Over 30% Saudi women aim entrepreneurship with positive impact
The latest report from the Prince Mohammed bin Salman College of Business and Entrepreneurship (MBSC), in collaboration with the Babson Global Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership (BGCEL), reveals that Saudi women are showing a growing interest in starting their entrepreneurial journey, with a 30 percent increase.
The report, titled 'Saudi Women’s Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM)', was presented at the annual forum, under the theme 'A Global Destination for Opportunities'. It highlights Saudi Arabia's strides in creating a supportive business ecosystem for women entrepreneurs, providing an international platform for innovation, opportunity, and economic growth.
The report encapsulates eight years of data showcasing a significant upward trend in Saudi women’s entrepreneurial intentions. It also report reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritises economic diversification, increased workforce participation among women, and a globally competitive entrepreneurial environment. Some of the key findings from the report are:
Growing intentions of women for entrepreneurship: A central finding of the report is that nearly half of Saudi women intend to start a business within the next three years—a notable 30 per cent increase over previous years. This statistic underscores the effectiveness of the Kingdom’s efforts to cultivate an inclusive, empowering business environment that encourages women to pursue entrepreneurial ventures.
Positive impact on society and economy: The report reveals that Saudi women entrepreneurs are increasingly committed to social and environmental causes. More than 75 per cent of women-led enterprises in Saudi Arabia are actively pursuing strategies to maximise their societal impact, making substantial contributions to community welfare and environmental sustainability. These findings highlight a shift in the entrepreneurial landscape, where women are using business as a tool to drive positive change, reflecting the Kingdom’s broader objectives under Vision 2030.
Power of women support: The research also underscores the importance of personal and professional networks in supporting women’s entrepreneurial journeys. Remarkably, 86 per cent of Saudi women entrepreneurs report knowing another entrepreneur personally, indicating a robust culture of mutual support and knowledge sharing within the community. This network not only fosters resilience but also acts as a vital foundation for growth, with many women investors supporting friends and family members in launching new ventures.
This support among women is a key driver of community resilience, strengthening Saudi Arabia’s economic landscape through collaborative growth. Women investors are increasingly stepping up to support each other, demonstrating how solidarity within the business community is essential for building self-reliant economies. The encouragement women receive from their networks and the availability of mentors further empower them to take strategic risks and innovate.
Dr. Zeger Degraeve, Dean of MBSC, emphasised the critical role of women in Saudi Arabia’s entrepreneurial landscape saying, “Saudi Arabia’s entrepreneurial landscape is enriched by the contributions of women, whose role continues to expand across all areas of business. The GEM KSA Women’s Report demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering innovation and inclusivity, and we are proud to contribute to this vital progress.”
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The report reflects alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the Kingdom’s economy and increase women’s workforce participation to 30 per cent by 2030. Also advancing Saudi Arabia’s efforts to attract international talent and investment reflect the Kingdom’s ambition as a global business leader.