As the world enters the exciting realms of the new year, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia stands at the forefront of entrepreneurial innovation. Brimming with ambition and creativity, a dynamic group of Saudi entrepreneurs is poised to leave a lasting impact on various industries in 2023. These visionaries are not only breaking stereotypes but are also paving the way for a brighter and more diverse entrepreneurial landscape in the nation. Let's take a closer look at ten Saudi entrepreneurs who made waves this year and beyond.
Mohammed Khashoggi
Mohammed Khashoggi, a native of Saudi Arabia, is a self-made entrepreneur driven by a profound interest in Tech, Innovation, and Sustainability. Back in 2019, he established Ejaro, which became the first licensed peer-to-peer car-sharing marketplace in Saudi Arabia. The primary goal of Ejaro was to revolutionize the car rental industry in the region, offering a platform often compared to the Airbnb of cars.
Throughout his career, Mohammed has been the mastermind behind multiple ventures spanning various sectors, including Real Estate, Hospitality, and Tech. With a combined sales record of 500 million SAR, he has consistently demonstrated his business acumen. Remarkably, even at the age of 24, he managed to secure significant deals worth $60 million by collaborating with major real estate development companies in the UK. Over time, Mohammed's passion has gravitated toward the field of Tech, where he continues to thrive and make a significant impact.
Ammar Waganah
Ammar, the CEO and Co-founder of Dokkanafkar.com, stands at the helm of one of Saudi Arabia's prominent e-commerce platforms, established in 2013. With a wealth of experience in digital marketing and startup management spanning twelve years, Ammar's journey began in 2005 when he became part of Unilever, located in London.
Following his time at Unilever, Ammar made a significant move to TBWA Saudi Arabia in May 2006, where he became a valuable member of the strategic planning department for a remarkable five-year tenure. However, fueled by his entrepreneurial spirit, he eventually decided to embark on a new path and founded DokkanAfkar, a venture that would become a major player in the e-commerce landscape in Saudi Arabia.
Kaswara Al-Khatib
Kaswara Al-Khatib is a serial entrepreneur and currently holds the position of chairman at Webedia Arabia, a prominent media production and distribution company with offices in several cities including Jeddah, Riyadh, Dubai, Beirut, Cairo, and Belgrade.
He kickstarted his academic journey by earning a bachelor's degree in computer engineering from King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah. Following his education, Al-Khatib gained valuable experience working in the marketing division of the multinational Procter & Gamble. In April 2002, he ventured into entrepreneurship by founding FullStop, an independent communication agency that aimed to fill a gap in the local advertising industry. Subsequently, in 2009, Al-Khatib established Made in Saudi Films, a production and post-production house, both headquartered in Jeddah.
His entrepreneurial endeavors did not stop there, as in June 2010, he launched UTURN Entertainment, an online entertainment network that catered to the Saudi audience, especially the youth, by providing creative, edgy, relevant, and high-quality content tailored to their social needs and aspirations. Over time, UTURN Entertainment grew into the leading Arabic multi-channel network, amassing a staggering following of nearly 31 million subscribers and followers.
In a significant development, in July 2018, UTURN Entertainment merged with Webedia Group, a digital media company based in France. Following the merger, Kaswara Al-Khatib assumed the role of chairman of the newly formed entity, Webedia Arabia, further solidifying his position in the media and entertainment industry.
Shahad Geoffrey
Shahad Geoffrey is the visionary behind Taffi Inc., a fashion technology startup that has received backing from a venture capital firm. As the founder and CEO, she is on a mission to establish the first-ever styling platform in Saudi Arabia, with an overarching goal of creating a globally recognized fashion brand that elevates the unnoticed into the mainstream.
The core concept of the platform revolves around connecting stylists with consumers and fashion brands. It not only enhances the fashion experience for users but also opens up opportunities for women to become stylists and earn extra income through the burgeoning gig economy, which aligns with the Kingdom's Vision 2030.
Prior to founding Taffi, Geoffrey amassed valuable experience working with various direct-to-consumer brands across different industries, where she oversaw digital operations and marketing efforts. In a notable achievement, she was handpicked from a pool of over 100 candidates to collaborate with Tim Draper, the renowned founder of Draper Associates, a Silicon Valley-based fund.
Tim Draper is a distinguished third-generation venture capitalist known for making astute investments in companies like Skype, Tesla, Hotmail, and several others. His support and mentorship have likely contributed to Shahad Geoffrey's growth as an entrepreneur and the success of Taffi Inc. as a disruptive force in the fashion tech landscape.
HRH Prince Khalid AlWaleed Bin Talal
HRH Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud is a remarkable figure in the realms of business, technology, and investment, advocating passionately for clean energy, healthy living, animal welfare, and serving as a motivated advocate for Middle East entrepreneurs. Prince Khaled was born in California and grew up in Riyadh, under the wise guidance of his father, philanthropist HRH Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud, Chairman and founder of Kingdom Holding Company.
Today, Prince Khaled's influence spans three continents, acting as a bridge between the evolving economies of the Middle East and the Western world. He is a discerning investor with a keen focus on transformative technologies, directing his investments towards ventures and ideas that combine innovation and economic stability.
In the real estate and property markets, Prince Khaled holds a significant role as the Vice Chairman of Arada, a prominent UAE-based development company. Moreover, he chairs the esteemed Raimondi Cranes, an Italian manufacturer recognized globally for its excellence in the industry. A strong proponent of sustainability, Prince Khaled fostered a collaborative partnership with Korea's LiteOn to promote the adoption of LED lighting for traditional streetlights in the MENA region.
