A Night of Legacy: The Creative Women Forum Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony at the National Museum of Riyadh

As evening descended upon Riyadh on 6 November, the National Museum of Saudi Arabia glowed under an amber sky — its timeless walls embracing a night where history and modern vision converged. Within this majestic setting, the Creative Women Forum Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony unfolded, honouring women and organisations whose imagination, leadership, and courage continue to shape the global landscape of innovation, sustainability, and empowerment.

The event, gracefully hosted by Sarah bint Abdulaziz, carried an atmosphere of elegance and reverence. Guests gathered beneath the museum’s vaulted ceilings, surrounded by artefacts that embody the story of a civilisation defined by endurance, creativity, and progress.

The evening featured stirring performances by Keri Fuge (soprano), Olga Balakleets (pianist and Founder & CEO of the Creative Women Platform), Mara Galeazzi (prima ballerina), Sophia Patsalides (pop artist), and Mirna Nasser (Songwriter) — an evocative harmony between classical refinement and contemporary expression.

In her keynote address, Her Royal Highness Princess Noura bint Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Patron of the Forum, welcomed guests with words that resonated through the marble halls:

“From the heart of old Riyadh, where history breathes and tomorrow begins, we gather tonight in the National Museum — a place that holds the memory of generations. Here, where the story of a nation was born, we begin a new chapter of creativity, empowerment, and continuity.”

She continued, emphasising that “this evening is more than a celebration — it is a reminder that creativity thrives when shared, and empowerment deepens through collaboration.”

Before the awards presentation, Olga Balakleets, Founder and CEO of the Creative Women Platform, took the stage to express her gratitude to the forum’s global network of partners, collaborators, and guests, whose collective efforts have strengthened the forum’s mission to champion women in leadership, innovation, and the arts.

The first award of the night was presented by Olga Balakleets Founder and CEO of the Creative Women Platform and Rebeca Riofrio Executive Director of the Creative Women Forum Saudi Arabia to the Forum’s Patron, HRH Princess Noura bint Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud for her visionary work nationally and internationally.

The awards were then preceded by Rebeca Riofrio and delivered in the presence of Olga Balakleets and HRH Princess Noura bint Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who personally presented the honours to the distinguished recipients across diverse sectors.

ANB received the Corporate Leadership Award for Diversity and Women’s Empowerment, collected by Rawan A. Alhobayb, who also received the Woman of Excellence Award. DHL was presented with the Green Innovation and Sustainability Excellence Award, collected by Jumanah AlHejaili and Reem AlAfaliq, both recipients of the Woman of Excellence Award. Women in Energy received the WE Rise Leadership Excellence Award, collected by Princess Mashael, who, together with Mona Al-Ghamdi, was also honoured with the Woman of Excellence Award. Women Leadership Center was recognised with the Award for Outstanding Contribution to Women’s Leadership Development, collected by Hawazen Zamil Almugren, who likewise received the Woman of Excellence Award.

Further distinctions included Jareed, recipient of the Excellence in Eco-Conscious Hospitality Award, collected by Eman Mandili; and Lucid, awarded for Excellence in Green Mobility, collected by Mr Faisal Sultan, while Nawar Alsubaihin received the Woman of Excellence Award. Principal Buyer was celebrated with the Excellence in Energy Procurement and Sustainability Award, collected by Hadeel Ali Al-Qahtani. The Botanical Society was recognised with the Excellence Award for Socio-Economic Innovation and Development, collected by Joshua Van Alstine, while Munira AlHazani received the Woman of Excellence Award. The Ministry of Culture was honoured with the Award for Excellence in Heritage and Creative Advancement, and Saudi Electricity Company was distinguished for Excellence in Green Energy Transformation, collected by Sarah Al Tuwaijri, with Sarah Al Qahtani receiving the Woman of Excellence Award. Riyadh Municipality received the Excellence in Smart and Sustainable City Development Award, collected by Muneerah Khalid Abdulaziz Al-Dayyod, who also received the Woman of Excellence Award. Agfund received the Award for Excellence in Humanitarian and Social Development, collected by Mr Hammam AlJuraid, while Ayesha Al Shbaili was awarded the Woman of Excellence Award. Alfanar was celebrated with The Pioneer Award for Women’s Skills Advancement, collected by Ms Lima Alqarfan, Graduates Development Programmes Manager. Aramco received The Kingdom Visionary Legacy Award for Global Sustainability and Leadership, with Shatha Abdulaziz AlBaadi receiving the Woman of Excellence Award.

Additionally, Nayyara, Elaph, Art in Fusion TV, Parliament News, SIGULP, and Micaela Oliveira Atelier were each presented with the Excellence Award for their outstanding contributions to creativity, leadership, and innovation across their respective industries.

Among the remarkable women honoured for their personal achievements were Princess Nourah Al Faisal, recipient of the Woman of Excellence Award for Design Innovation and Cultural Heritage; Kiera Chaplin, awarded for Cultural Legacy and Creative Empowerment; and HRH Princess Katarina, recognised for Philanthropy and Innovative Education. Christina Corp was celebrated with the Woman of Excellence Award for Space Innovation and Human Advancement, while Martha Fiennes was acknowledged for Global Innovation and Digital Art. Lisa Kurbiel received the Woman of Excellence Award for Global Development and Social Impact, and Queen Ronke was also among the honourees of the Woman of Excellence Award.

Denise Parkinson was recognised for Media Leadership and Creative Influence, and Emon Shakoor for Innovation and Entrepreneurial Empowerment. Seema Gupta received the Woman of Excellence Award for Sustainability and Environmental Leadership, while Prathibha Prahlad and Amira Fouad were both presented with the Cultural Heritage Award. Dr Fatmah Baothman was honoured with the Innovation and Technology Award, Razan Al-Ajmi received the Future Creative Leader Award, Gloria Ai was celebrated with the Creative Leadership Award, and Lama AlHamawi was acknowledged for Media and Emerging Creative Leadership.

As the evening drew to its close, conversations and music lingered through the marble halls. Under the soft amber light of the National Museum, surrounded by history and promise, the night became more than an awards ceremony — it was a testament to belief turned into action, and to the enduring truth that when creativity is shared, it shapes the future.