13-year-old Saudi sensation Rateel Alshehri launches roadshow to inspire and connect the teen community across MENA

‘Meet & Inspire by Rateel’ aims to become a staple of teen culture in the region, empowering young minds to support each other, grow together, and turn ideas into action

Saudi Arabia’s youngest trailblazer, Rateel Alshehri, is redefining what it means to be a youth leader. The 13-year-old influencer and content creator is taking her movement beyond the digital realm and into real-life communities with “Meet & Inspire by Rateel”—a groundbreaking roadshow designed to unite teens across the MENA region.

With a strong presence on social media and a rapidly growing influence, Rateel is leveraging her platform to build an interactive and supportive space where young people can connect, learn, and grow together.

Following the success of her podcast, Rateel Alpha Talk, and her popular meet-and-greet events in Dubai and Riyadh, Rateel saw the potential to create something bigger—a true community of forward-thinking teens. The first event took place in Dubai during June 2024, and the second in Riyadh during August 2024, with each event welcoming over 100 curious attendees.

The interactive gatherings blend personal development, creativity, and fun, providing young people with a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations, take part in inspiring activities, and step into the world of influencers.

Each event features a dynamic agenda that keeps the energy high and the engagement real. From Rateel’s empowering welcome speech to interactive segments like “Two Truths and a Lie”, live audience polls, and the immersive “Influencer for a Minute” challenge, every moment is designed to encourage self-expression and participation. Attendees also get the chance to create their own vision boards, mapping out their future aspirations while connecting with like-minded peers. To cap off the experience, a photo booth and social sharing session capture memories, and a special giveaway ensures everyone leaves feeling inspired.

For Rateel, these events are more than just meetups—they are the beginning of a movement. “I’ve always believed that young people have the power to make an impact, but sometimes they just need the right environment to spark that confidence. Meet & Inspire by Rateel is my way of creating that space—a place where teens can explore their passions, have fun, and be heard,” she says.

With each event curated to reflect the unique cultures and interests of teens in cities like Riyadh, Dubai, and Jeddah, the roadshow ensures a localized and authentic experience. Through brand collaborations, Rateel is partnering with companies that align with her vision of youth empowerment, integrating exclusive experiences and special merchandise to make each event even more memorable.

The initiative also reflects Rateel’s deep commitment to sustainability, ensuring that each gathering promotes eco-conscious habits among attendees. Embedding sustainable practices into the events, she hopes to inspire her generation to adopt greener lifestyles and more responsible consumption habits.

Beyond the events themselves, Meet & Inspire by Rateel is about building a lasting teen community—a network of young minds who support each other, grow together, and turn ideas into action. The roadshow is laying the foundation for a space where creativity, leadership, and positive social influence can thrive.

The event series aims to become a staple of teen culture in the region, empowering young people to embrace curiosity, take initiative, and step into their potential. “This is just the beginning. I want every teen to know that their voice matters, their ideas are important, and their dreams are within reach. If we work together, we can create something truly special.”

The next stop on the Meet & Inspire by Rateel roadshow is set to be announced soon in Kuwait and Riyadh again, promising bigger experiences, more partnerships, and even greater impact.

Rateel’s passion for inspiring youth recently earned her a key role on the global stage, where she shared the spotlight with philanthropist and tech visionary Bill Gates at the Misk Global Forum 2024 in Riyadh. Selected to deliver the keynote opening speech, she captivated the audience with her bold vision for the future, setting the stage for Gates’ highly anticipated remarks.

Connect with Rateel: