Saudi Arabia Archives

Women Empowerment in local Saudi Companies, example: alfanar

"Women empowerment in Saudi Arabia is non-existent.” I used to hear this statement frequently in Western boardrooms and conferences. Then I visited Saudi Arabia recently, and what I witnessed not only challenged this deeply entrenched misconception but completely shattered it. My visit to alfanar, a leading Saudi company, revealed a story that rarely makes headlines in Western media – a story of genuine transformation, empowerment, and progress driven by Saudis for Saudis.

A Western Leader’s Guide to Saudi Project Management

With Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 in full swing, the opportunities are immense, even for Western companies. Yet, the challenge of navigating this unique business landscape while managing team confidence and cultural competence can feel overwhelming. We show you 3 solutions for an immediate impact to your business.

The Saudi Games: A New Era in the Kingdom

In recent years, Saudi Arabia has been making headlines for its rapid social and economic reforms. Among these changes, the realm of sports has seen a particularly dramatic transformation. The Saudi Games, first held in 2022, stand as an example of this evolution, showcasing the Kingdom's athletic talent. Let's dive into this groundbreaking event and explore how it's reshaping the Saudi sports landscape.

Riyadh Season – Entertainment Extraordinaire

When you think of Saudi Arabia, what comes to mind? For many, it might be vast deserts, oil fields, or conservative traditions. But in recent years, the Kingdom has been undergoing a dramatic transformation, and nowhere is this more evident than in the heart of its capital during Riyadh Season, annual festival that has taken the Saudi capital by storm since its inception in 2019.

A Taste of Tradition: My Journey Through Saudi Breakfast Culture

Breakfast is important in any culture so I wanted to take some time to explore Saudi Breakfast Culture. It offers a lot of insights into the heart of Saudi culture and hospitality. This exploration of Saudi breakfast customs and dishes reveals not only the flavours that start the day for millions but also the social and historical context that shapes this important meal.

Exploring Saudi Arabia’s Diverse Regions

Saudi Arabia is the 12th biggest country of the world by area which makes it 9 times bigger than the United Kingdom, as comparison. Therefore it has quite some diverse regions, each with its own unique characteristics. Understanding these regional differences is crucial for anyone doing business or travelling in Saudi Arabia. In this post, we will explore the main regions of Saudi Arabia and how they differ. We will also discuss why it is important to understand these and how to get more support in learning about the Kingdom.

The Journey to Hajj

Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Let’s look at the five pillars of Islam. They include: Declaration of Faith (Shahada), Prayer (Salah), Fasting during Ramadan (Sawm), Almsgiving (Zakat) and Journey to Makkah (Hajj) Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, a duty that every Muslim must perform at least once in their lifetime if they are physically and financially able. This year, Allah granted me the opportunity to fulfill this obligation, and I approached it with a heart full of keenness and devotion.

Taif: The Summer Sanctuary of Saudi Kings

Tucked away in the Sarawat Mountains and just a short drive from the megacity of Jeddah, the city of Taif offers a refreshing respite from Saudi Arabia's punishing summer heat. It's no wonder then that this scenic highland oasis has long been a favoured summer destination for Saudi kings and their royal entourages escaping the scorching climes. It is also part of a new Summer Initiative by the Saudi Ministry of Tourism called “Your Summer of Discovery”.

With its fragrant rose fields, lush greenery, mild weather, and abundance of historical sites, palaces, and recreation - Taif exemplifies the splendour of an Arabian paradise. Here is an in-depth look at what has made Taif so alluring to royalty and visitors alike for centuries.

Dubai vs Riyadh

At first glance, the Middle Eastern cities of Riyadh and Dubai may seem to have many similarities. They are both modern, rapidly growing urban centers that have transformed into major regional business hubs. Scratch beneath the surface, however, and you will discover two cities with distinct identities that offer very different experiences and cultures.

Whether you're an entrepreneur looking to set up shop, an expat being transferred for work, or just a tourist - understanding the key contrasts between Riyadh and Dubai is essential.

One crucial piece of advice for business in Saudi

Landing that lucrative contract or big deal in Saudi Arabia requires much more than an impressive pitch deck and competitive pricing. One of the most crucial pieces of advice for doing business in the Kingdom is this: take the time to deeply understand the culture and build strong relationships before ever pitching your products or services.

Why is this so important? Saudi Arabian culture places an extremely high value on personal connections, trust, and commitment.

The LinkedIn Goldmine