Discovering Women’s Entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia

 Funded by the Babson Global Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership (BGCEL), the MENAGEN 2025 Study Tour offered 38 international and local scholars a transformative exploration into the evolving landscape of women’s entrepreneurship in Riyadh – Saudi Arabia. The 2.5 day immersive experience held Jan 18-20, 2025 included visits to Alnahda Society, STC Inspire U, PIF Co-Builder and Princess Nourah University where participants engaged with impressive local entrepreneurs including Entessar Darbah, Maha Aljawini, Reham ElGhizy, Naif Alzahrani amongst others.

All participants reported gaining invaluable insights into the opportunities and challenges for women’s entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia. The Study Tour also included academic professional development sessions led by the world renowned professors Diana Hechavarria, Maura McAdam, Susan Marlow, and Heidi Neck. We even managed a walk and talk session at Turaif which inspired new collaborations on exciting projects – watch this space!

1- Engage with women entrepreneurs and industry experts in Saudi Arabia.

2- Participate in expert-led professional development workshops focused on gender theories, women’s entrepreneurship research, design thinking, and entrepreneurship education.

3- Collaborate with international peers to foster innovative research and new cross-cultural projects.

Day 1: Insights, Innovation, and Inspiration

MENAGEN 2025 Study Tour begins with an insightful discovery on Women’s Entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia. Today marked the beginning of an incredible study tour with about 30 participants from all around the world. We embarked on a meaningful journey to explore the transformation of women’s entrepreneurship in the MENA region—specifically, Saudi Arabia.

We started the day at Alnahda Society, where Dr. Miznah Alomair, the visionary CEO, welcomed us with an inspiring introduction to the history of Alnahda and the initiatives to empower women to be part of Saudi Arabia’s Transformation. The panel that followed was both enlightening and powerful, with trailblazing women entrepreneurs- Maha Aljawini and Entessar Derbah sharing their stories, challenges, and triumphs in navigating the evolving landscape for women in Saudi Arabia.

After a morning of thought-provoking discussion, we journeyed to Gender Theories Thinkspace, where the focus shifted to professional development. Professor Susan Marlow led an insightful session, guiding us through the theories that shape the gendered experiences of entrepreneurship. We were then treated to a lively and interactive discussion with Professor Diana Hechevaria, who challenged us to think critically about gender and entrepreneurship research, sparking fresh perspectives to contribute to the field. Diana Hechevaria also announced the Special Issue at IJGE.

Our next stop took us to Inspire U, a hub for entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia. We learned about the powerful incubators and accelerators driving change in the region, creating opportunities for businesses to launch and scale their businesses. It was incredibly inspiring to hear firsthand success stories from start-ups who have built viable businesses contributing to the entrepreneurial landscape in the Kingdom.
Professor Heidi Neck led an engaging session on Design Thinking and Women’s Entrepreneurship Education. We explored some innovative approaches to empower women entrepreneurs through higher education. Through this interactive workshop, attendees explored innovative approaches to empower women entrepreneurs through higher education.

Day 2 : Heritage meets Innovation

Day 2 of the Study Tour began with a visit to the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) and the PIF Tower, where participants explored the Public Investment Fund’s role in fostering innovative ventures and supporting entrepreneurial growth in Saudi Arabia.

From the futuristic skyline, the group moved to the past with a visit to Turaif at Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In this historic setting, participants engaged in a “Walk and Talk” session, immersing themselves in Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage while reflecting on its journey of modernization and transformation.

The final stop of the tour was Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, a leading educational institution empowering female students to launch and scale their start-ups. Participants discovered the innovative services and resources available to young women entrepreneurs, ensuring their success in the competitive business landscape.

Shaping the Future of Women’s Entrepreneurship

As the MENAGEN 2025 Study Tour concluded, participants were reminded of the importance of rigorous, meaningful research in advancing gender equity and entrepreneurship with a presentation from Professor Maura McAdam. A forward-thinking workshop led by Professor Haya Al-Dajani closed the event, as attendees brainstormed actionable strategies to shape the future of women’s entrepreneurship initiatives in the region.

The MENAGEN 2025 Study Tour was an inspiring journey into the heart of Saudi Arabia’s entrepreneurial transformation, celebrating the resilience and innovation of women driving change in the region. With new collaborations and innovative projects on the horizon, MENAGEN is poised to continue its impactful work in empowering women entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia and beyond.