The Saudi Entrepreneur Latifa Al-Waalan

Latifa Al-Waalan is a pioneer, businesswoman, and information engineer who was born and raised in Saudi Arabia. She founded her first company when she was sixteen years old.

Latifa Al-Waalan Academic Achievement

Latifa Al-Waalan graduated with a bachelor’s degree in computer and information sciences from King Saud University in 2006. She also holds master’s degrees in business administration and technology management.

Latifa received a master’s in information management in 2011 from the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business. She gained knowledge of coffee roasting and the craft of coffee tasting while working towards her master’s degree.

Forbes Middle East magazine recognised Latifa as an inspirational “leader” for the country in November 2013.

Her Professional Career

Latifa Al-Waalan began her career as a programmer at i-Link in 2006, before moving on to Riyad Bank as a systems manager from 2007 to 2009.

She began her career as a management information systems analyst at Atheeb Communications and rose through the ranks to become manager of the Al-Waalan Pharmacies Group from 2011 to 2013, and general manager of Endeavour Saudi Arabia in 2018.

Latifa co-founded “Sila,” the Saudi professional networking network for women, a non-profit organisation dedicated to strengthening Saudi women. She also recently oversaw the team that worked on the Magadhena mobile application, which won first place at the Start-up Weekend technology show in Riyadh in 2011.

Her love of invention also inspired her to design the first automatic Arabic coffee maker, which she patented in 2013. Additionally, Forbes Middle East magazine named her an “Inspiring Leader for the Nation” in 2013.

“Yatooq” Project

Since Latifa enjoys coffee so much, she wanted to experiment with Arabic coffee using technology and creativity. This idea led to the creation of the “Yatooq” project. She also co-founded the non-profit Saudi Professional Network for Women, or Silah, intending to strengthen Saudi women.