Full agenda and speakers revealed for Gulf Business Saudi summit

As Saudi Arabia accelerates its ambitious Vision 2030 transformation, Gulf Business has unveiled the full agenda and speaker roster for the upcoming Saudi Business and Investment Summit, set to take place on September 3, 2025, at the Sheraton Riyadh Hotel & Towers (location map).

The summit will bring together senior government representatives, global executives, and regional business leaders to explore the opportunities and challenges shaping the Kingdom’s rapidly evolving economic landscape. With a focus on innovation, regulatory reform, public-private collaboration, and strategic investment, the event aims to serve as a premier platform for companies looking to enter or expand in Saudi Arabia.

Agenda highlights

The half-day programme is designed to provide both local and international businesses with actionable insights into the Saudi market:

• 09:00 – 10:00 | Registration & Networking
  Delegates will connect over coffee and light refreshments before the sessions begin.

• 10:00 – Welcome Remarks
  Opening by Manish Chopra, Publisher, Gulf Business, followed by Gareth van Zyl, Group Editor, Gulf Business.

• 10:10 – Opening Keynote
  Michael Champion, CEO of Tahaluf, will set the stage with an address on Saudi Arabia’s role as a hub for global business growth.

• 10:20 – 10:50 | Majlis Part 1: Saudi’s Economic Transformation – Progress and Priorities
  Moderated by Annabelle Mander, EVP, Tahaluf, this discussion will assess progress towards Vision 2030 goals and sectoral transformation.
  Speakers include:

  • Saud Adham, Director of Policy & Innovation, Ministry of Culture, Saudi Arabia

  • Abhay Bhargava, Managing Director, Frost & Sullivan Middle East

  • Turki Alsubaihi, CEO Public Transport, SAPTCO Group

  • Patrick Samaha, Partner, Public Sector Practice, Kearney MEA

• 11:00 – 11:30 | Majlis Part 2: Saudi’s Economic Transformation – Next-Phase Opportunities
  A forward-looking conversation on new growth areas and sector-specific opportunities, moderated by Gareth van Zyl.
  Speakers include:

  • Jasem Alanizy, Partner, Corporate Finance, Addleshaw Goddard

  • Osama AlZoubi, Vice President, Phosphorus Cybersecurity

  • Seton Vermaak, Principal Consultant, MRM MENAT

  • Javier Carinena, Principal, Kearney MEA

  • Najla Najm, Middle East Careers Leader, Mercer

• 11:40 – 12:10 | Panel: The International Perspective on Doing Business in Saudi Arabia
  Global executives share practical insights on operating in the Kingdom.
  Moderator: Ravi K Ranjan, Founder & CEO Silk Route, Ex-Curator & Business Advisor Shark Tank India.
  Speakers include:

  • Maher Abou Nasr, MD, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Saudi Arabia

  • Main Canaan, GM, GE Aerospace Middle East

  • Dr Goetz Kuras, Partner, Arthur D. Little

  • Tarek Miknas, CEO, FP7McCann MENAT

  • Hadeel Biyari, Partner, KSA Indirect Tax Controversy Leader, Deloitte Middle East

• 12:20 – Gamechanger Awards
  Special recognition of standout contributions driving business and innovation in the Kingdom.

• 12:30 – Closing Remarks
  Gareth van Zyl, Group Editor, Gulf Business, will wrap up the day’s discussions.

• 12:40 – 14:00 | Networking Lunch
  An opportunity for delegates to connect, share insights, and explore collaborations.

Driving regional conversations

The summit reflects Gulf Business’ commitment to spotlighting the Kingdom’s transformation and providing a meaningful platform for dialogue between the public and private sectors. With Saudi Arabia cementing its position as a global investment hub, the event is poised to deliver critical insights for businesses navigating its dynamic market.

For more information on the Saudi Business and Investment Summit or to register interest, visit:
👉 Register interest to attend
👉 View agenda