Shihana Saleh Al-Azzaz: A successful businesswomen

by Adeel
Shihana Saleh Al-Azzaz

Shihana Saleh Al-Azzaz is one of Saudi Arabia’s most successful businesswomen. She currently leads the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP) and works as an advisor at the Royal Court. Her story shows how hard work and education can lead to amazing success.

Early Life and Education

Shihana Saleh Al-Azzaz got her law degree from Durham University in the United Kingdom. She was an excellent student and graduated with honors. But she didn’t stop there.

She continued learning at top schools and institutes around the world:

  • IMD business school in Switzerland
  • INSEAD in France
  • Bocconi University in Italy

This international education helped her understand business and law from different perspectives.

Getting Licensed to Practice Law

Shihana worked hard to get permission to practice law in two countries:

  • The United States (New York Supreme Court)
  • Saudi Arabia (Ministry of Justice)

Having licenses in both countries made her very valuable to companies doing business internationally.

Building Her Career (2008-2017)

Starting in 2008, Shihana built a strong career as a lawyer. She helped companies with:

  • Legal advice and guidance
  • Business deals and transactions
  • Court cases and legal disputes
  • Solving problems between companies

She worked with top law firms around the world and gained experience in many different industries.

Success at the Public Investment Fund (2017-2022)

In 2017, Shihana joined Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). This is the country’s main investment fund that helps grow the economy.

At PIF, she held several important jobs:

  • Director of commercial transactions
  • General counsel (top lawyer)
  • Secretary-general of the board of directors

She also served on many committees and was chairperson of several companies owned by PIF. This experience taught her how to manage big organizations and make important decisions.

Government Leadership Role

On July 3, 2022, Saudi Arabia’s King appointed Shihana as Deputy Secretary-General of the Council of Ministers. This is a very high government position that shows the trust placed in her abilities.

She worked in this role for almost two years, helping run the country’s government operations.

Current Role: Leading Intellectual Property

On May 15, 2024, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman appointed Shihana as Chairperson of the Board of Directors of SAIP (Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property).

SAIP is responsible for:

  • Protecting inventions and ideas
  • Managing patents and trademarks
  • Helping businesses protect their creative work
  • Supporting innovation in Saudi Arabia

This role is very important for Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan to build a modern economy.

Awards and Recognition

Shihana’s excellent work has been recognized by many organizations:

International Awards

  • Women in Business Law Award from International Finance Law Review
  • Young Global Leaders selection by World Economic Forum
  • Deal Maker recognition by Finance Monthly
  • Top 100 Most Powerful Businesswomen by Forbes Middle East

These awards show that experts around the world respect her work and leadership.

Why Shihana Saleh Al-Azzaz Matters

Shihana represents the new generation of Saudi women leaders. Her success shows several important things:

Breaking Barriers

She has reached top positions in both business and government, inspiring other women to aim high.

International Experience

Her education and work experience in different countries help Saudi Arabia connect with the global economy.

Legal Expertise

Her deep knowledge of law helps protect Saudi businesses and attract international investment.

Vision 2030 Leadership

Her work supports Saudi Arabia’s plan to diversify its economy and reduce dependence on oil.

Impact on Saudi Arabia’s Future

As head of SAIP, Shihana plays a key role in:

  • Protecting Saudi inventions and brands
  • Attracting international companies to invest
  • Supporting local entrepreneurs and startups
  • Building a knowledge-based economy

Lessons from Her Success

Shihana’s career offers important lessons:

  1. Education is Key: She never stopped learning and studying
  2. International Experience Matters: Working globally opened new opportunities
  3. Hard Work Pays Off: She built her career step by step over many years
  4. Women Can Lead: She proves that women can succeed in top positions

What’s Next?

As Saudi Arabia continues to transform its economy, leaders like Shihana Al-Azzaz will play crucial roles. Her work at SAIP will help:

  • Protect Saudi innovations
  • Attract more international investment
  • Support the growth of new industries
  • Create jobs for young Saudis

Conclusion

Shihana Saleh Al-Azzaz is more than just a successful businesswoman. She is a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s changing society and growing economy. Her journey from law student to government leader shows what’s possible with education, hard work, and determination.

Her leadership at SAIP comes at a perfect time as Saudi Arabia works to build a modern, diversified economy. By protecting intellectual property and supporting innovation, she helps create the foundation for future success.

For young Saudis, especially women, Shihana’s story proves that with the right education and effort, they can reach the highest levels of success in business and government.

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