JEDDAH: At just 15, Sulaf Al-Johani is the first Saudi Arabia female to participate in and win the Most Inspiring Young Leader award at the Impact CEO Awards in Dubai earlier this year, for her leadership and scientific contributions at international gatherings.
She is “proud” of several projects and innovations, most notably research in the fields of energy and biomedical science.
One biomedical research project is a treatment that addresses brain death caused by neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, traumatic injuries, internal bleeding, and Alzheimer’s disease.
“I developed the treatment from four natural medicinal plants, combined with a catalyst and nanotechnology, and integrated with AI-guided targeting. This resulted in what I call an AI-directed nano therapeutic treatment,” said Al-Johani, who conducted the research at King Abdulaziz University.
The inspiration behind Al-Johani’s research was the story of Prince Alwaleed bin Khalid bin Talal, also known as the “Sleeping Prince.”
“At the age of 12, I decided to search for a treatment for his condition. I began working on the treatment, thinking about what he feels and what he wants to say. I decided to develop an innovation that reads the thoughts of brain-dead patients and their brain signals that we cannot perceive,” she said.
In the field of energy, Al-Johani was part of a “selective hydrogen production from tree leaves” project, where she helped produce “hydrogen fuel cells from leaf-derived hydrogen as a renewable alternative to traditional fuel.”
“My role centers on contributing to Saudi Arabia’s renewable-energy future, supporting national sustainability goals, and aligning with the Green Initiative — showing that even damaged or fallen leaves can be a source of clean hydrogen,” she added.
Al-Johani presented this project at international gatherings, including engagements linked to a G20 Summit and the Saudi Basic Industries Corp. It earned her The Explorers Medal and other recognition.
The ambitious teen from Yanbu was also part of Saudi Arabia’s delegation at the G20 Young Entrepreneurs’ Alliance Summit 2025.
In addition, Al-Johani has been an ambassador at the World Youth Parliament for Water and Kafila Foundation, and president of the Saudi chapter of the Perception Foundation among others.
Despite being a high school student, Al-Johani has completed multiple courses through US-based academic programs, balancing advanced study alongside her formal education.
Her passion for science and research began at the age of 8. “I was constantly asking questions and trying to understand how things around me work. I had a very strong scientific curiosity, which over time developed into a genuine interest in scientific research and innovation.”
The polyglot can also speak nine languages — Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, Japanese, Chinese, German, Spanish, and Italian — at different proficiency levels.
When not deep diving into science, Al-Johani enjoys practicing Arabic calligraphy in all styles.
While most middle teens are still figuring out their career trajectory, Al-Johani’s path is set for the future. “I aspire to become a major political and leadership figure who builds strong international relations and to expand across the various fields in which I work.”
Her message to Saudi girls is that “there is no young age for achievement, and no impossible dream with determination and knowledge. Saudi girls today are capable of leadership, innovation, and global competition.
“Do not wait for opportunities to come to you — create the opportunity and make change happen.
“Let the world say that Saudis are the foundation of change and the foundation of the world, the ones who create opportunities for the world. Let the world know that the impossible is not Saudi.”
