Discover how Basmah Al-Mayman, a pioneering leader in Saudi Arabia's tourism sector, is transforming the industry through visionary leadership, historic achievements, and unwavering commitment to women's empowerment.
Saudi Arabia is witnessing an unprecedented transformation in its tourism sector, driven by visionaries who are determined to reshape perceptions and elevate the Kingdom's global standing. At the forefront of this exciting shift is Basmah Al-Mayman, whose remarkable career journey serves as a testament to her pioneering spirit, leadership, and dedication, making her a prominent role model, particularly for women across the Middle East.
Early Life and Education
Al-Mayman began her journey with a solid academic foundation, earning a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Linguistics from King Saud University. She further expanded her expertise with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Alfaisal University in cooperation with the University of Oxford, specializing in Entrepreneurship and Comparative Managerial Issues. Additionally, she pursued advanced specialized courses in International Relations at the Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute of Diplomatic Studies at the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, preparing her for the global stage.
Career Beginnings and Impact
With over 22 years of distinguished service, Al-Mayman began her professional career at the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH). She rose to become the manager of the International Organizations & Committees Department and served as Saudi Arabia’s focal point for the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Her role was pivotal in developing international partnerships with esteemed global institutions like UNESCO, the World Bank, and UNDP, significantly boosting Saudi Arabia’s international presence in tourism, heritage conservation, and urban development.
Achievements and Leadership Roles
In 2018, Al-Mayman made history as the first woman and the first Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) national appointed as the Regional Director for the Middle East at UNWTO. In this influential position, she manages tourism strategies across 13 countries, emphasizing sustainability and global collaboration. Additionally, she was appointed as Vice-Chairperson of the Ad hoc Committee on the UNWTO Framework Convention on Tourism Ethics during the 22nd UNWTO General Assembly in China in 2017.
Advocating for Education and Women’s Empowerment
Throughout her career, Al-Mayman has consistently championed education, capacity-building, and women's empowerment, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Her leadership saw Saudi Arabia setting a record for the highest number of educational and training activities conducted under the UNWTO Academy. Her work extends beyond national borders, promoting inclusive growth and gender equality in tourism regionally and globally.
International Recognition and Legacy
Al-Mayman's impactful contributions have been widely recognized. Forbes Middle East named her among the most influential Arab women, ranking her 13th in its 2020 power list—the only tourism sector representative to achieve this honor. In 2022, she was honored as a Tourism Ambassador, further highlighting her significant contributions. As both the first GCC national and the first woman to lead the UNWTO’s Middle East region, Al-Mayman continues to pave the way for future leaders.
As Saudi Arabia boldly steps forward as a global tourism destination, Basmah Al-Mayman’s journey highlights the power of visionary leadership, resilience, and unwavering dedication, inspiring a new generation of leaders to pursue their ambitions without boundaries.
