Sarah Al-Amoudi

A Saudi Arabian entrepreneur who pioneered women's empowerment through sustainable tourism initiatives in a male-dominated industry.

Sarah Al-Amoudi: Breaking Barriers in Saudi Tourism

Sarah Al-Amoudi is a Saudi Arabian business leader and founder of Almal Travel, the first Saudi-owned tour operator focused on cultural tourism. Launching in 2013, she navigated restrictive gender norms to build a company employing 80% female staff, creating career opportunities in an industry dominated by foreign male operators.

Her innovative Saudi Generation tours highlight lesser-known historical sites and Bedouin traditions, positioning Saudi Arabia as a cultural destination beyond oil. Al-Amoudi's work aligns with Vision 2030 goals, diversifying the economy while empowering women through entrepreneurship.

She pioneered the Saudi Female Pilgrims Program, organizing Hajj journeys for women without male guardians. This broke centuries-old traditions and inspired similar initiatives across the Gulf. Al-Amoudi's TED Talk "Saudi Women Redefining Travel" has over 2M views.

Her company's 2022 partnership with UNESCO to preserve Al-Ula archaeological sites demonstrates her vision for sustainable development. Al-Amoudi advises governments on women's economic inclusion policies, recently featured in World Economic Forum reports.