In suburban Riyadh, a rebellious and determined 10-year-old girl named Wadjda dreams of owning a green bicycle, despite societal norms that discourage girls from riding bikes. To fulfill her dream, Wadjda decides to raise the money herself. She begins by selling homemade bracelets and mixtapes to her classmates, demonstrating her entrepreneurial spirit and defiance against the restrictions imposed on her. Concurrently, her relationship with her mother becomes strained as her mother struggles with the traditional expectations of being a wife in a patriarchal society and Wadjda's nonconformity.

Eager to earn a substantial amount of money quickly, Wadjda enrolls in a Qur'an recitation competition at her school, which offers a hefty cash prize. While preparing for the competition, she navigates the complex web of Saudi societal and religious expectations, facing resistance and disapproval from school officials and peers alike. Her determination to win the competition becomes a symbol of her broader desire for personal freedom and self-expression. As she embraces her identity and fights for what she believes in, Wadjda's journey provides a poignant reflection on the challenges faced by women and girls in conservative societies.