The G100 Riyadh Meetings, held alongside the Women Economic Forum (WEF) – GCC from April 16–18, brought together a powerful coalition of global leaders and entrepreneurs committed to advancing women’s economic empowerment. It was a transformative experience, offering eye-opening insights into Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the country’s bold reforms. 

From government policies to entrepreneurial opportunities, it became clear that the Kingdom is making significant strides in empowering women through education, employment, engagement, and leadership. It is notable that the female labor force participation has reached 35.3%, already exceeding the Vision 2030 target. Even more impressive, 45% of SMEs are led by women, and 40% of total startups are women-owned – figures that outpace those in many European countries. 

Saudi women are now taking on decision-making roles in both government institutions and the private sector, actively contributing to the nation’s development and economic transformation, leading as change-makers in a future-focussed nation eager to connect, collaborate, invest, and grow. 

The Women Economic Forum (WEF) – GCC, organised in Riyadh by Amina L. Weewo, was a deeply energising event. Through the many empowering sessions, workshops, and discussions, participants from diverse cultures and continents came together in an atmosphere of solidarity and shared purpose. The inaugural was graced by H.E Suhel Ajaz Khan, Ambassador of India to Saudi Arabia, along with Dr. Harbeen Arora Rai, the Founder of G100 and the Women Economic Forum, whose leadership continues to create spaces for meaningful dialogue and change across the globe.

G100 leaders and chairs also spoke at the conference, including G100 Global Chair Lamia Hanafi, (Start Up Ecosystems Wing). G100 Global Advisory Council Members also played a key role: Dr. Elizabeth Coffey, (Female CEOs & Wealth Creation Wing), Dr. Muhra AlMuhairi, (Family Businesses & Future of Work Wing). We were also delighted to have with us Sarifa Alonto Younes, Australia Country Chair, (Business Networking Wing), who had previously organised a highly successful WEF edition in Australia and is preparing another impactful event this year. A special highlight of the forum was the participation of Linda Al-Faisal, a 13-year-old podcast influencer from Saudi Arabia. Her show, “Linda Vision 2030,” offers a unique and inspiring youth perspective on the nation’s development goals, featuring conversations with leaders driving the Vision forward. Linda’s enthusiasm, confidence, and positivity were contagious, and she stood out as a powerful role model for youth globally.

G100 meetings were held alongside at key institutions including the Obeikan Group, where discussions centered around innovative education projects; the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce, where collaboration with women leaders was emphasised; and the Ministry of Investment Saudi Arabia (MISA), where we engaged with Deputy Minister of International Collaborations, Sara Alsayed, along with her team. We also met with Sultan Bin Mohammad Bin Saleh Bin Sultan, President & Chairman of Salehiya Trading Company, enriching our understanding further of the local context. 

All together, the meetings and the conference offered a remarkable opportunity for learning about Saudi Arabia and exploring collaborations for empowering women’s leadership and businesses. The partnerships formed and the conversations held laid the foundation for further initiatives across the region. With strong support from governments, ambassadors, and women leaders, the future of inclusive, sustainable development in the GCC looks brighter than ever. As G100 and WEF prepare for future events, we remain committed to advancing the mission of global gender equity, one powerful meeting at a time. 

We extend our utmost gratitude to Ambassador Suhel Ajaz Khan. A true He-For-She champion, his advocacy for gender equity and India-Saudi Arabia collaboration was a vital part of the event’s success. 

Convenor: G100 Secretariat