Country News: Saudi Arabia Social Entrepreneurs

As an expansion to Synergos’ large network of social entrepreneurs in the MENA region, we welcomed an impressive new cohort from Saudi Arabia. These five women are furthering development in their communities in remarkable ways, such as shifting food systems, supporting emotional social skills for children, or working to treat neurodegenerative diseases. For more information, contact Hisham El Rouby, Synergos’ regional director in the Arab world.

 

 

Amal Abdulrazzak Abid believes that emotional intelligence should be as foundational as reading and writing, especially in early childhood. Through the Harmony Project, which she founded, Amal has supported more than a thousand children and educators across Saudi Arabia in building strong emotional and social skills. Her work draws from years of research and experience in education, and she’s authored several books focused on how families and schools can nurture empathy, communication, and resilience. At the heart of everything she does is a belief that emotions, when understood and supported, can be one of our greatest strengths.

 

 

 

Dr. Asrar Damdam is using science to reshape how we think about food, waste, and sustainability. As the founder and CEO of Uvera, she has developed groundbreaking technology that keeps food fresh longer using light-based preservation, with no chemicals involved and results in just 30 seconds. With a PhD in electrical and computer engineering and recognition from global institutions like L’Oréal-UNESCO and Forbes, Asrar is leading a new era of innovation where cleantech meets everyday life. Her mission is deeply personal—creating solutions that protect both the planet and the people who live on it.

 

 

 

Professor Aziza Rashed Al-Rafiah brings both depth and vision to the field of neuroscience. She is a researcher, educator, and innovator working to better understand and treat neurodegenerative diseases through molecular research and interdisciplinary collaboration. At King Abdul Aziz University, she not only leads cutting-edge studies but also directs programs that support young scientists in developing the skills and creativity needed to take research from the lab into the world. With a long list of recognitions and a strong commitment to impact, Aziza is building bridges between science, medicine, and the communities that need them most.

 

 

 

Azza Mohammed Baghdadi is a scientist and community-builder who works at the intersection of agriculture, nutrition, and innovation. With a master’s degree in agricultural science and years of experience spanning teaching, research, and agri-tech, she brings a unique blend of technical expertise and people-centered leadership to every role. Whether managing sustainable farming projects or supporting clients in the field, she is focused on improving systems that directly impact food quality and public health. Azza’s approach is grounded in the belief that real change begins with informed, collaborative action, especially when it involves the land from which we grow.

 

 

 

Rawan Adnan Daghestani has spent more than a decade exploring how agriculture, design, and ecology can work together in harmony. As the founder of the Mimosa Pudica Project, she combines sustainable farming practices with bonsai cultivation and biological pest control to create thriving natural environments that are both functional and beautiful. Her approach is rooted in years of independent research and hands-on experimentation, and she is passionate about reducing reliance on chemicals through accessible, nature-based methods. Rawan’s work invites people to slow down, reconnect with the earth, and rethink how we grow and care for living systems.