Saudi Arabia's Woman Entrepreneur

Women's Section of the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry

The doors of opportunity in education and business have been opened for the women of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to a degree unprecedented as part of the drive to make the Kingdom a modern knowledge economy spearheaded by King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz. Yet as the opportunities increase, so also does the need for effective role models for a new generation of women who stand poised to play a vital role in the nation's future. As Saudi Arabia gains in its significance in the G-20 era, its young women are growing in confidence. Women entrepreneurs are increasing their leadership role to meet this vast demand. One woman who stands as an eminent figure is Her Highness Princess Haila bint Abdulrahman Al Saud.

A member of the Saudi royal family, Her Highness Princess Haila bint Abdulrahman Al Saud puts great emphasis on her role as a mentor and pioneer for women and girls from all walks of life as they strive to set goals for themselves and pursue them wholeheartedly. As the Chairperson for the Arab Association for Human Resources Management she has the opportunity to argue for this position.

Princess Haila stands out as an experienced entrepreneur with extensive experience in investment, management and long-term financial planning, working with a wide range of business concerns. She also plays a leading role in the business community as the Director for the Women's Section of the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Within Saudi Society, the Women's Section of the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry is a leading institution for finance and business which is officially part of the government and serves as something like a ministry of commerce in its own right. The Women's section includes portfolios for global investment for many hundreds of millions of dollars and brings Princess Haila face to face on a daily basis with many of the largest funds in the Kingdom.

Nor should the economic size of Riyadh be underestimated. With a total GDP equal to the entire UAE put together, it is the low-key giant of the Middle East economy, and Princess Haila has helped to guide it with her steady hand.

Princess Haila has devoted much of her effort not only to forming effective networks for strategic coordination between Saudi women investors and business women, but also to creating a new environment in which women can play an enhanced role in the Saudi economy. She embodies King Abdullah's calls for reform and openness, working to dispel myths about Saudi women.

Princess Haila plays a national and international business role as Chairperson for the National Women's Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Chairperson of the National Committee of Business and Technology Incubators. In the latter role she has been a pioneer in bringing R&D into the Kingdom and encouraging new business models. She also chairs the Saudi Management Association affiliated with King Saud University.

Her efforts in entrepreneurship go beyond her business and investment savvy. She has a keen concern for creating a working environment in the Kingdom wherein Saudi woman can realize their full potential. Princess Haila considers that although the teachings of Islam do suggest different paradigms for how women can engage in business, there are great advantages for the Islamic woman entrepreneur.

"In the West, women in business are constantly struggling to make themselves heard in a men's world. My heart goes out to them," she explains, "But in our culture, women can start their business in an environment surrounded by supportive women who understand the value of the female perspective and support each other." Her model for Islamic women's entrepreneurism holds great significance far beyond the Kingdom.

Princess Haila is legendary for enthusiasm, leadership and compassion as evidenced by her involvement with a number of associations and committees. She serves as Chairperson for the Disabled Children's Association, the General Saudi Charity for Autism, the Commission on the Welfare of Prisoners and their Families and the Society for Down's Syndrome.

Princess Haila received her bachelors degree in English Literature from King Saud University.