Manal Abu Al-Ela: Heroine of Vision 2030
SME News UK
By Mohamed Elashry
Empowered by Vision: Manal Abu Al-Ela and the Rise of a New Saudi Woman
At the heart of the profound transformations unfolding in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030, Manal Abu Al-Ela stands as a powerful symbol of a new generation of Saudi women—those who have broken barriers, shattered limitations, and proven that real change is born from within, fueled by ambition and empowered by opportunity.
More than a sports trainer or prominent media figure, Manal’s journey tells a compelling story of resilience and achievement. She is the embodiment of a modern Saudi reality—one driven by empowerment, vision, and progress that knows no bounds.
As the Deputy Director of the International Women’s Martial Arts Federation (IWKBF) for the Middle East and Africa, the Managing Editor of SME News magazine in Dubai, and a certified health and nutrition coach, Manal represents a rare blend of leadership, versatility, and dedication. Her ability to balance media influence, sports leadership, and community development serves as a testament to the possibilities created by Vision 2030—a national project that placed women’s empowerment at the heart of its agenda and opened doors once sealed for decades.
“I never imagined I’d become a captain and enjoy this widespread fame without the vision and empowerment of women,” Manal says. “It made me less dependent on anyone… I persevered, I studied, I worked… and I took off.”
Her words are simple, yet they encapsulate a seismic transformation—not just in her life, but in the lives of millions of Saudi women who have witnessed profound changes in education, employment, and representation across sectors.
Indeed, Manal Abu Al-Ela is the living realization of the Vision’s goals. Women’s participation in the labor market reached 34.5% by the end of 2023, surpassing the original target of 30%. This leap confirms that the Vision is not mere rhetoric—it is a clear, executable roadmap with measurable results.
Manal draws strength from the sweeping legal and social reforms initiated under Vision 2030: enhanced legal protections, improved work environments, mother-friendly workplace policies, and programs supporting women entrepreneurs. These changes laid the foundation for her rise—enabling her to earn leadership roles in international federations and impact both the media and sports landscapes.
She reflects a success story that goes beyond the personal—she is part of a movement creating strong, visible female role models to inspire generations to come. Today, Manal doesn’t just represent herself; she stands for a new wave of Saudi women rewriting the rules and redefining what’s possible in industries historically dominated by men.
“Before the Vision, Saudi women were held back and suppressed… Today, when they saw empowerment, they took off.”
This simple phrase captures the era’s essence—an era of liberation, transformation, and leadership.
Vision 2030 has dismantled outdated stereotypes and reimagined the Saudi woman’s place in society. Today, Manal is training, educating, leading, and deciding at the highest levels. Her achievements are living proof that empowering women is not just a matter of equality—it is an economic and developmental necessity. As World Bank research repeatedly shows, sustainable growth is directly tied to increased female participation in the workforce.
Manal Abu Al-Ela: An Investment in the Nation
Manal’s journey is not just personal triumph—it reflects a larger, national strategy to transform women from marginalized figures into partners in growth. She is a model of what happens when a nation invests in its female human capital: you get a more resilient economy, a more inclusive society, and a more sustainable future.
In seizing the opportunities created by Vision 2030 and turning them into tangible results, Manal Abu Al-Ela becomes a defining voice of the Kingdom’s new chapter—one where social transformation fuels economic innovation.
“I persevered, I studied, I worked… and I took off.”
These words echo the heart of Vision 2030: not just offering opportunities, but inspiring women to seize them—boldly, confidently, and without limits.
