Saudi Women Entrepreneurs: Progress and Obstacles

Abstract

Saudi Arabia is making remarkable social changes and highlighting its determination to move forward to a more prosperous future by providing opportunities for everyone to contribute to their abilities in the nation's development. Saudi women are a great asset to the nation. Over 50 percent, of the university graduates, are female, and the country is developing their talents, investing in their productive capabilities, and enabling them to strengthen their future and contribute to the growth of the society and economy. Besides this, Saudi Arabia is working hard to increase and support female entrepreneurs, by giving workshops, training programs, and financial assistance so that they can start their projects. Not only this the Saudi government has also launched a major program in collaboration with Sweden to train female entrepreneurs and innovators by creating networks and organizing interactive learning through meetings, study tours, education, and interaction with the top opinion leaders and decision-makers. Women's empowerment is one of the Major keys to the rejuvenation objectives set out in the 2030 vision and national transformation program of the country. Islamic women entrepreneurs attribute success and failure in different terms than their Western counterparts and relate a large set of obstacles and unique strategies to function well. This study pin down the conceptual background of women entrepreneurship and attributes that contribute to the success of female entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia. The study also work forwards to recognize factors that enable female business owners to realize their entrepreneurial potential. It also suggests ways in which the government can support women in realizing their entrepreneurial potential and makes recommendations to improve the entrepreneurial situation in Saudi Arabia.