In a stunning turnaround, almost half of Saudi hospitality companies are now owned and managed by women, says the latest figures put out by the Ministry of Commerce. This explosion in female enterprise heralds a radical new period in the Kingdom’s service economy, once dominated by men.
The increase is concurrent with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 agenda to diversify the economy and promote women within sectors. The hospitality sector—including boutique hotels, food, and beverage operations—has also been a vital industry for women overcoming traditional bounds to enter the field of leadership.
Industry players attribute the growth to enhanced government support, regulatory reforms, and access to capital as key drivers of this upward trend. Training schemes, facilitation of licensing, and public-private partnerships have assisted women entrepreneurs in starting and growing their businesses with more confidence and ease.
As more women take charge, the hospitality industry is witnessing a creative and customer-centric revolution. Analysts indicate that this inclusive development might be replicated across other GCC countries aiming to increase female contribution to the labor market.
