Gill BlitzUnder 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, bringing together global changemakers for one of the Middle East’s most significant gatherings dedicated to women’s leadership and cultural advancement. The Forum concluded with a Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony at the National Museum of Saudi Arabia, marking a symbolic union between heritage, innovation, and modern leadership.
Now in its second edition, the Forum has rapidly become a touchstone for Saudi Arabia’s evolving narrative on women’s empowerment under Vision 2030. More than a conference, it has emerged as a global crossroads where ideas, creativity, and policy meet. As HRH Princess Noura expressed, the Forum is “a space where voices from diverse backgrounds connect, engage, and grow — where ideas spark new directions for progress.”
Leadership with Global Reach
At the helm of the initiative stands Olga Balakleets, Founder and CEO of the Creative Women Platform — a UK-based organisation now recognised as one of the world’s leading networks for female innovators, entrepreneurs, and cultural leaders. She described the event as a “living movement of women united by purpose.” Supporting her vision is Rebeca Riofrio, Executive Director of the Forum and Chairwoman of the UK Parliamentary Society for Arts, Fashion & Sports, highlighting strong institutional ties between Europe, the Gulf, and the wider international community.
A Global Assembly at the Heart of Riyadh
The Forum gathered more than 500 participants — CEOs, policymakers, scientists, artists, and diplomats — whose influence spans continents. European and international leaders featured prominently, including:
• Gloria Ai, iAsk Media & Capital
• Kiera Chaplin, entrepreneur and advocate
• Dr Aradhana Khowala, CEO, Aptamind Partners
• Martha Fiennes, film director and digital artist
• The Hon. Islée Oliva Salinas, Chair of the Board, Creative Women Platform
• Princess Katarina of Serbia
• Princess Sophia Wolkonsky
• Her Royal Majesty Olori Aderonke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, Founder of Africa Fashion Week London
From the Gulf region, distinguished voices included Dr Basma AlBuhairan, HH Princess Mashael bint Saud Al Shalan, HH Princess Mishael bint Faisal, and leaders from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture, Royal Institute for Traditional Arts, and private sector. Together, they created a dialogue bridging Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia — a defining feature of the Forum’s global relevance.
Driving Partnerships for Tomorrow
The Forum’s success was built on an impressive coalition of partners that reflect the breadth of Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation. The Forum’s success is sustained by an exceptional network of institutions and organisations dedicated to women’s advancement and global 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.
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 & The Parliamentary Society for Arts.
Together, these partnerships form a bridge between innovation, heritage, and human connection — the essence of progress.
A Gala Celebrating Excellence
The closing Gala at the National Museum of Saudi Arabia was a standout cultural moment. Illuminated in amber tones, the museum became a stage for honouring women who have reshaped global industries. Performances by soprano Keri Fuge, pianist Olga Balakleets, ballerina Mara Galeazzi, and rising artists Sophia Patsalides and Mirna Nasser created an atmosphere where art and leadership intertwined.
Art as a Cultural Bridge
The Forum concluded with the Creative Women Art Exhibition, curated by Rafael Porzycki and powered by DHL Saudi Arabia. The exhibition aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Year of Handicrafts initiative and featured international artists including Aida Murad, Saule Suleimenova, Sofia Cacciapaglia, Elisa Insua, Fatimah Al Nimr, and Olivia d’Aboville. Proceeds supported the Herfa Cooperative Society, reinforcing a cultural continuity between heritage preservation and modern creative economies.
A Forum that Reflects a Changing World
The Creative Women Forum Saudi Arabia 2025 stands as a symbol of how global dialogue is shifting. It is no longer confined to traditional capitals — Riyadh now hosts conversations that echo across London, Paris, Brussels, and beyond. Its blend of diplomacy, entrepreneurship, cultural leadership, and innovation positions it as one of the most influential platforms for women’s leadership on the world stage.
As Europe deepens its strategic and cultural engagement with the Gulf, events like this highlight a shared commitment to creativity, sustainability, and inclusive progress.
More information is available via the Creative Women Platform: www.creativewomen.co
Elvijs Plugis
elvijs@sigulp.co.uk
Project CMO – Creative Women Forum Saudi Arabia 2025
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