اختر منطقتك 
Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia —
In the heart of Riyadh, an extraordinary convergence of leadership, creativity, and purpose took center stage as the Creative Women Forum Saudi Arabia 2025 opened its doors under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Noura bint Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The three-day forum, hosted from 4–6 November at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, culminated in a grand Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony at the National Museum of Saudi Arabia.
Now in its second edition, the Forum has become a defining moment in Saudi Arabia’s ongoing transformation — an embodiment of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals to empower women, drive sustainable innovation, and foster global collaboration.
The theme for 2025, “Empower • Engage • Sustain – Women Leading Initiatives,” echoed throughout the discussions, presentations, and performances that captured the attention of local and international leaders alike.
“This gathering brings together minds and experiences united by curiosity, courage, and the desire to create meaningful change,” said HRH Princess Noura bint Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. “It is a space where voices from diverse backgrounds connect, engage, and grow — where ideas are exchanged openly and conversations spark new directions for progress.”
“يجمع هذا الملتقى العقول والخبرات التي توحدها روح الفضول والشجاعة والرغبة في إحداث تغيير ذي معنى”، قالت صاحبة السمو الملكي الأميرة نورة بنت سعود بن نايف بن عبدالعزيز آل سعود. “إنه مساحة تتلاقى فيها الأصوات من خلفيات متنوعة لتبادل الأفكار وإطلاق حوارات تفتح آفاقًا جديدة للتقدم.”
Leadership and Vision
At the helm of this global movement stands Olga Balakleets, Founder and CEO of the Creative Women Platform, whose vision has built one of the most influential international networks dedicated to women’s leadership and cultural advancement.
“It is a great honour to welcome this second edition of the Creative Women Forum Saudi Arabia,” Balakleets remarked. “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 edition was Rebeca Riofrio, Executive Director of the Creative Women Forum Saudi Arabia and Chairwoman of the UK Parliamentary Society for Arts, Fashion & Sports. Known for bridging creative industries and diplomacy, Riofrio emphasized the youth’s vital role in shaping the region’s future.
“The youth of Saudi Arabia are not waiting for the future — they are building it now,” she said. “In their creativity lies the promise of transformation, and in their courage, the blueprint of a brighter world.”
A Forum for Progress
The Forum took place at Princess Nourah University, the world’s largest women’s university and a cornerstone institution for leadership development. The venue, symbolic of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to education and women’s empowerment, hosted more than 500 delegates, including CEOs, artists, policymakers, academics, and entrepreneurs.
Over the course of three days, the Forum explored critical intersections between sustainability, technology, entrepreneurship, and cultural diplomacy. The overarching message was clear: leadership grounded in creativity has the power to redefine the global future.
A Global Assembly of Women Leaders
The Creative Women Forum Saudi Arabia 2025 welcomed an exceptional constellation of international and regional voices — women whose leadership continues to shape industries, economies, and societies across continents.
International Speakers:
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.
Saudi and GCC participants:
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 the synergy of innovation, tradition, and leadership — the very essence of Vision 2030’s cultural renaissance.
Partnerships That Shape the Future
The forum’s success was built upon a strong network of institutions dedicated to progress, culture, and sustainability.
Strategic Partners: Arab National Bank (anb), Women Leadership Centre (Princess Nourah University), Ministry of Culture, Women and Energy Association (WE), 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 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, Elaph, and the Parliamentary Society for Arts.
Through these collaborations, the Forum became a living model of Vision 2030’s partnership ethos — connecting public, private, and creative sectors in pursuit of shared prosperity.
The Gala at the National Museum
The Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony on 6 November turned the National Museum of Saudi Arabia into a glowing stage for celebration and artistry. The evening honoured women whose innovation and leadership have redefined their industries and inspired the next generation.
Performances by Keri Fuge (soprano), Olga Balakleets (pianist), Mara Galeazzi (prima ballerina), Sophia Patsalides (pop artist), and Mirna Nasser (songwriter) created an atmosphere of cultural unity and emotional resonance.
“Tonight is a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and purpose,” said HRH Princess Noura in her evening address. “It is a tribute to those who lead with courage and imagination — and a reminder that when thought meets action, we create something greater than ourselves.”
“الليلة نحتفل بالإبداع والتعاون والهدف المشترك”، قالت صاحبة السمو الملكي الأميرة نورة. “إنها لحظة نكرم فيها من يقُدن بشجاعة وخيال، وتذكير بأنه عندما يلتقي الفكر بالفعل، نصنع معًا شيئًا أعظم من أنفسنا.”
Art as a Living Legacy
Closing the Forum was the Creative Women Art Exhibition, curated by Rafael Porzycki and powered by DHL Saudi Arabia. Opening at Princess Nourah University and continuing at the National Museum, the exhibition was inspired by the Ministry of Culture’s Year of Handicrafts initiative.
Featuring artists Aida Murad, Saule Suleimenova, Sofia Cacciapaglia, Elisa Insua, Fatimah Al Nimr, and Olivia d’Aboville, the exhibition celebrated the transformative power of art in cultural diplomacy. Proceeds benefited the Herfa Cooperative Society, supporting Saudi artisans and preserving heritage craftsmanship.
The exhibition was more than an art showcase — it was a dialogue between tradition and modernity, symbolizing how creativity sustains continuity in the Kingdom’s evolving identity.
About the Creative Women Platform
Founded in 2016 in the United Kingdom by Olga Balakleets, the Creative Women Platform has become one of the world’s most respected international networks for women in leadership, entrepreneurship, and culture. Active in over 50 countries, it builds bridges between business, art, and academia, fostering collaboration and mentorship that empower women to lead change.
For more information, visit www.creativewomen.co.
Elvijs Plugis
[email protected]
+447549945392
Project CMO for Creative Women Forum Saudi Arabia 2025
