As morning light spills across Riyadh’s skyline, a quiet electricity hums through Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University. Voices intertwine, ideas converge and ambitions take flight. Under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Noura bint Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Creative Women Forum Saudi Arabia 2025 opens its doors from 4–6 November, culminating in a Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony at the National Museum of Saudi Arabia.
Now in its second edition, the Forum has become a hallmark of the Kingdom’s evolving narrative. It’s a confluence of leadership, innovation, and imagination. Its 2025 theme, “Empower • Engage • Sustain – Women Leading Initiatives,” echoes the spirit of Saudi Vision 2030, championing creativity, sustainability, and knowledge as engines of transformation.
“This gathering unites minds and experiences through curiosity, courage and a shared desire to create meaningful change,” said HRH Princess Noura. “It is a space where diverse voices connect and conversations spark new directions for progress.”
At the heart of the Forum stands Olga Balakleets, Founder and CEO of the Creative Women Platform. Balakleets is a cultural entrepreneur whose leadership has cultivated one of the world’s most dynamic spaces for female empowerment.
“Thanks to the extraordinary support of HRH Princess Noura,” Balakleets said, “this Forum has become more than an event; it is a living movement uniting women with purpose. Together we are shaping conversations and building a legacy for generations to come.”
Guiding this year’s edition is Rebeca Riofrio, Executive Director of the Creative Women Forum Saudi Arabia, Chairwoman of the UK Parliamentary Society for Arts, Fashion & Sports, and recipient of the Queen’s Awards for Business and International Trade.
“The youth of Saudi Arabia are not waiting for the future—they are building it now,” Riofrio reflected. “In their creativity lies the promise of transformation.”
Hosted at Princess Nourah University—the world’s largest women’s university and home to the Women Leadership Centre—the Forum convened 500+ delegates. It includes CEOs, policymakers, artists, scientists, and educators, all united by a mission to lead with purpose and imagination.
Across three days, sessions explored sustainability, technology, entrepreneurship, and cultural diplomacy. These sessions trace the pulse of transformation and reaffirm one belief—that leadership rooted in creativity can redefine the global future.
This year’s Forum assembled a constellation of voices from every continent—each one illuminating new possibilities for women in leadership.
International Speakers included:
Gloria Ai (Founder, iAsk Media & Capital); Zeynab Al-Khero (Executive Director, Global Chamber London); Olga Balakleets; Sandra Bauknecht (Luxury Specialist and Fashion Journalist); Ida Beerhalter (Co-Head, IOME); Kiera Chaplin (Entrepreneur and Empowerment Advocate); Dr. Ana Cukic Armstrong (Founder AIM Cube, University of Greenwich); HRH Princess Katarina of Serbia; Elizabeth de Moraes (Global Branding Strategist); Martha Fiennes (Filmmaker and Digital Artist); Dr. Aradhana Khowala (CEO, Aptamind Partners); Christina Korp (Founder, SPACE for a Better World); Dr. Jane Leonard (Medical Entrepreneur); The Hon. Islée Oliva Salinas (Chair, Creative Women Platform); Dr. Virginia Rivera (VP, Peeyush Group); Laura Timm (Founder, Success Without Limits); Dr. Sylvia Tiryaki (Chairwoman, Helsinki Committee for Human Rights); Ilijana Vavan (Founder, ItStartUp); HH Princess Sophia Fürstin Wolkonsky (Founder, Castillia); Fiona Yassin (Founder, The Wave Clinic).
Also, Keira Zhang (CEO, One World Duty Free); Mirjam Katharina Zwingli (Director, nanoSTAB); Sahiqa Bennett (Co-Founder, AIYAH); Seema Gupta (Co-Founder, Climate Scale-Up); Elena Howarth (Wealth Manager, Creative Brain Academy); Prathibha Prahlad (Founder Delhi International Arts Festival); Jill Douka (Director, Global Academy of Coaching); Pernilla S. Corizza (Leadership Strategist); Althea Bunce (Founder, Sri Lanka Bespoke); Jacqueline Bourke (Senior Director, Creative, Getty Images); Amira Fouad (Founder, Encore Performing Arts, UAE); Maxim Jago (Futurist and Author); Dr. Bindunie S. Rowland (Founder, SYNCYR AI).
Also featured: 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.
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 Ali 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.
Each participant brought expertise and conviction—proof that dialogue and collaboration ignite transformation.
Behind every transformative initiative stands a coalition of visionaries.
The Forum’s success was powered by Strategic Partners: Arab National Bank (ANB), Women Leadership Centre (Princess Nourah University), Ministry of Culture, Women and Energy Association (WE), and Riyadh Municipality.
Together, they form a bridge between innovation, heritage, and human connection—the living essence of the Forum’s mission.
On 6 November, the National Museum of Saudi Arabia glowed with amber light, transformed into a sanctuary of celebration. The Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony honoured women whose leadership continues to shape culture, science, and industry.
Performances by Keri Fuge (soprano), Olga Balakleets (pianist), Mara Galeazzi (prima ballerina), Sophia Patsalides (pop artist), and Mirna Nasser (songwriter) filled the halls. Art and music merge into a shared symphony of achievement.
“Tonight is a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and purpose,” declared HRH Princess Noura. “It is a tribute to those who lead with courage and imagination. Also, a reminder that when thought meets action, we create something greater than ourselves.”
The Forum concluded with quiet grace—through art.
The Creative Women Art Exhibition is curated by Rafael Porzycki and powered by DHL Saudi Arabia. It opened at Princess Nourah University before continuing at the National Museum. Inspired by the Ministry of Culture’s Year of Handicrafts initiative, the exhibition featured Aida Murad, Saule Suleimenova, Sofia Cacciapaglia, Elisa Insua, Fatimah Al Nimr, and Olivia d’Aboville.
Proceeds supported the Herfa Cooperative Society, preserving Saudi artistry and empowering female artisans.
Here, art transcended expression; it became continuity. It’s the enduring story of women creating, leading, and shaping beauty that lasts beyond time.
Founded in 2016 in the United Kingdom by Olga Balakleets, the Creative Women Platform has grown into a global network. It unites female leaders, visionaries, and entrepreneurs across more than 50 countries.
It bridges business, art, and academia. This connects innovators who are redefining creativity and leadership worldwide.
Through mentorship, dialogue, and collaboration, the Platform continues to empower women not only to lead but to transform the world around them.
For more information, visit www.creativewomen.co.
Elvijs Plugis
elvijs@sigulp.co.uk
+447549945392
Project CMO for Creative Women Forum Saudi Arabia 2025
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