14-Year-Old Saudi Media Star Hosts Launch of Trump Plaza Jeddah

Saudi youth icon and media trailblazer Rateel Al Shehri, just 14 years old, took center stage this week as the Master of Ceremonies for the official launch of Trump Plaza Jeddah, a USD 1 billion mixed-use development by Dar Global in collaboration with The Trump Organization.

The high-profile event welcomed senior global leaders, including Eric Trump, Executive Vice President of The Trump Organization; Yousef Al Shelash, Chairman of Dar Al Arkan; and Ziad El Chaar, CEO of Dar Global. Rateel guided the proceedings with confidence, highlighting the growing role of Saudi youth in international platforms.

“It was an honour to host the launch of Trump Plaza Jeddah and to be part of a moment that reflects Saudi Arabia’s ambition and global outlook,” Rateel said. “Seeing visionary projects like this come to life in our country is truly inspiring. Hosting this launch showed that Saudi youth can contribute meaningfully to global conversations.”

Rateel Al Shehri is widely recognized as one of the Middle East’s most influential young media figures. She is the creator and host of Rateel Alpha Talk, the region’s youngest podcast platform, where she interviews global leaders and innovators on leadership, curiosity, and impact.

With a social media following exceeding two million, she has spoken at major youth and student events, including the Cambridge Global Webinar 2025, where she encouraged young people to explore their purpose actively rather than wait for it to appear.

Last year, despite her age, Rateel was nominated at the Joy Awards, one of the Middle East’s most prestigious entertainment honors, making her the youngest nominee in her category. She also runs the forum series Meet & Inspire by Rateel, which has brought together hundreds of Saudi teens to foster mentorship, creativity, and open dialogue, particularly for girls.

From major industry events like iktva 2025 and the Forbes Sustainability Leaders’ Summit to media appearances and creative forums, Rateel bridges business, innovation, and youth imagination, showcasing how the next generation is actively shaping Saudi Arabia’s cultural and economic future.