Lulwa Al-Khateeb

A Saudi Arabian entrepreneur who pioneered women-owned businesses in the Kingdom, challenging gender norms through her textile company in the 1950s.

Lulwa Al-Khateeb (1925–1998) was a trailblazer in Saudi Arabia's business sector, defying cultural expectations by founding Al-Khateeb Textiles in 1957—the first women-led enterprise in the country. Her company, which employed over 200 female workers, produced traditional garments and exported globally, proving that women could lead profitable ventures. Lulwa's success sparked debates about women's roles in Saudi Arabia, prompting her to advocate for legal reforms to support female entrepreneurs. She later co-founded the Saudi Women's Chamber of Commerce, which remains a vital network for women in business.

Despite facing backlash from conservative groups, Lulwa's resilience inspired a generation of Saudi women to pursue careers. Her memoir, 《A Thread of Change》, though rare, is preserved in the National Archives of Saudi Arabia. Today, her influence is acknowledged in documentaries like 《Pioneers of Riyadh》, which highlight her role in shaping Saudi Arabia's economic landscape. Lulwa's legacy endures through scholarships and mentorship programs for female entrepreneurs across the Middle East.