In 2014, Prince Khaled founded KBW Ventures, where he currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer. The company is dedicated exclusively to venture capital, value creation, and growth equity, showcasing his commitment to driving forward innovative and transformative ideas.
In early 2019, Prince Khaled was appointed as the President of the Saudi Sports for All Federation, a pivotal role under the Saudi Ministry of Sports. Through this initiative, he unifies various sports and strengthens the Kingdom's commitment to promoting a healthy and active lifestyle among its citizens. His dedication to sports extends to his active role as a Board Member of the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee.
AbdulRahman AbuMalih
Abdulrahman Abumalih is a prominent Saudi journalist, TV presenter, and CEO of Thmanyah, a reputable production company headquartered in Riyadh.
He is widely recognized as the host of the well-known podcast "Fenjan," which derives its name from the Arabic term for "coffee cup." This captivating podcast covers an extensive array of topics related to Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East and North Africa region. What sets "Fenjan" apart is its unique approach of not adhering to a specific theme, allowing the show to explore diverse subjects, ranging from literature and technology to languages, markets, Middle Eastern politics, and even streaming services.
"Fenjan" finds its broadcasting platform on Thmanyah, a prominent podcast platform and documentary producer based in Saudi Arabia. This company is proudly owned by the Saudi Research and Media Group, adding to its credibility and reach within the media landscape. With Abdulrahman Abumalih at the helm, both "Fenjan" and Thmanyah continue to engage and inform audiences with captivating content from the heart of Saudi Arabia.
HRH Prince Fahad Bin Faisal
Prince Fahad bin Faisal Al Saud, the grandson of the brother of the Saudi Arabian king, has opted for a different journey than the traditional royal lifestyle. Despite the allure of high living in Saudi Arabia, he has carved out a reputation as a tech entrepreneur and social media advocate. Graduating from Stanford with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and double minors in Management Science and Middle Eastern Studies, Prince Fahad joined Facebook Arab as the Head of User Operations, playing a key role in the launch of Facebook in Arabic in 2009. Post his Facebook tenure in August 2011, he co-founded tech startups like Na3M Games and Appiphany. Na3M Games, or New Arabic Media, specializes in developing multi-platform games with an Arabic flair. Currently residing in Los Angeles, Prince Fahad serves as the Foreign Ministry's Head of Student Affairs, consulting for the Saudi government on cyber-technology and youth-oriented programs. Despite being just 30, he's become an expert on technological advancements in the Middle East, all while maintaining a refreshingly funny and youthful attitude.
Shahd AlShehail
Shahd AlShehail, a social entrepreneur and Co-founder of Abadia, has committed her professional journey to constructing sustainable models that foster social and economic development. In 2014, she played a pivotal role in establishing Project JUST, a social enterprise harnessing technology to instill transparency and accountability in fashion supply chains. Two years later, in 2016, she co-founded Abadia—a brand with a mission to preserve craftsmanship by collaborating with artisans across the Arabian peninsula, crafting products that offer them a sustainable source of income.
Shahd's influence extends to prestigious global platforms, where she has shared her insights as a guest speaker at events like the Harvard Social Enterprise Conference, the Global Competitiveness Forum, and TED.
Mohammed Bajabaa
Mohammed Bajabaa, widely known as Moe, is a 30-year-old Saudi fashion entrepreneur who made his mark in the industry back in 2014 while residing in sunny Los Angeles, California. Drawn by the vibrant energy and captivating streetwear culture of LA, Moe was inspired to bring those positive experiences back to his homeland, Saudi Arabia.
His vision was clear - he aimed to infuse the passion and spirit of LA into the talented, youthful, and dynamic Saudi Arabian scene. The result of this ambition was the birth of Proud Angeles, a fashion brand that sought to blend the best of both cultures and create something fresh and unique. Moe's brand emphasizes individuality and community, reflecting the ever-growing creative movement in Saudi Arabia.
To build his brand, Moe collaborated with a diverse range of creatives in various fields, including athletes and graffiti artists, fostering a community of self-expression and individuality. One of his initiatives, Proud Bars, successfully brought together a talented group of musicians. Moe's generous nature led him to share his industry knowledge through ProudX, a fashion consultancy aimed at assisting new brand start-ups to avoid common pitfalls.
Wherever Moe goes, his enthusiasm and passion shine through, enabling him to collaborate with incredibly talented individuals and propel Proud Angeles to its impressive scale. With a vision that blends international influences and local creativity, Moe continues to make a significant impact in the fashion world, bridging the gap between LA and Saudi Arabia.
Reem Al-Juffali
Reema Juffali is making a significant impact in the world of motorsport. Hailing from Jeddah, she holds the distinction of being Saudi Arabia's first female professional Formula race car driver, and her rise through the ranks has been nothing short of remarkable. After securing a major career victory at Abu Dhabi's Yas Marina Circuit in 2018, Juffali is now eagerly embracing new challenges in her debut season in the BRDC British Formula 3 Championship, making the leap from F4 at the start of the year.
In 2022, Juffali took another pioneering step by establishing her own team, Theeba Motorsport. Her vision with this venture is to enhance accessibility and participation in motorsport for Saudi Arabians, achieved through a series of educational internships and apprenticeship programs. Currently competing in the Pro-Am class of the International GT Open, her ultimate goal is to make history by becoming the first Saudi racing team to compete at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans. Her journey is an inspiring testament to breaking barriers and paving the way for greater diversity in motorsport.
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