Saudifounders honours individuals and organisations advancing economic progress within the Kingdom. Prestigious awards highlight leadership, innovation, and philanthropy, aiming to inspire future generations.

Celebrating Excellence

The awards programme recognises six distinct categories that showcase contributions to national progress, creating benchmarks for success and inspiring collaboration across industries.

Saudi Star

Recognises pioneers in business and commerce who shape national industries through visionary leadership. Honourees often lead transformative ventures, introduce breakthrough strategies, and elevate international economic partnerships. Their contributions create long-term resilience and competitiveness in key sectors.

Additional highlights:

• Notable awardees with case studies demonstrating innovation in logistics, energy, or technology.
• Global collaborations and partnerships that advance the Kingdom’s economic influence.

Growth Icon

Acknowledges entrepreneurs who build and scale enterprises that impact national prosperity. Their ventures foster new markets, enhance export capabilities, and create thousands of employment opportunities.

Additional highlights:

• Focus on SMEs (small and medium enterprises) contributing to national GDP.
• Innovations in automation, infrastructure, and green technologies.

Social Hero

Honours leaders and organisations tackling social challenges. These projects empower communities through sustainable education reforms, healthcare services, and climate initiatives. The projects stand as blueprints for scalable social impact.

Additional highlights:

• Examples of national-scale initiatives solving pressing societal problems.
• Collaborations with NGOs, academic institutions, or government programmes.

Future Icon

Highlights young trailblazers redefining industries through cutting-edge innovation. Awardees often lead in AI, biotech, digital transformation, and creative industries.

Additional highlights:

• Profiles of early-stage startups and their unique approaches.
• Stories of visionary leaders who launched disruptive solutions at a young age.

Legacy Leader

Pays tribute to individuals who have made enduring contributions through decades of dedicated service. Their leadership has paved the way for institutional reform, economic resilience, and intergenerational success.

Additional highlights:

• Interviews documenting leadership philosophies and long-term achievements.
• Historic milestones in development policies influenced by awardees.

Saudi Donor

Celebrates philanthropists whose generosity drives cultural and social advancement. Honourees fund scholarship programmes, hospitals, and civic infrastructure to promote equity and growth across the Kingdom.

Additional highlights:

• Impact stories showcasing lives transformed by philanthropy.
• Initiatives preserving cultural heritage through funding.

Award Process

Nomination Stage

Nomination currently operates on an invitation-only basis to ensure rigorous candidate selection. Prospective nominees must provide verifiable achievements, documented research, and credible references demonstrating contributions to economic or societal development.

Evaluation Stage

Expert committees carry out comprehensive reviews through multiple phases. Criteria include impact, innovation, scalability, and long-term contributions. Candidates may qualify for recognition across more than one category.

Membership and Recognition

Award recipients join an exclusive Saudifounders membership network. Lifetime recognition includes dedicated profiles on the official website, access to leadership forums, and opportunities to mentor rising talent. Their profiles become part of a broader knowledge archive to inspire innovation.

National Impact

Saudifounders strengthens national identity by fostering a culture of excellence. By showcasing achievements, the programme encourages cross-sector collaboration, enhances public awareness of sustainable development, and empowers future leaders to drive prosperity.

Additional elements:

• Annual reports highlighting the collective economic and social impact of recipients.
• Networking events, think tanks, and leadership summits to foster continuous dialogue among honourees.