Asma Siddiki

Executive Director, Education at Diriyah Gate Development Authority

Speaker

Dr. Asma A. Siddiki is a distinguished education executive, strategy advisor, and thought leader whose career spans leadership roles in higher education, organisational development, and cultural exchange across the Middle East and beyond. With a Doctorate in Cognitive Psychology from the University of Oxford, her work has spanned a 30-year career combining academic expertise with executive acumen to shape future-focused learning ecosystems.

She currently serves as CEO Advisor at the Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) in Saudi Arabia, where she is also spearheading strategic initiatives, including the establishment a world-class university in Diriyah. Previously, as Executive Director for Education and Research at the Diriyah Foundation, she played a pivotal role in shaping its academic and outreach frameworks.

Dr. Siddiki’s career reflects a deep commitment to institutional innovation and leadership excellence. At Prince Mohammed Bin Salman College for Business & Entrepreneurship (MBSC), she served as Interim Dean, overseeing change management, quality assurance, and the recruitment of the founding MBA class. Her leadership strengthened employee engagement, and solidified global partnerships, notably with Babson College.

Earlier, Dr. Siddiki advised institutions and governments across the MENA region on strategic planning, regulatory compliance, curriculum design, and student development, while also expanding programs for gifted learners in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

She began her career as a teacher and subsequently, her academic contributions extend to teaching roles at Effat University, Oxford University, and the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government, as well as designing executive programs on women’s leadership. She has served as Associate Dean at the Dubai School of Government (in collaboration with Harvard Kennedy School), Vice Dean at Effat University, and has held governance roles with The World Academy and Waad Holding Company.

Beyond her institutional leadership, Dr. Siddiki is an active voice in global dialogue on education and leadership. A World Economic Forum Young Global Leader (2014–2021), she has spoken at the WEF, G20 forums, and international conferences on education, workforce development, and entrepreneurship. She has represented Saudi Arabia in high-profile delegations and participated in bilateral dialogues such as the Two Kingdoms Dialogue between the UK and KSA. Her contributions to global thought leadership include articles on lifelong learning and knowledge economies, as well as research on enhancing education ecosystems in the GCC. She has also served on advisory boards of innovative organisations in health, technology, and education.

Dr. Siddiki continues to bridge global best practices with local aspirations, empowering institutions and communities to thrive in an era of transformation.