Saudi Arabia marks its 92nd Saudi National Day today, September 23, 2022.
With patriotism comes an evolving sense of how women’s roles have changed in the Kingdom. The unification of the country throughout the years inspired women with immense pride and strength about paving the way for the next generations.
From successful entrepreneurs to pioneers in their industry, inspiring Saudi women are taking the lead in evolving the future of the country.
Since the unification of the country by King Abdul Aziz Ibn Saud in 1932, the occasion has been marked annually since 2005 and has brought its members together to overcome all obstacles.
As Saudi women continue to increase their participation in society and the workforce, the recent rising opportunities represent their growth in various industries.
To understand more about how the nation is helping them grow, Emirates Woman spoke to several notable women about various reforms over the years.
Nora Al Shaikh
Fashion Designer of her namesake luxury ready-to-wear line
Talk us through your career.
I launched this Jeddah-based contemporary luxury label in 2012. With clothing, fragrances and accessories, the brand has grown over the past decade into a lifestyle brand. As I was always passionate about design and textiles, I received a degree in Business Administration from King Saud University before enrolling at Riyadh’s Art & Skills Institute, which was the first fashion programme of its kind in the Kingdom. Shortly after graduating, my first collection was presented at Saks Fifth Avenue, Riyadh in 2009. Since my early days, the brand focused on bridging cultures. Filtered through a contemporary lens for a global audience, these influences are reflected in the unique proportions, cuts and embellishments of the brand’s garments. I’ve always taken inspiration from the landscapes, art, architecture and individuals she encounters during her travels to cities such as London, New York and L.A.Five years later, I was one of three Saudi fashion designers selected by the Ministry of Culture to participate in shaping the Kingdom’s 2030 Vision, by envisioning the role fashion can play in shaping perceptions of the country and its rich heritage.
What steps is Saudi Arabia taking to empower its citizens?
It was about fives year ago that I was one of three Saudi fashion designers selected by the Ministry of Culture to participate in shaping the Kingdom’s 2030 Vision, by envisioning the role fashion can play in shaping perceptions of the Kingdom and its rich heritage. To be asked to participate in that process is an example of positive change. In a few days, I will be heading to Milan to show my collection during fashion week, with a group of Saudi designers. When I began my label there was very little support or credibility fashion industry in the Kingdom. Now we are able to engage with a global audience in ways we never thought possible. We are still building the foundation for the fashion industry and that takes time but we are on the right track.
What advice do you have for the younger generation who wish to follow in your footsteps?
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes along your journey because that is ultimately how we learn and grow.
What are your hopes for the country going forward?
My hope for my country is the same hope I have for the rest of the world. That we can live in peace, experience a sense of opportunity to better our lives, and maintain a sense of pride in who we are as a people and culture.
The slogan for this year’s annual National Day is “This is Our Home”, how does the Kingdom give you a sense of belonging?
Home for me means many things. I was born and raised in Riyadh and now live in Jeddah, and looking out on the Red Sea, reminds me that we are a diverse country shaped by centuries of global trade, cultural fusions and migration. I immediately feel at home when thinking about our rich history.
Sofana Dahlan
First female lawyer to have been granted the permit to practice law in Saudi Arabia
What steps is Saudi Arabia taking to empower its citizens?
Currently, the sky’s the limit for the citizens of Saudi Arabia. In the past five years, the Kingdom has witnessed a unique transformative and social reform, from youth to women empowerment to the advancement of economic growth and preservation of cultural values.
What advice do you have for the younger generation who wish to follow in your footsteps?
To uphold the values of perseverance, taking responsibility and being part of the social-economic development in the country.
What are your hopes for the country going forward?
Embrace technology whilst safeguarding our values and culture.
The slogan for this year’s annual National Day is “This is Our Home”, how does the Kingdom give you a sense of belonging?
Belonging comes from the common values that the Kingdom embraces as an Islamic and Arab country. We hold our traditions, unique value system and identity very dear to our hearts, both as individuals and collectively as a nation. Saudi Arabia allows its citizens to participate in its social-economic development and transformation thereby bringing together everyone to work towards shared values – prosperity and growth of our country, safeguarding our culture and promoting our national identity.
