Women of MENA — Spotlights

Women of MENA Spotlights: Nouf Al Moneef

In this episode, we profile Nouf Al Moneef, a pivotal figure in Saudi Arabia’s cultural and architectural transformation. As a Senior Director and Creative Arts Advisor for the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, she serves as the Festival Director for Noor Riyadh, leading significant initiatives within the Riyadh Art program. The episode explores her career trajectory, from her early work designing residential villas and cafes to her leadership in large-scale urban projects and mega-events. With an M.F.A. in Interior Architecture & Design, Al Moneef has applied her expertise to diverse environments, including high-profile design consultations for MDL BEAST and quality assurance for the Diriyah E-prix. Join us as we spotlight her professional journey and her role in shaping the creative landscape of Riyadh.

Women of MENA Spotlight: Nora M. Alsarhan, Architect of Saudi Venture Capital

In this episode of Women of MENA — Spotlights, we profile Nora M. Alsarhan, the Chief Executive Officer of Saudi Venture Capital Company (SVC). Appointed to the CEO role effective July 1, 2026, Alsarhan has been a central figure in the rapid evolution of Saudi Arabia’s venture capital ecosystem. We trace her professional journey from her foundational years in transaction advisory at EY to her leadership at Monsha’at, where she directed equity funding initiatives for the Kingdom’s emerging small and medium enterprises. Before stepping into the CEO role, she served as SVC’s Deputy CEO and Chief Investment Officer, overseeing strategic investments in funds and direct ventures that have helped catalyze the growth of the Saudi startup landscape in alignment with Vision 2030. Beyond her executive leadership, Alsarhan is a Kauffman Fellow and contributes her expertise to numerous boards across the healthcare, sports, and investment sectors. This profile highlights her disciplined approach to capital allocation and her long-term commitment to shaping Saudi Arabia as a regional hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Her Royal Highness Princess Sora bint Saud: A Legacy of Soulful Enterprise and Cultural Preservation

In this episode of Women of MENA — Spotlights, we profile Her Royal Highness Princess Sora bint Saud, a visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist who is redefining the intersection of Saudi tradition and modern innovation. As the founder of Sora Saud Company, HRH has established a diverse portfolio of culture-driven brands—spanning luxury hospitality, fine jewelry, and conscious retail—each designed to serve the community and preserve national identity. We explore the breadth of her "soulful ecosystem," from the Sora Collection, which brings Saudi Arabia’s regional history to life through art and storytelling, to So. by Sora, a boutique platform championing sustainability through pre-loved lifestyle pieces. Beyond her commercial ventures, HRH is a dedicated humanitarian; we look at her work with the Ahyaha Foundation, where she drives meaningful change through initiatives focused on education, women’s empowerment, and social development. This profile highlights how HRH Princess Sora bint Saud utilizes the power of business to tell meaningful stories and leave a lasting legacy of purpose for future generations.

Women of MENA Spotlight: Ashwaq AlShathri

In this spotlight, we profile Ashwaq AlShathri, a distinguished leader and AI specialist driving digital transformation in Saudi Arabia. Currently serving as the Saudi Country Lead and Managing Director at Publicis Sapient, AlShathri’s career is defined by a unique blend of corporate leadership and entrepreneurial spirit. With a background in Computer Science from King Saud University and specialized leadership training from INSEAD, she has held pivotal roles at global technology giants including Microsoft, where she served as a Government Executive Territory Manager, and Oracle. Beyond her corporate success, AlShathri is a seasoned entrepreneur, having founded and led Vogue Brand Co. and Chocolate Recipe Co.. This episode explores her multifaceted journey as a strategic visionary, board member, and champion of innovation within the region.

Sara da Silva Díez: Engineering Trust in Luxury Resale

In this episode of Women of MENA — Spotlights, we profile Sara da Silva Díez, the CEO and Co-Founder of RELOF Private, a platform redefining the luxury resale market in the UAE and beyond. Drawing on a career built at the intersection of scale and execution, Sara transitioned from leading massive healthcare integrations at PureHealth and maintaining premium brand standards at Emirates to addressing the "structural trust deficit" in regional re-commerce. We explore how a personal frustration during an international relocation led her to build a self-funded, privacy-first infrastructure that treats luxury goods as ethical liquidity. This profile examines her journey from managing cross-border acquisitions to establishing a category-defining platform rooted in GCC values, environmental sustainability, and a new discipline of taste.