has collaborated with the International... Abeer Shoukry-Al Otaiba is a visionary entrepreneur, philanthropist, and advocate for gender equality.

Abeer founded Otaiba Investments to support innovative entrepreneurs and transformative startups. Launched in 2020, the company builds partnerships that align discerning investors with curated, high-end opportunities across geographic regions, with an initial focus 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.

She is also the Founder and Creative Director of fashion label SemSem, which was inspired by her daughter. Abeer celebrates women globally with her brand and integrates her designs with women’s rights advocacy. Abeer’s passion shines through in her fashion designs, reflecting her global citizenship in the blend of influences from the Western and Eastern worlds.

Dedicated to collectively giving back, SemSem partners with a charity every season and has collaborated with the International Rescue Committee (IRC), Women for Women International, and Every Mother Counts in previous seasons.

Philanthropy is central to everything that Abeer does. Under her leadership as co-chair of the Children’s National Medical Center’s annual Children’s Ball in 2014, the Ball raised $10.9 million, and the Al Otaiba family’s contribution was recognised with the Joseph E. Robert Jr. Prize in Philanthropy. She and her husband also created the Goodwill Fund at the King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC) in Jordan to support cancer patients. In the wildlife protection space, Abeer is a member of the Conservation Council at Panthera, a refuge for wild cats.

Additional organizations she has supported include the Meridian International Center, Hope for Henry Foundation, The Kennedy Center, The Washington Ballet, the National Museum of Women in the Arts and the National Gallery. READ MORE VIEW LESS

Abeer Shoukry-Al Otaiba’s Newsfeed

Forbes Middle East

CairoHouse Trusts Autograph Collection to Repurpose Landmark Tahrir Complex Into Luxury Hotel

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Daily News Egypt

Otaiba Investments Joins Mogamma El-Tahrir’s Transformation Into an Autograph Collection Hotel

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Abeer Shoukry-Al Otaiba’s Background

SemSem LLC

Founder and Creative Director

Oct 2015 - Present

New York, NY, USA

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.

Otaiba Investments

Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Oct 2020 - Present

Abu Dhabi, AE

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.

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Abeer Shoukry-Al Otaiba’s Gallery

Abeer featured in Harper's Bazaar

Abeer Shoukry-Al Otaiba stands with her husband, UAE Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba, in a silver sequin gown.

Abeer Shoukry-Al Otaiba sits on her desk, smiling in a white pantsuit.

Abeer Shoukry-Al Otaiba smiles against a wall, wearing a blue and yellow shirt.

Abeer Shoukry-Al Otaiba

Abeer Shoukry-Al Otaiba

Abeer Shoukry-Al Otaiba

Abeer Shoukry-Al Otaiba

Abeer photographed with her husband, Yousef Al Otaiba

Abeer Shoukry-Al Otaiba pulls a camel across a beach in Abu Dhabi.

Abeer featured in Harper's Bazaar

Abeer Shoukry-Al Otaiba stands with her husband, UAE Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba, in a silver sequin gown.

Abeer Shoukry-Al Otaiba sits on her desk, smiling in a white pantsuit.

Abeer Shoukry-Al Otaiba smiles against a wall, wearing a blue and yellow shirt.

Abeer Shoukry-Al Otaiba

Abeer Shoukry-Al Otaiba

Abeer Shoukry-Al Otaiba

Abeer Shoukry-Al Otaiba

Abeer photographed with her husband, Yousef Al Otaiba

Abeer Shoukry-Al Otaiba pulls a camel across a beach in Abu Dhabi.

Board Positions

Takalam

Board Member

Jan 2025 - Present

Abu Dhabi, AE

Takalam is an award-winning platform utilising AI, offering mental wellbeing solutions and support through online counselling and coaching.

Advisory Roles

Ras Al Hekma Development

Steering Committee Member

2025 - Present

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.

Interviews

SemSem: Q&A with Abeer Al Otaiba

Article

Jan 2024

Abeer Shoukry-Al Otaiba discusses how SemSem blends technical discipline with creative expression to challenge stereotypes, elevate modest fashion and empower women globally.

SemSem Founder Abeer Al Otaiba Discusses The Future Direction Of The Fashion House

Article

Jun 2023

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.

