Success Saudi

In this episode of Success Saudi Podcast, we sit down with Zohaib Ahmad, Founder and CEO of Navigate Saudi and co-founder of NMKKN, an e-learning company focused on skills development. Zohaib works closely with international businesses entering the Saudi market, helping them set up correctly, stay compliant, and avoid costly missteps. He was also a participant in the first cohort of Misk Launchpad...

In this episode of Success Saudi, we sit down with Sara Batterjee, Founder and General Manager of Focal Building Solutions. FBS is an award-winning interior design firm and fit-out contractor, founded in 2006. With main offices in Jeddah and Riyadh and a team of over 100 employees, FBS handles everything from conceptualization to design, fit-out, and furnishing. In this episode, expect to learn: •...

In this episode of Success Saudi, we sit down with Wafa Al Obaidat, Founder and CEO of PLAYBOOK, a fast-growing digital platform designed to support and connect women and executive leaders. Originally launched in Bahrain, PLAYBOOK now has a global presence, including a growing footprint in Saudi Arabia. Wafa shares the lessons learned from building PLAYBOOK after bootstrapping her first company, O...

What does it really take to launch a business in Saudi Arabia, especially as a newcomer to the ecosystem? In this episode of Success Saudi, we sit down with tech entrepreneur and business consultant Ahmad Mushtaq, founder of Ibtdara, to unpack the practical side of building a company in the Kingdom. From content creation and licensing to community building and tech tools, Ahmad shares hard-earned...

We’re kicking off Season 2 of Success Saudi with Lulwah Al Juraiban, the founder of Treehouse, a homegrown concept that’s redefining healthy, sustainable dining in Riyadh. In this episode, we dive into: •⁠ ⁠How a childhood memory sparked her entrepreneurial journey •⁠ ⁠The challenges of starting and scaling a restaurant business in KSA •⁠ ⁠How Treehouse controls food waste •⁠ ⁠Common mistakes made...

In this episode, we sit down with Nezar Al-Tuwaijri, founder and CEO of Race Arabia, the trailblazing organization creating world-class endurance events in Saudi Arabia. Nezar shares his journey from building a small running community to establishing a leading endurance event firm shaping the kingdom’s fitness culture. Key highlights from our conversation: From Passion to Purpose: Nezar's journey...

In this episode, we sit down with Hussein Attar, CEO of Tech Invest Com, a leading PE/VC firm with 1B SAR invested in regional tech startups. Hussein shares his journey from co-founding Sawerly, a former top MENA photography booking platform that was named one of the Top 50 Arab Startups by Forbes Middle East in 2015, to his current work supporting the regional ecosystem through investments and me...

In this episode of Success Saudi, we sit down with Kholoud Attar, the CEO and Founder of DRB KSA and KAAPH Marketing Agency, and the Founder of Design Magazine. Kholoud shares her inspiring journey of breaking boundaries and leading change across creative industries. In this conversation, we discuss: 🤝 Her work empowering local designers and creatives 🌐 The significance of the networks and group...

Faisal Shaker is a visionary entrepreneur, restaurateur and co-founder and CEO of Modern Food Company or MFC. The MFC portfolio of brands includes many of Riyadh’s finest including San Carlo Cicchetti, Urth Cafe, Billionaire, the award-winning Peruvian-Japanese restaurant COYA, Signor Sassi, the homegrown and award-winning Japanese concept MYAZU, and many others. Prior to founding MFC Group, Faisa...

Mirna Al Ali is a leader in women’s empowerment, a keynote speaker, and was recognized as a Top Arab LinkedIn Creator. She hosts a LinkedIn show called Her Story providing inspiration and wisdom to thousands of followers. In this episode, we discuss: How entrepreneurs can effectively engage clients on Linkedin How to achieve balance in life The cultural barriers that women in the Middle East must...

Episode 12 of Success Saudi Podcast features Brandie Janow, a Design Strategist and Community Lead. Brandie is the founder of Kingdom Creatives, a think tank and social enterprise bringing together over 700 individuals, businesses, and government organizations involved in the creative sectors. She is also the Head of Community at Al Mashtal Community House and a recognized voice in the Saudi busin...

