
28% of Saudi female small business owners are household's primary income earner, GoDaddy study reveals
JEDDAH – Saudi women entrepreneurs are leading households financially and spearheading artificial intelligence (AI) adoption to power their small businesses. GoDaddy's 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Survey reveals these women are redefining success with confidence and resilience, using technology to streamline operations and inspire a new era of business opportunity and innovation in a post-COVID world.
In Saudi Arabia, a notable 57% of small businesses surveyed are women-owned, with 85% of these reporting as having launched their business in the last five years. These statistics highlight the significant presence of women in entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia and underscore their resilience, especially considering the challenging economic climate brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic five years ago.
AI is championing women entrepreneurship
Women entrepreneurs are not just running their own businesses, they are excelling with unwavering confidence. A staggering 83% of those surveyed expressed their belief in their capabilities, a testament to their well-founded strength in the business arena. Additionally, 84% agree AI will help their small business compete with larger, better-resourced companies in the next year.
For example, Saudi women are reporting saving 11 hours per week by using AI tools –such as GoDaddy Airo®, an AI-powered experience which simplifies website creation, logo design and digital marketing strategies for entrepreneurs. This time saved equates to two working days per week, time which they spend on learning new skills or improving current ones (48%), planning the future of the business (53%) and coming up with creative ideas (53%).
28% of women entrepreneurs in Saudi are the primary income earners for their households. These women are contributing to local economies, creating new jobs and supporting families. 59% of Saudi women entrepreneurs are feeling very optimistic. 70% believe their business will grow in the next 3-5 years.
Female business leaders are embracing digital tools to grow
In addition to finding fulfilment in creating their own source of income (54%) and supporting their families (41%), women entrepreneurs take joy in learning new skills to run their business (39%).
"With AI-powered tools like GoDaddy Airo, women entrepreneurs are able to free up time to spend it on what really matters to them,' said Selina Bieber, Vice President of International Markets at GoDaddy. 'Whether that is growing their business, focusing on family or enhancing their skills, women in Saudi are inspiring the next generation of successful women business leaders.'
Entrepreneurship is playing an increasingly pivotal role in women's lives with 88% of respondents saying it has enhanced their quality of life, offering a sense of fulfilment and empowerment with the opportunity to pursue their passion.
"GoDaddy's findings confirm that technology is a powerful equalizer, enabling women to redefine their roles in business," continued Bieber. 'GoDaddy is here to support dreaming of becoming their own boss but haven't found the time to start their own business. Starting a business is never easy, but GoDaddy Airo makes it a whole lot easier."
Key capabilities of GoDaddy Airo include brand creation, digital marketing and search engine optimization (SEO), navigated in an intuitive user-friendly interface with no technical expertise required. GoDaddy Airo generates custom logos, websites and email addresses within minutes, develops targeted social media campaigns aligned with local events and enhances online visibility with built-in AI SEO.
About GoDaddy
GoDaddy helps millions of entrepreneurs globally start and scale their businesses. People come to GoDaddy to name their idea, build a website and logo, sell their products and services, and accept payments. GoDaddy Airo®, the company's AI-powered experience, makes growing a small business faster and easier by helping them to get their idea online in minutes, drive traffic and boost sales. GoDaddy's expert guides are available 24/7 to provide assistance. To learn more about the company, visit www.GoDaddy.com.
About GoDaddy's 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Survey
The GoDaddy 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Survey was carried out by Advanis in January 2025 in Austria, Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Germany, India, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates. The sampling criteria were small business owners, and companies were defined based on the number of employees, ranging from one to 49. A total of 3504 people were surveyed, 500 of them in the MENA region.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Broadcast Pro
5 hours ago
- Broadcast Pro
Sony Music Middle East partners with LuxuryKSA to champion Saudi music talent
The move comes amid significant industry momentum in the MENA region, which recorded a 22.8% rise in recorded music revenues in 2024, according to the IFPI Global Music Report 2025. Sony Music Middle East has announced a strategic alliance with Saudi-based entertainment company LuxuryKSA, aimed at nurturing and promoting Saudi Arabian music talent. The partnership strengthens Sony Music's regional presence and aligns with its long-term vision to grow Khaliji pop artists across the Middle East and on the global stage. The announcement comes amid a boom in the region's music industry. