Arwa Al-Neaimi

Saudi Arabian social entrepreneur who pioneered online education platforms to empower women through digital skills training

Arwa Al-Neaimi (born 1989) is a groundbreaking Saudi Arabian entrepreneur whose work has made significant contributions to women's empowerment in the digital age. In 2021, she launched Shezlong, an online education platform specifically designed to provide Saudi women with the digital literacy and vocational skills needed to participate in the modern workforce. This initiative directly addresses the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals of increasing female workforce participation from 22% to 30%.

Al-Neaimi's approach combines cultural sensitivity with technological innovation, offering courses in Arabic covering topics like coding, graphic design, and e-commerce management. The platform's success has enabled over 50,000 women to gain certifications recognized by major employers. Her work was featured in Forbes Middle East's 2023 list of top social entrepreneurs (read more).

In 2022, she expanded her efforts to include mentorship programs connecting educated women with startups needing digital talent. This dual focus on education and employment has created tangible economic impact, with 68% of graduates securing remote work opportunities. Al-Neaimi's vision exemplifies how technology can bridge cultural gaps while advancing UN Sustainable Development Goal #5 (Gender Equality).