Lulwah Al Homoud
Contemporary Artist
Talk us through your career.
I always believed that art is not for fun but a truly serious channel that changes perspective in so many ways. My current career is a result of a huge shift in my life. I started as a sociologist and in a short time I realised that the creative field is what I want to spend my life doing. Between curating and producing art, I believe I can make a positive change.
What steps is Saudi Arabia taking to empower its citizens?
Saudi Arabia opened so many closed doors to its citizens, by putting them in touch with their ancient heritage and creating a force to push them towards a bright future. The energy I see in young people is impeccable.
What advice do you have for the younger generation who wish to follow in your footsteps?
I would advise young people to absorb as much knowledge as possible about whatever they want to explore. Accumulation of knowledge is the source of creativity.
What are your hopes for the country going forward?
My hopes are endless. I hope that the kingdom becomes a destination for education, art and culture and I think we will see that in the near future.
The slogan for this year’s annual National Day is “This is Our Home”, how does the Kingdom give you a sense of belonging?
By being proud when I look back at our history and being part of the development towards a better future.
Raha Moharrak
First Saudi woman to summit Mount Everest
Talk us through your career.
I’ve always dreamed of challenging adventures and seeing the world from a different angle. After graduating from the American University of Sharjah, I started my career by working at a leading advertisement agency. One day my life changed when I decided to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro and this later opened the doors to eight more summits, leading to my insatiable love for altitude. I then set my eyes on Mount Everest and eventually made history by being the first Saudi woman to summit Everest.
What steps is Saudi Arabia taking to empower its citizens?
There are so many amazing leaps in the overall empowerment of its citizens but I would have to say that the efforts that have been made in the empowerment of women speak volumes about the country’s evolution.
What advice do you have for the younger generation who wish to follow in your footsteps?
The doors have been opened and ceilings have been shattered, this is your time to thrive.
What are your hopes for the country going forward?
I’m very hopeful about the future, we have an incredibly rich history and I’m optimistic we will have an amazing future as well.
The slogan for this year’s annual National Day is “This is Our Home”, how does the Kingdom give you a sense of belonging?
My love for my ancestor’s land is written on my face and my loyalty to my family is thicker than blood and my eyes sparkle at the pride that I feel for out legacy.
Daneh
Dubai-based Saudi fashion designer
Talk us through your career.
Something many may not know about me is that I have a career in Information Technology and deep into my career, I wanted to add another element to my life which involved working in fashion. The form of how I would be in fashion was not clear. I initially worked in styling and eventually thought about opening a concept store and then in 2011, it was clear after courses practice experimenting and more and finally, DANEH was born.
What steps is Saudi Arabia taking to empower its citizens?
Saudi Arabia is nurturing talent in various sectors and in several fields including the creative space. Now opportunities are everywhere, and the country is providing support if there is an idea, citizens can ask for support to bring their vision to life. Saudi Arabia has a strong belief and faith in its citizens and that in itself is empowerment.
What advice do you have for the younger generation who wish to follow in your footsteps?
Learn the business, seek professional advice, seek mentorship, be patient, be resilient and control the ego, as your designs should have meaning and purpose. It’s important to create good products and prioritize this.
What are your hopes for the country going forward?
My hopes are endless and things are happening every day in front of my eyes. hope for constant stability and prosperity and for us as citizens to further advance with this country and be part of achieving the plan and vision of 2030 and beyond.
The slogan for this year’s annual National Day is “This is Our Home”, how does the Kingdom give you a sense of belonging?
Through our people, I belong to this country and it is my home. The family and friends I have in the country make it home. I feel Saudi Arabia is always giving us a big hug saying, “you are home”.
Razan Alazzouni
Saudi Fashion Designer
Talk us through your career.
My sisters and I established Razan Alazzouni in 2008. Since then, we have launched many different lines expanding the brand. We now have bridal, ready-to-wear, children’s wear, accessories, shoes and kaftans. The brand began started focusing mainly on the Middle East market in 2008 and manage to extend its sales globally by having retail partners and an online presence. The brand is also not part of the Saudi 100 brands programme.
