Deemah AlYahya: Empowering Digital Prosperity and Women’s Leadership

Deemah AlYahya is a transformative leader in digital transformation, innovation, and women’s empowerment, with over two decades of experience in shaping Saudi Arabia’s digital economy. As the Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) and Founder of WomenSpark, Deemah is driving global cooperation to foster an inclusive digital economy while empowering women in technology and entrepreneurship. Her contributions are critical to advancing Vision 2030, where she works to ensure digital prosperity for all.

Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization

As the founding Secretary-General of the DCO, Deemah leads a global effort to promote digital inclusion and foster cooperation among public and private sectors to drive digital transformation. The DCO, with 16 member states and growing, focuses on advancing digital innovation, encouraging talent development, and championing emerging technologies. Under her leadership, the DCO has become a leading voice for digital governance, ensuring that nations and individuals have access to the tools and opportunities needed to thrive in the digital economy.

Deemah’s work with the DCO reflects her commitment to leveraging technology to bridge gaps and create economic opportunities for underserved communities. By connecting stakeholders across sectors, she is creating a global ecosystem where technology can serve as a tool for economic empowerment and sustainable development.

Founder of WomenSpark: Empowering Women Investors and Entrepreneurs

In 2013, Deemah founded WomenSpark, the first Saudi female angel investment group aimed at empowering women to become investors and entrepreneurs in the tech industry. To date, WomenSpark has trained over 26,000 women, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in tech entrepreneurship and investment. Deemah’s passion for uplifting women in technology and business is a central theme in her career, where she has consistently worked to provide opportunities for women to lead in traditionally male-dominated fields.

WomenSpark has become a vital part of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Saudi Arabia, providing a platform for women to connect, learn, and grow as leaders in the tech industry. Deemah’s vision for WomenSpark is to create a future where women entrepreneurs are empowered to drive innovation and economic growth, not only in Saudi Arabia but across the region.

Leadership in Digital Transformation and Innovation

Deemah’s experience extends far beyond her work with the DCO and WomenSpark. She has held leadership roles at Microsoft, the Saudi National Digital Transformation Unit, and Misk Foundation, where she has driven digital innovation and strategic transformation. Her work at Microsoft, where she grew the regional developer community and promoted digital literacy, earned her multiple awards, including Best Digital CEO of the Year and the Microsoft High Performing Team Award.

As the CEO of the National Digital Transformation Unit, Deemah played a critical role in advancing Saudi Arabia’s digital strategy, working with ministries to implement policies and infrastructure that would support the Kingdom’s digital economy. Her leadership in developing blueprints for digital transformation across sectors like health, education, and smart cities has had a lasting impact on the country’s ability to embrace the fourth industrial revolution.

Board Leadership and Global Influence

Deemah’s influence extends to various global forums and organizations. She serves on the boards of the Saudi National Bank, the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP), and SCAI, a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company. Her strategic guidance in digital innovation, corporate governance, and intellectual property helps shape the direction of organizations that are critical to Saudi Arabia’s economic growth and global competitiveness.

As a Commissioner on the Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development and a Champion of the EDISON Alliance at the World Economic Forum, Deemah is an advocate for global cooperation on digital issues. Her work in these roles reflects her belief that digital transformation should benefit all, creating inclusive economies and reducing inequalities in access to technology.

A Visionary for Digital Prosperity and Global Cooperation

Deemah AlYahya’s career is a testament to her dedication to digital transformation, women’s empowerment, and global cooperation. Her leadership in creating opportunities for digital inclusion and fostering innovation ecosystems is helping shape the future of the digital economy, both in Saudi Arabia and globally. Through her work at the DCO and WomenSpark, Deemah is championing a future where technology drives prosperity and inclusion for all.