Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – October 1st, 2025 – Jomana R. Alrashid, Chief Executive Officer of Saudi Research and Media Group (SRMG) and Chairwoman of the Red Sea Film Foundation, has made history as the first Saudi to be recognised on TIME Magazine’s TIME100 Next list.
An expansion of the iconic TIME100 list of the most influential people in the world, TIME100 Next highlights 100 emerging leaders who are shaping the future of business, entertainment, sports, politics, health, science, activism, and more.
Alrashid’s inclusion highlights her pioneering leadership in business and media and marks a milestone moment for Saudi women on the global stage. Alongside Alrashid, the list includes names such as White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, international football phenom Lamine Yamal, Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana, and many more influential and emerging leaders in their respective fields.
Time Magazine described Alrashid as “an architect of the Middle East’s shifting media landscape”. Since her appointment in 2020 as the first female CEO of SRMG, she has spearheaded the company’s comprehensive digital-first transformation, launched new innovative media verticals, and forged landmark global partnerships.
These efforts have been reflected in SRMG’s rapid growth of its stock, signifying extensive trust by investors in Alrashid's business development and management strategies across media entertainment and technology sectors. Under her leadership, SRMG has redefined how Arab media engages with audiences, while nurturing new generations of talent.
As Chairwoman of the Red Sea Film Foundation, she has championed the growth of the film industry across the Arab world, Africa and Asia, driving initiatives to empower filmmakers and foster international collaboration. This commitment has culminated in an unprecedented achievement, with over 80 supported films premiering and garnering awards and international recognition at the world’s most prestigious festivals, including Cannes, Venice, Berlin, Toronto and Sundance, among others.
These are filmmakers, and their stories—which once struggled to find a place in the international film industry—are now making their mark on the global stage. Today, the Red Sea International Film Festival stands as a premier global destination for cinema, culture and creativity.