What steps is Saudi Arabia taking to empower its citizens?
The government is taking amazing strides to create new industries empowering Saudis to follow their dreams and work in fields that were not available to them in the Kingdom. The government also launched many different initiatives to promote education in those fields providing the much-needed training to be successful.
What advice do you have for the younger generation who wish to follow in your footsteps?
Be true to yourself. Find your style your trade mark and don’t worry about trends. Being you is more important than becoming a trend as they always fade.
What are your hopes for the country going forward?
To keep moving forward. Honestly, the government is so supportive and continues to create opportunities for the new generations. We have new thriving fashion community that is legitimising the Saudi fashion industry worldwide. I hope that we continue to shine as a collective community and show the world the many talents hidden in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The slogan for this year’s annual National Day is “This is Our Home”, how does the Kingdom give you a sense of belonging?
One of the most evident traits in Saudis is their hospitality. The country and its people are all so welcoming to different cultures and beliefs. It is the best home to have the most welcoming.
Sawsan Albahiti
Saudi Arabia’s first professional Saudi opera singer
Talk us through your career.
Although I began my training as an opera singer in 2008, I started my career as an opera singer 10 years later in 2018. I never imagined I could have a professional career in music, let alone in opera, as a Saudi woman. My training started at the American University of Sharjah during my bachelor’s degree studies, where I trained and performed for three consecutive years with the resident opera singer and vocal coach, and the resident choir conductor. After I graduated in 2011, my training slowed down as I came back to Saudi Arabia and there were no venues for music training. I started my career in marketing and advertising and went on to executive management after that leading my family company in catering. In 2018, I reached a point where I couldn’t run away from the feeling of frustration and lack of purpose. I realized at that point, with the launch of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, that it is the right time to pursue my life passion and dream of becoming a musician. I appeared in several media interviews announcing myself and shortly after that I was invited by the Minister of Culture, His Highness Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, to perform the Saudi national anthem at the opening of La Scala’s concert in Riyadh and the rest is history.
What steps is Saudi Arabia taking to empower its citizens?
The Kingdom is putting a real effort to improve the quality of life for citizens from all aspects and with that comes great enablers for Saudis in different sectors. When it comes to culture, for example as my own area of interest, the Ministry of Culture was formed in 2018 and with it 11 commissions were formed under its umbrella: music, film, theater, literature, libraries, architecture, visual arts, culinary, museums, heritage, and fashion. I am currently working with the music commission in leading different projects in the music performance sector. I am working along with colleagues who are also musicians with a background in management and that is giving us a real advantage in our work as you rarely find good musicians with good business and management skills on a global scale. This has allowed us to pursue our dreams in our home country and truly work in something we love and literally be part of history as we make the change in the country. This applies to all other commissions and all other entities formed under Vision 2030.
What advice do you have for the younger generation who wish to follow in your footsteps?
Set your goals clearly, get the training and knowledge you need to achieve those dreams and don’t do anything with less than 100 percent effort and finally I tell them, dream BIG, this is the time for it.
What are your hopes for the country going forward?
I hope for Saudi to prosper even more and be a role model of a country on a global level.
The slogan for this year’s annual National Day is “This is Our Home”, how does the Kingdom give you a sense of belonging?
I have never felt prouder to be Saudi. The amount of support we are given as Saudis in various fields is unprecedented compared to other countries around the world. I find myself, as well as my friends and family, returning from vacations abroad and thinking how blessed we are to be living in the Kingdom and how well of a quality of life we are living here. May we be blessed with a life filled with joy, health and security in our beloved Kingdom.
Honayda Serafi
Fashion Designer
Talk us through your career.
Well, HONAYDA isn’t just a clothing brand; when I first launched it, I had a vision for it, to not only be an international player on the fashion scene; being myself a Saudi female fashion designer, but to also create a movement and a community regionally and internationally to the strong, powerful, and independent women. HONAYDA was born from a single belief, Empowering women. The brand was raised and nurtured in a way to have a cause, to become a brand with a voice. We believe in always raising the bar, and I never gave up on my long-dreamed goal of going global, but rather endeavored to overcome the obstacles one by one, leading HONAYDA to where it is positioned today, among international brands.
