Fortune's Inaugural Most Powerful Women Summit to Take Place in Riyadh in May 2025

Fortune to Host First Most Powerful Women International Summit in Riyadh

The world of business is about to witness a groundbreaking event as Fortune announces its inaugural Most Powerful Women International Summit, scheduled for May 20-21, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This summit is a significant milestone as it marks the first time Fortune's female leadership franchise will be held in this region, symbolizing a pivotal moment for women in leadership and global business.

This gathering aims to convene an esteemed group of top female leaders from various sectors worldwide, all within an invitation-only community. The summit will feature dynamic discussions focusing on a theme that resonates throughout the global landscape: “A New Era for Business Partnering for Global Prosperity.” This will include examining the critical forces that are molding the business environment today and how collaboration between public and private sectors can enhance innovation and economic growth.

Among the many pressing topics to be explored during the event are navigating economic shifts that impact businesses, deploying new and emerging technologies at scale, and recognizing opportunities for growth in sectors like health care and investments. Attendees will also delve into how industries such as sports, entertainment, and design are evolving in response to modern challenges.

An integral part of the summit is the unveiling of the prestigious 100 Most Powerful Women in Business list on the opening day, May 20. Now in its 28th year, this celebrated list highlights female leaders who are driving change and innovation across diverse industries such as finance, technology, healthcare, telecommunications, retail, and energy. The 2024 edition featured an impressive array of executives from 19 countries and territories, with over half serving as CEOs of Fortune 500 and Global 500 companies.

The decision to host the summit in Riyadh is closely aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, an initiative aimed at fostering growth, innovation, and women's empowerment within the economy. As a testament to this shift, the workforce participation rate for women has surged to 36%, a significant increase from 17% in 2017. Currently, Saudi women own 45% of the nation’s small and medium-sized enterprises, showcasing their vital contribution to economic development.

Fortune's undertaking to bring this summit to Riyadh is not merely an event; it represents an opportunity for global leaders to tap into a burgeoning market and build partnerships that transcend borders. Anastasia Nyrkovskaya, CEO of Fortune, emphasized the significance of this gathering by stating, “At Fortune, we strive to be at the forefront of new frontiers in global business, and Saudi Arabia is a key player in that landscape.” She believes that this summit will inspire meaningful progress across industries and governmental frameworks by convening some of the world’s most influential women.

In a recent article in Fortune's MPW Daily newsletter titled “Why Fortune MPW is Going Global,” Editor Alyson Shontell highlighted Saudi Arabia's evolving role in the global economy and reinforced the importance of documenting the rapid progress made in the region, particularly regarding women’s roles in business.

In partnership with the Saudi Conventions and Exhibitions General Authority (SCEGA), Fortune is committed to creating a platform where dialogue, innovation, and collaboration can flourish, leading to enhanced economic development and the celebration of women’s achievements in business.

The anticipation surrounding this summit is palpable, as it sets the stage for transformative discussions and connections that can propel women leaders and the business landscape into a new era of prosperity. As we approach this event, it becomes clear that the ripple effects of such gatherings will not only be felt in Riyadh but will resonate across the globe, inspiring a generation of women leaders to continue breaking barriers and forging new paths in the world of business.