Thursday, 09 April, 2026

10 Saudi women shaping the Kingdom's next chapter

Leading women across key sectors in the Saudi Arabia's evolving economy

Shahad Alsubaie, Chief Editor - KSA at Inside Saudi & Rahaf Alqunaibet, Digital Editor at Inside Saudi

10 Saudi women - Hero image.png

Across Saudi Arabia’s rapidly evolving economy, a new generation of women is taking on influential leadership roles across government, global organizations, investment, technology, and emerging industries.

Their work reflects the broader transformation underway in the Kingdom, where women are increasingly shaping institutions, building new sectors, and contributing to national development in line with Vision 2030.

From policy leadership and digital diplomacy to venture capital and esports, these figures represent the expanding landscape of Saudi female leadership.

H.E. Deemah AlYahya: Founding Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization

Deemah AlYahya

Deemah AlYahya is the founding Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization, making her the first Saudi woman to lead an international organization. A key figure in digital economy and tech diplomacy, she has held leadership roles including CEO of Innovation at Misk, Deputy Chief Innovation Officer at Microsoft, and Head of e-Services at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She also serves on multiple boards, including the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property and SCAI, and founded Women Spark, the first Saudi female angel investment network, impacting over 2.5 million people through digital initiatives.

Princess Haifa bint Mohammed Al Saud: Advisor at the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers of Saudi Arabia

Princess Haifa bint Mohammed Al Saud currently serves as an Advisor at the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers of Saudi Arabia, where she contributes to national policy discussions and strategic initiatives supporting the Kingdom’s broader development agenda.

Rawan Albutairi: CEO at Saudi Esports Federation

Rawan Albutairi heads the Saudi Esports Federation, helping to build the institutional and commercial foundations of one of the Kingdom’s fastest-growing industries. Her background combines finance, public policy, and digital sector development, including previous work at Saudi Aramco and the Communications, Space and Technology Commission.

Princess Noura bint Faisal Al Saud: CEO at JAY3LLE and Founder of Culture House

Princess Noura bint Faisal Al Saud is CEO of contemporary luxury brand JAY3LLE and the founder of Culture House, a Saudi boutique consultancy focused on culture, creativity, and sustainable business. She previously played a central role in establishing the Fashion Commission at the Ministry of Culture, where she led strategy development for the fashion sector and oversaw the delivery of key initiatives, including Saudi 100 Brands and Fashion Futures. Her work bridges public and private sectors, supporting the growth of Saudi Arabia’s creative industries.

Dr. Hayathem Bin Hasher: Attorney and Specialist in Medical Law & Ethics

Dr. Hayathen Bin Hasher is a Saudi attorney specializing in medical law and ethics and is recognized as the first Saudi “Attorney Doctor” in this field. Her work focuses on legal frameworks governing healthcare practice and patient rights, alongside broader work in legal education and advisory services within the healthcare sector.

Yara Alnamlah: Founder of When Minds Meet

Yara Alnamlah began her career in 2016 as a social media creator and has since built a strong portfolio of partnerships with global luxury brands, including Hermès, Chopard, Audemars Piguet, Rolls-Royce, and Chaumet. In 2024, she formalised her expansion beyond content through the launch of When Minds Meet, a holding company that brings together a portfolio of ventures across beauty, retail, and lifestyle. These include Yara Advertising and Publicity Establishment, Treat Salon, SoMatcha, Tinka, Treat Products, and Moonglaze, with Treat Luxury Spa expected to launch before the end of the year.

Lujain Al Ubaid: Co-Founder & CEO at Tasamy for Impact

Lujain Al Ubaid works at the intersection of social entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and policy. As co-founder and CEO of Tasamy for Impact, she leads an endowment dedicated to building an ecosystem for social innovators in Saudi Arabia. She also advises the General Authority for Awqaf on social finance and impact investment initiatives.

Dana Juffali: Board Member at E.A. Juffali & Brothers

Dana Juffali is a Board Member at E.A. Juffali & Brothers and Director of Business Development at Khaled Juffali Company. She also serves on the boards of several philanthropic organizations, including The Shefa Fund and The Help Center. Earlier in her career, she held managerial roles at Siemens AG in both Germany and Saudi Arabia across human resources and supply chain management. Dana holds a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the University of Southern California and an MBA from Steinbeis-Hochschule Berlin, and is fluent in English, Arabic, German, and French.

Deem Salah Al Bassam: Co-Founder & Managing Director at The Independent Food Company

Deem Al Bassam began her career in hospitality in 2009, launching her first concept, Switch. She later co-founded Independent Hospitality Group, behind brands such as Salt, Parkers, and Somewhere. Salt, originally one of the region’s first food trucks, has evolved into a lifestyle concept with projects across AlUla, Jeddah, and Riyadh, alongside partnerships such as Joe & The Juice in Saudi Arabia. She also holds board roles at Alamar Foods and Endeavor Saudi Arabia, with Independent recognised by Fast Company Middle East for innovation.

Adwa Al Dakheel: Founder & CEO at Falak Investment Hub

Adwa Al Dakheel is a Saudi entrepreneur and investor who founded Falak Investment Hub, a platform focused on venture capital and startup acceleration. She began investing at the age of sixteen and has since launched and exited multiple ventures. Her work centers on supporting early-stage companies and strengthening Saudi Arabia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

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