Leena Al-Ali

Saudi Arabian tech pioneer empowering women through digital innovation.

Leena Al-Ali: Shaping Saudi Arabia's Digital Future

Leena Al-Ali is the founder of Mawdoo3, the Middle East’s largest Arabic content platform, launched in 2013. Post-2020, she expanded its focus to include women’s entrepreneurship programs, enabling over 10,000 Saudi women to launch online businesses. Mawdoo3’s AI-driven content tools and digital literacy courses have become critical in Saudi Vision 2030’s gender empowerment goals.

Breaking Barriers

Al-Ali’s advocacy for women’s tech participation led to partnerships with UN Women and the Saudi Ministry of Communications. Her initiative “Digital Horizons” provides mentorship and seed funding, resulting in 25% of Saudi tech startups now led by women—a dramatic increase from 5% in 2019. In 2021, she co-founded Women in Tech Arabia, a network supporting 5,000+ professionals.

Global Recognition

Al-Ali was featured in Forbes Middle East’s 50 Most Powerful Arab Women (2023) for her role in diversifying Saudi Arabia’s tech sector. Her TEDx talk here emphasizes how digital platforms can democratize economic opportunities. Despite cultural challenges, her ventures now employ 40% female staff, setting regional benchmarks.