Executive Placements
The Desert Comes Calling
There have been many seismic changes in the Middle East, over the past 70 years; That has fundamentally transformed the geopolitical and, social fabric of the region.
- The birth of Israel, 1948.
- Suez crisis, 1956.
- The formation of OPEC, 1960.
- The seven-day war, 1967.
- The emergence of the Gulf Nations, 1971.
- Iranian revolution, 1978.
- The Gulf Wars, 1991 -2003 and the Arab Spring, 2011.
The region defies easy categorization, remains a hotbed of repression and modernization. Continues to attract our attention – in the same way, people are obsessed with car crashes and marathon races. Executive placements.
Having just come back from a lightning trip to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
My view is we may just be on the cusp of another long-awaited change – the emergence of a forward-looking, turbocharged Saudi Arabia, intent on making up for the lost time.
Over a three-day business trip, the significant clash of wildly different images was what struck me most. Victoria’s Secret boutiques, the world’s highest per-capita YouTube usage rates, and NEOM; The USD 500bn AI and robotics wonder city to be built in the northwest desert clash, with a traditionally conservative cultural environment. Which still includes women in black abayas and continued segregation of the sexes, in most social settings.
However, the overwhelming impression is not of warring images but unity and shared purpose. There is a forward-looking vibe in Riyadh that is laser-like and palpable. Sousou Partners was there, to visit one of the region’s most significant government investment agencies. As an executive recruitment firm specializing in Real Assets, we have worked with Middle Eastern clients for the past 20 years; Including helping a substantial sovereign wealth fund, build out an entire platform of over 150 hires. Yet, I have never felt such anticipation and energy. Advisory Services.
I was mesmerized. The change is happening as we speak. Executive Placements.
Our flights were full, the hotels were packed with foreigners; Mainly consultants French, English, and Italians. Conversations buzzing, laptops constantly at hand, enjoying the faster pace and fully aware that they are in on the secrets of Riyadh’s ambitions; They are the select few (for now), experiencing it first-hand. Executive placements.
The specific story for us is that the country is open for business, looking to expand and bring in European and American real estate talent in part to help mobilize the development of NEOM. The larger story is that this is part of an overall Saudi pitch to encourage private equity firms and other investment platforms to support and invest in Riyadh and Saudi Arabia’s ambitious modernization plans. I am a believer.
Mohammed Bin Salman (MBS), the Crown Prince has had a tricky year. But the 34-year-old heir to the throne will soon be the only game in town and he seems intent on propelling this proud, aloof, conservative, desert kingdom into the frontline of world players. The contradictions are still there: elegance and uber-opulence; humility and arrogance – but increasingly tradition is making way for ambition and the embrace of the future. The reality of Riyadh with all its potential.
Riyadh is intent on being part of the world conversation. –
Thus the launch in 2017 of the Future Investment Initiative (FII) an annual investment forum hosted by PIF to discuss trends in the world economy and investment environment. Initially shunned, now everyone attends. Riyadh is also intent on using the template forged by Bahrain and Dubai to become the pre-eminent regional financial hub – diversification, good governance, transparency, and attractiveness to Western investment.
The ambition: to improve on and eclipse these cities. Riyadh has a unique set of credentials: third-largest city in the Arab world (7mn population), one of the wealthiest cities in the world, and with a highly educated population. All of this will be put to good use. According to the figures as shown by the Ministry of Finance, the Kingdom has been able to diversify its economy and not rely on oil revenues. In essence, other sections of the economy have been utilized very well and a lot of revenue has been made.
Here is the change story told from a recruitment point of view.
Imagine you are sitting in London, in a top private equity shop, investment bank, or corporate. You are on top of your game, or looking for your next and last stop; But not ready to call quits – one more BIG thing to do.
If you receive a call from a recruiter about an opportunity in Saudi – how would you react? The typical response has been: “what…be serious…why on earth would I entertain moving in the first place, let alone go to Saudi? Oh no, not me…that’s for second-tier pros.” Or “how will I meet a girl, I can’t relate to the culture, all the glitz and the gold without the glamour. I am used to real quality, good service, good food, diverse cultures.”
Until very recently you would be excused for that reaction. I spent my formative years growing up in the Gulf and had pretty fixed views on Saudi and Riyadh was a no-go zone for me. Especially as a feminist. Now when that phone rings – like me, responses are starting to change. A lot of people are beginning to take a second look. In the world of property and investment, the game is really about two different things: spotting the next big thing and identifying long-term opportunities. Here, right now – my feeling is that Saudi is both. Executive placements, © All Rights Reserved.
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Written by
Ghada Sousou
That’s super cool to know that. I live in Saudi Arabia and it’s a great experience indeed. Riyadh is one of the most beautiful cities in the kingdom and going to be the next hub of businesses soon; The completion of Neom city will also present a great tourist spot in the future. I am looking forward to the developments.
Anyhow, I am quite excited and hope the good days are coming back into the kingdom.
Saudi National Bank profits jump 20%. Considering the arabnews.com
Executive Placements with investing can be made or broken by your approach to taxes. A good accountant, that understands and keeps abreast of tax laws, can be an invaluable asset. I like your articles.
Riyadh is intent on being part of the world conversation. Very interesting post!
$100M Fund To Support SMEs Launched By Riyadh Tech Start-up Foodics.
A Riyadh-based tech start-up known as Foodics has supported Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) with the sum of $100 million on Tuesday. Also, Foodics Capital will encourage the Kingdom’s F&B merchants through microloans. According to them, they will extend loans from 5,000 dollars and 133,000 dollars. Related references – Menabytes online media publication.
Riyadh Forum to Debate on Global Challenges of Covid-19.
The Medical Research, sponsored by Saudi National Guard Minister, Prince Abdullah bin Bandar will hold its 11th forum on the 4th and 5th of November. It will be a virtual meeting with the theme ” Covid-19 Vaccines: Global Challenges and The Future”. The meeting will have 10 sessions that will debate on six important topics that are related to getting a vaccine for coronavirus. Discussions will also include Covid-19 vaccines currently in use, how far clinical experiments have gone as well as international vaccine production and manufacture. Reference from Arab News 2021.
Riyadh was placed in a high ranking by people living in the area, especially in the provision of health and safety services. Online access to government document processing was also put into consideration. Riyadh is progressing towards a multi-million-dollar investment program that would double its population in 2030.
Interesting perspective on the new Saudi world.
Riyadh has increased the rank of the world’s smart cities, according to the yearly survey of resident’s satisfaction carried out by the renowned Swiss business school IMD.
Out of a total of 109 cities, the Saudi Capital finished 53rd. It was an improvement following the fact that it was 18 places behind. The capital is now ahead of places like Paris, Rome, Tokyo, and Beijing. The survey measures how satisfied residents are with technology services in their city.
Very timely indeed and well-spoken. Should be considered as par to of any growth strategy.