Creative Women Forum Saudi Arabia 2025: Global Women Leaders Shaping the Future Through Innovation and Culture
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia —
A new wave of creative leadership is rising from the Gulf to the global stage. The Creative Women Forum Saudi Arabia 2025, held from 4–6 November under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Noura bint Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, brought together over 500 global thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and visionaries at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, concluding with a Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony at the National Museum of Saudi Arabia.
Now in its second year, the Forum has grown into one of the most anticipated gatherings for female leadership, creativity, and global innovation. It stands as a testament to the Kingdom’s evolving cultural landscape and its deepening role in shaping cross-sector collaboration across the world.
“This gathering brings together minds and experiences united by curiosity, courage, and the desire to create meaningful change,” said HRH Princess Noura. “It is a space where voices from diverse backgrounds connect, engage, and grow — where ideas spark new directions for progress.”
Leadership and Legacy
At the forefront of the movement stands Olga Balakleets, Founder and CEO of the Creative Women Platform, an international community connecting women leaders from more than 50 countries across business, art, and academia.
“It is a great honour to welcome this second edition of the Creative Women Forum Saudi Arabia,” said Balakleets. “Thanks to the extraordinary support of HRH Princess Noura, this Forum has become more than an event — it is a living movement of women united by purpose. Together, we are shaping conversations and building a legacy for future generations.”
Guiding this year’s forum was Rebeca Riofrio, Executive Director of the Creative Women Forum Saudi Arabia and Chairwoman of the UK Parliamentary Society for Arts, Fashion & Sports.
“The youth of Saudi Arabia are not waiting for the future — they are building it now,” Riofrio reflected. “Their creativity holds the blueprint for transformation and the foundation for a brighter world.”
Empowering Progress Through Collaboration
Held at Princess Nourah University, the world’s largest women’s university and a hub of research, leadership, and innovation, the Forum convened leading figures from multiple disciplines — from sustainability and entrepreneurship to culture and diplomacy.
Over three days, delegates explored how creativity can act as a strategic driver of innovation, transforming industries and fostering sustainable growth. The program offered dynamic keynotes, interactive panels, and exhibitions designed to inspire both personal and collective impact.
A Global Convergence of Leaders
This year’s Forum featured an extraordinary lineup of influential voices shaping industries across the globe.
International participants included:
Gloria Ai, Zeynab Al-Khero, Olga Balakleets, Sandra Bauknecht, Ida Beerhalter, Kiera Chaplin, Dr. Ana Cukic Armstrong, HRH Princess Katarina of Serbia, Elizabeth de Moraes, Martha Fiennes, Dr. Aradhana Khowala, Christina Korp, Dr. Jane Leonard, The Hon. Islée Oliva Salinas, Dr. Virginia Rivera, Laura Timm, Dr. Sylvia Tiryaki, Ilijana Vavan, HH Princess Sophia Fürstin Wolkonsky, Fiona Yassin, Keira Zhang, Mirjam Katharina Zwingli, Sahiqa Bennett, Seema Gupta, Elena Howarth, Prathibha Prahlad, Jill Douka, Pernilla S. Corizza, Althea Bunce, Jacqueline Bourke, Amira Fouad, Maxim Jago, and Dr. Bindunie S. Rowland.
Additional contributors included Viola Edward, Yasmeen Gailani, Kelly Harrison, Heather R. Hayes, Lisa Kurbiel, HRM Olori Aderonke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, Dr. Nicole Owolabi, Denise Parkinson, Liz Perkins, and Rebeca Riofrio.