What steps is Saudi Arabia taking to empower its citizens?
We are witnessing incredible progress on many levels currently for a land that is rich in talents, from introducing new national development initiatives to empowering women and encouraging the new generation of multidisciplinary talents. Precisely in fashion, with the Fashion Commission’s great efforts into developing the sector in line with the Kingdom’s vision 2030, by implementing several programs considering promoting fashion locally and internationally such as the 100Saudi Brands which introduced the participating brands in an outstanding launch in the most vibrant capital of New York, with the amazing support of our ambassador who we pride ourselves with, HRH Princess Reema Bint Bandar Alsaud.
What advice do you have for the younger generation who wish to follow in your footsteps?
Life is full of endless opportunities for everyone to create and grow using their own ingenuity. We are blessed with a land packed with culture and invaluable artistic heritage. Absorb all the inspiration that is around you, and learn from those who preceded you. However, the road to success is never an easy one, and consistency in your efforts is what will take you places.
What are your hopes for the country going forward?
I am proud and grateful for what the Kingdom is achieving from progress, and always looking forward to what is coming next, especially as we all witness the vision 2030 concretizing, one project after another. My hopes are that Saudi Arabia remains the land of opportunities, and a role model for a united nation.
The slogan for this year’s annual National Day is “This is Our Home”, how does the Kingdom give you a sense of belonging?
My family taught me the values of my culture and the richness of my ancestors’ heritage, where belonging is mirrored in my creations. The warmth of its people, the beauty of its regions, and the power of its ambitions are what strengthen this sense of belonging in me. It is a very special feeling of pride that I cannot really express in words when I am introduced as a female Saudi designer at international events and in my daily life.
Dina Altayeb
First Arab woman to qualify for Ironman
Talk us through your career.
I started my triathlon Journey 20 years ago. My first race was in 2002 and since then have competed in over 100 races. 18 of these include the full ironman which is 4km swimming, 180km cycle and 42km run) over 45 ironman races and sever marathons including Boston Marathon in 2010. I am proud to be the first Saudi female to complete an Ironman distance race in 2005, the first Saudi national and the first Arab woman to qualify and compete at the world championship ironman race in Hawaii in 2018 and 2019. I am proud to also be the first Saudi national to compete in the half ironman championship in 2017, 2018, and 2019. Besides this, I am also a mother of three children and a dentist practicing in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
What steps is Saudi Arabia taking to empower its citizens?
Saudi Arabia is doing an exceptional job to empower its citizens in different fields. My experience is in the sports field. We now have great support by the government in all athletic fields for both men and women. I am a board member of the first Saudi Triathlon federation and with the help and support of the government, we are working hard to develop a young generation of female and male athletes that can compete at national and international levels. We have the best coaches and mentors to help these young athletes. For example, our national team just finished a two-week training camp in Tabuk, hosted by international and national coaches. We are also excited to have government support and guidance to encourage the general population to adopt a healthy lifestyle and introduce the sport of triathlon. Our federation is hosting over 15 races next year in different cities of Saudi Arabia that are open to the general public.
What advice do you have for the younger generation who wish to follow in your footsteps?
When I started my journey, the sport of triathlon was new in the Gulf region, It was hard to get support, find coaches and be part of a community. Today, it’s a different story, we have the facilities, the support, the coaches, the community and events. I am proud to be part of the ASICS frontrunner community, a great group of runners and triathletes that share the same passion. I believe that having people that share the same goals and dreams is a great motivator. I encourage the young generation to have a dream, to find a sport they like. To take the first step.
What are your hopes for the country going forward?
I am so proud of my country and I can see great potential for our young athletes to compete and achieve international recognition at the highest level. Saudi Arabia is giving unbelievable support to all of us. There has never been a better time to be a Saudi Athlete
The slogan for this year’s annual National Day is “This is Our Home”, how does the Kingdom give you a sense of belonging?
Saudi Arabia is my home. I carry my country in my heart wherever I go and I try to set a good example. I do my best, I try as hard as I can,
I hold my flag proudly. I am proud to be a Saudi national.
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