At the Jidda Economic Forum last year, Lubna Olayan's veil slipped off during her speech, and she continued on without covering up. Local religious figures condemned her, as did newspapers. I called to congratulate her. As one of the top business leaders in Saudi Arabia, Olayan, 49, has long displayed a quiet courage. Her words that day--about how to get the Saudi economy moving--showed just how valuable it is to incorporate women into the life of the country.
Olayan is CEO of Olayan Financing Co., responsible for 40-odd companies throughout the Middle East. Her position as a major private investor gives her...
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