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Features

From Ibiza to Tuscany, this is where the Middle East's designers go to shop

Article

Sep 2024

In a 2024 feature for Condé Nast Traveller, Abeer Shoukry-Al Otaiba shares her favorite destinations for uncovering timeless, story-rich fashion pieces.

Abeer Al Otaiba: A Trailblazer in Fashion and Philanthropy

Article

Jul 2024

Read about Abeer's journey into the realms of fashion and her involvement in several philanthropic ventures in this article.

How the Kaftan Became a Summer Bestseller

Article

Jun 2024

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.

Semsem: A Tribute to Egyptian Elegance and Empowerment

Article

May 2024

Abeer unveils her SemSem Autumn/Winter 2024 collection, inspired by her Egyptian heritage.

Muslim consumers want luxury. They just can't find it

Article

May 2021

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'.

Inside The Home Of Yousef And Abeer Al Otaiba

Article

Jan 2020

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.

This Middle Eastern Brand Just Launched Exclusive Designs on Net-a-Porter

Article

Sep 2019

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.

Lorraine Schwartz and Blake Lively Host a Chic Luncheon for SemSem's Abeer Al Otaiba

Article

Feb 2016

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.

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Awards & Recognition

Forbes | The Middle East's Fashion Innovators 2024

Award Recipient

Jul 2024

Abeer was named on the Forbes Middle East Fashion Innovators list of 2024.

40 Women Behind Middle Eastern Brands 2021

Named

Aug 2021

Abeer was named on this list of 40 Women Behind Middle Eastern Brands for her fashion label, SemSem.

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Charitable Interests

Children's National Hospital

Supporter and Donor

2014 - Present

Washington, DC, USA

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.

The Kennedy Center

Supporter

2012 - Present

Washington, US

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.

International Rescue Committee

Supporter

The International Rescue Committee reacts to humanitarian crises and helps those victims of conflict and disaster to recover, survive and gain control of their future. SemSem has partnered with the International Rescue Committee in the past.

Women for Women International

Supporter

London, UK

The global community of Women for Women International invests in female survivors of wars / conflict, supporting them with the social and economic skills to transform their lives. Women for Women International was a past partner of SemSem for one season.

The Washington Ballet

Supporter

Washington, DC, USA

The Washington Ballet is a major professional ballet company with a rich history and a strong focus on dance education.

Panthera

Member of the Conservation Council

New York, NY, USA

Panthera creates an environment where wild cats can thrive in healthy and natural landscapes that sustain people and biodiversity using cutting-edge scientific research, strategic species recovery and habitat restoration.

Goodwill Fund: King Hussein Cancer Center

Supporter and Donor

Amman, JO

The Goodwill Fund was established by Abeer and her husband, Yousef Al Otaiba, to support the King Hussein Cancer Center in the provision of comprehensive care to cancer patients, raising awareness for cancer prevention, and supporting non-profit initiatives.

National Museum of Women in the Arts

Supporter and Donor

Washington, DC, USA

Abeer was the sponsor of the Rodarte Exhibition in 2018 and 2019 at the National Museum of Women in the Arts.

Meridian International Center

Supporter

Washington, DC, USA

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.

Every Mother Counts

Supporter

Every Mother Counts aims to make the health journey for mothers in relation to pregnancy and childbirth safe, respectful, and equitable for everyone - globally. The organisation does this through raising awareness, investing in community-led solutions and working towards systems change. Every Mother Counts is a former seasonal partner of SemSem.

Hope For Henry Foundation

Supporter

Washington, DC, USA

Hope for Henry is changing the hospital care approach for children suffering from serious illness through the use of innovative, scientifically-tested programs that support hospitalized kids and their families in the process of challenging a serious illness.

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Press Releases

US Led Consortium Wins Bid For The Redevelopment of the Historic Mogamma El Tahrir into 'Cairohouse'

Quoted

Dec 2021

Cairo, EG

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.

Introducing The Launch Of SemSem.com

Nov 2015

Read about the launch of SemSem, inspired by the special bond between mothers and daughters.

Investments

Ultimate Motors

Investor

Abu Dhabi, AE

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)

Investor

Monaco, MC

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

Strategic Partner

Forio, IT

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

Investor

Cairo, EG

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.

Northrop Grumman

Partner

Falls Church, VA, USA

Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense company providing advanced systems and solutions across air, land, sea, space and cyber domains. The company’s regional partnerships support innovation and security initiatives throughout the UAE.

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