As the world celebrates International Women’s Day (March 8), we have decided to shine a spotlight on the remarkable Saudi women who are defying stereotypes, shattering glass ceilings, challenging long-standing structures, and advocating for substantive reforms— whether they’re in the boardrooms of Riyadh or in the streets of Jeddah. From trailblazing entrepreneurs to fearless activists, these women are rewriting history, reshaping the societal landscape with their unwavering determination and resilience, and forging a bold new future for generations to come. Below, get to know 12 influential Saudi women, including a pioneering film director, an ambitious astronaut, and a daring racecar driver, who inspire us every day.
Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud
An unwavering advocate for women’s empowerment, Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud stands as a prominent figure in the Middle East, carving a path of progress through her roles as a businesswoman, entrepreneur, and humanitarian. Recognized among Forbes’ “200 Most Powerful Arab Women” in 2014, her influence continues to reverberate across the region. 2019 marked a historic milestone as she assumed the prestigious position of Saudi Arabia’s first female ambassador to the United States, followed by her appointment to lead the newly-established Special Olympics Federation in the Gulf. With a legacy of breaking barriers and defying conventions, Princess Reema has long championed the cause of Saudi women, exemplified by her appointment as Vice President for Women’s Affairs of the General Sports Authority just days prior to the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio. The role culminated in yet another historic moment in July 2020, when she became the first Saudi woman appointed to the International Olympics Committee.
Safeya Binzagr
Safeya Binzagr is a pioneering Saudi Arabian artist who played a significant role in shaping the country’s art scene. Born in Mecca in 1940, Binzagr was one of the first Saudi women to pursue a career in the arts during a time when opportunities for women in the field were limited. She is particularly known for her vibrant and expressive paintings that reflected the beauty and diversity of Saudi Arabian culture, which helped elevate the status of Saudi Arabian art and showcase the country’s unique cultural heritage on the international stage. Often referred to as the “mother of art” in the Kingdom, her legacy continues to inspire and influence artists in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
Rayyanah Barnawi
Rayyanah Barnawi is poised to make history as the first Saudi female astronaut to journey into space. As a mission specialist on the Ax-2 mission, the Jeddah-born trailblazer will be at the forefront of scientific exploration aboard Axiom Space’s second private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Her mission will not only mark a significant milestone for Saudi Arabia’s space program but also pave the way for future advancements in scientific research and exploration. For over nine years, she has also served as a research lab technician for the Stem Cell and Tissue Re-engineering Program at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, contributing to groundbreaking advancements in stem cell research. During the Ax-2 mission, Barnawi will focus her attention on stem cell and breast cancer research, leveraging her expertise to unlock new insights into these critical areas of study, while inspiring us all to reach for the stars.
Aya Al-Bakree
Aya Al-Bakree is the CEO of the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, a nonprofit cultural organization chaired by Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan. As a passionate advocate for the arts and the adaptive reuse of public spaces into cultural venues, Al-Bakree has overseen the launch of inaugural biennale editions in two cities: the JAX district in Diriyah (currently underway until May 24) and the Hajj Terminal in Jeddah. The Contemporary Art Biennale in 2021 was recognized as the first dedicated biennale in Saudi Arabia, while the Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah was the first of its kind in history. Prior to her appointment as CEO at the organization, Al-Bakree earned her global communications degree at the American University of Paris in 2011, where she also completed a year-long exchange program at Parsons. After graduating, she began her career at a world-renowned French art gallery, before she returned to Saudi Arabia, where she collaborated with locally acclaimed institutions and galleries in the Kingdom.
Lubna Olayan
The Saudi businesswoman is a pioneer in the banking industry and a role model for aspiring female leaders in the region. A trailblazer in the financial sector, she became the first Saudi woman to lead a bank when she was appointed Chairwoman of the Saudi British Bank (SABB) in 2019. Her groundbreaking appointment symbolized a significant step forward for gender equality and empowerment in Saudi Arabia. Her illustrious career also includes serving on the boards of esteemed organizations such as WPP and Saudi Hollandi Bank (now known as Alawwal Bank). She also held positions on the International Advisory Boards of Rolls-Royce and Citigroup.
Haifaa al-Mansour
In 2012, Haifaa Al Mansour made history as the first Saudi Arabian woman to direct a feature film with the release of Wadjda, a landmark achievement considering it was the first film shot entirely in Saudi Arabia. At the time, Saudi Arabia still had a cinema ban in place, making al-Mansour’s accomplishment even more remarkable. Despite facing numerous obstacles, including restrictions on her movement as a woman, the director’s first film not only became Saudi Arabia’s first submission to the Oscars but also garnered a BAFTA nomination and earned her three awards at the Venice Film Festival. Following the success of Wadjda, al-Mansour continued to defy expectations, directing acclaimed films such as Mary Shelley (2017) and Netflix’s Nappily Ever After (2018). Residing in the suburbs of Los Angeles with her husband, Brad Niemann, who also serves as her co-writer, and their two children, the filmmaker remains deeply connected to her roots. Her latest movie shot in Saudi Arabia, The Perfect Candidate (2019), took home the Brian Award at the 76th Venice International Film Festival.
