Topics Included:
Human Capital & Capacity Building, Navigating the Regulatory Environment, Overview of the Saudi Market, Opportunities in Saudi Arabia, Common Pitfalls with Regulations, Company Set-up, Education, Saudization
The Saudi British Joint Business Council (SBJBC) is pleased to present its upcoming workshop, “Doing Business in Saudi Arabia,” scheduled for May 1, 2025, in Birmingham. This event offers UK businesses a valuable opportunity to gain practical insights into the evolving Saudi market, which is undergoing significant transformation under Vision 2030. With a focus on emerging sectors such as education, infrastructure, IT, and finance, the workshop aims to equip attendees with the knowledge needed to navigate this dynamic business landscape.
Through a series of expert-led panels, participants will explore key aspects of entering and operating within the Saudi market. Topics include strategies for human capital development and capacity building, as well as understanding the regulatory environment that governs business operations in the Kingdom. The event will also provide a platform for networking, allowing attendees to connect with industry leaders, government representatives, and fellow entrepreneurs.
The workshop’s themes are designed to address critical components of successful market entry and growth in Saudi Arabia. Panel discussions will delve into current market trends and opportunities, highlighting sectors aligned with national development goals. Attendees will gain insights into workforce development initiatives, including Saudisation policies, and learn strategies for navigating the Kingdom’s regulatory landscape. By participating, businesses will be better prepared to seize opportunities and contribute to Saudi Arabia’s ambitious economic diversification efforts.
10:30 – 11:00 | Registration
11:00 – 11:10 | Welcome from SBJBC, AEI, and Trowers & Hamlins
11:10 – 11:50 | Panel 1: Saudi Market: Trends and Opportunities
This panel will provide a comprehensive overview of Saudi Arabia’s business market, highlighting key sectors such as education, sport, infrastructure, IT, and finance. The discussion will examine how these sectors align with the Kingdom’s national development strategy and the broader Vision 2030 goals. In addition, the panel will review the current trends such as sustainability and digitalisation while providing attendees with insights into under-tapped markets and opportunities.
11:55 – 12:35 | Panel 2: Human Capital & Capacity Building
This panel will explore Saudi Arabia’s strategies for developing human capital and enhancing capacity building to support its transformative Vision 2030 agenda. It will discuss innovative approaches to education, workforce development and talent cultivation that align with the nation’s economic diversification goals. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the role of human capital, including Saudisation, in driving sustainable growth and fostering a competitive labor market.
12:40 – 13:20 | Panel 3: Navigating the Regulatory Environment
This panel will explore the evolving regulatory landscape in Saudi Arabia and its implications for businesses and investors. It will discuss key aspects of compliance, legal frameworks, and government policies and highlight strategies for navigating complex regulations while seizing opportunities for growth in emerging sectors.
13:30 – 14:30 | Networking and close
Date
Time
Location:
Tickets for the Doing Business in Saudi Arabia:
SBJBC Members: Free (please contact us for your 100% discount code)
SBJBC Non-Members: £50 + VAT
DBT is the department for economic growth. We support businesses to invest, grow and export, creating jobs and opportunities across the country. Emma has worked in DBT since 2018, covering multiple sectors and regions of the world and now focuses on the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, Turkiye and Central Asia, sourcing and creating opportunities for Midlands-based businesses who want to expand their global success.
Vic Annells is a seasoned diplomat, business leader, and international trade expert with extensive experience fostering UK-Saudi relations. He currently serves as a Senior Consultant with AEI Saudi, where he assists businesses in working with AEI establishing and expanding their operations within the Kingdom.Previously, Vic held the position of Chief Executive at the Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce. His diplomatic career includes serving as HM Consul General in Milan and as Director of Trade and Investment at the British Embassy in Riyadh, roles that underscore his deep understanding of international commerce and diplomacy. Vic was the UKTI International Trade Director for the East of England region.Vic's expertise is particularly relevant to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, as he held the role Director of Trade and Investment for Saudi Arabia based at the Embassy in Riyadh when the Crown Prince first launched his plan. His focus has been on helping businesses understand the complexity of entering into the Kingdom whilst working in his role at the UK Embassy and it continued with his support for AEI Saudi.
H.E. Dr. Nabeel Koshak is CEO of Saudi Venture Capital and currently serving as the Chairman of the Saudi Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (SVCPEA) and a Board Member of the Middle East Venture Capital Association (MEVCA).He is deeply involved in shaping Saudi Arabia's financial and development landscape, holding key positions such as a member of the Advisory Committee of the Capital Market Authority (CMA), a Board Member and Chairman of the Board Governance, Audit and Risk Committee of the Saudi Industrial Development Fund (SIDF) Investment Company, and a member of the Board Executive and Investment Committee at the Cultural Development Fund (CDF).H.E. Dr. Koshak's expertise extends to supporting small and medium enterprises, as evidenced by his role as a member of the Board Executive and Credit Committee of the Small and Medium Enterprises Loan Guarantee Program (Kafalah). He also serves as a Board Member at the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development.Prior to his current roles, H.E. Dr. Koshak was the Founding Executive Dean of Prince Mohammad Bin Salman College (MBSC) of Business and Entrepreneurship, in partnership with Babson College. He has held executive advisory roles at the Ministry of Economy and Planning and Deloitte, and contributed to innovation as a member of the Investment Committee at KAUST’s Innovation Fund. As an entrepreneur, he founded and served as CEO of three tech startups focused on GIS & CAD systems.
Simon joined BAE Systems in 2001 and has held a number of senior programme leadership and business development roles throughout a 26-year career in the defence industry, spanning the UK, Europe and the Middle East. Most recently, Simon was the Managing Director of BAE Systems Saudi Arabia. Simon is Chairman of MBDA Missile Systems, Europe’s largest manufacturer of guided weapons. Simon began his career as an engineering apprentice. He holds an MSc in Financial Management and an MBA from the University of Manchester. He is an alumni of Harvard Business School’s Advance Management Programme, a Chartered Project Manager and a Fellow of both the CMI and Royal Aeronautical Society.
Andrew is Deputy Managing Partner at AlbionVC, a UK-focused venture capital investor managing approximately £1bn.A former neurosurgeon, Andrew focuses on medical technologies and technology-enabled services to the healthcare and life-science sectors.He also oversees management of the UCL Technology Fund, a long-standing partnership between AlbionVC and UCL Business. He has invested in sectors ranging from digital health, diagnostics and imaging, machine learning applications and therapeutics, including cell and gene therapies.Prior to joining AlbionVC he specialised in healthcare strategy at the Boston Consulting Group (BCG). He holds degrees in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Cambridge and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons.
The Federation of Saudi Chambers is the umbrella and only representative of the Saudi business community. They represent those doing business in Saudi Arabia both domestically and through partner organisations such as the Saudi British Joint Business Council.
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DBT is the department for economic growth. They support businesses to invest, grow and export, creating jobs and opportunities across the country.
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