Some of the winners of Sayidaty magazine’s awards for top contributors to Saudi society, at the event in Riyadh recently. (SPA)

Sayidaty magazine has recognized the outstanding contribution of 37 Saudi women in different walks of life such as education, health, media, arts and economics.

Princess Hussa bint Salman, who attended the Creativity Awards 2015, praised the winners for their work in advancing the country and the cause of women.

The event was attended by Princess Nora bint Mohamed, the wife of the Riyadh governor, several princesses and women community leaders.

Princess Hussa said Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman was committed to supporting women’s advancement in line with Islamic law.

She said she has vivid memories of how they started the women’s section at the magazine after holding discussions with her late brother Prince Ahmad and late mother.

She said her mother contributed to cultural, charity and social projects, and supported Saudi women in all areas. Her mother received support from King Salman to create a women’s section at Riyadh daily Arabic newspaper, a dream realized with Hiya Al-Munai and Khairiyah Al-Saqqaf, she said.

Prince Ahmad also played a leading role by creating a women’s section at the Saudi Research and Publishing Company, she said.

Mohammed Fahad Al-Harthi, editor in chief of Sayidaty magazine, said the event was a continuation of the magazine’s commitment to honor women for their contribution to society.

Al-Harthi said it was significant that it was taking place in the capital because the city is known as a leading center for creativity in the Arab world. It would take place on an annual basis.

He also announced that it would be expanded next year to include women from other Arab nations. There would be a section for outstanding women achievers over many years and one for promising leaders.

Hadya Al-Said, the managing editor of Sayidaty, said the staff maintains a white box that contains the history of the magazine and a record of outstanding women. She said Saudi women have been influencing society in good and hard times.

Fatina Shakir, who was the first editor in chief of Sayidaty, said the honoring of Saudi women today was like honoring all those who had come before. She recalled how she was appointed to lead the magazine while in California, following an interview with King Salman; and how they had overcome challenges at the publication’s birth.

The event included an opera entitled Saudi Girl on the Peak. Fine artist Ohoud Al-Malki presented a painting she created of King Salman.

The women honored in education were Haifa Jamal Allail, Wafa bint Mahmoud bin Abdullah, Arwa Ali Abdullah Akhdar, and Nora bint Abdullah Faiz.

In medicine and science Huwaida Abeed, Salwa Al-Hazaa, Nihad Al-Jashi, Maha Al-Munaif, Samia Al-Amoudi, Ghada Al-Mutairi, Hiba Al-Wafi and Fatma Al-Hamlan.

In economics, Princess Haila bint Abdulrahman bin Nasir bin Farhan Al-Saud and businesswomen Lubna Al-Olayan, Hanaa Al-Zuhair, Maha Fitaihi and Sarah Al-Ayed.

In administration, Huda Al-Ameel, Nora Al-Shabaan, Hanan Al-Ahmadi, Sufana Dahlan and Nahla Al-Anbar. In media, Najdiyyah Al-Hijailan, Khairiyyah Al-Saqqaf, Dalal Aziz Dhia, Fatina Shakir and Nawal Bakhsh.

In social and humanitarian work, Suhaila Zain Al-Abideen, Hatoon Al-Fassi, psychiatric consultant Fawziya Al-Hani and Dania Almaeena.

In literature, Fawziya Abu Khaled, Thuriya Abeed, and Thurraya Al-Arrayidh. In arts director, Haifa Mansour, Shahad Al-Azaz and director Shahad Amin.

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