From Saudi Arabia and the GCC, participants included:
Eng. Nouf Abdulghani, Kariman and Salwa Abuljadayel, Bayan Abuzinadah, Dr. Jawaher AlFurhood, Dr. Miasser Al-Ghamdi, Munira AlHazani, Prof. Dr. Selwa Al-Hazzaa, Ghada AlAqel, Farah AlSharif, Wafa AlObaidat, HH Princess Mishael bint Faisal Al Saud, HH Princess Mashael bint Saud Al Shalan, Adwa Alarifi, Dr. Amal Al-Abduljabbar, Reem AlAfaliq, Manar Alaskar, Dr. Basma AlBuhairan, Lama Alessa, HRH Princess Nourah AlFaisal, Alzahra Alfozan, Hamid Alharthi, Lama Alhamawi, Nada Saleh Alismail, Dr. Hawazen Almugren, Dr. Alanood Alotaibi, Razan Al-Ajmi, Hadeel Alqahtani, Nasreen Alissa, Rawan Almogbil, Nora Almonif, Sara AlRashed, Jumanah AlHejaili, HE Dr. Suzan Alyahya, Norah Alkhursany, Ahlam Cluntun, Dr. Hayathem Bin Hasher, Rajaa Moumena, Faisal Sultan, HRH Ambassador Reema Bandar Al-Saud, Shatha Al-Shammari, Khlood Aldukheil, Lima Alqarfan, Nawar Alsubaihin, Sarah Baashan, and Gihan Hyde.
Together, they represented a global force for transformation — redefining leadership through creativity and collaboration.
Partnerships and Purpose
The Forum’s achievements were amplified by an extensive network of strategic partners representing finance, academia, culture, and the private sector.
Strategic Partners: Arab National Bank (ANB), Women Leadership Centre (Princess Nourah University), Ministry of Culture, Women and Energy Association (WE), and Riyadh Municipality.
Platinum Partners: Rukun Creative Exchange, AlMashtal, Morini Restaurant, Jareed Hotel.
Gold Partners: DHL Express Saudi Arabia, AGFUND, Lucid Motors, Saudi Electricity Company, Principal Buyer Limited, and Nayyara Banqueting and Conference Center.
Silver Partner: Alfanar. Knowledge Partner: Saudi Arabian Botanical Society. Charity Partner: Herfa Cooperative Society.
Key Alliances: Quintessentially Experiences, Sigulp, Global Travel Solutions (GTS), United Nations, Next Level, Saudi Business Council, UN Joint SDG Fund, Sotheby’s, Climate Scale-Up, Art in Fusion Production Company, WAVE, Comma, and Elaph.
These collaborations formed the foundation for impactful initiatives that link creativity, innovation, and sustainable enterprise.
The Gala at the National Museum
The Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony on 6 November transformed the National Museum of Saudi Arabia into a celebration of excellence. The evening recognized women who have significantly advanced their industries through leadership and creativity.
Musical performances by Keri Fuge (soprano), Olga Balakleets (pianist), Mara Galeazzi (prima ballerina), Sophia Patsalides (pop artist), and Mirna Nasser (songwriter) provided a breathtaking fusion of art and achievement.
“Tonight is a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and purpose,” HRH Princess Noura said in her closing remarks. “When thought meets action, we create something greater than ourselves.”
The Power of Art
The Forum concluded with the Creative Women Art Exhibition, curated by Rafael Porzycki and powered by DHL Saudi Arabia. The exhibition opened at Princess Nourah University and later at the National Museum, featuring artists Aida Murad, Saule Suleimenova, Sofia Cacciapaglia, Elisa Insua, Fatimah Al Nimr, and Olivia d’Aboville.
Inspired by the Year of Handicrafts initiative, the exhibition reflected how art can transcend borders and industries alike. Proceeds supported the Herfa Cooperative Society, helping preserve Saudi Arabia’s artistic heritage while fostering creative entrepreneurship.
About the Creative Women Platform
Founded in 2016 in the United Kingdom by Olga Balakleets, the Creative Women Platform connects visionary leaders across art, business, and academia in more than 50 countries. Its mission is to empower women to lead, innovate, and redefine global collaboration.
For more information, visit www.creativewomen.co
Elvijs Plugis
elvijs@sigulp.co.uk
+447549945392
Project CMO for Creative Women Forum Saudi Arabia 2025