Abeer AlAkel
As Acting CEO of the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), Abeer AlAkel is leading a transformative journey to realize AlUla’s vision for its communities and visitors. With a passion for sustainability and cultural preservation, AlAkel has spearheaded strategic initiatives to regenerate AlUla’s cultural landscape while enhancing the quality of life for residents. As a founding member of the RCU team, her leadership has been instrumental in driving impactful projects from revitalizing the Cultural Oasis to overseeing the development of special cultural zones. Under AlAkel’s guidance, AlUla has emerged as a global destination for art, culture, and nature, breaking Guinness World Records and fostering partnerships with prestigious organizations worldwide.
Reema Juffali
As Saudi Arabia’s first female racing driver, Reema Juffali has shattered stereotypes and broken barriers, paving the way for a new generation of athletes to follow their dreams. In 2023, the athlete embarked on a thrilling new chapter, leading her team, Theeba Motorsport, into the prestigious Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe Powered by AWS. Juffali’s journey to the top has been nothing short of remarkable from her early appearances in the TRD 86 Cup and MRF Challenge to her breakthrough performances in the F4 British Championship. In 2021, she joined Douglas Motorsport for the GB3 Championship, competing at legendary circuits such as Spa-Francorchamps and Silverstone. Her dedication and passion for racing propelled her to new heights, culminating in a second-place finish in the Pro-Am class of the International GT Open in 2022 alongside teammate Adam Christodoulou. The 2023 season marked another milestone in her career as she made history by claiming a pole position in the Sprint Cup for Theeba Motorsport, becoming the first female racing driver to achieve this feat.
Haifa al-Mogrin
Princess Haifa Al-Mogrin serves as a beacon of inspiration both at home and on the international stage. Recently appointed as the ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Spain, her journey to this prestigious role is marked by a series of remarkable achievements. As the permanent representative of Saudi Arabia to the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) from 2020 to 2023, Princess Haifa played a vital role in promoting global cooperation and cultural exchange. In 2021, she was elected to chair the UNESCO Executive Board Program and External Relations Commission, demonstrating her exceptional leadership and diplomatic skills on the world stage. That same year, she was awarded the Order of King Abdulaziz. Her academic credentials are just as impressive as her professional achievements. She holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from King Saud University (where she also previously served as a lecturer) and a master’s degree in economics with a focus on the Middle East from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) at the University of London.
Nouf Almoneef
Noor Riyadh, the world’s largest festival of light, has lit up Saudi Arabia’s capital with a wide captivating range of installations, building projections, and engaging performances all around the city, breaking 14 Guinness World Records since its inaugural edition in 2021. At the helm of the festival is interior architect and Festival Director Nouf Almoneef. The architect, who has a bachelor’s degree in interior design from Prince Sultan University in Riyadh and an MFA in interior architecture from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, is a prominent player in Saudi Arabia’s thriving cultural revolution, helping the Kingdom’s bustling art scene gain the world’s attention.
Sofana Dahlan
As the first female lawyer to practice law in Saudi Arabia, Sofana Dahlan has shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for women in the legal profession. Beyond her legal career, Dahlan is a passionate advocate for social entrepreneurship and creative industries. She is the founder of Tashkeil, a Saudi-based social enterprise dedicated to incubating and promoting creative entrepreneurs, as well as Kayanspace, a membership-based space for creative professionals. A staunch advocate for cultural and social issues, Dahlan has spoken at prestigious platforms such as TEDx, the World Economic Forum, and the Estoril Conferences. She is a vocal supporter of women’s rights, social values, and interreligious dialogue, using her platform to inspire positive change.
Jomana Al-Rashid
Jomana Al-Rashed made history as the first Saudi Arabian woman appointed CEO of the Saudi Research and Media Group (SRMG), a prominent integrated publishing company headquartered in Saudi Arabia that oversees the distribution of various publications, including renowned newspapers such as Asharq Al-Awsat and Arab News, as well as the launch of several innovative products such as the Arab world’s first Arabic-language manga for children and adults. With a background as a media adviser and communications director, Al-Rashed holds a master’s degree in international journalism from City University in London. Her achievements earned her a spot in Forbes Middle East’s 2023 list of 100 most influential businesswoman in the region, ranking 25th overall.
