Visa and Partners Recognize Top Saudi Women Entrepreneurs in Fashion Industry

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Last updated 10-03-2025

2 min

Summer Nasruddin, founder of the Summer Nasruddin brand, won the top prize of $20,000.

Hind Fahd of SEZA secured second place with a $15,000 grant.

Amal Abdullah of Linen won the People’s Choice Award, receiving $10,000.

The awards were announced at a special event held at Saudi First Tower in Riyadh.

The initiative aims to empower female entrepreneurs by offering funding, mentorship, and training opportunities.

In a move to support and celebrate women entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia’s fashion industry, Visa, alongside The Alawwal Bank and the General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises (Monsha’at), has revealed the winners of the "She’s Next" initiative. This global program, designed to uplift women-led businesses, concluded its latest edition with a special awards event at Saudi First Tower in Riyadh on February 25, 2025.

At the heart of the event was the recognition of Samar Nasraldin, founder of the Samar Nasraldin brand, who secured the top prize of $20,000 in recognition of her achievements and entrepreneurial success in the fashion sector. Coming in second was Hind Fahd, the founder of SEZA, who received a $15,000 grant for her innovative contributions. Meanwhile, Amal Abdullah, founder of Linen, was honored with the People’s Choice Award, earning $10,000.

A panel of industry experts assessed participants based on key criteria such as business progress, brand impact, online presence, and problem-solving capabilities. The panel included renowned fashion designer Razan Alazzouni, as well as representatives from Monsha’at and Saudi First Bank, including Ghada Al Jarbou (COO), Rania Al-Sharioufi (CHRO), and Samah Al-Rasheed (Head of Business Partnerships).

Speaking about the initiative, Ali Bailoun, Visa’s Regional General Manager for Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman, emphasized the company’s commitment to empowering female entrepreneurs and driving economic growth. "We have witnessed exceptional levels of creativity and innovation through this program, shaping the future of Saudi Arabia’s thriving fashion sector. I extend my congratulations to all winners and finalists for their outstanding contributions," Bailoun stated.

The "She’s Next" program, which launched in 2023, has been a game-changer for many women entrepreneurs, offering grants exceeding $3 million, in addition to training and mentorship opportunities. Visa’s initiative continues to tackle challenges such as access to funding, business mentorship, and digital transformation, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to increase female leadership in the business world.

As Saudi Arabia's fashion scene flourishes, initiatives like "She’s Next" play a crucial role in supporting women-led businesses, ensuring they thrive in an evolving and competitive market.