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) has emerged as the fastest-growing music market globally for the second time in three years, registering a 22.8% increase in recorded music revenues in 2024, according to the IFPI Global Music Report 2025. LuxuryKSA, headquartered in Riyadh, has carved a strong reputation in the local industry, developing artists like Ayed Youssef and Sultan Al Murshed for mainstream success. Ayed, who has garnered more than 500m views across digital platforms and received the 'Favorite Artist' award at the Joy Awards in both 2024 and 2025, recently topped the IFPI MENA charts with his single Tala'et Abeh. He currently has seven tracks charting in Saudi Arabia's IFPI listings. Sultan, another rising star discovered and nurtured by LuxuryKSA, has also made a mark in just three years, with several hit releases and his 2025 album entering the IFPI charts. Commenting on the collaboration, HRH Prince Khaled Bin Mansour Bin Saud Bin Abdulaziz, Chairman of LuxuryKSA, said: 'Partnering with Sony Music isn't just a milestone; it's a powerful evolution for an already vibrant Saudi music scene. As a leading force in the market, we are dedicated to amplifying our exceptional local artists who reflect our rich heritage. Together, we will elevate their voices on regional and global stages and redefine the future of entertainment.' Shridhar Subramaniam, President for Asia and Middle East, Sony Music, added: 'The Middle East is a priority market for us, with Saudi Arabia at the centre of a cultural and creative transformation. Our partnership with LuxuryKSA is part of a broader strategy to deepen our roots in the region, champion local voices, and support sustained artist development. As the music industry in MENA continues to grow at pace, we are committed to working with partners to shape its future and bring the richness of the region's music to a global audience.' Rami Mohsen, Managing Director for Middle East, Sony Music, stated: 'LuxuryKSA is renowned for nurturing Saudi talent and positioning them on a regional and global scale. Through this partnership, we're working on building a talent incubator with LuxuryKSA in Saudi Arabia, designed to nurture and develop the next generation of stars. With artists' creativity our utmost priority, this partnership strengthens our local presence in Saudi Arabia and expands opportunities for our artists in a culturally rich and diverse region.' Ayed Youssef commented: 'I'm thrilled about this partnership with Sony Music and LuxuryKSA! It's an amazing chance to bring Khaliji pop to new fans everywhere. I can't wait to share my music and connect with people while staying true to my roots.'


Campaign ME
13 hours ago
- Campaign ME
Brand building needs more than just algorithms
Why have so many brands abandoned the dream phase of communications planning? For too long, brands have been chasing short-term wins, obsessing over conversions and putting brand building in the back seat. According to a survey by Ebiquity and the World Federation of Advertisers (WFA), 42 per cent of global advertisers plan to increase their share of performance marketing in 2025, up from 21 per cent in 2024. In contrast, only 24 per cent intend to increase their share of branding efforts. This shift is driven by the need for immediate results and the growth of retail media and connected TV. It is understandable. The lower funnel means numbers I can show in a boardroom full of big questions. I wish I could count the times I've heard, 'they're easy to measure', 'they're quick to optimise' or 'they build momentum'. Do you mean the illusion of momentum? Because real momentum means real growth. Real growth never comes from tactical wins alone. For decades, what has been – and most likely always will be – real growth comes from building brands that inspire, connect and endure. Take destinations, for example. They exist in people's imaginations for a long time before they watch a 'Top 10 Things To Do' video or visit People form a relationship with a destination long before they even get there, through billboards, videos, influencers and even films and TV shows. There's a deep connection that's forged through powerful storytelling and immersive brand presence over time. It's through emotional resonance that withstands the clutter of flash sale banners or retargeted ads and comes out on top. Why? Because a destination isn't just a place you're trying to sell; it's a feeling you're unlocking. Feelings aren't bought with performance metrics alone. They can, however, be earned through brand building. This isn't to say brand and performance are opposing forces. In fact, it's often overlooked that they are partners – and when they work together, innovation can thrive. Put simply, a brand builds desire; performance captures it. Having one without the other is like trying to ride a bicycle on one wheel – it's not impossible, it just won't get you there optimally. This is particularly important, given that we have entered a new media reality. To inspire and to derive action are no longer conveniently sitting in separate stages of the funnel. Look at today's audiences: they expect to be moved and motivated, often in the same scroll. Content needs to inspire and convert in one experience. Those who have crafted that balance are leading the way. In the past few years, Visit Saudi has done an excellent job of building a brand, a dream, a destination – and they've done this at speed. They have a clear vision statement: 'To inspire pride by sharing Saudi with the world, captivating their hearts, minds and imaginations.' In my opinion, they've delivered on that ambition. It's noticeable through their immersive content and unique messaging that have built a strong narrative. This transformed the tourism landscape and turned travellers' heads towards Saudi, creating the type of consideration that has taken other destinations an entire generation to build. It's evident when you look at Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Tourism data. Even with Covid pausing travel for two years, Saudi still saw 44.06 million inbound visitors in 2022 and 2023. This is a testimony to the 'bothism' that we see in industry commentary, and indeed to the large body of evidence that speaks to both long- and