Echoes of power: Pioneering women who shaped the First Saudi State

Their contributions, and the efforts of countless other warriors, poets, and scholars, reveal the resilience of Saudi women in the state’s formative years. (DGDA photo)
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Updated 21 February 2025
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Echoes of power: Pioneering women who shaped the First Saudi State

  • Women ‘were essential, significant in all parts of society,’ says historian

RIYADH: In the chronicles of the First Saudi State (1727–1818), history often focuses on the men who led armies, negotiated alliances, and built political legacies. Yet, behind these triumphs stood women whose influence was equally vital — as warriors, strategists, poets, and economic forces. Their contributions were woven into the very fabric of the state’s survival and expansion.

Historian Zain Al-Shiran told Arab News: “In terms of the First Saudi State, I believe women were essential and significant in all parts of society, which makes them important in political life.”

Among the extraordinary women in the First Saudi State, Ghalia Al-Bogammiah emerged as a fierce military and economic leader, striking fear into Ottoman forces, while Moudi bint Saad Al-Dahlawi wielded the power of poetry and intellect, rallying resistance through words that inspired generations.




 Saudi women's contributions were woven into the very fabric of the state’s survival and expansion. (Supplied by King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah)/ the Ministry of Culture "Saudi Founding Day" book.)

The First Saudi State, with Diriyah as its capital, was a thriving political, intellectual, and economic hub.

“This city held political, intellectual, and economic life, and it was very important for all members of society to almost play a pivotal role in terms of intellectual, cultural, material, textual exchange,” said Al-Shiran.

One of the most influential women in Saudi cultural history was Al-Dahlawi, an educator whose impact extended beyond poetry to shape intellectual thought and literacy. A poet and intellectual, her work was a force of defiance that resonated through generations.




(Supplied by DGDA)

Al-Shiran said: “She has this stirring poetry, to say the least. It was to motivate the people of the First Saudi State.

“She wrote it … to motivate and spur the defenders in the face of the Ottoman invading forces.

“This poetry that she has written, and I think is passed through generationally, speaks of the power of women in poetry from the First Saudi State.”




Illustration by Julius Euting Women in the northern Arabian Peninsula. (Photo courtesy: King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah)/ the Ministry of Culture "Saudi Founding Day" book.)

Al-Dahlawi was part of a larger movement of women who championed education, promoting literacy and intellectual growth in those times.

Other women, such as Ruqaiyah bint Abd Allah Al-Saad Al-Salihi, who is documented in “Prominent Women from Central Arabia” by Dalal Mukhlid Al-Harbi, also left a lasting impact with their verses of wisdom and defiance, reinforcing the cultural resilience of their people.

And while Al-Dahlawi inspired resistance with her poetry, Al-Bogammiah led men into battle.

Al-Shiran added: “Militarily, I think the most prominent woman would be Ghalia Al-Bogammiah. (She) was a supporter through and through of the First Saudi State.”




The First Saudi State, with Diriyah as its capital, was a thriving political, intellectual, and economic hub. (DGDA photo)

The historian explained how manuscripts and first-hand accounts from the time detail how Al-Bogammiah supported the military efforts of tribal leaders and dignitaries who were able to repel two Ottoman expeditions in 1811 and 1813.

“She is known for her sound opinions and accurate knowledge of military matters and her understanding of defense, and she would push the tribe towards defending the First Saudi State,” Al-Shiran explained, citing the Swiss writer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt who recorded his travels in Arabia in the early 19th century.

The Saudi victory was so momentous that Ottoman forces reportedly believed Al-Bogammiah was a sorceress.

“Her efforts are shown not only through the stories that are passed down generationally, but also manuscripts and firsthand accounts of Ghalia’s efforts,” said Al-Shiran.

Beyond warfare and culture, women like Al-Dahlawi and Al-Bogammiah were also deeply involved in the economy.

Al-Shiran said: “When I understand the economic situation, specifically Diriyah, it was alive. It was this rebirth and this renaissance of cultural, economic, political, intellectual exchange, and we understand that… there were industries where occupations were performed by men and also by women.4




The First Saudi State, with Diriyah as its capital, was a thriving political, intellectual, and economic hub. (DGDA photo)

“And when we understand trade, we understand that (trade) was something that they had in common. Both men and women would be trading in one of the most important (markets) in the First Saudi State, which is Souq Al-Mawsim in Diriyah,”

According to Al-Harbi’s book, women of the era contributed to both governance and social stability, reinforcing the political resilience of the First Saudi State through their leadership and advisory roles.

