Princess Noura Al Saud and How She Took Saudi Fashion Global!

Princess Noura Al Saud and How She Took Saudi Fashion Global!

Author: Mo Islam May 3, 2026 Duration: 1:16:59

On this episode, we sit down with Princess Noura bint Faisal Al Saud, the visionary behind Saudi Arabia’s first-ever fashion week and CEO of JAY3LLE. She shares the journey of building a fashion industry in the Kingdom from the ground up navigating risk, resistance, and ultimately proving that Saudi talent can compete on the global stage. Drawing from her years living and studying in Japan, she explains how that experience shaped her global mindset and approach to entrepreneurship.

 

Princess Noura also reflects on her transition from the private sector to contributing to the strategy of the Saudi Fashion Commission, helping lay the foundation for a thriving creative ecosystem. The conversation explores the impact of Saudi Vision 2030, the rise of Saudi soft power, and the country’s shift from being consumers to becoming innovators. She also discusses fashion as a form of cultural storytelling, from Founding Day to Saudi Cup and what it takes to build a sustainable global brand while preserving authenticity.

 

On a more personal level, she opens up about risk-taking, self-doubt, and the values instilled in her by her parents. Princess Noura shares her perspective on success beyond titles and achievements, offering insight into the mindset required to lead meaningful change and position Saudi Arabia as a growing force in global fashion and culture.

 

0:00 Intro

2:47 Building an Ecosystem Before the Fashion Authority

8:11 Facing Resistance and Calculated Risk-Taking

14:57 The Fashion Supply Chain & Job Creation

16:14 Evolution of the Abaya & Saudi Design

19:03 International Reactions to Saudi's Fashion Movement

21:38 Fashion as Soft Power & Saudi Storytelling

24:37 Founding Day & The Saudi Cup Dress Code

29:53 Preserving Authenticity in a Changing Saudi Arabia

32:04 Background: Studying in Japan

36:37 Building Cultural Bridge

44:22 Returning Home for Vision 2030

47:10 Introducing JAY3LLE: A Saudi Fashion Brand

49:41 Golf as Lifestyle & The Brand's Vision

53:27 What It Takes for Saudi Brands to Compete Globally

56:04 The Business of Fashion & The Saudi Fashion Fund

1:00:03 Competing in a Demanding Saudi Market

1:01:22 Arab Brands Going Global 

1:03:16 Defining Personal Success

1:05:59 Self-Doubt, Imposter Syndrome & Seeking Mentors

1:10:00 Lessons from Parents

1:12:19 No Regrets, Growth Through Mistakes

1:16:26 Closing Reflections


Hosted by Mo Islam, The Mo Show is a conversation held in English, rooted in the daily rhythms and broader narratives of life in Saudi Arabia. This podcast moves beyond headlines to explore the textures of local society and the diverse cultural currents shaping the region. Each episode feels like pulling up a chair for a candid discussion, where personal stories and thoughtful observations reveal the complexities and warmth of a community in flux. You’ll hear from a variety of voices-locals and long-term residents, artists and entrepreneurs, everyday people with compelling perspectives-all contributing to a richer, more nuanced picture. The conversations are unscripted and meandering in the best way, often uncovering unexpected connections between tradition and modernity, or between individual dreams and collective identity. Tuning into this podcast offers a genuine sense of place, a listening experience that feels both intimate and expansive. It’s for anyone curious about the human stories behind the social and cultural evolution within the Kingdom, presented not as a lecture but as an ongoing, engaging dialogue.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Mo Show | Presented by BSF
Podcast Episodes
An Unscripted Conversation with Nada Baeshen & Ahd Kamel [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:25:40
In this raw conversation, Mo, Ahd, and Nada talk about the drastic evolution of their live from the restrictions of the past to the booming creative industries of today. They get into the transition from corporate bankin…
President & Chief Investment Officer of Google | Ruth Porat 169 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:11
In this rare and deeply personal conversation, I was fortunate to sit down with Ruth as she opened up about the defining moments of her life, from learning the power of smart risk to helping stabilize the global economy…
Addiction, Faith & The Consequences of Sin | Sh. Hamza Yusuf 167 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:33
Sheikh Hamza Yusuf is one of the most respected Islamic scholars and the co-founder of Zaytuna College in the U.S. He has spent over forty years studying with some of the world’s leading scholars and is known for making…
“Obesity Is Costing Us $5 Trillion Every Year!” —Gary Brecka [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:12
Gary Brecka is a human biologist, longevity researcher, host of @ultimatehumanpodcast and co-founder of 10X Health, Gary spent over 20 years in life insurance analyzing bloodwork, biomarkers, and medical records to predi…
When Art Becomes Therapy | Nourine Hammad on Motherhood and Healing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:26:06
Nourine is a visual artist whose intricately detailed pencil drawings explore the line between reality and constructed imagery. Her immersive works challenge perception and invite quiet reflection. Beginning with photogr…