A recent Royal Decree has officially extended the tenure of Her Excellency Dr. Iman bint Habbas Al-Mutairi as Deputy Minister of Commerce for an additional four years with an excellent rank. This recognition by the Kingdom’s leadership underscores her strategic impact on Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation, particularly in enhancing the business environment and driving regulatory reform.
Dr. Al-Mutairi has been a pillar of Vision 2030, leading projects that position Saudi Arabia as a competitive hub for global investment and commercial innovation. Her reappointment signals continued progress in key economic reform initiatives.
Championing Vision 2030: A Legacy of Strategic Economic Leadership
Since 2021, Dr. Al-Mutairi has held the role of Deputy Minister of Commerce, championing regulatory reform, strategic business planning, and commercial growth. In parallel, she serves as CEO of the National Competitiveness Center (NCC), a role in which she has guided efforts to improve ease of doing business, attract FDI, and eliminate trade barriers.
Through her leadership at the Saudi Economic Business Center, she has streamlined commercial activity and championed transparency and efficiency—key pillars of Saudi Arabia economic reform.
Driving Commercial Transformation Across the Kingdom
Dr. Al-Mutairi’s initiatives have significantly elevated Saudi Arabia’s business competitiveness on the global stage. Her strategy is centered on three main pillars:
- Policy and Regulatory Reform: Modernizing the legal framework to foster innovation and entrepreneurship.
- International Investment: Attracting and sustaining foreign direct investment through a pro-business approach.
- Talent Development: Empowering human capital through leadership development and strategic transformation programs.
These reforms have led to a more agile and globally competitive Saudi economy.
Corporate Background and Strategic Vision
Before joining the government, Dr. Al-Mutairi had a distinguished corporate career at Saudi Aramco, one of the world’s largest energy giants. There, she directed the Transformation Project for Developing Leaders, part of Aramco’s Accelerated Strategic Transformation Program. Her work focused on leadership cultivation, manpower analytics, and aligning human capital with enterprise goals.
Her corporate leadership experience has given her deep insight into macro-economic strategies, organizational transformation, and public-private synergies—insights she now uses to advance national policy.
Academic Distinction and Global Recognition
Dr. Al-Mutairi’s career is rooted in academic excellence. She holds a PhD in Bioorganic Chemistry from the University of Bristol, with postdoctoral studies at Harvard University, focusing on genetics and molecular biology. Her academic achievements have been recognized with prestigious honors such as:
- Harvard University Scholarship
- Fulbright Scholarship
- King Faisal Foundation Scholarship
She also earned a Professional Certificate in Executive Management from Henley Business School, University of Reading, UK, reinforcing her credentials in both scientific and strategic domains.
Leadership in Global Trade and Economic Governance
Beyond the Ministry of Commerce, Dr. Al-Mutairi is deeply engaged in broader economic policy circles:
- Chairperson of the Executive Committee of the Foreign Trade Authority
- Board Member at the Saudi Business Center
These roles allow her to shape Saudi Arabia’s foreign trade strategy, negotiate international agreements, and enhance the Kingdom’s global business standing.
Pioneering Women’s Leadership in Saudi Arabia
Dr. Iman Al-Mutairi stands as a trailblazer for women in leadership in Saudi Arabia. In a country rapidly embracing gender inclusivity as part of Vision 2030, she exemplifies how women can lead at the highest levels of government and economy.
She actively promotes female workforce participation, supports women entrepreneurs, and mentors the next generation of Saudi women leaders in both business and public policy.
Commitment to the Kingdom’s Economic Future
Dr. Al-Mutairi’s reappointment signifies continued leadership in one of the most pivotal ministries driving Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification. Her focus for the coming years includes:
- Further streamlining government services
- Enhancing investor confidence
- Scaling up innovation in commerce
- Expanding global trade relationships
Her work will continue to shape the future of Saudi commerce, laying the foundation for sustainable economic growth and increased global influence.
Celebrating Transformational Leadership
At Arabian Leaders Magazine, we proudly recognize Dr. Iman bint Habbas Al-Mutairi as one of the leading architects of Saudi Arabia’s economic reform. Her unwavering commitment to innovation, governance, and leadership has redefined the country’s commercial ecosystem.
Her journey—from science and corporate leadership to national policy and reform—stands as a powerful testament to the impact of vision-driven leadership. As she enters a new term in office, the world watches with admiration and anticipation for the continued transformation of Saudi Arabia under her guidance.
