Alicia Keys made quite an impact during International Women’s Day weekend.

On Friday (March 11), she brought her third annual Women to Women initiative to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where she held a panel featuring local game-changers like aerospace engineer Mishaal Ashemimry, DJ and producer Cosmicat, and Raha Moharrak, the first Saudi woman and the youngest Arab to reach the summit of Mount Everest. Together, the group discussed different challenges in their respective industries and provided advice to others on how to excel in traditionally male-dominated spaces.

During the event's Q&A session, Keys spoke about how she considered her connections with others as a major source of her inspiration. "I've heard stories from people, and they share with me their life," she said to the audience. "There's just nothing like it when you're face to face with somebody. You can learn so much and grow so much. So, to me, people and humanity inspire me."

The NYC singer continued, “I am a glass-half-full person. I do believe that we can create what we want to create. I do believe that we can shift narratives [and] shift culture. I believe that we can do these things. I believe in the good in people, I really do.” Keys then closed out the fellowship, which was backed by entertainment entity MDLBEAST and creative agency Good Intentions, with an impromptu duet alongside rising Jeddah talent Yasmin AlBitar.

Immediately following the successful initiative, Cosmicat opened up about transitioning from the dental field into Saudi Arabia's first female superstar DJ and producer. "It wasn't an easy one. I worked my entire life to be in dental school, graduate, and pursue my academic education for as long as possible," the "Shakshaka" talent admitted. "The calling for music was too loud. The opportunity wasn't just knocking on my door, it was breaking into my house [laughs]."

On Saturday (March 12), Keys then brought some of her catalog classics to the big stage for a massive festival in celebration of Formula 1's Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. "Tonight was incredible! The energy, the excitement, the breeze, the love! I feel so grateful for the way music connects us!" she told a massive crowd in the Ash Shati district. Also curated by MDLBEAST, the big night boasted additional appearances from A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, and Pusha T. Middle Eastern acts like Nancy Ajram, DJ Aly, Mahmoud El Esseily, and AJ Truth provided support with amazing sets of their own.