Women such as Princess Modhi bint Sultan Abi Wahtan were significant for the philanthropic role they played, patronizing free education and accommodation for needy travelers.

Al-Shiran further emphasized the political presence of women, adding: “Politics, I think, is an umbrella to all, because if they are prominent in economic affairs, in military affairs, in cultural affairs, then they are also prominent in political affairs.”

Their contributions, and the efforts of countless other warriors, poets, and scholars, reveal the resilience of Saudi women in the state’s formative years.

Though history often overlooked their defiance, their words, actions and victories have echoed through time.

The legacy of these pioneering women has not faded with time. The principles they fought for — education, leadership, and resilience — continue to inspire modern Saudi women who now take leading roles in academia, politics, and business. 

 


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The crown prince and Shiekh Tahnoun, who is also the deputy ruler of Abu Dhabi, discussed relations between the Kingdom and the UAE and ways to enhance them.


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RIYADH: A total of 5,912 inspections covering 4,307 establishments were carried out across the Kingdom by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority in April and May.

A total of 996 were shut down due to various violations, while 136 were closed for operating without required licenses and for product safety breaches.

Additionally, production lines at 127 establishments were halted and 1,750 types of products were seized.

The initiative is part of the SFDA’s efforts to ensure compliance with approved regulations and to uphold high quality standards.

At one food establishment, inspectors found raw materials of an unknown origin, employees without health certificates, the absence of a tracking system and inadequate measures being taken to prevent cross-contamination. These led to the closure of the business and the implementation of necessary legal measures.
 


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Updated 03 July 2025
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  • Saudi Arabia, along with partners, launched the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership on the first day of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development

RIYADH: As part of the Kingdom’s efforts to mitigate the impacts of desertification, improve air quality and achieve its sustainable development goals, Saudi Arabia, along with partners, launched the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership on the first day of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development.

Held in Seville, Spain, from June 30 to July 3, the four-day event saw the participation of 70 countries, including attendance by local and international ministers, environmental organizations and financial development entities.

Among the participants was Saudi Deputy Minister for Environment, Water and Agriculture Osama Faqeeha.

Faqeeha, who is also the adviser to the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties Presidency, emphasized the significance of collaborative efforts and innovation to address the escalating threat of climate change that resulted in complicated and devastating environmental issues such as drought.

Faqeeha said: “The Riyadh Drought Resilience Partnership will serve as a global facilitator, a ‘one-stop shop’ for drought resilience, promoting the shift from reactive relief response after drought hits to proactive preparedness.

“We also seek to amplify global resources to save lives and livelihoods around the world.”

The deputy minister said that solutions should be applied through strategies and mechanisms to ensure enhanced resilience in the areas that were mostly affected by drought and climate change globally.

He praised the partnership with the International Drought Resilience Alliance, a global coalition that aims to build resilience against droughts and climate change. 

He said it was fundamental to bridging the gap between the political and financial aspects to ensure the achievement of long-term sustainable development objectives.

The discussion highlighted some of the national efforts and strategies for environmental sustainability, including efforts by the OPEC Fund for International Development, the Islamic Development Bank and the CAF Development Bank of Latin America.


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ANKARA: Members of the Saudi-Turkish Parliamentary Friendship Committee of the Saudi Shoura Council met with their counterparts from Turkiye during a visit to the country.

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The Saudi delegation also met with Numan Kurtulmus, president of the Turkish Grand National Assembly.
 


How AI is transforming Saudi businesses, from homegrown startups to global creative agencies

Updated 03 July 2025
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How AI is transforming Saudi businesses, from homegrown startups to global creative agencies

  • Small business owners are using smart tools to automate tasks like bookkeeping, customer service, and content creation with minimal resources
  • Platforms like Salla and QuickBooks help entrepreneurs manage online stores, financials, and logistics, saving time and boosting efficiency

RIYADH: Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the landscape for small businesses, offering innovative solutions that enhance efficiency, creativity, and competitiveness. As technology evolves, many entrepreneurs are leveraging AI tools to streamline operations and drive growth.

One of the most significant advantages of AI is its ability to automate repetitive tasks. Tools like chatbots can handle customer inquiries around the clock, freeing up valuable time for business owners to focus on strategic initiatives.

This not only improves customer service but also enhances overall efficiency.

AI-powered analytics platforms can process vast amounts of data, providing actionable insights that help businesses make informed decisions based on market trends and consumer behavior. 

In this dynamic environment, AI is transforming small business operations.

A notable example is Hams Nabeel, a working mother who founded her business, Thikra, to preserve cherished memories for families.

