LONDON: There are hundreds of powerful and successful women in Saudi Arabia, contrary to the perception of people in the West, a prominent Saudi businesswoman said here recently.

Afnan Al-Shuaiby, secretary general and chief executive officer of the Arab British Chamber of Commerce, based in London, made these comments recently at a GW Global Series meeting, organized by George Washington University.

The packed audience hall included ambassadors, business leaders and alumni. The GW Global Series provides an opportunity for alumni considered as leaders in their fields to share their insights and experiences with top executives and professionals. George Washington University President Steven Knapp hosted the event.

Al-Shuaiby said she was sometimes frustrated by the continued stereotyping of Saudis and Arabs, particularly in Western countries. She said many people still believe that Saudis travel on camels.

There was also the perception that people from Saudi Arabia can only be successful if they grow up in the West. She said she was proud of her Saudi identity and that there are hundreds of fellow women in the Kingdom who are educated and successful.

She said that many of the 15,000 Saudis studying at universities in the United Kingdom are women. However, she believes many women still have to work twice as hard as men to gain recognition. “What gentlemen in the room only have to do once, I have to do twice.” she said.

Al-Shuaiby said a good leader has to listen and observe, and understand people from different walks of life and cultures. In addition to education, strong family support was vital to develop the confidence to take up leadership positions, she said.

Al-Shuaiby recalled how nervous she was in 2009 facing a panel of six examiners who quizzed her on her PhD dissertation. She recalled waiting outside and worrying about what she would say to her family if she failed.

When the examiners called her back and addressed her as Dr. Al-Shuaiby, she first thought her father, also a doctor, had come into the room. It was only when she picked up her diploma later that the realization sunk in, she said.

Born, raised and educated in Saudi Arabia, she graduated with a degree in English literature from King Saud University in Riyadh. She went on to complete a Master of Arts in Educational Administration at the American University in Washington before gaining her PhD in Leadership Administration from the same institution. She also holds a certificate in Peace and Conflict Resolution from the School of International Service at the American University in Washington, and has a certificate in Executive Education from the Harvard Kennedy School.

She has worked as an adviser to the president of the US Saudi Arabian Business Council in Washington DC. She was named ‘Diplomat of the Year’ for the Middle East in 2011, recognizing her achievements as a foreign diplomat in London. She also received an award from The International Alliance for Women in 2011.