Join us in Episode 11 of the Success Saudi podcast as we delve into the fascinating journey of Cecilia Pueyo, the co-founder of Bonjour Saudi. Bonjour Saudi is a travel and experience design house in Riyadh that connects locals and visitors with authentic Saudi experiences, such as the art of Sadu weaving and the culinary delights of Cooking Kabsa. If you are considering starting a business in the...

Success Saudi Podcast Episode 10 features Sir Alain Edene. Sir Alain is a Health and Wellness Leader, Founder of Fit-In International, and a motivational speaker. In this episode, we discuss: 00:00 - Intro 12:38 - Have you always known how to master your emotion or did you have to learn it? 16:41 - How did your journey in KSA begin? 24:04 - What was your vision? 26:54 - How do you build strong tea...

Episode 9 of the Success Saudi podcast features Emon Shakoor. Emon is an entrepreneur, a venture capitalist, an angel investor, and an advisor. She founded Blossom Accelerator, Saudi Arabia's First Tech-Inclusion Accelerator in 2017. Emon is a venture partner at Oryx Fund Hambro Perks and serves on the investment committee of OQAL, Saudi Arabia’s largest Angel Investment Network. She is a Ted-...

Ahsan Abdullah believes now is the time for investors and entrepreneurs to enter the Saudi market. As an entrepreneur himself whose firm advises hundreds of companies in over 7 countries, when Ahsan speaks, investors listen. Episode 8 of Success Saudi Podcast features Ahsan Abdullah, co-founder and director of Tass and Hamjit, a a multi-service firm offering a broad range of services in financial...

This episode features Zuzana Kalous. Zuzana is the founder of the RWG community, the largest women's fitness community in the Kingdom. Their goal is to make fitness accessible to everyone. The group may not have started with a purpose in mind, but purpose soon followed. This episode explores Zuzana’s journey to Riyadh and the evolution and growth of the RWG community. Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 01...

Maha is a certified business consultant, a certified trainer, and an advocate for women’s empowerment through entrepreneurship. She is also a wife and mother of 2 boys. In 2014 Maha founded SHEWORKS, the first licensed business hub and incubator for women in Saudi Arabia. She is a former member of the Business Women Committee in Riyadh Chamber, a former member at the Saudi Coordination Council for...

This episode features Wadha Al Rashid, the Founder of Draft Cafe. Wadha founded Draft Cafe in 2017 before the burgeoning Cafe scene in Riyadh. She now has 9 locations across the city. In this thought-provoking podcast episode, we explore the concept of empowering your team and embracing discomfort for personal and professional growth. Wadha talks about hiring staff, choosing locations, industry ch...

Cassandra is the CEO of a private family office in KSA. She practiced as a lawyer specializing in Sports, Entertainment, and Corporate Risk in both Australia and Saudi Arabia. Cassandra is also a seasoned speaker and travels internationally giving keynotes and appearing on panels. In this interview, Cassandra shares her advice on doing business with family offices, the best places for expats to ne...

In this episode of the Success Saudi podcast, we are joined by Norah AlRayes, the CEO and co-founder of Masterhat, a center for performing arts, drama, and creative programs in Riyadh. In the conversation, Norah shares her entrepreneurial journey, from identifying a gap in the market to partnering with the Ministry of Cultural Theatre and Performing Arts Commission. Norah teaches us that with the...

Today's guest on Success Saudi is Hassan Ikram! Hassan is an entrepreneur, angel investor, venture capitalist, mentor, and advisor. He currently serves as the Founding Partner and CEO at Cotyledon for management consultancy, Founder Chairman of Thriftplan, Co-founder and Chairman of 3ndey, and previously co founded the award-winning Falak Investment Hub. In this episode Hassan shares valuable...

Today’s guest on Success Saudi is Joel Huffman! Joel is the Co-Founder and CEO of Arabius, a language and culture app launched in 2020 with the mission to revolutionize the language learning process, especially for people interested in coming to Saudi Arabia. In this episode, we are going to learn about his upbringing and what led him to want to travel the world and experience new cultures. Joel i...

Looking to start or grow a business in Saudi Arabia? Learn from our community of successful entrepreneurs for inspiration and practical tools for success.