Lubna Olayan to Open Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit in Riyadh - Middle East Business News and Information
The Summit marks one of the most significant gatherings of senior Saudi female leaders from the government at an international women's gathering.
NEW YORK, May 20, 2025 —Lubna Olayan, one of Saudi Arabia's most prominent business leaders, who has appeared 12 times on Fortune's Most Powerful Women in Business list, will open the Fortune Most Powerful Women International Summit in Riyadh on May 20, 2025. Olayan will set the tone for the two-day gathering, which marks Fortune's first international Most Powerful Women summit in the Middle East — a milestone moment that reflects the Kingdom's focus on advancing women's leadership in business.
The summit will also feature an unprecedented presence of senior Saudi female officials, representing leadership across multiple sectors of government, including: H.H. Princess Haifa Mohammed Al Saud – Vice Minister of Tourism
H.E. Dr. Hala Al-Tuwaijri – President, Saudi Human Rights Commission
H.E. Dr. Einas bint Suleiman Al-Eisa – Deputy Minister of Education
Adwa Al-Arifi – Assistant Minister for Sport Affairs, Ministry of Sport
Farah Ismail – Deputy Minister, Sectoral and Regional Development, Ministry of Economy and Planning
These leaders will speak on how women in government are driving progress in key sectors—from economic diversification and education to wellness and tourism demonstrating the depth of Saudi Arabia's women leaders as the country continues to implement its Vision 2030 reform agenda.
Taking place at The St. Regis Riyadh on May 20-21, the summit will convene around the theme 'A New Era for Business: Partnering for Global Prosperity.' It will bring together more than 150 of the world's most influential women—including CEOs, policymakers, and entrepreneurs—from 35 countries to explore new models of inclusive growth, innovation, and international cooperation.
As part of the opening day, Fortune will also unveil its 2025 Most Powerful Women in Business list, celebrating the achievements of leading female executives and further elevating the event's global resonance.
Joining the Summit's roster of global leaders is The Rt. Hon. Theresa May, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (2016–2019), who will headline the closing session on May 21. In a conversation moderated by Ellie Austin, Editorial Director of Fortune Most Powerful Women, May will offer her insights on fractured global alliances, climate leadership, and the role of bold, ethical leadership in navigating geopolitical uncertainty.
The Summit's wider speaker roster includes senior executives from FedEx, Goldman Sachs, Mastercard, Marriott International, Microsoft, and other Fortune 500 companies, as well as international public sector.
In addition to business and policy discussions, the Summit will spotlight women driving change across culture, media, and sport.
On Day 2, a special MPW Spotlight on Women in Sports will feature Adwa Al-Arifi, Assistant Minister for Sport Affairs, in conversation with Noor Nugali, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Arab News. Al-Arifi will highlight the country's growing investment in women's sports, from school leagues to elite training centers, and its broader impact on public health and societal change.
This will be followed by 'Playing to Win: Women, Sports, and Breaking Barriers', featuring: Aalia Al-Rasheed, Head of Women's Football, Saudi Arabian Football Federation
Zam Zam Al Hammadi, Fighter, Professional Fighters League
Rasha Alkhamis, President of the Saudi Mixed Martial Arts Federation
Mashael AlObaidan, Rally Driver
Lebanese actress and TV presenter Daniella Rahme will also appear as a special guest speaker. In a session with Fortune's Ellie Austin, Rahme will discuss the power of representation, building authentic personal brands, and leveraging visibility to elevate regional identity on the global stage.
About Fortune:
Fortune is a global multi-platform media company built on a legacy of trusted, award-winning reporting and information for those who want to make business better. Independently owned, Fortune tells the stories of the world's biggest companies and their leaders as well as a new generation of innovators who are moving business forward. Digitally and in print, Fortune measures corporate performance through rigorous benchmarks, and holds companies accountable, in regions around the world. Its iconic rankings include Fortune 500, Fortune Global 500, Most Powerful Women, and World's Most Admired Companies. Fortune builds world-class communities by convening industry thought leaders for exclusive summits and conferences, including the Fortune Global Forum, Brainstorm Tech, and Fortune Most Powerful Women.
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