Saudi Women’s Empowerment Fuels Research and Innovation Growth

- Saudi Arabia's empowerment of women in research and innovation has significantly increased female participation, contributing to national development priorities and global competitiveness.

Riyadh, April 12, 2025, The unprecedented empowerment of women in Saudi Arabia is substantially elevating the quality of its research and innovation. This progress is directly contributing to the national priorities for research, development, and innovation, which focus on areas such as human health, environmental sustainability, basic needs, and leadership in energy, industry, and future economies.

 By providing extensive opportunities and support within national priorities, the Research Development and Innovation Authority (RDIA) has strengthened the leading role of female researchers in advancing science and knowledge. This, along with strong government collaboration, has led to a significant increase in female researcher participation from 19.3% to 30.3% — a 57% increase in recent years, according to Clarivate. This growth indicates the quality and appeal of the Kingdom's research and innovation environment, supported by RDIA's incentives to enhance international competitiveness.

 Dr. Budor Hamed Saigh, an Associate Professor at Umm Al-Qura University's College of Education and a bronze medalist at the 2024 Geneva International Inventions Exhibition, stated that Saudi women's presence in research and innovation has evolved from symbolic participation to an influential force driving change and creating solutions. Today, they excel as researchers, inventors, leaders, and pioneers in scientific projects, competing globally in diverse fields and creating a tangible impact that extends beyond empowerment.