In celebration of International Women’s Day this month, Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Saudi Arabia shines a spotlight on female leaders in the hospitality industry in Saudi Arabia. 

With Vision 2030 as a driving force, the Kingdom has unlocked unprecedented opportunities for women to lead, innovate, and shape the future of tourism and hospitality. 

Yet, real progress means going beyond symbolic gestures - it's about creating lasting pathways for growth, mentorship, and leadership. 

FHS spoke with female hospitality professionals in Saudi Arabia about breaking barriers and driving change in the industry, and their advice for the next generation of female leaders.

How has the female leadership landscape in Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector evolved, and what major challenges remain?

Dr Maryam Ficociello, Chief Governance Officer, Red Sea Global: “Vision 2030 is transforming Saudi Arabia’s society. The female workforce reached 35.4% in 2024, surpassing initial targets. At Red Sea Global, some departments boast 44% female representation, and my own journey to becoming Chief Governance Officer demonstrates the leadership opportunities now available for women. Progress has been significant, but there is more to do. That’s why we’re investing in initiatives such as our Female Leadership Program, vocational training and schemes for elite graduates to provide more Saudi women with rewarding career pathways.”

Mashael Alnosayan, Marketing & Communication, Taiba Investments: “Vision 2030 has driven a remarkable surge in female leadership within Saudi Arabia's hospitality sector. Women are increasingly empowered, taking on prominent roles and demonstrating immense potential. The sector champions equal opportunities and inclusivity, ensuring women thrive. A growing talent pipeline signifies a bright future for female leaders. While representation evolves, emerging role models and focused development initiatives are crucial, solidifying women's vital role in shaping the sector's future.”

With the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 emphasizing gender inclusivity, what new opportunities are emerging for women in hospitality leadership?

Dr Maryam Ficociello, Chief Governance Officer, Red Sea Global: “Vision 2030’s commitment to female empowerment enables young Saudi women to participate in a rapidly growing hospitality sector, which is generating new, exciting opportunities. At RSG, these range from roles dominated by men globally, such as security and fire and rescue teams, to hospitality managers and senior leaders. It has never been such an exciting time to be a woman in Saudi Arabia, and it is so rewarding to see junior colleagues rise through the ranks and deliver impact.”

How can the hospitality industry further accelerate diversity and create more leadership opportunities for women?

Dr. Sarah Gasim, Senior Vice President, Head of Hotels KSA, JLL: “The advancement of women in Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector extends beyond breaking barriers; it is about establishing pathways for future generations to thrive. Meaningful progress is achieved when businesses go beyond merely opening doors for women, fostering an environment where they can excel and lead with impact.”

Mashael Alnosayan, Marketing & Communication, Taiba Investments: “Among Saudi Arabia's various sectors, hospitality is particularly noteworthy for its rapid advancement of women's roles. The Saudi government has prioritised women’s empowerment, leading to faster growth in opportunities. Women in Saudi Arabia have proven to be strong leaders, especially in hospitality, with continued support, mentorship, and a commitment to diversity. This is a key part of the Kingdom's vision for a more inclusive economy. The sector is rapidly progressing towards women leading at all levels, with opportunities for them to excel in their careers and achieve their full potential.”

Dr Maryam Ficociello, Chief Governance Officer, Red Sea Global: “The sector must champion inclusivity at all levels, and this principle runs through our entire people strategy.

We use gender-neutral job adverts and diverse recruitment shortlists to boost female representation. We are also committed to equal pay and career advancement through development, mentoring and leadership programs. By recognizing the essential value women offer, we can inspire change and build a society rich with opportunity.”

Inspiring the Next Generation - What advice do you have for young women aspiring to leadership roles in hospitality?

Dr. Abeer Alamri, Skills Development and Talent Optimization Expert: “Develop your skills, seek mentors, and build a strong network. Embrace challenges as learning opportunities and don't be afraid to voice your ideas. Confidence and resilience are key. Stay passionate, adaptable, and always strive for excellence. Your unique perspective is invaluable to the future of hospitality.”

Lama Kamakhi, Colleague Engagement Manager, Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah: “Connecting with mentors and industry professionals is vital for women aspiring leadership in the hospitality industry, offering essential guidance and networking chances. To remain competitive, consistently improve your skills through educational courses and practical experiences. Develop your leadership capabilities, focusing on effective communication, decision-making, and empathy. Encourage inclusivity by appreciating diverse perspectives within your team, which can drive innovation. Finally, have confidence in your abilities by being assertive and proactive when sharing ideas, while remaining true to your values and leading by example.”

Mashael Alnosayan, Marketing & Communication, Taiba Investments: “To every young woman aspiring to leadership in hospitality: start by embracing every challenge as a chance for growth, and every opportunity as a pathway to success. Vision 2030 is transforming Saudi Arabia's hospitality sector, driving rapid innovation and growth through AI-powered management, sustainability initiatives, and advanced technology integration. The industry is evolving with cutting-edge advancements, creating exciting opportunities for future leaders. Equip and build yourself with skills and knowledge, celebrate wins, and find mentors. Leadership is an art; learn and shape the future.”

Dr Maryam Ficociello, Chief Governance Officer, Red Sea Global: “An essential part of my growth journey has been mentoring. I’d encourage any young woman to seek out mentors—people they find inspiring or who they have learned from in the past—and meet with them regularly. Mentors can be a brilliant sounding board for ideas and can provide invaluable advice on problems. At RSG, we have a range of initiatives designed to give female Saudi talent the opportunity to speak to more experienced colleagues and facilitate knowledge-sharing.”

Reflecting on her personal leadership journey, Dr Maryam Ficociello said: “A pivotal moment in my career was joining Red Sea Global in 2017. It was a privilege to be given the responsibility to build the governance, risk and compliance department for one of the world’s most ambitious developers. Working for a company that genuinely cares about female empowerment and making a positive difference to people and the planet has been particularly rewarding. The role has reinforced my belief that leadership is about creating opportunities for others and driving positive change.”

As part of its commitment and focus on women in hospitality, the bench, organisers of Future Hospitality Summit Saudi Arabia, will be offering special rate passes to FHS Saudi Arabia 2025 for Saudi national women working in hospitality. The #FHSWomenPower campaign is an initiative to champion gender diversity and women empowerment in the industry in line with Saudi Vision 2030 and the region’s social and economic aspirations. All senior female professionals in hospitality are invited to join FHS on the journey towards an inclusive and progressive hospitality landscape.

Tanja Millner, Production Director at the bench: "International Women’s Day in hospitality should be about action, not just awareness. True inclusivity means ensuring women have real access to knowledge, mentorship, and leadership pathways to embrace opportunities. We must move beyond token gestures to actively support career progression, equal pay, and recognition based on merit. A more inclusive industry benefits everyone—when we uplift women with tangible opportunities, we promote innovation, excellence, and a stronger future for hospitality.”

FHS Saudi Arabia is at Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh, 11-13 May 2025, with the overarching theme of “Where Vision Shapes Opportunity”. More than 1,400 delegates are expected to attend. -TradeArabia News Service