From Screen to Scene: This Saudi Teen's Mission In MENA Is To Connect Youth In Real Life

At just 13 years old, Saudi social media influencer Rateel Al-Shehri has embarked on an ambitious project: the Ratil Teen Forum. This regional tour, also known as Meet & Inspired by Rateel, aims to bridge the gap between teens in the Middle East and North Africa by promoting face-to-face interactions. The initiative is a shift from the digital realm to real-life gatherings.

Rateel's vision extends beyond mere social media influence; she is determined to create a supportive ecosystem for young individuals. Through her Ratil Teen Forum, she seeks to establish a dynamic platform where teenagers can interact, share ideas, and cultivate a sense of community. This move comes on the heels of the success of her podcast, Rateel Alpha Talk, underscoring her commitment to fostering a connected and forward-thinking youth culture.

The forums kicked off with their first events in Dubai and Riyadh in June and August 2024, respectively. Each gathering saw the participation of over 100 enthusiastic young individuals, eager to engage in an array of activities designed to spark creativity, personal growth, and social interaction.

The events offered a mix of personal development workshops, creative challenges, and fun activities, all orchestrated to provide teenagers with a unique opportunity to interact with their peers and gain insights into the world of social influencers.

The essence of these gatherings lies in their interactive and engaging format. Highlighted by Ratil's empowering speeches, the events incorporate fun segments like "Two Truths and a Lie," live polls, and the "Influencer for a Minute" challenge. These activities are not only entertaining but also encourage self-expression and active engagement among participants.

Additionally, teenagers are invited to create artworks that reflect their aspirations, offering a tangible representation of their future goals. The forums conclude with a social engagement session, allowing attendees to connect and leave with memorable gifts as a token of inspiration.

For Rateel, the forums represent the dawn of a broader movement aimed at empowering teenagers across the region and globally. She passionately believes in the potential of young people to drive positive change, stating, "I've always believed that young people have the power to make a positive impact, but sometimes they just need the right environment to unleash their confidence. The Rateel Teen Forum is my way of providing this space where teens can explore their passions, have fun, and express themselves in front of a receptive audience."

Each forum is carefully tailored to mirror the local culture and interests of teenagers in various cities, including Riyadh, Dubai, and Jeddah. By collaborating with brands that share her vision of youth empowerment, Rateel offers exclusive experiences and special gifts to forum participants.

Moreover, the initiative showcases Rateel's commitment to sustainability, incorporating environmentally conscious practices into the events to encourage more responsible consumption among the youth.

The Ratil Teen Forum is more than just an event series; it's a burgeoning community of like-minded teenagers who support and inspire each other. It aims to be a cornerstone of teen culture in the region, fostering creativity, leadership, and positive social impact.

Rateel's ambition is clear: "This is just the beginning," she says. "I want every teen to realize that their voices are heard, their ideas are valuable, and their dreams are achievable. If we work together, we can build extraordinary things."

Rateel's recent collaboration with philanthropist and tech visionary Bill Gates at the Misk Global Forum 2024 in Riyadh further underscores her rising profile and dedication to youth empowerment, where she delivered opening remarks that captivated the audience and shared the stage with Gates, the forum's main guest.