Muna AbuSulayman

Saudi Arabian reformer driving social progress through cultural transformation initiatives

Muna AbuSulayman (b. 1988) is a leading figure in Saudi Arabia's social and cultural reforms. As the first female deputy minister of culture (2019-2021), she spearheaded programs to integrate women into the workforce and cultural sectors. Her visionary projects include the Saudi Arts and Culture Development Authority, which supports local artists and heritage preservation.

AbuSulayman co-founded 3abtal, an organization training youth in leadership and innovation. She also initiated the 'Saudi Women in Cinema' campaign, enabling women's participation in the film industry after decades of exclusion. Her efforts contributed to Saudi Arabia's dramatic cultural shifts, including the 2018 decision allowing women to drive.

A Harvard graduate in public policy, she advocates for inclusive development through Saudi Vision 2030. Her TEDx talk "The New Saudi Woman" highlights her belief that cultural progress requires both policy changes and mindset transformations. AbuSulayman's work exemplifies how social entrepreneurs can drive systemic change in conservative societies.