Lulwa AlMunif

Saudi Arabian entrepreneur who pioneered women's economic empowerment through startups and mentorship programs.

Lulwa AlMunif is a groundbreaking Saudi Arabian entrepreneur and advocate for women's economic empowerment. Born in 1975, she emerged as a leading figure in Saudi Arabia's startup ecosystem during the early 2000s, leveraging her business acumen to create platforms that support female entrepreneurs. Her most notable initiative, Saudi Women Startups, provides mentorship, funding, and networking opportunities to women seeking to launch ventures in a traditionally male-dominated economy. AlMunif’s work aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to increase women’s workforce participation to 30%. She has been featured in Forbes Middle East and Entrepreneur Magazine, and her TEDx talk 'Breaking Barriers for Women in Business' has inspired global audiences. Beyond entrepreneurship, she co-founded Arab Women Innovate, a regional hub connecting female innovators across the MENA region. Her advocacy extends to policy-making, advising the Saudi Ministry of Economy on gender-inclusive economic reforms. AlMunif’s impact is measurable: over 500 startups have received support through her networks, generating thousands of jobs and $100M+ in revenue. Her legacy underscores how entrepreneurship can transform societal norms and economic landscapes in conservative societies.