Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia —
Saudi Arabia’s commitment to innovation and digital transformation took center stage as the Creative Women Forum Saudi Arabia 2025 gathered some of the world’s most influential women leaders, entrepreneurs, and visionaries. Held under the patronage of HRH Princess Noura bint Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the event ran from 4–6 November at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, closing with a gala celebration at the National Museum of Saudi Arabia.
Now in its second year, the Forum has evolved into a catalyst for dialogue at the intersection of technology, culture, and leadership — aligning directly with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and its drive to empower women, diversify the economy, and lead in innovation.
“This gathering brings together minds and experiences united by curiosity, courage, and the desire to create meaningful change,” said HRH Princess Noura. “It’s a space where voices from diverse backgrounds connect, engage, and grow — where ideas spark new directions for progress.”
Empowerment Meets Innovation
The Forum’s 2025 theme, “Empower • Engage • Sustain – Women Leading Initiatives,” encapsulated its mission: to transform leadership through creativity and technology. At its core is Olga Balakleets, Founder and CEO of the Creative Women Platform, who has built one of the world’s foremost ecosystems for female innovators and changemakers.
“This forum has become more than an event — it’s a living movement of women united by purpose,” Balakleets said. “Together, we are shaping conversations and building a legacy for future generations.”
Guiding the Saudi Arabia 2025 edition was Rebeca Riofrio, Executive Director of the Forum and Chairwoman of the UK Parliamentary Society for Arts, Fashion & Sports. A long-time advocate for creative industries, Riofrio highlighted the technological optimism of Saudi youth.
“The youth of Saudi Arabia are not waiting for the future — they are building it now,” Riofrio said. “Their creativity and innovation are defining the next global transformation.”
A Nexus for Global Innovation
The Forum convened at Princess Nourah University, the world’s largest women’s university, known for its pioneering Women Leadership Centre. Over three days, more than 500 global delegates — from CEOs to engineers, scientists to policymakers — explored how emerging technologies, sustainability, and creative thinking are reshaping economies and industries.
From panels on AI in creative industries and sustainable tech ecosystems to entrepreneurship and digital inclusion, discussions emphasized that technology is no longer gendered — it’s generational, driven by cross-sector collaboration and diversity of thought.
Global Voices, Unified Purpose
Speakers represented a constellation of global leaders shaping innovation across continents. Among them were Gloria Ai, Zeynab Al-Khero, Sandra Bauknecht, Kiera Chaplin, Dr Aradhana Khowala, Christina Korp, Martha Fiennes, Dr Jane Leonard, Dr Sylvia Tiryaki, Ilijana Vavan, Princess Katarina of Serbia, Dr Virginia Rivera, Laura Timm, and The Hon. Islée Oliva Salinas.
From the Kingdom and the GCC, participants included Dr Basma AlBuhairan (Saudi Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution), HH Princess Mashael bint Saud Al Shalan (Aeon Collective), HH Princess Mishael bint Faisal Al Saud (The Movement Axis), HE Dr Suzan Alyahya (Royal Institute of Traditional Arts), Dr Amal Al-Abduljabbar (Ministry of Culture), and Eng. Nouf Abdulghani (Principal Buyer).
Together, they embodied the forward-thinking, tech-driven leadership that underpins Vision 2030 — a model that bridges tradition with digital transformation.
Partnerships Powering Progress
Behind the Forum’s success is an ecosystem of partners advancing innovation, sustainability, and empowerment.
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, Nayyara Banqueting & Conference Center.
Silver Partner: Alfanar. Knowledge Partner: Saudi Arabian Botanical Society. Charity Partner: Herfa Cooperative Society.
Supporting Networks: Quintessentially Experiences, Sigulp, Global Travel Solutions (GTS), United Nations, Next Level, Saudi Business Council, UN Joint SDG Fund, Sotheby’s, Art in Fusion, WAVE, and Elaph.
These partnerships reflect Vision 2030’s cross-sector innovation model — a shared commitment to creating a sustainable, tech-empowered future.
The Gala of Innovation and Art
The Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony on 6 November transformed the National Museum of Saudi Arabia into a celebration of creativity, technology, and progress. Performances by Keri Fuge, Olga Balakleets, Mara Galeazzi, Sophia Patsalides, and Mirna Nasser illustrated how art and innovation intertwine as engines of culture and connection.
“Tonight is a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and purpose,” said HRH Princess Noura. “When thought meets action, we create something greater than ourselves.”
Art, Technology, and Legacy
Closing the Forum was the Creative Women Art Exhibition, curated by Rafael Porzycki and powered by DHL Saudi Arabia. The exhibition — inspired by the Ministry of Culture’s Year of Handicrafts — featured artists Aida Murad, Saule Suleimenova, Sofia Cacciapaglia, Elisa Insua, Fatimah Al Nimr, and Olivia d’Aboville.
Blending traditional craftsmanship with digital creativity, the exhibition symbolized the Kingdom’s growing digital art scene. Proceeds supported the Herfa Cooperative Society, strengthening Saudi Arabia’s artisan economy.
About the Creative Women Platform
Founded in 2016 in the United Kingdom by Olga Balakleets, the Creative Women Platform is one of the world’s foremost international networks for female innovators, leaders, and entrepreneurs across 50+ countries. It connects business, academia, and the arts through shared ideas that drive technological and cultural advancementSaudi Arabia 2025
For more, visit www.creativewomen.co.
Elvijs Plugis
elvijs@sigulp.co.uk
+447549945392
Project CMO for Creative Women Forum Saudi Arabia 2025
