Saudi Women Leave Mark in Entrepreneurship, Digital Innovation Projects in Kingdom

As a matter of fact, Saudi has witnessed significant development and change in the world of entrepreneurship in recent years. This is evident with the increase in startups investments particularly by Saudi Women. This growth is part of Vision 2030’s objective to build a thriving economy.

Role of Saudi Women in Innovation

However, it’s noticeable that Saudi women have played an important role in this development and change. This leaves a clear mark in entrepreneurship and digital innovation projects in the Kingdom.

In addition, many Saudi women have succeeded in the digital innovation sector. They aim to enhance the culture of entrepreneurship and innovation in the sector. This also aids in the development and progress of the Kingdom, in line with Vision 2030’s goals.

Comparatively, the vision isn’t limited to just elevating entrepreneurship and increasing project opportunities; it also aims to increase the participation and inclusion of Saudi women in all different aspects of the economy. There is a recognition of the importance of investing in the capabilities of Saudi women. This enables them to secure a better future for themselves, alongside contributing to the development of Saudi society.

Saudi Women and Entrepreneurship and Digital Innovation

Moreover, research reveals that 16% of startup founders in Saudi Arabia are women. The business world, long dominated by men, now sees a growing space for women’s participation through startups. It also provides with the necessary space and tools for success. It also paves the way for leading entrepreneurship and digital innovation sector KSA.

Additionally, there are several female sector leaders and distinguished entrepreneurs who are driving growth forward and achieving milestones in the field of entrepreneurship in the Kingdom. Among them is Najood Al-Malik, Director of Saudi Fintech.

Furthermore, Najood Al-Malik, Director of Saudi Fintech Najood Al-Malik is one of the distinguished Saudi businesswomen, appointed as the Executive Director of Saudi Fintech, a government initiative aimed at supporting efforts to empower the development of the financial technology system in Saudi. Al-Malik is known for her expertise in building customer relationships and business portfolios. She also manages corporate sales portfolios for large companies in KSA.

In addition, she joined the General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises (Monsha’at) as Director of International Strategic Partnerships. She has also worked for 10 years at J.P. Morgan Chase in corporate investment banking.

Dima Al-Yahya, Founder of “Women Spark”

Al-Yahya, a successful entrepreneur and digital transformation and innovation consultant, launched the “Women Spark” initiative in 2015. This initiative additionally provides women with the necessary technical, personal and business skills for success in the digital sector.

Al-Yahya also supports several emerging female entrepreneurs. This enables them to use their full potential to drive the growth of the Saudi entrepreneurial sector.

Tuba Turkistani, Founder of Qutoof Al-Riyadah

Turkistani contributes significantly to entrepreneurship and digital innovation in Saudi. She is an expert in international business development and investments. She also focuses on future insights, and innovation. Additionally, Turkistani successfully founded Qutoof Al-Riyadah, ranked among the top 100 fastest-growing Saudi companies. She also established Flat6Labs in Jeddah and other initiatives supporting small and medium enterprises.

Ghazal Al-Dossary, Saudi Entrepreneur and Founder of Waoud Al-Sharqiyah Commercial Company Initiatives.

She is also the first Saudi entrepreneur in the industrial waste recycling sector and was selected among the top 10 innovators.  Those of which have won the Merit Prize in the Shell LiveWire global competition.

Eman Abdul Shakoor, Founder of “Blossom”

Among the distinguished entrepreneurs.  Abdul Shakoor founded Blossom which aims to empower women’s companies in Saudi and the MENA region. He created new job opportunities and connecting entrepreneurs. Abdul Shakoor also established several startups, including the “Event Fine” mobile application.

Despite being one of the youngest Saudi IT entrepreneurs, Abdul Shakoor was invited to participate in the Davos World Economic Forum. She is one of the young leaders representing 50 countries. She also presents inspiring entrepreneurial experiences globally.

Similarly, Amani Al-Shawi, Head of the Women’s Program at King Abdulaziz City for Science  and Head of its Women’s Program. She holds a Ph.D. in Information Technology from George Mason University, and an MA in IT from Miami University. Hence, she specialized in information security, educational technology, and cloud computing.

She has also worked in many positions, most notably being appointed as the Director of the Women’s Activation Program in the city. Also, as the Director of the Women’s Research Department at the National Center for Communications and Electronic and Photonic Technologies. Al-Shawi is one of the founding researchers of the National Center for Information Security Technology at KAUST.

Finally, it should be noted that the success of women in a significant sector like entrepreneurship is an indicator of their ability to expand the scope of business. They play  an important role to enhance the economy as a whole. This is possible when they are provided with the necessary tools and space to do so. They receive continuous support from the Saudi government and its wise leadership who has endorsed a policy to empower women in all fields.

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