A win for women in the Kingdom
For the first time ever, American business magazine, Forbes has released a Women Behind Middle Eastern Brands power-list. Over the past few years, we have seen Arab Women succeed and break-barriers in their fields, cementing their place as leaders in their respective domains. From beauty, to fashion, to technology Middle Eastern women are showing no signs of slowing down.
The magazine’s first annual Women Behind Middle Eastern Brands list is compromised of 60 women, five of whom are Saudi. Here are the five women representing Saudi Arabia:
Dana AL Alami
The jewellery designer launched her brand Dana Alalami Jewellery in 2008 and her hand-selected collection of rare and one-of-a-kind high-value jewellery fetched $100 million at an exclusive auction in Dubai. She is also a member of several committees, including being a board member of Jeddah Chamber.
Razan Alazzouni
Sculptural, feminine and beautifully detailed, Razan’s designs show off her fine arts background, with a sophistication that belies the brand’s two-year history. The designer and her pieces are helping put Saudi on the fashion map, with stars like Emma Roberts, Elizabeth Banks and Maisie Williams championing the label.
Honayda Serafi
Honayda is another Saudi fashion designer representing the Kingdom in her field. She launched her namesake label in 2017, working with modest and elegant silhouettes. Over the last two years, the designer has managed to dress some of the biggest stars, including Priyanka Chopra and Lupita Nyong’o to name a few.
Fatima Batook
Fatima is a Saudi fitness trainer and the founder of boutique fitness studio, Studio Fifty Five and TIMA, the Kingdom’s first active-wear brand. She has taken part in international events including the World Spinning and Sports Conditioning Conference (WSSC). A star-level 3 spinning instructor, she is also a personal trainer, Yogafit instructor, TRX trainer and the first Piloxing instructor in the Middle East.
Shahd & Naeema AlShehail
Shahd and her aunt Naeema AlShehail are the creative force behind Saudi fashion brand, Abadia. They work with over 40 female artisans, who under their creative direction, use traditional techniques and knowledge that have been passed down through generations to create pieces of embroidery, woven sadu and beading that are then integrated into the final products. Queen Rania has previously championed one of their pieces.
