First Woman-Led Unicorn in the Middle East to Be Announced Soon

Silvina Moschini, founder of Unicoin
Silvina Moschini, founder of Unicoin
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First Woman-Led Unicorn in the Middle East to Be Announced Soon

Silvina Moschini, founder of Unicoin
Silvina Moschini, founder of Unicoin

Saudi Arabia is set to become the first market in the Middle East to host a unicorn company led by a woman, reflecting the growing number of female entrepreneurs driving economic transformation in line with Vision 2030.

A unicorn refers to a startup valued at over $1 billion without being publicly traded. The term symbolizes the rarity and exceptional nature of such companies, which serve as key drivers of innovation and economic growth across industries.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Global Labor Market Conference in Riyadh, Silvina Moschini, founder of Unicoin, told Asharq Al-Awsat that Saudi Arabia has many opportunities, with its startup ecosystem growing tenfold. She attributed this rapid expansion to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s vision of transforming the Kingdom into a global hub for innovation and digital transformation, alongside the country’s strong educational system.

Moschini emphasized that unicorn companies possess technologies capable of disrupting business models to serve large and fast-growing markets. These ventures are typically led by visionary founders with strong leadership skills who can attract top talent and inspire them to execute bold ideas.

She highlighted the main challenge as integration into the global market. While the region’s startup ecosystem is expanding, the companies leveraging technology have the best chance of scaling internationally. She added that Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region offer a sizable market, though further expansion is needed. However, the current conditions indicate that Saudi startups are well-positioned to become global unicorns in the near future.

Moschini noted that women face multiple challenges in entrepreneurship. The first is overcoming traditional cultural barriers, which have historically limited women’s roles in business. However, opening doors for women creates vast opportunities for skill development and the establishment of billion-dollar enterprises. She stressed that often, women impose restrictions on themselves, limiting their own potential.

The second major challenge is securing capital and convincing investors that women can build high-growth companies. Despite this hurdle, she pointed out notable changes, particularly in Saudi Arabia, where women account for 57% of advanced academic degrees, reflecting a high level of education.

According to Moschini, statistics show women-led companies achieve 20% higher profitability than those led by men. She emphasized the importance of confidence and perseverance in bringing ideas to life. She also encouraged female entrepreneurs to collaborate and build strong networks, working alongside both men and women to support the growth of the startup ecosystem.



Saudi Arabia Unveils Pavilion at International Defense Exhibition and Conference in UAE

The Saudi pavilion is showcasing the latest technologies and advanced systems, underscoring the significant progress the Kingdom has made in localizing military industries, in alignment with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. (SPA)
The Saudi pavilion is showcasing the latest technologies and advanced systems, underscoring the significant progress the Kingdom has made in localizing military industries, in alignment with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Unveils Pavilion at International Defense Exhibition and Conference in UAE

The Saudi pavilion is showcasing the latest technologies and advanced systems, underscoring the significant progress the Kingdom has made in localizing military industries, in alignment with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. (SPA)
The Saudi pavilion is showcasing the latest technologies and advanced systems, underscoring the significant progress the Kingdom has made in localizing military industries, in alignment with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. (SPA)

The activities of the Saudi pavilion, organized by the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), kicked off on Monday at the International Defense Exhibition and Conference "IDEX 2025" in Abu Dhabi. This event is being held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates.

Governor of GAMI Eng. Ahmad Abdulaziz Al-Ohali participated in the launch, in the presence of Lt.-Gen. Mohammad Bin Abdulrahman bin Hamed Al-Gharibi, Chief of Staff of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, Sultan bin Abdullah Al-Angari, Saudi ambassador to the UAE, and a number of officials, international investors and decision-makers in the sector.

Al-Ohali emphasized the significance of the Kingdom's participation in IDEX 2025 as a leading global platform for showcasing the latest military technologies.

He underscored the importance of establishing international partnerships that enhance the Kingdom's defense and security capabilities.

The Saudi pavilion serves as a strategic window that reaffirms the Kingdom's commitment to developing its defense sector and strengthening national competencies, contributing to the ambitious goal of localizing over 50% of military spending by 2030, he added.

During the exhibition, GAMI signed a cooperation agreement in the field of government quality assurance with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration in South Korea.

The agreement aims to boost the assurance and reliability of defense products and services carried out under purchasing and acquisition operations, in accordance with the local laws and regulations of both sides.

The agreement reflects the mutual desire of both parties to deepen joint cooperation in the field of defense industry and technology, in a way that achieves the national interests of both countries. The two parties also intend to expand the scope of cooperation by exchanging experiences and best practices in the field of government quality assurance for defense products and services.

The Saudi pavilion is showcasing the latest technologies and advanced systems, underscoring the significant progress the Kingdom has made in localizing military industries, in alignment with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

It is presenting the latest locally developed defense technologies across military, defense, and security industries. It features a variety of military products aimed at highlighting the capabilities of the defense and military sectors. Additionally, it presents investors with a conducive investment environment and the promising opportunities available in the sector.

In addition to GAMI and the General Authority for Defense Development (GADD), the pavilion includes the World Defense Show (WDS), along with several national companies operating in the military industries sector. The companies include the Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), the National Company for Mechanical Systems (NCMS), the Middle East Propulsion Company (MEPC), the Saudi Chemical Company Holding (SCCH), AlKorayef Group, Life Shield Military Industries (LIFE SHIELD), Emaan International, QUDRA Industrial Company, and the Saudi Company for Aircraft Maintenance and Preparation (GDC).