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Saudi Arabia’s Founding Day celebrates the nation’s rich history, culture, and heritage, acknowledging the pivotal moments that have shaped its identity and journey towards becoming the nation it is today.
Every year on February 22, the Kingdom marks Founding Day, a celebration of the nation’s rich heritage, culture and the visionary leadership that shaped its destiny. This historic occasion honours the establishment of the first Saudi state in 1727 by Imam Muhammad bin Saud, setting the foundation for the modern Kingdom we know today. And at the forefront of the modern Kingdom are the incredible women of the nation.
From innovative entrepreneurs to powerful advocates for change, GRAZIA brings you nine incredible women who are leading the charge in their respective fields, breaking barriers, and inspiring a new generation.
Marriam Mossalli: The Entrepreneur & Trailblazer
Marriam Mossalli is a trailblazing Saudi entrepreneur, journalist, and advocate for women’s empowerment. As the founder of Niche Arabia, a luxury consulting firm, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the Kingdom’s fashion, beauty and lifestyle spaces, bridging the gap between global brands and the Saudi market. Mossalli is also a former journalist and she’s made her mark as a cultural commentator, championing Saudi talent and redefining perceptions of the region’s creative industries. She has been a vocal supporter of female empowerment, using her platform to highlight the achievements of Saudi women in fashion, art, and business. Her Under the Abaya initiative – a groundbreaking book series featuring candid images of Saudi women – has challenged stereotypes and celebrated the evolving role of women in the Kingdom.
Lamia AlOtaishan Aydin: The Fashion Executive
Lamia AlOtaishan Aydin is the Womenswear Design Director at Les Benjamins, a role she has held for eight years. She oversees the brand’s women’s ready-to-wear, bags, eyewear, fragrance, and jewelry collections. Originally from Riyadh, Lamia is a new mother and a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment in the Middle Eastern fashion industry. Through her leadership at Les Benjamins, she is not only shaping the brand’s global presence but also amplifying the voices of Saudi women in the design world.
Raneem K. Bagedo: The Creative Visionary
Raneem K. Bagedo is a dynamic leader in business and the creative industries. As CEO & Founder of Haus of Synergy and Founder & Creative Director of Kraiv Investments, she is redefining the luxury market with her visionary approach. A young Saudi woman with a background in Global Business and Design Management from a prestigious London university, Raneem began her career freelancing, connecting brands with clients, before expanding into event curation and PR. Known for blending Saudi heritage with international influences, she’s collaborated with top fashion houses and launched brands like KOA. Guided by the mantra “If you want a change, make it happen,” Raneem is dedicated to achieving global recognition for Saudi Arabia, supported by a strong, ambitious team of women.
Hala & Leena ElKhereiji: Saudi Luxury Ambassadors
Sisters Hala and Leena ElKhereiji are the creative minds behind Charmaleena, a luxury brand that embodies timeless elegance and authenticity. Since launching in 2012, their brand has grown into a symbol of Saudi luxury, earning accolades such as the Saudi National Cultural Award for Fashion in 2023. Their work continues to celebrate the beauty of Saudi culture while pushing the boundaries of modern design. As award-winning designers, the ElKhereiji sisters are shaping the future of fashion in Saudi Arabia.
Arwa Al Banawi: The Trailblazer in Fashion
Arwa Al Banawi’s eponymous label, founded in 2015, combines her banking background with her love for fashion to create a unique and powerful style. Born in Jeddah and raised in Germany and Switzerland, Arwa’s eclectic experiences shaped her bold, structured, yet playful designs. Her brand celebrates the “Suitable Woman”— one who is both strong and feminine. Arwa’s vision has resonated globally, putting Saudi women’s fashion on the map and proving that tradition and modernity can coexist in harmony.
Ryouf Khalid Al-Rumaih: The CEO Entrepreneur
As the CEO of Nithar, a creative agency based in Riyadh, Ryouf Khalid Al-Rumaih has built a formidable brand from the ground up. Specialising in branding, marketing, and corporate events, Ryouf has expanded her agency’s reach, offering innovative solutions and supporting female entrepreneurs along the way. A true trailblazer in Saudi Arabia’s business world, Ryouf’s resilience and visionary leadership continue to inspire future generations of women to enter the entrepreneurial space.
Taleedah Tamer: The Supermodel
Taleedah Tamer is a fashion trailblazer for Saudi Arabia. Born in Jeddah, Taleedah is of Saudi and Italian heritage, following in her mother’s footsteps by becoming a model. The 27-year-old became the first Saudi model to walk Paris Couture Week back in 2018 for Italian fashion house Antonio Grimaldi. Since then, Taleedah has gone on to grace the covers of a slew of magazines and work with an array of different luxury fashion houses.
HRH Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud: The Ambassador and Philanthropist
Her Royal Highness Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud is one of Saudi Arabia’s most influential women. As the first female Ambassador to the United States, she has broken significant ground for Saudi women in diplomacy. With a background in private sector leadership, Princess Reema has championed numerous initiatives that empower women, from founding Alf Khair to supporting women’s inclusion in sports. Her philanthropic contributions, including the co-founding of the Zahra Breast Cancer Awareness Association, make her an unwavering advocate for social change.
