Her victory sets a new precedent for young influencers and redefines the power of youth in shaping the future
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — January 22, 2026: 14-year-old Saudi youth icon and social media trailblazer Rateel Alshehri has made history by becoming the youngest ever winner of the ‘Favorite Female Influencer’ award at the prestigious Joy Awards.
Her groundbreaking achievement marks a new chapter for youth leadership in the Arab world, highlighting the growing influence of young creators on the global stage.
Rateel’s win is not just a personal milestone but a testament to the power and potential of Generation Alpha. With her unwavering passion for creating meaningful content, Rateel has captured the hearts of millions, using her platforms to inspire and motivate youth across the Arab world and beyond. Her unique ability to blend authenticity, creativity, and purpose has resonated with audiences, solidifying her status as one of the most influential young voices in the region.
In her acceptance speech, Rateel Alshehri said: “I could stand here and pretend that I didn’t expect this. But I did! This isn’t arrogance. It’s confidence. Mama, do you remember when I promised you ‘my voice will reach the world?’. Today, I’m standing on this stage, in a category where creating real influence at age 14 is never easy. And If I can do this, so can you. This award is for every young person watching, thinking their voice is too small or their age is too young.”
“You are never too young to make a difference. Your age is exactly why your voice matters most. So wherever you go, leave a mark that clearly says: ‘I was here. I mattered. I gave something back,” Rateel continued.
At such a young age, Rateel Alshehri has established herself as one of the most dynamic young voices in the region—breaking barriers as the youngest TEDx host in history and the youngest Saudi and Arab podcaster, while building a global following through her Rateel Alpha Talk podcast that champions curiosity, leadership, and youth impact.
She has distinguished herself on international stages as a powerful public speaker at forums such as Misk Global Forum and Cambridge Global Webinar, and as the founder of Meet & Inspire by Rateel, a teen empowerment tour fostering confidence and creativity across the MENA region. In addition to her media and community work, Rateel recently served as the MC at the launch of Trump Plaza Jeddah, where she welcomed and introduced global business leaders such as Eric Trump, underscoring her role as a confident youth ambassador on the world stage and reflecting her generation’s growing influence in shaping Saudi Arabia’s cultural and economic narrative.
Her success at the Joy Awards comes on the heels of her remarkable achievements in the media and social spaces. With a rapidly growing social media following, Rateel has become a role model for aspiring young creators, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, innovation, and social impact.