Saudi Business and Investment Summit

Saudi Rising: Key Driving Forces behind the Kingdom’s Economic Growth

As Saudi Arabia fast-tracks its economic transformation under Vision 2030, the Gulf Business – Saudi Business and Investment Summit will bring together influential voices from government, business, and global institutions to explore how the Kingdom is translating ambition into action.

The summit will spotlight innovation, regulatory reform, public-private collaboration, and strategic investment sectors fuelling the Kingdom’s emergence as a globally competitive economy. With a strong focus on doing business in Saudi Arabia, discussions will unpack the evolving investment climate, growth opportunities, and practical pathways for companies looking to enter or expand in the market.

When: 03/09/2025, 9:00am
Where: Sheraton Riyadh Hotel & Towers (location map)

REGISTER INTEREST TO ATTEND

Agenda

09:00 – 10:00 | Registration & Networking
Arrival of guests, coffee and light refreshments. A chance to connect with fellow delegates before the sessions begin.

10:00 – Welcome speech by Manish Chopra, Publisher of Gulf Business
10:05 – Opening remarks by Gareth van Zyl, Group Editor of Gulf Business

10:10 – 10:20 | Opening Keynote
Michael Champion, CEO, Tahaluf

10:20 – 10:50 | Majlis Part 1: Saudi’s Economic Transformation – Progress and Priorities
How are Saudi Arabia’s key sectors progressing against Vision 2030 goals? This opening discussion explores investment momentum, cross-sector collaboration, and the enabling regulatory landscape.

Moderator: Annabelle Mander, EVP, Tahaluf
Speakers:

• 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 at the Public Sector practice of Kearney MEA

10:50 – 11:00 | Audience Q&A

11:00 – 11:30 | Majlis Part 2: Saudi’s Economic Transformation – Next-Phase Opportunities
Building on the insights from Part 1, this session takes a closer look at emerging opportunities, sector-specific growth stories and the policy frameworks shaping the next phase of Vision 2030. Speakers will share case studies on investment wins, innovation roll-outs and how public–private partnerships are accelerating economic diversification.

Moderator: Gareth van Zyl, Group Editor, Gulf Business
Speakers:

• Jasem Alanizy, Partner, Corporate Finance, Addleshaw Goddard
• Osama AlZoubi, Vice President, Phosphorus Cybersecurity
• Seton Vermaak, Principal Consultant, MRM MENAT
• Javier Carinena, Principal at Energy and Process Industries Practice of Kearney MEA
• Najla Najm, Middle East Careers Leader at Mercer

11:30 – 11:40 | Audience Q&A

11:40 – 12:10 | Panel: The International Perspective on Doing Business in Saudi Arabia
Global firms share insights on market entry, localisation, regulatory navigation and the evolving commercial landscape. Panellists will also explore the practicalities of operating in Saudi Arabia as a global business — from forging strategic alliances and navigating compliance, to adapting products and services for local consumers.

Moderator: Ravi K Ranjan, Founder & CEO Silk Route, Ex-Curator & Business Advisor Shark Tank India

Speakers:

• Maher Abou Nasr, MD, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Saudi Arabia
• Main Canaan, GM, GE Aerospace Middle East
• Dr Goetz Kuras, Partner, Financial Services Practice, Arthur D. Little
• Tarek Miknas, CEO, FP7McCann MENAT
• Hadeel Biyari, Partner and KSA Indirect Tax Controversy Leader at Deloitte Middle East

12:10 – 12:20 | Audience Q&A

12:20 – 12:30 | Gamechanger Awards

12:30 – 12:40 | Closing Remarks
Gareth van Zyl, Group Editor, Gulf Business — Summarising key insights and setting the stage for continued engagement in the Kingdom’s business landscape.

12:40 – 14:00 | Networking Lunch
Seated lunch for attendees to continue discussions and explore future collaboration.

REGISTER INTEREST TO ATTEND

For sponsorship opportunities, please email Manish Chopra [email protected]