short-term investments. Companies that continue to invest in brand – especially during challenging times – are the ones that will bounce back faster, stronger and with greater loyalty from consumers who already feel emotionally connected. Without a strong presence to anchor the strategy, the funnel eventually dries up, and no amount of retargeting will save a brand people have forgotten – or never cared about in the first place. Many brands such as adidas, Uber and Airbnb have jumped back on the brand-building wagon and have reaped the rewards. These are brands that continue to build not just awareness, but advocacy. Not just bookings, but belief; not just visits, but lifelong memories. There are no shortcuts in this journey. To get to their destination in the best conditions, brands need to marry the performance focus in the lower funnel with activating the dream state in the upper funnel. Ephemeral sales may come from algorithms, but durable brand appeal is built on emotion. Brands need both to thrive sustainably. By Sara Daher, Executive Director, PHD Media


Campaign ME
13 hours ago
- Campaign ME
Wellness is luxury
Wellness is no longer a side quest within the premium luxury hospitality marketing landscape; it is, in fact, having its main character moment. This is being driven by consumer appetite for holistic, meaningful escapes, which is an evident shift from 'Instagrammable' escapades to balanced, transformative and rejuvenating experiences that feel exclusive. For the discerning traveller – especially ultra-high net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) and high net-worth individuals (HNWIs) – wellness isn't just a trend. It has become a non-negotiable lifestyle and a mandatory aspect of expected hospitality experiences. Campaign Middle East speaks to luxury hospitality marketers who comment on these shifts, while sharing their reasoning for making wellness a core part of their brand positioning and identity. They discuss a world where access to health, recovery and time for self-care is a privilege, and those who afford it can unlock real 'luxury'. This is a world where the new marker of status is premium wellness. Stepping beyond the status quo Moving past luxury narratives of sun, sand and scenery, premium luxury getaways are currently being marketed and advertised as transformative retreats, and spaces for introspection, creative renewal and a physical reset. Rana Eid, Director of Marketing and Communications, The Ritz-Carlton Dubai, says, 'In luxury hospitality, we've moved past the flawless visuals.' She explains how, post-Covid, luxury travellers have become significantly more focused on real concerns such as their health, actively seeking out destinations that support and elevate their wellness journeys. Other leading marketers from recognised luxury hospitality brands in the region echo these sentiments. Gaurav Arora, Senior Marketing and Communications Manager, Palazzo Versace Dubai, says, 'Over the years within the hospitality industry, we've witnessed how luxury wellness has become an integral part of the overall guest experience.' Earle Enriquez, Marketing, PR and Communications Manager, Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi, adds, 'There are a growing number of guests nowadays who aren't just looking for a stay, but also experiences and spaces that help them slow down, recharge and reconnect with themselves.' However, while bringing these experiences to life, it's crucial for everyone within the luxury hospitality landscape to view them as more than just a 'consumer offering'. Azzah AlGhamdi, Marketing Manager, Rosewood Hotel Jeddah, explains, 'Wellness is no longer an optional amenity or additional service; it is now an essential part of the guest's lifestyle and emotional connection to a brand.' As such, marketers call for luxury wellness experiences to be structured and packaged as strategic brand and business differentiators in a competitive landscape. Enriquez says, 'Personalised wellness experiences speak to lifestyle and values, and they create a deeper connection with the brand. When thoughtfully integrated, they encourage longer stays, build loyalty and open up new revenue streams. She adds, 'Wellness and fitness offerings have evolved from amenities into strategic brand and business assets that appeal to niche markets and boost positioning in a competitive landscape.' More than a spa day Leaders agree that tailored fitness programmes will become critical to luxury hospitality marketing in the near future. 'The modern luxury traveller is increasingly seeking personalised wellness experiences that go beyond traditional spa offerings,' says Nehal Fahim, Director of Marketing and Communications, Waldorf Astoria Cairo Heliopolis. The Ritz-Carlton Dubai's Eid echoes this sentiment saying, 'We're seeing a real shift from indulgent spa moments to more meaningful, purpose-driven wellness experiences. Tailored treatments and fitness offerings are becoming key drivers to why guests choose a destination.' Fahim adds that trends such as social 'spa-ing' and longevity are no longer 'nice to have' offerings but are make-or-break strategies within premium luxury hospitality marketing. They actively inform how brands should promote destination experiences. Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi's Enriquez says, 'Destinations are now marketed as transformative escapes rooted in wellbeing, especially when paired with close-to-nature experiences, wildlife encounters and artistic immersions. These experiences are transforming how travellers choose where to go and why.' Having identified the need to leverage specialised wellness experiences as part of the luxury offering, marketers also advise a word of caution. They insist that luxury hospitality brands must take a thoughtful approach. Wellness with intention Palazzo Versace Dubai's Arora emphasises that effective marketing must reflect the true philosophy behind a wellness-centric approach – one that prioritises substance, intention and long-term impact instead of merely following trends. Taking the example of Palazzo Versace Dubai, Arora explains that while its marketing efforts include wellness-centric content, strategic collaborations with relevant influencers, media and targeted digital campaigns, what stands out is that the brand's wellness philosophy has become a defining pillar of its identity. He comments, 'The thoughtful design of The Spa and its tailored treatments are crafted not just to provide relaxation but to restore balance, energy and focus.' This shift is visible across the region. Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi's Enriquez says, 'I think it's all about authenticity, purpose and being intentional. The messaging should go beyond showcasing spa rooms or facilities. Instead focus on capturing personal journeys, highlighting how real guests feel and what they discover about themselves during the experience. Enriquez adds, 'Truly connecting with them means listening to them and understanding their values, wellness goals and lifestyles to personalise the experience.' Insights derived from being intentional show that travellers seek much more than just sightseeing experiences, culture, art and restorative events. Putting this into practice, Enriquez explains how the visually calming Greek-inspired retreat is paired with personalised experiences such as yoga with handpan meditation; creative expression workshops; and spa treatments. The resort has positioned itself as a sanctuary for emotional balance, mental clarity and holistic renewal. Reiterating the argument for marketing with intention, The Ritz-Carlton Dubai's Eid takes this a step further, saying, 'It's not just about relaxation; it's about helping our guests feel grounded and recharged.' A dip in the pool, a trip to the spa Another common theme that emerges in conversation with marketers is the need for effective visual storytelling. Rosewood Hotel Jeddah's AlGhamdi points out the power of storytelling as a key differentiator, saying, 'Moving beyond the traditional 'perfect visuals', successful campaigns must humanise wellness by showcasing real experiences, guest journeys and purpose-led initiatives that resonate on a personal level. We believe wellness should be communicated through authentic storytelling that reflects our local culture and nuances, speaking to individual aspirations while still addressing the modern traveller's need for mindful luxury.' She adds, 'By highlighting how wellness is seamlessly integrated into daily life, from tailored treatments to holistic rituals, we create emotional relevance that elevates the brand and builds long-term loyalty.' Similarly, The Ritz-Carlton Dubai and The Spa at Palazzo Versace Dubai also focus on storytelling that highlight relaxation, renewal and the art of slowing down. Eid says, 'What matters now is telling stories that feel authentic, intentional and human. That's why our campaigns lean into stories of renewal, vitality, using behind-the-scenes moments and raw content that capture the emotional journey of wellness, not just the aesthetic.' Arora adds, 'Our curated content features visuals that provide a sense of peace, emotional renewal and bodily rejuvenation.' While a swim or a spa session may once have sufficed, today's luxury guests seek more than momentary relaxation – they seek transformation. In response, leading properties are weaving holistic wellness into every layer of the guest journey. 'For modern travellers seeking inspiration or a sense of calm, these elements strongly influence their decision-making when choosing a meaningful luxury escape,' Enriquez adds. But storytelling 'wellness' for luxury travellers also means recognising that these audiences are nuanced and, often, ask questions that need well-informed messaging. Enriquez explains, 'It's about helping guests understand that wellness practices are science backed, with experts leading the programmes. It is about building trust so guests can embrace the process, making the experience meaningful and deeply human, which is something UHNWIs and HNWIs truly value and appreciate in a world of oversaturation.' Prioritising personalisation Personalisation has also become central to luxury hospitality marketing – often ingrained in descriptors and phrases such as 'customised', 'exclusive', 'signature', 'one-of-a-kind' experiences – which caters specifically to HNWIs and UHNWIs. Waldorf Astoria Cairo Heliopolis' Fahim says, 'By offering everything from customised yoga and meditation sessions to expert-led, exclusive nutrition consultations and spa treatments, we've positioned our hotel as a sanctuary for guests seeking not just relaxation, but a transformative wellness journey.' At The Ritz-Carlton Dubai, wellness is similarly integrated into the guest experience. Eid adds, 'Our signature spa treatments are both advanced and trend-driven. Nutrition also plays a key role in our approach. Through our farm-to-table initiatives and the use of our in-house vertical farm, we provide our restaurants and bars with fresh, organic produce daily. This allows our chefs to craft healthy, good-for-you menus and dishes that align with our guests' wellness goals.' The soul of hospitality As brands compete to create sanctuaries of serenity, those who lead with intention, authenticity and emotional resonance are poised to shape the future of luxury hospitality. Rosewood Hotel Jeddah's AlGhamdi sums it up well, saying, 'For UHNWI and HNWI guests, wellness represents balance, personalisation and meaningful experiences. Ultimately, luxury wellness today is about sharing a vision of wellbeing as a way of life, deeply rooted in place, purpose, and personal connection.' After all, for the world's most discerning travellers, wellness isn't simply a break from reality; it's an investment in living well.