Celebrations are at an all-time high with Saudi National Day just around the corner, and we couldn’t be more excited. In honour of this monumental day, we have gathered these top 10 inspirational Saudi women to celebrate. Not only have these young entrepreneurs made an impact with their substantial and monumental change, but they have also left a footprint of inspiration among many. In honour of the impact they have made, we would like to highlight their success, and hopefully leave you inspired this Saudi National Day.
Emon Shakoor
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Emon Shakoor is one of the many that have left an inspirational footprint on the public. Only at the age of 21, she was recognised as one of the youngest researchers after showcasing her own neuroscience studies in 2015 at the prestigious Society for Neuroscience while studying for her Bachelor’s in Cognitive Science from UC. Shakoor became the youngest CEO and founded two software firms, “Blossom”, Saudi Arabia’s first female-focused accelerator, and “EventFen”, an app that connects young people to professional events. Although the high and incredible success she has had, she still battles with epilepsy, which has affected her health. She had stated in a ted-talk that she suffered from 50+ seizures a day for around 20 years. Alongside this, she handles immense pressure from being the only female CEO to run Blossom. Shakoor has achieved so much already, and we can’t wait to see what she does in the future.
Yara Alnamlah
This beauty and lifestyle influencer has made a name for herself over the past couple of years, from posing at Haute Couture week in Paris to being spotted in runway presentations showcasing her chic and sophisticated look. Not only does her style cause a storm of appreciation, but she is also a force to be reckoned with as an influencer, and a talented make-up artist who has a degree in architecture. Yara Alnamlah is also a young entrepreneur who launched “So Matcha,” located in Riya, selling everything from coffee and tea to desserts. She also has you covered from feeling good inside and out as with her new beauty salon, “Treat Salon,” opening up very soon, alongside her new beauty product range. Alnamlah is always busy with exciting and fresh projects along the way, and we’re excited to see where her innovative and creative skills take her on her entrepreneurship journey.
Mishaal Ashemimry
Mishaal Ashemimry has been the one to shoot for the stars. From having a burning passion for the galaxy we live in since she could remember, she was the first ever Saudi woman to join NASA, while becoming the first female aerospace engineer in the GCC. She is a huge inspiration to many as she continuously encourages the youth of the Arab culture with her main ethos: to fight every challenge that comes their way.
Arwa Al Banawi
Arwa Al Banawi is all about empowering women, and we are here to support her every step of the way. Her successful brand “Arwa Al Banawi” really has had a staple impact in the fashion industry, as a contemporary women’s brand that enables women to own who they are unapologetically. Arwa Al Banawi is former banker who found her calling for fashion and design through travelling. She achieved her degree in Dubai, where she then launched her brand that highlights Arab culture in its clothing. She has received well-deserved recognition from the success of the sophisticated and edgy women’s wear clothing brand, and she gives us the boss energy we inspire to have.
Mashael Alrajhi
Mashael Alrajhi knows the ins and outs of fashion, from getting a fashion design diploma based in Riyadh, where she was born and raised. If this wasn’t enough from this talented designer, she also has a degree in Business Administration. With all her wisdom and knowledge, she has created an impeccable presence in the fashion industry and were not surprised. She has made an impact with her creative vision, and entrepreneurship skills. She also focuses on handmade artisan craftsmanship catered for women and men. Her fashion represents today’s culture, with a commitment to bucking prevailing fashion while building a store that reflects its historical context.
Reema Juffali
This 30-year-old F1 driver, Reema Juffali, inspires female athletes and female race car drivers in Saudi Arabia. This year she will lead her own team Teeba Motorsport and compete the GT Open internationally. She has raced iconic circuits, including Spa-Francorchamps and Silverstone. She is paving the way for new and upcoming emerging talents and is breaking the negative stereotypes of women in F1 driving.
Raha Moharrak
Raha Mohaarak was the first Saudi to ever climb Mount Everest in 2013, whilst also climbing the seven summits throughout her challenging career. Her entertaining and dramatic content has been growing rapidly and were not surprised as she inspires many with the boss energy she carries. Not only this, she has had successful business ventures with “TAG Heuer,” a collaboration that matches her sophisticated and daring demeanour. “I did not set out to be a poster child for anything, I saw a mountain. I wanted to climb it,” says Raha.
Mila Al Zahrani
“Being a Saudi woman means that I am a brave and capable woman, and able to reach my goals,” Mila Al Zahrani says. She has reached her goals as a talented actor in the film industry, making her debut in The Perfect Candidate, released in 2019.Her nomination at Venice Film Festival is only one of her many successes, as the actress is also known for her roles in Boxing Girls a well-liked TV series among many in Saudi Arabia, as well as The Fate Hotel and Cello, her newest film this year.
DR. NADIA DANDACHI
Dr. Nadia Dandachi is a self-taught entrepreneur who has grabbe first place at many awards like International Piano Competition and the IESCO IN 2016. When she was younger, she listened to both Arabic and foreign music pieces, therefore, being able to play on her own, as she visited and participated in many national events. She holds a degree in medicine, which she still practices as a successful physician, but she always followed her passion for the music industry and played a tribute to those suffering from the mass destruction in Syria. She is an inspiration to many, this is a woman who can do both.
noura bint saidan
Known for her creative masterpieces, Noura Bint Saidan is growing rapidly in the graffiti community. The gifted artist creates large and captivating murals and has crafted breathtaking pieces on the walls of Khobar’s local neighbourhoods. She led a social movement to teach people to value art and creates murals that highlight Saudi culture internationally, in places like London and Spain. “I’m so proud that my murals are considered amongst the most important landmarks in the Boulevard,” she says, as she took her work even further by standing on a crane whilst creating 16 graffiti masterpieces which were in tribute to the most well-known singers and writers in the region. She is a force to be reckoned with, from her creative flares to her ability to push the boundaries.
