Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia —
Under the radiant lights of Riyadh, voices from around the world came together to celebrate leadership, creativity, and progress at the Creative Women Forum Saudi Arabia 2025. Held under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Noura bint Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the forum took place from 4–6 November at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, concluding with a Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony at the National Museum of Saudi Arabia.
Now in its second year, the Forum has evolved into a symbol of the Kingdom’s transformative journey under Vision 2030 — uniting women across cultures to lead, innovate, and sustain. The 2025 theme, “Empower • Engage • Sustain – Women Leading Initiatives,” embodied Saudi Arabia’s mission to create an inclusive, knowledge-driven society.
“This gathering brings together minds and experiences united by curiosity, courage, and the desire to create meaningful change,” said HRH Princess Noura.
“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
القيادة والرؤية
At the heart of this movement stands Olga Balakleets, Founder and CEO of the Creative Women Platform, whose leadership has redefined international collaboration in women’s innovation.
“It is a great honour to welcome this second edition of the Creative Women Forum Saudi Arabia,” said Balakleets. “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.”
“إنه لشرف عظيم أن أرحب بالنسخة الثانية من منتدى النساء المبدعات في المملكة العربية السعودية”، قالت أولغا بالاكلتس. “وبفضل الدعم والرؤية الاستثنائية لصاحبة السمو الملكي الأميرة نورة، أصبح هذا المنتدى أكثر من مجرد فعالية — إنه حركة حية للنساء المتحدات بهدف مشترك.”
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, whose advocacy connects diplomacy, culture, and creative economies.
“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, and in their courage, the blueprint of a brighter world.”
“شباب المملكة العربية السعودية لا ينتظرون المستقبل — إنهم يصنعونه اليوم”، قالت ريبيكا ريوفريو. “في إبداعهم يكمن وعد التحول، وفي شجاعتهم خارطة طريق لعالم أكثر إشراقًا.”
A Forum for Progress
منتدى للتقدم
Held at Princess Nourah University, the world’s largest women’s university and a beacon for leadership development, the forum brought together over 500 delegates: business leaders, policymakers, artists, academics, and innovators.
Over three days, discussions explored technology, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and cultural diplomacy — all vital pillars of Vision 2030’s innovation framework. The event reflected a shared regional ambition to strengthen collaboration among Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the wider GCC through knowledge and culture.
A Global Assembly of Women Leaders
تجمع عالمي للقائدات
The Forum welcomed an exceptional constellation of women shaping industries across continents — from finance and media to art, technology, and diplomacy.
International voices included:
Gloria Ai, Zeynab Al-Khero, Sandra Bauknecht, Ida Beerhalter, Kiera Chaplin, Dr Aradhana Khowala, Christina Korp, Martha Fiennes, Dr Jane Leonard, The Hon. Islée Oliva Salinas, Dr Virginia Rivera, Laura Timm, Dr Sylvia Tiryaki, Ilijana Vavan, HRH Princess Katarina of Serbia, and HH Princess Sophia Fürstin Wolkonsky.
From the Gulf region, distinguished participants included:
Dr Basma AlBuhairan (Saudi Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution), HH Princess Mashael bint Saud Al Shalan (Aeon Collective), HH Princess Mishael bint Faisal Al Saud (The Movement Axis), HE Dr Suzan Alyahya (Royal Institute of Traditional Arts), Dr Amal Al-Abduljabbar (Ministry of Culture), and Eng. Nouf Abdulghani (Principal Buyer).
Together, they represented a new wave of Gulf leadership — bridging tradition with innovation and local identity with global influence.
Partnerships that Shape the Future
شراكات تصنع المستقبل
The Forum’s success was powered by an ecosystem of visionary institutions and corporations.
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 & Conference Center.
Silver Partner: Alfanar.
Knowledge Partner: Saudi Arabian Botanical Society.
Charity Partner: Herfa Cooperative Society.
These collaborations reflect a broader regional movement — a shared Gulf vision where economic diversification meets cultural innovation, and women’s leadership becomes the foundation for lasting impact.
The Gala at the National Museum
الاحتفال في المتحف الوطني
The Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony, held on 6 November at the National Museum of Saudi Arabia, illuminated the night with elegance and purpose. The evening honoured women whose innovation and leadership continue to transform the modern world.
Performances by Keri Fuge, Olga Balakleets, Mara Galeazzi, Sophia Patsalides, and Mirna Nasser brought together art, emotion, and heritage in a shared symphony of empowerment.
“Tonight is a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and purpose,” said HRH Princess Noura. “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 شيئًا أعظم من أنفسنا.”
Art as Legacy: Exhibition Powered by DHL
الفن كإرث: المعرض برعاية DHL
The Forum concluded with the Creative Women Art Exhibition, curated by Rafael Porzycki and powered by DHL Saudi Arabia. Opening at Princess Nourah University and later displayed at the National Museum, the exhibition drew inspiration from the Ministry of Culture’s Year of Handicrafts initiative.
Featuring works by Aida Murad, Saule Suleimenova, Sofia Cacciapaglia, Elisa Insua, Fatimah Al Nimr, and Olivia d’Aboville, the exhibition showcased art’s power as diplomacy — uniting creativity with cultural continuity. Proceeds supported the Herfa Cooperative Society, preserving Saudi craftsmanship for future generations.
About the Creative Women Platform
عن منصة النساء المبدعات
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 leaders, entrepreneurs, and creatives, spanning over 50 countries. By bridging art, business, and academia, it empowers women not only to lead but to shape the global conversation.
For more information, visit www.creativewomen.co
Elvijs Plugis
[email protected]
+447549945392
Project CMO for Creative Women Forum Saudi Arabia 2025