By: Robbin Willy
Riyadh — In the heart of the Arabian Peninsula, a remarkable gathering took place that transcended geography, culture, and discipline. The Creative Women Forum Saudi Arabia 2025, held from November 4 to 6 under the patronage of HRH Princess Noura bint Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, welcomed hundreds of women who share one unifying purpose — to turn creativity into impact.
Hosted at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University and closing with a gala at the National Museum of Saudi Arabia, the event celebrated artistry, leadership, and collaboration. It was less a conference and more a living cultural dialogue — a moment when the rhythm of Riyadh echoed with global voices of progress.
“This gathering brings together minds and experiences united by curiosity, courage, and the desire to create meaningful change,” said HRH Princess Noura. “It’s a space where voices from diverse backgrounds connect, engage, and grow — where ideas spark new directions for progress.”
A Canvas for Global Creativity
At its heart was Olga Balakleets, Founder and CEO of the Creative Women Platform, who has spent nearly a decade building a vibrant community of female creators and visionaries.
“It is a great honour to welcome this second edition of the Creative Women Forum Saudi Arabia,” Balakleets shared. “Thanks to HRH Princess Noura’s extraordinary support, this forum has become more than an event — it is a living movement of women united by purpose.”
The 2025 theme, “Empower • Engage • Sustain – Women Leading Initiatives,” resonated through every panel and performance. Its purpose was not political; it was profoundly cultural — a reminder that imagination and collaboration are the new universal languages.
Stories of Purpose and Passion
Rebeca Riofrio, Executive Director of the Creative Women Forum Saudi Arabia and Chairwoman of the UK Parliamentary Society for Arts, Fashion & Sports, described the gathering as a bridge between heritage and modernity.
“The youth of Saudi Arabia are not waiting for the future — they are building it now,” Riofrio noted. “Their creativity is shaping transformation itself.”
Each discussion reflected that ethos — from panels on storytelling as leadership to art as a tool for social connection.
A Meeting of Global Minds
The forum brought together an extraordinary roster of voices from around the world — entrepreneurs, artists, filmmakers, designers, and innovators.
Among the international guests were Gloria Ai, Kiera Chaplin, Dr. Aradhana Khowala, Christina Korp, Martha Fiennes, Dr. Jane Leonard, The Hon. Islée Oliva Salinas, Dr. Sylvia Tiryaki, Ilijana Vavan, Princess Katarina of Serbia, Dr. Virginia Rivera, and Laura Timm.
From across the Middle East and Gulf region, leaders such as Dr. Basma AlBuhairan, HH Princess Mashael bint Saud Al Shalan, HH Princess Mishael bint Faisal Al Saud, HE Dr. Suzan Alyahya, Dr. Amal Al-Abduljabbar, and Eng. Nouf Abdulghani embodied the region’s creative rise — where art, technology, and entrepreneurship intertwine.
Their collective message was clear: creativity transcends culture, and collaboration is the new foundation of progress.
Partners in Art and Innovation
Behind the Forum’s momentum stands a network of forward-thinking partners from culture, education, and the enterprise sector.
- 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 Cooperative Society.
Together, these partnerships created a bridge between creativity and commerce — reminding the world that culture and collaboration are inseparable from progress.
The Gala of Light
The Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony transformed the National Museum of Saudi Arabia into a luminous celebration of creativity. Performances by Keri Fuge (soprano), Olga Balakleets (pianist), Mara Galeazzi (prima ballerina), Sophia Patsalides (pop artist), and Mirna Nasser (songwriter) brought together classical art and contemporary sound in perfect harmony.
“Tonight is a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and purpose,” HRH Princess Noura said in her closing remarks. “When thought meets action, we create something greater than ourselves.”
Art as Legacy
Curated by Rafael Porzycki and powered by DHL Saudi Arabia, the Creative Women Art Exhibition was one of the Forum’s highlights. It opened at Princess Nourah University and later at the National Museum, featuring artists Aida Murad, Saule Suleimenova, Sofia Cacciapaglia, Elisa Insua, Fatimah Al Nimr, and Olivia d’Aboville.
The exhibition was inspired by the Year of Handicrafts initiative and celebrated art as a universal connector — a dialogue between heritage and modern identity. Proceeds benefited the Herfa Cooperative Society, supporting Saudi artisans and preserving traditional craftsmanship.
Here, art wasn’t just on display; it was a heartbeat — a living reminder that creativity sustains culture, and culture sustains humanity.
About the Creative Women Platform
Founded in 2016 in the United Kingdom by Olga Balakleets, the Creative Women Platform has evolved into an international network for women in leadership, business, and art — uniting many countries under one mission: to empower through creativity.
For more information, visit www.creativewomen.co
Elvijs Plugis
elvijs@sigulp.co.uk
+447549945392
Project CMO for Creative Women Forum Saudi Arabia 2025