“There was a clear need for my business idea,” she told Arab News. “Since I had my daughter, I wanted to preserve her hospital items — like her hat, blanket, and hand bracelet — all in one place.”

AI has become crucial in Nabeel’s entrepreneurial journey, streamlining various aspects of her operations. “ChatGPT helped me expand my business by crafting a clear structural plan,” she said.

What typically took weeks can now be accomplished in minutes, providing clarity when she faced uncertainties.

AI also assisted Nabeel in comparing 3D printers and defining her business’s vision. “AI guided me in crafting my mission and vision and even generated social media posts,” she said.

For financial management, she relies on QuickBooks, which automates tasks and offers valuable insights. Furthermore, Nabeel uses Salla, a website creation tool that simplifies online store management.

“Creating a business is so easy with Salla,” she said, allowing her to focus on creativity rather than technical details.

Screenshot of a page in the AI-enabled powered Salla platform.

In creative sectors, AI tools are essential for content creation and design. From generating social media posts to developing marketing materials, AI helps small business owners maintain a robust online presence without extensive resources.

“We have traditionally always been creatives before tech developers, but with AI it is now enabling us to combine both,” Denis Bodart, who operates a creative animation agency called Feed Me Light in London and Riyadh, told Arab News.

“We are now building more creative tools and AI products, including a new SaaS (Software as a Service) platform focused on the out-of-home advertising sector, which allows us to dynamically display content on various screens at once.

“Imagine walking through a city filled with screens that communicate and showcase engaging, interactive content. For example, the displays can respond to the latest football or esports results, presenting teams in an exciting manner.

“They can also adapt to weather conditions and customize their content based on audience presence in events, venues, and shops.”

Bodart highlighted how AI agents support his team. “By training AI agents to understand our business more, we can use these agents to help support our teams, providing a helping hand with more repetitive tasks such as receipts, bookings, data fetching, or even helping enhance our marketing and sales teams, amplifying our business’s online presence.”

He added: “For Saudi Arabia, the strategic integration of AI holds immense potential to create a truly transformative and positive impact on how they approach upcoming global events such as the Winter Olympics, Asian Cup, and World Cup events.

“This technology can significantly elevate fan engagement, optimize operations, and craft unparalleled experiences, setting new benchmarks for global sporting events hosted in the Kingdom.”

Denis Bodart, who runs a creative animation agency called Feed Me Light in London and Riyadh, says AI helps small business owners maintain a robust online presence without extensive resources. (Supplied)

Integrating AI allows small businesses to provide seamless customer experiences. Automating processes like order management and payment processing enhances customer satisfaction and loyalty.

“AI has completely changed the game for small creators like me,” Salwa Beauty, a prominent social media influencer in Saudi Arabia, told Arab News. “It’s like having a full creative team in your pocket.”

Salwa utilizes AI to generate content ideas, animate scenes, write captions, and redesign photos — tasks that once required extensive time and resources.

For her fitness content, Salwa has eliminated the need for models or physical products. “I can animate people, create scenes, and even showcase products being used — all without hiring anyone or incurring upfront costs,” she said.

This capability allows her to build a complete brand presence independently, showcasing the democratizing power of AI.

The freedom AI provides is substantial for small businesses. By enabling entrepreneurs to launch ideas, test visuals, and create professional content quickly and affordably, AI empowers them to stand out in a crowded market.

“AI is literally my assistant now,” said Salwa.

AI also reduces costs associated with traditional modeling. Additionally, AI facilitates content creation and scheduling, allowing businesses to maintain a consistent online presence effortlessly.

Platforms like Salla and Zid are enhancing the landscape for small businesses in Saudi Arabia. These platforms leverage AI to optimize customer interactions, enabling efficient order scheduling, carrier connections, and targeted marketing messages based on customer data.

Screenshot of a page in the AI-enabled Zid platform.

Such features not only save time but also enhance the overall customer experience.

AI has emerged as an invaluable asset for small businesses, offering innovative solutions that enhance productivity, creativity, and financial management. Integrating AI tools can significantly transform the entrepreneurial journey, enabling working mothers and small creators to thrive in today’s competitive market.

With AI as a partner, the possibilities for growth and success are limitless. As small businesses in Saudi Arabia continue to embrace these technologies, they open the door to a future where creativity and efficiency flourish, paving the way for new ideas and opportunities.

AI is a powerful ally for small businesses, empowering them to optimize operations, enhance marketing efforts, and improve customer experiences. As more entrepreneurs embrace these technologies, the potential for growth and innovation continues to expand.