Creative Women Forum Saudi Arabia 2025 Highlights Global Collaboration and Women’s Leadership in Riyadh

The Creative Women Forum Saudi Arabia 2025, held from 4–6 November at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University in Riyadh, concluded its second edition with an expanded international presence and a strengthened commitment to global women’s leadership. The event was held under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Noura bint Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, bringing together more than 500 leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, academics, and creative professionals from across the world.

The Forum has quickly established itself as one of the Middle East’s standout platforms dedicated to advancing women’s roles in leadership, innovation, culture, and sustainability. With this year’s theme — “Empower, Engage, Sustain – Women Leading Initiatives” — the programme aligned closely with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 agenda and its ongoing investment in talent development, cultural exchange, and creative economy growth.

A Platform for International Leadership

The event’s founder, Olga Balakleets, CEO and Founder of the Creative Women Platform, emphasised the Forum’s expanding global scope and its role in bringing together women who are shaping the future across multiple industries. Balakleets highlighted that the Riyadh edition represents a continuing evolution of a platform created in the United Kingdom and now reaching audiences in more than 50 countries.

Supporting the programme’s international coordination was Rebeca Riofrio, Executive Director of the Forum and Chairwoman of the UK Parliamentary Society for Arts, Fashion & Sports. Riofrio noted that the Forum reflects the growing collaboration between Europe and the Gulf, particularly in the fields of cultural leadership, policy development, and youth empowerment.

Global Voices at the Centre of Dialogue

The Forum gathered a diverse group of speakers and participants representing Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and North America. Among the international figures present were Gloria Ai, Founder of iAsk Media & Capital; entrepreneur Kiera Chaplin; Dr Aradhana Khowala, CEO of Aptamind Partners; filmmaker Martha Fiennes; and The Hon. Islée Oliva Salinas, Chair of the Board of the Creative Women Platform.

European royalty and cultural leaders were also represented, including Princess Katarina of Serbia, Princess Sophia Wolkonsky, and Her Royal Majesty Olori Aderonke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, Founder of Africa Fashion Week London and Nigeria.

Participants from Saudi Arabia and the broader Gulf region included Dr Basma AlBuhairan of the Saudi Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution; HH Princess Mashael bint Saud Al Shalan, Co-founder of Aeon Collective; HH Princess Mishael bint Faisal; and senior representatives from the Ministry of Culture, the Royal Institute for Traditional Arts, and the private sector.

Across its three days, the Forum addressed topics such as entrepreneurship, sustainability, cultural diplomacy, investment, education, and the creative economy. Delegates examined how women across regions are driving transformation in business, policy, community development, and the arts.

Institutional and Industry Partnerships

The 2025 edition was supported by a group of strategic, platinum, gold, and silver partners representing both public and private sectors. Strategic partners included the Arab National Bank (anb), the Women Leadership Centre, the Ministry of Culture, the Women and Energy Association (WE), and Riyadh Municipality. Additional partners included DHL Express Saudi Arabia, Lucid Motors, AGFUND, and Nayyara Banqueting and Conference Centre.

These partnerships provided institutional depth and helped shape a programme that integrates entrepreneurship, innovation, heritage preservation, and sustainable development.

Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony

The Forum concluded with a Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony hosted at the National Museum of Saudi Arabia. The event showcased artistic performances by soprano Keri Fuge, pianist Olga Balakleets, ballerina Mara Galeazzi, singer Sophia Patsalides, and songwriter Mirna Nasser. The evening honoured women whose work has contributed significantly to culture, leadership, and community development.

Exhibition Highlighting Creativity and Heritage

This year’s Creative Women Art Exhibition, curated by Rafael Porzycki and powered by DHL Saudi Arabia, included works by Aida Murad, Saule Suleimenova, Sofia Cacciapaglia, Elisa Insua, Fatimah Al Nimr, and Olivia d’Aboville. The exhibition supported the Ministry of Culture’s Year of Handicrafts initiative and directed proceeds to the Herfa Cooperative Society to promote and preserve traditional Saudi craftsmanship.

A Growing Global Movement

Founded in 2016 in the United Kingdom, the Creative Women Platform has expanded into a leading international network that bridges business, art, media, academia, and diplomacy. The 2025 Forum in Riyadh reinforced its role as a global meeting point for women leaders shaping the creative and economic landscapes of tomorrow.

More information is available at: www.creativewomen.co