Forbes summit in Riyadh highlights women’s achievements in the Middle East
The leadership and achievements of women in the Middle East were the central focus of the region’s Forbes women’s summit in Riyadh, where workshops and guest speakers shed light on women’s empowerment, career progress and the way to approach the growing business landscape.
Taking place between December 18th-19th, the event, known as the Forbes Middle East’s Women’s Summit, was held in the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Summit commemorated the contributions of women within the Middle East, according to Arab News.
The summit consisted of two main stages, known as the “empowerment arena” and the “she leads hub.” Discussions at the arena included the enhancement of healthcare as part of Vision 2030, which is a Saudi-government led blueprint which aims to foster economic and societal progression within the country. Discussions aimed at endorsing women’s leadership and rethinking the meaning of entrepreneurship also took place at the arena.
The She Leads Hub, held panels about methods for professional accomplishment, improving sustainability and well-being and enabling greater power for women in leadership.
The event was attended my leading female figures, such as Princess Doaa bint Mohammed, CEO of Al Mohra Education Co. and former supreme president of the Arab Women’s Authority. Secretary-general and board member of Alwaleed Philanthropies as well as Princess Lamia bint Majed Saud Al-Saud, also attended.
The first female aerospace engineer in the Gulf Cooperation Council and founder of MISHAAL Aerospace, Mishaal Ashemimry, delivered one of the talks, which was titled “The hard decisions you have to make to pursue your passion.”
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Ashemimry told Arab News: “You will fail and you will stumble. You will face people who will be against you. You need to believe in yourself and be determined enough to achieve what you want.”
American-Jordanian abstract artist, Aida Murad, showcased her work at the summit. Murad told Arab News: “I feel very empowered here. It’s a high-value-based culture, so when your values align, things become much easier. People and companies are also highly accessible here — more so than in other countries where I’ve done business. I think it’s because there’s a genuine eagerness to invite value-aligned individuals to Saudi Arabia”
Khuloud Al Omian, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Middle East, said: “Women across the Middle East are achieving impressive success across all sectors in the public and private domains. While the journey to true equality continues, this region is home to ambassadors and advocates that are showing that progress is moving forward every day.”
Elsewhere in the Middle East, Iranian legislators are aiming to amend a bill which would create stronger penalties for women who do not want to wear the compulsory Hijab, AFP reports.
The Palestinian Commission for the Affairs of Prisoners and Ex-Prisoners have revealed that the Israeli Army has detained at least two pregnant women in Damoun prison since October 7th, The New Arab reported on July 1st.
The event was the second part of the Forbes Middle East Women’s Summit. The first Summit took place on May 22nd-25th 2023.
Arab News, Forbes Middle East, Pic: AN photo
