Ghadeer Atallah is the Cultural Assets Development Associate Director at Diriyah Company, where she oversees the development and delivery of cultural assets within the Diriyah masterplan in close collaboration with strategic stakeholders. Ghadeer supported the development and delivery of Diriyah Art Futures (DAF), a digital arts, research, and educational centre embarked on in coordination with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture. DAF will be the region’s first hub dedicated to new media arts.
Ghadeer successfully balanced asserting authority and fostering strong working relationships with the DAF construction team. Her communication and leadership skills were key to DAF’s success, while her credibility was built through consistent, high-quality work and a deep understanding of every aspect of the project.
Networking has also played a crucial role in Ghadeer’s journey. She gained valuable insights into overcoming challenges by connecting with other women in the industry and seeking guidance from experienced Diriyah leaders. Her advice to aspiring women in construction is clear: never doubt your abilities. While the industry may present challenges, it also offers significant opportunities for growth, leadership, and innovation.
Ghadeer is one of the inspiring women breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry. She is dedicated to inspiring aspiring female leaders to build confidence and excel in managing projects and construction sites. She is equally committed to mentoring the next generation, providing them with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed. Ghadeer trains architectural students, taking them through the entire project development process, from design to construction.
Ultimately, Ghadeer aims to continue leading cultural projects across Diriyah that honour the Kingdom’s rich heritage while contributing to its vision, creating spaces that reflect the nation’s cultural heritage while addressing future challenges.