Saudi Arabia’s women are forging their own paths in strength and unity.
Each of these inspiring women, from Raha Moharrak, who fearlessly stood atop the world’s highest peak, to Aseel Al-Hamad, who accelerated into motorsport history, represents more than just individual success — they lit a small flame of spirit and hope with the women of the kingdom.
Their journeys are driven by passion, integrity, and a persisting belief that they can change the world — not just for themselves, but for the generations to follow. Read on to learn more…
Aseel Al-Hamad is not only a pioneer in Saudi Arabian motorsport but also a force to be reckoned with in the world of design and engineering. A graduate of Prince Sultan University, where she earned her degree in interior design engineering, she went on to establish her firm, IDegree Design. A woman of many firsts, Aseel became the first Saudi Arabian woman to import and own a Ferrari, marking her bold entry into the male-dominated motorsport world. Her passion led her to represent Saudi Arabia at the Women in Motorsport Commission and become the first female board member of the Saudi Arabian Motor Federation. With a trailblazing spirit, she celebrated Saudi Arabia’s historic lifting of the ban on women drivers by taking a victory lap in a Lotus Renault E20 during the 2018 French Grand Prix — proving she’s not just breaking barriers, she’s leaving them in the dust.
Marriam Mossalli, founder of Niche Arabia, has become a prominent figure in Saudi Arabia’s luxury and fashion industries. Her consultancy firm has been instrumental in advising global brands on navigating the Saudi market while playing a pivotal role in elevating local fashion through innovative community engagement. A former journalist who launched the “Life & Style” section at Arab News, Marriam has authored insightful works on Saudi culture and remains a key voice in the region’s creative industries. Her influence extends globally, having represented the Kingdom at prestigious international events, where she champions Saudi talent and female empowerment.
Haifaa Al-Mansour, the eighth of twelve children, grew up in Al-Hasa, Saudi Arabia, where her passion for film was ignited by her father, the poet Abdul Rahman Mansour. Despite living in a conservative town with no cinemas, her father brought home videos from Blockbuster, exposing Haifaa to the world of film, even in the face of criticism from their community. Although her mother had high hopes for her to pursue a prestigious career in medicine or engineering, Haifaa followed her passion for storytelling, studying comparative literature at The American University in Cairo and later completing a master’s degree in Film Studies from the University of Sydney. She released her first feature film Wadjda in 2012, making history and becoming the first Saudi Arabian woman to direct a film… She has lived in Bahrain and currently resides in California with her husband, American diplomat Bradley Niemann, and their two children, Adam and Haylie. Haifaa remains a trailblazer in the global film industry, using her voice to challenge societal norms and amplify the stories of women.
Bayan AlSadiq, born in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, first picked up a camera in 2010 and has been capturing the world ever since. What began as a hobby, photographing family, friends, and the sights around her, quickly turned into a full-blown passion. With a keen eye for detail, she shared her work on Flickr and Facebook, soon turning her photography into a commercial success. After refining her skills in New York City, where she worked with high-profile clients, Bayan expanded her talents to Paris, earning accolades and features in several prestigious global and regional publications.
Raneem K. Bagedo, founder and Creative Director of KRAIV Investment Company, has seamlessly blended her entrepreneurial spirit with a flair for creativity. After moving to the UK at 14 and graduating with distinction in Global Business & Design Management, she honed her expertise by collaborating with fashion houses and luxury brands, curating captivating digital content. Her love for fashion, food, and adventure led her to co-found KOA, a fine dining restaurant in Jeddah that has redefined Saudi Arabia’s culinary scene. Alongside her work at KRAIV, Raneem also lends her strategic vision as a Marketing and Projects Consultant at Erfan & Bagedo General Hospital. Passionate, ambitious, and visionary, Raneem continues to carve out spaces for innovation and creativity, both in business and beyond. When not on her desk, you can find her blogging away the finest spots of London on @saudi_in_london.
Lujain Abulfaraj is a Saudi entrepreneur, designer, and visionary with a deep passion for cultural aesthetics and Arabic typography. As the founder of Akwan and co-founder of Twothirds Design Studio, she has spent over a decade shaping the brand identities of clients across the Gulf, blending creativity with strategic design. Her unique approach draws inspiration from her Saudi heritage, combining cultural elements with experimental design, particularly in her work focused on children and the Arabic language. A graduate of Visual Communications from the American University of Sharjah, Lujain’s dedication to innovation stems from her recognition of the need for engaging educational tools to teach Arabic. Influenced by her mother’s creative teaching methods, she continues to push boundaries in her field, contributing to education through thoughtful and productive design.
Raha Moharrak, born in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, is best known as the youngest Arab and the first Saudi woman to conquer Mount Everest. Her passion for mountaineering began with summits like Kilimanjaro and Aconcagua, and in 2017, she completed the Seven Summits, becoming the first Saudi woman to do so. A graduate in visual communication from the American University of Sharjah, Raha is currently pursuing an MBA in Women’s Leadership at Synergy University in Dubai, where she also works as a graphic designer. Climbing Mount Everest in 2013 was a defining moment in her journey, but as she humbly remarks, “I really don’t care about being the first, so long as it inspires someone else to be second.” Her determination and groundbreaking achievements have made her a role model for aspiring adventurers worldwide.
Arwa Al Banawi is the embodiment of contrasts — her designs effortlessly blend tradition with a fresh, urban edge, much like her own life journey. Born in conservative Jeddah but shaped by her experiences living in Germany and Switzerland, Arwa’s eclectic upbringing gave her a unique lens through which she views fashion. A former investment banker, she recognised the need for professional womenswear that doesn’t compromise on style, and from that vision, her eponymous label was born in 2015. Her pieces, often structured yet playful, are a celebration of the “Suitable Woman”— one who is both strong and feminine, bold yet refined. Arwa’s aesthetic, a mix of tailored suits and graphic prints, has gained global attention. Her story is a testament to the power of embracing different influences and daring to carve out space where there wasn’t one before.