Breaking Barriers: Sarah Al-Suhaimi Leads Saudi Financial Markets into the Future
Sarah Al-Suhaimi has etched her name into Saudi Arabia’s financial history as the first woman to chair the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul)—the largest capital market in the Middle East. Her rise reflects not just personal achievement, but a broader transformation in the Kingdom’s economic and social landscape, aligned with Vision 2030’s goal to empower women in leadership roles across sectors.
Al-Suhaimi’s appointment in 2017 as Chair of Tadawul marked a watershed moment. Elected unanimously by the Board, her leadership coincided with a period of rapid market development and global integration. She brought with her an impressive track record from NCB Capital, Samba Financial Group, and Jadwa Investment, where she held senior executive roles, pioneering new strategies in asset management and investment.
Early Life & Global Education
Born in Riyadh in 1979, Al-Suhaimi graduated with honors in Accounting from King Saud University. Determined to sharpen her leadership acumen, she completed the prestigious General Management Program at Harvard University in 2015, gaining international insights that would later shape her approach to market modernization.
Climbing the Ranks in Finance
Her career launched at Samba Financial Group, where she managed investment portfolios in the Asset Management division. In 2007, she moved to Jadwa Investment, quickly climbing to Chief Investment Officer, steering the firm through ambitious portfolio expansions.
In 2013, her influence grew further as she was selected among only 16 members of the Capital Market Authority’s advisory committee, where she helped shape regulatory frameworks for two years.
Chairing Tadawul & Advancing Market Reforms
Al-Suhaimi’s tenure as Chair of Tadawul has been marked by bold reforms to align the Saudi market with global standards, boosting foreign investor confidence and increasing capital inflows. She has been instrumental in efforts to merge and modernize market operations and enhance transparency, laying the groundwork for inclusion in global indices such as MSCI and FTSE Russell.
Board Leadership Across Sectors
Beyond Tadawul, Al-Suhaimi holds a range of high-profile leadership roles, including:
- Board Member, Saudi Arabian Airlines (since 2021)
- Board Member, General Authority for Statistics (2024–2027)
- Board Member, Saudi Telecom Company
- Board Member, Cultural Development Fund
- Director, NCB Capital DIFC (Dubai)
She also served as CEO of NCB Capital (2014–2021), leading the firm to double-digit growth in assets under management and executing major M&A deals that solidified its regional footprint.
A Role Model for Women in Finance
As a trailblazer in Saudi Arabia’s financial sector, Al-Suhaimi symbolizes a new era for Saudi women in business. Her career reflects not only personal determination but the Kingdom’s broader commitment to inclusivity and gender equity under Vision 2030.
In Sarah Al-Suhaimi, the Kingdom has found a finance leader bridging local expertise with global standards—driving the Saudi market forward, and opening the doors for more women to follow.
