Over 400 women attend Forbes summit in Riyadh

The Forbes Middle East Women’s Summit 2023 kicked off in Riyadh on Sunday. (@Forbes_MENA_)
Short Url
Updated 22 May 2023
Follow

Over 400 women attend Forbes summit in Riyadh

  • Three-day event aims to provide a platform for women to explore and redefine their role in growth and evolution of the Middle East
  • Speakers confirmed include astronaut Lama Al-Oraiman, actress Maguy Bou Ghosn, model and activist Halima Aden, swimmer Yusra Mardini

RIYADH: The Forbes Middle East Women’s Summit 2023 kicked off in Riyadh on Sunday.

The three-day event, chaired by Princess Noura bint Faisal Al-Saud, brings together more than 400 of the region’s most talented and accomplished women from all spheres of society.

The summit aims to examine the most important gender-related issues, refute outdated perceptions, and spark connections among a multigenerational global network of innovative women.

It aims to provide a platform for women to explore and redefine their role in the growth and evolution of the Middle East as a possible global hub for innovation and business excellence.

The summit includes a variety of experiences, activities and workshops designed to empower and support women in business while showcasing Saudi culture.

The speakers confirmed at the summit this year include astronaut Lama Al-Oraiman, actress Maguy Bou Ghosn, model and activist Halima Aden, swimmer Yusra Mardini, and motorsports athlete Dania Akeel.

Leading business icons include Shaista Asif, group COO at PureHealth; Dr. Saeeda Jaffar, senior vice president and group country manager for the GCC at Visa; and Pakinam Kafafi, CEO of TAQA Arabia.

Other influential women leaders featured at the summit include Lujaina Mohsin Darwish, chairperson of infrastructure, technology, industrial and consumer solutions at Mohsin Haider Darwish L.L.C.; Hoda Mansour, SAP’s senior vice president and head of business process transformation, EMEA South; and Moon Baz, creator partnerships lead, Middle East, Africa and Turkiye at Meta.


Winter at Tantora Festival returns to AlUla, showcasing rich cultural heritage

The festival derives its name from the Tantora, an ancient sundial situated in the Old Town’s center. (SPA)
Updated 19 December 2025
Follow

Winter at Tantora Festival returns to AlUla, showcasing rich cultural heritage

  • Festival now established as a premier annual event

AlUla: The Winter at Tantora Festival launched on Thursday in AlUla. It runs until Jan. 10 and presents a cultural season which celebrates the region’s rich civilizational, cultural, and historic legacy.

The festival’s program includes a wide array of cultural, artistic, and traditional activities, reported the Saudi Press Agency. 

Attractions include Old Town Nights, Shorfat Tantora, When Shadow Tracks Us, and the Al-Manshiyah Carnival.

FASTFACT

In the past, AlUla’s inhabitants used this clock to measure time and coordinate their agricultural activities.

In addition, there are guided tours of street art through the Old Town, special events commemorating the Year of Handicrafts, culinary experiences, and artistic and musical performances.

The festival derives its name from the Tantora, an ancient sundial situated in the Old Town’s center. In the past, AlUla’s inhabitants used this clock to measure time and coordinate their agricultural activities. The modern festival honors this tradition by marking the onset of winter and the start of the planting season.

This year’s edition offers a range of experiences to celebrate heritage, genuine local culture, and traditional craftsmanship. 

As part of AlUla Moments, the Winter at Tantora Festival supports efforts to boost cultural and tourist engagement while enhancing the visitor experience.

The initiative reflects Saudi Vision 2030’s commitment to advancing cultural tourism and promoting the Kingdom’s historic landmarks.

The festival has established itself as one of AlUla’s premier annual events, consistently attracting both domestic and international audiences.