Saudi National, Esraa Al-Buti, selected as a 2021 World Economic Forum Young Global Leader

• EY tax partner recognized for pioneering work in tax-advisory and tax-structuring services as well as promoting positive change for women in the region
• Esraa to join a diverse community of world-renowned leaders dedicated to changing the world for the better

Saudi Arabia – 11 MARCH 2021: Esraa Al-Buti, an EY tax partner based in the Riyadh office, has been recognized as a 2021 Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum (WEF), joining a community dedicated to changing the world for the better and mobilizing positive change on key issues.  

Each year, the Forum of Young Global Leaders (YGL) identifies the world’s most promising leaders under the age of 40 – people driving innovation for positive change across civil society, arts, culture, government and business. By connecting them to a community of remarkable peers and investing further in their leadership abilities, the aim is to create a ripple effect over five years that benefits their organizations and the world.

Carmine DiSibio, EY Global Chairman and CEO, says: 

“Esraa has been blazing trails since her student days. As the first woman to become a partner in EY’s Saudi Arabia offices, she’s an inspiring leader who is helping to change the face of Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. I couldn’t be prouder that WEF has recognized her as a Young Global Leader and I can’t think of anyone who deserves it more. I know that Esraa will take this opportunity to build on her accomplishments and create an even more positive impact on the world.”

Abdulaziz Al-Sowailim, EY MENA CEO and Chairman, says: 

“Esraa is an incredible inspiration to a new generation of young female leaders. Since joining our Riyadh office in 2012, she quickly established herself and became the youngest partner in Saudi Arabia. She is a strong ambassador for both EY and women’s empowerment to our clients, as well as within the region. Her technical knowledge and experience, track record and commitment to diversity and inclusion, has catapulted her into the limelight where she uses her influence to positively influence Saudi business and society as a whole.”

Today, Esraa leads EY’s Tax Controversy practice in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), advising KSA-based large local and multinational groups and family businesses on tax advisory and tax and zakat compliance matters. She specializes in projects in the government and public sector and leads on many government giga projects. Esraa also serves as a member of the Saudi B20 taskforce. 

She has received much media attention after being nominated by The MiSK Foundation as one of 30 female future leaders in Saudi Arabia and has used that platform to help improve the environment for women leaders in the Kingdom.

Esraa Al-Buti, EY KSA Tax Partner, says:

“Women in the Arab world are increasingly overcoming historical biases and traditional mindsets to make their mark in driving business growth and change. I am deeply honored to be selected by WEF, joining an inspiring group of leaders who are committed to building a better future around the globe. I look forward to collaborating with the Young Global Leader community to tackle key business issues together, and pursue my goal to further enhance the environment for women leaders in the Kingdom – a key target of the Saudi Government’s 2030 Vision.”

Outside of her day-to-day professional commitments, Esraa actively uses her education and experience to inspire others by speaking at educational institutions around Saudi Arabia and giving honorary lectures on Tax at Alfaisal University. She has also formed various committees to help women get jobs in professional services, both as a member of EY as well as in a personal capacity.

Esraa has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from King Saud University, with first-class honors. She is a certified public accountant with membership in the Saudi Organization of Certified Public Accountants (SOCPA). She also serves as a board member in the Saudi Accounting Association and delivers honorary lectures on tax at Alfaisal University.