Maheerah Programme Returns for Fourth Edition at Athar Festival 2026 to Support Women in Saudi Creative Industry
Athar – Saudi Festival of Creativity has announced the return of the Maheerah Programme for its fourth edition, continuing its mission to support high-performing mid-career women working across Saudi Arabia’s creative and marketing communications sector.
Powered by Publicis Groupe Middle East, the programme focuses on mentorship, professional development, leadership growth, and long-term peer networking, creating opportunities for women to advance their careers and strengthen representation across the Kingdom’s evolving creative economy.
Applications for the 2026 cycle opened on 30 June and will remain open until 24 September, with selected participants set to be announced in October.
Kamille Merchant said the programme has evolved into an influential community of professionals and has become an important part of Athar Festival’s ambition to support a more inclusive and sustainable creative marketing ecosystem in Saudi Arabia.
She noted that alumni of previous cohorts have continued to progress professionally while contributing to a culture of collaboration and peer support across the industry.
Bassel Kakish said the initiative reflects a continued investment in developing future industry leaders and strengthening Saudi Arabia’s marketing and communications landscape.
The Maheerah initiative operates across three integrated pillars. The Programme delivers an intensive cycle of mentorship and professional development. The Network supports year-round engagement through regular sessions and events, while the Alumni community extends access to continued learning, opportunities and peer connections.
Today, the Maheerah Network includes more than 300 members across Saudi Arabia’s creative marketing and communications industry. Members participate in more than a dozen annual sessions covering themes including creative confidence, presenting ideas effectively, negotiation skills, and professional growth, alongside wider community initiatives.
The fourth edition of the programme will be hosted during Athar Festival 2026, scheduled to take place in Riyadh on 24–25 November 2026.
The programme remains open to women working across Saudi Arabia’s creative, marketing and communications sectors, reinforcing broader efforts to develop local talent and expand leadership opportunities across the Kingdom’s growing creative economy.
