Saudi Arabia has been undergoing a transformation, driven by Saudi Vision 2030 – the Kingdom’s plan to modernize and diversify its economy. Women’s empowerment is a key aspect of the ongoing social reform in Saudi Arabia. Female participation in higher education, paid employment, and business has dramatically increased during the last decade. The rise of female leadership in Saudi Arabia’s government marks a transformative chapter in the kingdom’s journey toward empowerment.
Saudi women have taken on key leadership roles across numerous sectors including government, business, science and technology, health, and education. The Saudi government is actively supporting these developments, with female entrepreneurship initiatives and leadership programs for women.
In this article, we feature some of the influential Saudi women in government, whose excellence in leadership, vision, communication, and innovation, serve to inspire the next generation.
Saudi Female Leadership in Government
The Saudi government is increasing gender diversity in leadership, and promoting women to ministerial positions. In addition, to date, Saudi Arabia has appointed five women to represent the Kingdom as ambassadors to countries around the world.
Nora bint Abdullah al-Fayez – appointed as first female minister in 2009
Nora bint Abdullah al-Fayez, a US-educated former teacher and expert on girls’ education, became the country’s Deputy Education Minister, in charge of a new department for female students, in 2009.
Al-Shehana bint Saleh al-Azzaz – first female Vice Secretary General of the Kingdom’s Council of Ministers
Al-Shehana bint Saleh al-Azzaz, previously a high-ranking lawyer with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). She then became the Vice Secretary General of the Council of Ministers in the Kingdom in 2022. She was one of the first female lawyers to practice in the Kingdom.
Princess Haifa bint Mohammed – Vice Minister of Tourism
Haifa bint Mohammed Al Saud obtained her Master’s in business administration and management from the London Business School. She has held various government posts since 2012 and was appointed Vice Minister of Tourism in 2022. Previously, Princess Haifa worked with the Qiddiya Investment Company, the General Authority of Civil Aviation, and the Tourism Development Fund.
Dr. Tamadur Al-Rammah was named Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Development in 2018.
Princess Reema bint Bandar – Ambassador to the United States
Reema bint Bandar Al Saud was appointed as Saudi Arabia’s first female ambassador to the United States in 2019. Princess Reema is passionate about empowering women and has held various public service roles, including as VP of women’s affairs at the Saudi General Sports Authority.
When she previously worked in the private sector, as CEO of a multi-brand luxury retail company. Reema pushed for increased female inclusion in retail. She also commissioned a study on obstacles for women in the workplace and opened the first workplace nursery in a retail store. Along with her Ambassador role, Reema is also a member of the International Olympic Committee.
Fatimah Baeshen became the first woman to be appointed spokesperson for the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Washington DC, in 2017.
Beginning in January 2023, Haifa al-Jadea served as the Kingdom’s ambassador. She head of its mission to the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community (EAEC).
Haifa Al-Jadea holds master’s degrees in conflict resolution and negotiation and international relations. She previously worked at the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Center and represented the Kingdom at the UN Security Council.
Basmah Al-Mayman, the Middle East Regional Director at the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). She is one of the leading figures in promoting and developing the tourism sector in the region.
Princess Haifa Al-Muqrin was appointed as the Permanent Representative of Saudi Arabia to UNESCO in January 2020.
Saudi Arabia’s Consultative Council
In a historic milestone, 30 women first joined Saudi Arabia’s Shura Council (Majlis al-Shura or Consultative Council) in 2013. The Shura Council is a legislative body that advises the King on issues that are important to Saudi Arabia. In September 2024, a further 19 women were appointed to the council, increasing female representation to 20 percent of the council’s 150 seats. With their varied backgrounds and impressive backgrounds, the newly appointed female members will contribute a range of expertise to the council’s discussions.
Dr. Hanan Abdulrahim Al-Ahmadi, a Saudi Arabian academic, has been a member of the Shura Council since 2013. One of the council’s most prominent female figures, she became the first woman to hold the position of Assistant Speaker In October 2020.
In conclusion
Saudi Arabia is a country undergoing a transformational change, with rapid development in healthcare and other sectors. Cultural and social reforms have changed life in Saudi Arabia, with increasing roles for women in leadership. The majority of online content about Saudi Arabia is out-of-date or biased. If you have not yet had the chance to visit Saudi Arabia, we encourage you to go and see for yourself.
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Article written by Vivienne Mendonca.
