Dr. Afnan Al-Shuaiby stands as a prominent figure in international relations and women’s empowerment, with a career spanning over two decades across Saudi Arabia, the broader Arab world, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Her leadership roles in esteemed organizations underscore her commitment to fostering cross-cultural collaborations and advocating for women’s development.
Early Life and Education
Dr. Al-Shuaiby’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from King Saud University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. She then pursued a Master of Arts in Educational Administration at the American University in Washington, D.C., and earned a Ph.D. in Leadership Administration from George Washington University. Her educational pursuits also include a certificate in Peace and Conflict Resolution from the School of International Service at American University and Executive Education from the Harvard Kennedy School.
Professional Career
In 2007, Dr. Al-Shuaiby was appointed Secretary-General and Chief Executive of the Arab British Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) in London, becoming the first Saudi and Arab woman to hold this position for three terms. Her tenure at ABCC significantly enhanced Arab-British trade relations, with trade volumes increasing from $9 billion in 2001 to $30 billion in 2015.
Prior to her role at ABCC, she served as Advisor to the President of the US-Saudi Arabian Business Council in Washington, D.C., and held positions such as Director for Government Affairs and Business Development at Qorvis Communications and Assistant Advisor at the Abu Dhabi Investment Agency.
In 2019, Dr. Al-Shuaiby was appointed Director General of International Relations at the Saudi Ministry of Culture, where she played a pivotal role in promoting Saudi culture on the global stage.
Leadership in Women’s Development
Dr. Al-Shuaiby’s dedication to women’s empowerment is evident through her role as the Executive Director of the Women Development Organization (WDO), an entity affiliated with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Under her leadership, WDO has initiated various programs aimed at enhancing employability skills for women and girls in OIC member states.
In January 2021, she was appointed Chairman of the Board of the Arab International Women’s Forum, further solidifying her commitment to advancing women’s roles in business and society.
Recognition and Awards
Dr. Al-Shuaiby’s contributions have been recognized globally. She was named “Diplomat of the Year” for the Middle East in 2011 by Diplomat Magazine and received the World of Difference 100 Award from The International Alliance for Women (TIAW) in the same year. Arabian Business also listed her among the most powerful business women in Saudi Arabia
Navigating the Tides of Change with Strategic Vision
The Global Perspective Rooted in Saudi Values
Dr. Afnan Al-Shuaiby has walked a line few have mastered—bridging the Western and Arab worlds while maintaining her identity as a proud Saudi leader. Her educational journey across institutions in Riyadh, Washington, D.C., and Boston wasn’t just about personal advancement; it was the groundwork for a career that would eventually blend international diplomacy with cultural authenticity. Dr. Al-Shuaiby has repeatedly showcased how a Saudi woman can excel in foreign policy circles and global boardrooms without compromising the values that define her.
She brought with her the ability to look at challenges through multiple lenses—Arab, Islamic, Western, and diplomatic. Whether engaging with UK ministers during her tenure at the Arab British Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) or speaking at international economic forums, her perspectives were always deeply informed by the heritage of Saudi Arabia and the vision of progress that the Kingdom now champions under Vision 2030.
Crisis Leadership and Strategic Agility
True leadership is often defined during moments of uncertainty—and Dr. Al-Shuaiby has had her fair share of navigating through geopolitical and organizational complexity. As Secretary-General of the ABCC, she led the chamber through turbulent financial times during the late 2000s, turning challenges into opportunity by reinforcing the importance of Arab-British commercial synergy. She emphasized strategic trade diplomacy, encouraging innovation and technological cooperation between Gulf businesses and their European counterparts.
At the Women Development Organization (WDO), her leadership again rose to the surface during the pandemic. Faced with the social and economic blow dealt to women across OIC countries, Dr. Al-Shuaiby implemented remote collaboration protocols, fast-tracked digital education for underserved communities, and worked closely with ministries and NGOs to ensure that women’s voices were not sidelined during recovery talks. This ability to think and act decisively, especially when uncertainty looms, is part of what sets her apart.
Mentorship as a Leadership Model
Beyond her visible roles on the global stage, Dr. Al-Shuaiby quietly cultivated a network of emerging female leaders across Saudi Arabia and the Arab world. Her approach to mentorship has never been about titles or hierarchy—it’s about igniting potential. She has frequently organized or supported leadership bootcamps, networking events, and cultural exchange programs aimed at preparing Saudi women to be policy shapers and innovators in the 21st century.
She is known to engage directly with university students, young entrepreneurs, and female public servants, giving guidance on navigating male-dominated industries while upholding confidence and strategic communication. In a region where women’s leadership is still growing in its institutional support, her example is both a blueprint and a source of motivation.
Fostering Innovation Through Culture and Diplomacy
One of Dr. Al-Shuaiby’s most significant contributions lies in how she has used diplomacy as a vehicle for innovation. When appointed to the Saudi Ministry of Culture as Director General of International Relations, she didn’t merely manage meetings—she created cross-cultural platforms. Her work introduced Saudi creatives, thinkers, and historians to international audiences through curated exhibitions, forums, and bilateral agreements that promoted mutual cultural enrichment.
Dr. Al-Shuaiby’s diplomacy was about more than soft power; it was a strategic investment in nation branding. As Saudi Arabia seeks to present its redefined identity to the world, voices like hers ensure that global perception is aligned with the depth of heritage and the breadth of vision that the Kingdom embodies today.
Legacy and Long-Term Vision
While some leaders are content with temporary milestones, Dr. Al-Shuaiby is architecting a legacy designed for long-term impact. Through the WDO, she has worked to institutionalize mechanisms that ensure women in OIC countries have consistent access to education, economic participation, and policy influence. This work doesn’t rely solely on her presence—it is built on partnerships, frameworks, and local ownership, all tailored to withstand leadership transitions and political changes.
Whether she’s building out capacity development plans in Central Asia or crafting regional gender strategy with African and Southeast Asian member states, her vision remains rooted in sustainable progress. It’s not just about pushing Saudi Arabia forward; it’s about lifting an entire bloc of nations and amplifying the collective influence of women within them.
Symbol of a New Era
Dr. Afnan Al-Shuaiby’s career speaks not only to personal achievement but to a larger narrative—that of a new era for Saudi Arabia. She reflects the modern Saudi identity: educated, globally fluent, rooted in tradition but ambitious in scope. Her journey intersects with a national transformation, and her role within it positions her as both a contributor and a symbol of what’s to come.
In boardrooms, on podiums, and across digital forums, her voice carries the weight of experience and the promise of change. She has proven that Saudi women are not just participants in global dialogue—they are leading it. And as the Kingdom continues to chart its path in a fast-changing world, leaders like Dr. Afnan Al-Shuaiby ensure that the future remains inclusive, strategic, and distinctly Saudi.
Conclusion
Dr. Afnan Al-Shuaiby’s career reflects a profound commitment to fostering international relations and championing women’s empowerment. Her leadership across various esteemed organizations has not only strengthened cross-cultural collaborations but also paved the way for numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing the roles of women in society. As she continues her endeavors, Dr. Al-Shuaiby remains a beacon of progress and inspiration in the realms of international diplomacy and women’s development.
