Young Saudi influencer Rateel Alshehri is redefining what it means to be a youth leader
Posted on 2025 Mar,13  | By ArabAd's staff


13-year-old influencer and content creator Rateel Alshehri is taking her movement beyond the digital realm and into real-life communities with “Meet & Inspire by Rateel”—a roadshow designed to unite teens across the MENA region. 

With a strong presence on social media and a rapidly growing influence, The Saudi teenager 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. 

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 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,” states Rateel.

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.

Beyond the events themselves, Rateel is turning this digital energy into real-world impact, ensuring that young people have the right space and support to embrace their potential.

Teenagers today are leveraging social media to inspire and uplift their communities like never before. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are no longer just for entertainment—they have become powerful tools for advocacy, learning, and self-expression. From mental health awareness to environmental activism, young influencers are using their voices to drive change and support each other. Rateel’s mission aligns with this movement, proving that teens are not just consumers of content but also leaders, creators, and changemakers shaping the future.

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.