اختر منطقتك 
حالة الطقس 
Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia —
As the morning light spread across Riyadh, anticipation filled the air as women from around the world gathered for an extraordinary occasion. Under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Noura bint Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Creative Women Forum Saudi Arabia 2025 opened at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University 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 — a confluence of leadership, innovation, and imagination. The 2025 theme, “Empower • Engage • Sustain – Women Leading Initiatives,” reflects the Kingdom’s vision to foster creativity and knowledge as key pillars of Vision 2030.
“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 international forum stands Olga Balakleets, Founder and CEO of the Creative Women Platform — a cultural entrepreneur whose leadership has shaped one of the world’s most dynamic spaces for female creativity and empowerment.
“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. Together, we are shaping conversations and building a legacy for future generations.”
“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، نعمل معًا على صياغة الحوارات وبناء إرث للأجيال القادمة.”
Guiding the 2025 edition was Rebeca Riofrio, Executive Director of the Creative Women Forum Saudi Arabia and Chairwoman of the UK Parliamentary Society for Arts, Fashion & Sports.
“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 يبنونه اليوم”، قالت ريبيكا ريوفريو. “في إبداعهم يكمن وعد التحول، وفي شجاعتهم خارطة طريق لعالم أكثر إشراقًا.”
A Forum for Progress
منتدى للتقدم
Hosted at Princess Nourah University — the world’s largest women’s university and home to the Women Leadership Centre — the Forum gathered over 500 delegates: CEOs, policymakers, artists, scientists, and educators, all united by a shared mission to lead with purpose and create global impact.
Over three days, discussions explored the intersections of innovation, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and cultural diplomacy, reinforcing the belief that leadership rooted in creativity can redefine the future.
A Global Assembly of Women Leaders
تجمع عالمي للقائدات
The Forum welcomed a remarkable constellation of women who have shaped industries and inspired progress across continents.
Among the international speakers were:
Gloria Ai, Zeynab Al-Khero, Olga Balakleets, Sandra Bauknecht, Ida Beerhalter, Kiera Chaplin, Dr. Ana Cukic Armstrong, HRH Princess Katarina of Serbia, Elizabeth de Moraes, Martha Fiennes, Dr. Aradhana Khowala, Christina Korp, Dr. Jane Leonard, The Hon. Islée Oliva Salinas, Dr. Virginia Rivera, Laura Timm, Dr. Sylvia Tiryaki, Ilijana Vavan, HH Princess Sophia Fürstin Wolkonsky, Fiona Yassin, Keira Zhang, Mirjam Katharina Zwingli, Sahiqa Bennett, Seema Gupta, Elena Howarth, Prathibha Prahlad, Jill Douka, Pernilla S. Corizza, Althea Bunce, Jacqueline Bourke, Amira Fouad, Maxim Jago, and Dr. Bindunie S. Rowland.
Additional contributors included 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.
From Saudi Arabia and the GCC, participants included:
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 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.
Partnerships That Shape the Future
شراكات تصنع المستقبل
Behind every transformative initiative stands a network of visionary partners. The Forum’s success was sustained by an exceptional coalition of institutions and organizations dedicated to women’s advancement and sustainability.
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 and Conference Center.
Silver Partner: Alfanar.
Knowledge Partner: Saudi Arabian Botanical Society.
Charity Partner: Herfa Cooperative Society.
Key Alliances: Quintessentially Experiences, Sigulp, Global Travel Solutions (GTS), United Nations, Next Level, Saudi Business Council, UN Joint SDG Fund, Sotheby’s, Climate Scale-Up, Art in Fusion Production Company, WAVE, Comma, Elaph, and the Parliamentary Society for Arts.
Together, these partnerships form a bridge between innovation, heritage, and human connection — the true essence of the Forum’s mission.
The Gala at the National Museum
الأمسية في المتحف الوطني
On 6 November, the National Museum of Saudi Arabia glowed in amber light, transformed into a sanctuary of celebration. Within its majestic halls, the Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony honoured women whose vision and leadership continue to shape industry and culture.
The evening featured stirring performances by Keri Fuge (soprano), Olga Balakleets (pianist), Mara Galeazzi (prima ballerina), Sophia Patsalides (pop artist), and Mirna Nasser (songwriter) — weaving art and emotion into a shared symphony of achievement.
“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 معًا شيئًا أعظم من أنفسنا.”
Art as Legacy: The 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 continuing at the National Museum, the exhibition was inspired by the Ministry of Culture’s Year of Handicrafts initiative.
Featuring artists Aida Murad, Saule Suleimenova, Sofia Cacciapaglia, Elisa Insua, Fatimah Al Nimr, and Olivia d’Aboville, the exhibition highlighted the transformative power of creativity and cultural dialogue. Proceeds benefited the Herfa Cooperative Society, supporting Saudi artisans and preserving traditional crafts.
Here, art transcended expression — becoming continuity: a living story of women creating, leading, and shaping beauty that endures.
About the Creative Women Platform
عن منصة النساء المبدعات
Founded in 2016 in the United Kingdom by Olga Balakleets, the Creative Women Platform has grown into one of the world’s foremost networks for female leaders, visionaries, and entrepreneurs, spanning more than 50 countries. Bridging business, art, and academia, it connects innovators and thought leaders redefining creativity and leadership on a global scale.
Through mentorship, innovation, and collaboration, it empowers women not only to lead but to transform.
For more information, visit www.creativewomen.co
Media and Communications
الإعلام والاتصال
Communications, PR, and media strategy for the Creative Women Forum Saudi Arabia 2025 were managed by Sigulp Ltd, a London-based global 360° marketing, branding, media, and production consultancy. Sigulp supports international organisations and cultural initiatives through integrated strategy, storytelling, and high-impact media visibility.
Elvijs Plugis
[email protected]
+447549945392
Project CMO for Creative Women Forum Saudi Arabia 2025
