Soniya Ashar

Soniya Ashar is a visionary entrepreneur, trailblazing in the realms of technology and innovation. With a relentless passion for nutrition and healthy living, she is the driving force behind NutriCal, a ground-breaking tech brand and the GCC’s first food intelligence platform, specializing in food safety and traceability.

Born and raised in the UAE, she ventured into the food and health tech space in 2020. Soniya’s journey into the tech world began with a thirst for knowledge and a penchant for problem-solving after earning a Bachelor’s (Honours) in Management from the
University of Manchester, UK, and an MBA in Entrepreneurship & Data Analytics from Babson College, Boston, known as the world’s #1 program for entrepreneurship.

In her role at NutriCal, Soniya spearheads operations leading a dynamic team of 10 spread across 3 countries, reshaping the food technology landscape with unparalleled innovation. Under her able leadership, NutriCal has evolved into the GCC’s first food intelligence platform, specializing in food safety and traceability. Her vision transcends mere technology; NutriCal stands as a transformative resource for businesses, amplifying customer engagement and meeting the escalating demands for immunity and positivity.

Soniya’s professional journey spans over a decade across global markets including the United States, Europe, and the UAE. Beyond her role as CEO of NutriCal, Soniya is a dynamic individual with a global perspective, a passion for innovation, and a commitment to empowering businesses and promoting a healthy lifestyle in the region. Her impactful role as a fundraiser for Expat Woman through Sanabil KSA has made a significant difference, securing a substantial $500 from American VC. She extends vital
support to renowned food brands and teams across the GCC, including KSA, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, UAE, and Qatar. Beyond the corporate realm, Soniya’s love for wanderlust has taken her to over 50 countries. Fluent in 5 languages, her social and curious nature fuels her exploration of diverse cultures and experiences. A Fitness enthusiast and spiritual being, she enjoys doing yoga which is central to her lifestyle and an active part of her daily life. In her free time, she listens to podcasts featuring successful entrepreneurs from the technology and entrepreneurship world, catches up on light reading and tunes into the latest Netflix binge.

  • MD of Al Islami Foods
  • Founding Director of Souq Extra
  • Chairman of AlFarooj Restaurant
  • Board Member of Aman Insurance
  • Chairman of Food & Beverage Manufacturing group under Dubai Chamber