With the enactment of several laws and regulations supporting the employment of businesswomen and other professions, Saudi Arabia has witnessed a notable movement in the field of women’s empowerment in recent years.
Consequently, the Kingdom has seen the rise of various prosperous Saudi businesswomen, who are key players in propelling the nation’s social and economic advancement.
We will highlight the top five notable Saudi businesswomen in this article who have been nominated as some of the best in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East for 2024. Based on many factors, such as influence, accomplishments, social responsibility, business size, and professional experience.
1- Sarah Al-Suhaimi
Sarah Al-Suhaimi serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Tadawul Group, and she is the Head of Financial Advisory for Lazard in the Middle East and North Africa region.
Al-Suhaimi was the CEO of Al Ahli Capital, the National Bank of Saudi Arabia’s investment division, before taking up her present role.
She is one of the first Saudi businesswomen employed in the public or private sector in a top financial role.
In 2017, she was selected to become a member of the World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders Community. And in 2018, Forbes Middle East listed her as the fourth most powerful Arab woman.
She has a wealth of knowledge in the finance and investment industries and is active in many boards and organisations.
2- Lubna Al-Olayan
Lubna Olayan is Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Executive Committee and Vice President of the Saudi British Bank (SABB), and Chair of the Saudi-Swedish Business Council.
She is one of the most well-known female personalities in Saudi Arabia’s banking industry. She holds a sizable share in the Olayan Financial Group, one of the biggest investment firms in the country.
When she joined the board of directors of Alawwal Bank in 2004, she became the first Saudi woman to serve on a board of directors for a publicly traded company.
She has leadership roles in several organisations and businesses. She is in charge of the Olayan Group’s commercial operations and investments in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.
3- Jumana Al-Rashid
Jumana Al-Rashed serves on the boards of directors of many businesses and organisations. Jumana serves as the CEO of the Saudi Research and Media Group (SRMG) and President of the Red Sea Film Festival Foundation.
She is the first Saudi woman to head a major media company. She oversees a plethora of media, cultural, and creative ventures such as the Red Sea Film Festival, Harper’s Bazaar Arabia, the newspaper Al-Sharq Al-Awsat, and others.
Jumana has a wealth of expertise in marketing, communications, and the media.
Before joining the Saudi Research and Media Group, she led the media section at the Saudi embassy in London. And she served as an assistant to the ambassador of Saudi Arabia.
4- Rania El Nashar
Rania El Nashar is a member of the boards of directors of many businesses and organisations. In addition, she serves as the regional CEO of the Saudi German Hospitals Group.
Rania is among the most well-known female personalities in Saudi Arabia’s health industry. She offers prestigious and varied medical services and oversees the biggest network of private hospitals in the Kingdom.
She earned a master’s degree in health administration from the University of Washington in the United States. And she acquired a doctorate in health administration from the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom.
5- Basma Al-Mayman
Basma Al Maiman is the Regional Director for the Middle East at the United Nations World Tourism Organisation. In addition to being the founder and CEO of Falak Investments.
She is the first Saudi woman and the first woman from the Gulf to occupy this international position. She strives to advance tourism in the area and grow the travel industry in Saudi Arabia.
In 2020, the World Bank listed her as one of the youngest chief executive officers in the Middle East and North Africa.
She’s got a lot of experience in the world of development, international collaboration, and investing. And she’s on a lot of boards and organisations.
