Royal Decree Extends Dr. Iman Al-Mutairi’s Tenure as Deputy Minister of Commerce
A recent Royal Decree has extended the tenure of Her Excellency Dr. Iman bint Habbas Al-Mutairi as Deputy Minister of Commerce with an excellent rank for an additional four years. This decision underscores her pivotal role in strengthening Saudi Arabia’s economic competitiveness and enhancing the business environment.
With a distinguished career in strategic leadership, commerce, and economic reform, Dr. Iman Al-Mutairi has been instrumental in driving national projects that foster investment and commercial growth in the Kingdom. Her leadership has significantly contributed to shaping Saudi Arabia’s business landscape, aligning with Vision 2030’s goal of economic diversification and global competitiveness.
A Legacy of Leadership in Commerce and Economic Competitiveness
Since 2021, Dr. Iman Al-Mutairi has served as the Deputy Minister of Commerce, bringing her expertise in regulatory reform, strategic planning, and business development to the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation. In addition to her ministerial role, she also serves as the CEO of the National Competitiveness Center (NCC), overseeing initiatives that streamline business operations, remove trade barriers, and attract foreign investments.
As the General Supervisor of the Saudi Economic Business Center, she has played a critical role in facilitating commercial activities, ensuring regulatory efficiency, and enhancing the Kingdom’s global business standing. Under her leadership, Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in improving its ease of doing business rankings, fostering innovation, and creating a more investor-friendly ecosystem.
A Career Defined by Strategic Vision and Reform
Dr. Iman Al-Mutairi’s extensive career in leadership and governance has positioned her as one of Saudi Arabia’s most influential figures in commerce and economic policy. Before her appointment as Deputy Minister, she held several high-ranking leadership positions that contributed to the Kingdom’s economic development.
She previously served as Assistant Minister of Commerce with an excellent rank, where she played a key role in policy-making, regulatory improvements, and business-friendly reforms.
As an Advisor to the Minister of Commerce and Investment, she supervised the Executive Committee for Improving Business Performance in the Private Sector (Tayseer). Her efforts were instrumental in reducing bureaucratic obstacles, improving business efficiency, and fostering public-private partnerships.
Before entering the government sector, Dr. Al-Mutairi built an impressive career at Saudi Aramco, one of the world’s largest energy companies. She was the Director of the Transformation Project for Developing Leaders under the Aramco Accelerated Strategic Transformation Program, where she focused on leadership training and corporate restructuring.
She also led Manpower Planning and Analytics at Saudi Aramco, ensuring the alignment of human capital strategies with corporate objectives. Her corporate leadership experience has given her deep insights into strategic transformation, economic policy, and sustainable business practices.
Academic Excellence and Prestigious Scholarships
Dr. Iman Al-Mutairi’s contributions to economic development are rooted in her exceptional academic background. A highly accomplished scholar, she has earned multiple prestigious awards and research grants throughout her career.
She holds a PhD in Bioorganic Chemistry from the University of Bristol, a testament to her scientific expertise and analytical problem-solving skills. Her research in genetics and molecular biology at Harvard University, where she pursued postdoctoral studies, has been widely recognized for its contributions to science and technology.
Her academic journey was further enriched by prestigious scholarships, including the Harvard University Scholarship, the Fulbright Scholarship, and the King Faisal Foundation Scholarship. These accolades highlight her dedication to continuous learning and intellectual excellence, qualities that have translated into her leadership roles in commerce and government.
She also holds a Professional Certificate in Manager and Executive Training from Henley College, University of Reading, UK, equipping her with advanced leadership and management skills that have been instrumental in her career.
Leadership in Policy and Economic Governance
Beyond her ministerial responsibilities, Dr. Al-Mutairi is an active contributor to economic governance in Saudi Arabia. She holds key positions in several governmental and business organizations, reinforcing her influence in shaping policy and driving economic reforms.
She is a Member of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Business Center, where she plays a critical role in facilitating commercial activities, improving regulatory frameworks, and enhancing business operations.
She also serves as a Member of the Board of Directors and Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Foreign Trade Authority, where she contributes to shaping Saudi Arabia’s global trade policies, negotiating international agreements, and ensuring the country’s economic sustainability.
Her strategic decision-making and leadership have positioned Saudi Arabia as a competitive player in international commerce, strengthening trade relations and boosting foreign investment.
A Trailblazer for Women in Leadership and Economic Reform
Dr. Iman Al-Mutairi’s journey is not just about commerce and governance—it is also about breaking barriers for women in leadership. In a traditionally male-dominated field, she has emerged as a role model, demonstrating that women can lead major economic transformations and drive national development.
Her leadership aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritizes gender diversity, economic empowerment, and the inclusion of women in key decision-making roles. Through her work in the Ministry of Commerce and beyond, she has paved the way for future generations of female leaders in business, policymaking, and strategic governance.
Her success is a testament to her resilience, vision, and dedication to improving Saudi Arabia’s business environment. She has actively championed initiatives that support women entrepreneurs, enhance female workforce participation, and promote leadership opportunities for women in business and government sectors.
Legacy and Future Outlook
Dr. Iman Al-Mutairi’s reappointment as Deputy Minister of Commerce for another four years marks a continued era of progress, innovation, and transformation for Saudi Arabia’s commercial sector. Her leadership is set to drive further regulatory reforms, economic diversification, and investment opportunities that align with the Kingdom’s long-term vision.
Looking ahead, she remains committed to fostering a competitive business environment, streamlining government services, and ensuring Saudi Arabia remains an attractive destination for global investors. Her strategic foresight and ability to navigate complex economic landscapes make her an invaluable asset to the Kingdom’s development.
Her story is not just about economic policy—it is about pioneering a future where commerce thrives, businesses flourish, and Saudi Arabia’s global standing continues to rise.
Recognizing Her Impact
At Arabian Leaders Magazine, we celebrate the exceptional contributions of Her Excellency Dr. Iman bint Habbas Al-Mutairi. Her unwavering dedication to economic reform, commerce, and strategic leadership has left an indelible mark on Saudi Arabia’s business landscape.
Her ability to drive change, champion policy reforms, and elevate Saudi Arabia’s competitiveness is a testament to her remarkable leadership. As she continues her journey of transformation, we look forward to witnessing the next chapter of her success in shaping the Kingdom’s economic future.
