Join AstroLabs and the Saudi British Joint Business Council (SBJBC) for a 2-day series of value-packed events in London, covering everything you need to know about doing business in Saudi Arabia.
Date: March 12th-13th, 2025
Each half-day event runs from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM GMT.
This 2-day event provides practical insights, sector-specific discussions, and valuable networking opportunities for UK businesses considering expansion into Saudi Arabia.
Day 1: Sports & Mega Events – March 12th
Venue: Trowers & Hamlins, London
Discover the Kingdom’s ambitious plans to become a global sports and entertainment hub. Industry leaders will examine the vast opportunities, technological advancements, and key considerations for businesses.
Key Themes:
- Navigating the Saudi Sports & Entertainment Market
- The Game Changer: Exploring the Role of Technology in Sports Innovation
Agenda:
09:00-09:30: Registration, coffee networking
09:30-09:40: Welcome notes by Astrolabs / SBJBC / Trowers & Hamlins
09:45-10:40: Panel 1: Navigating the Saudi Sports & Entertainment Market
Moderator: Riley Gonta: Head of Global Partnerships, AstroLabs
Speakers:
- Andrew Reekie, Chief Financial Officer at Footballco
- Basim Ibrahim, Sport Sector Investment Development Director at Ministry of Investment
- Garry Herbert, MBE, Director at J stern & Co
- Nasreen Alissa, Lawyer at The Law firm of Nasreen Alissa
10:30-11:45: Panel 2: Hosting the World: The Role of Mega Events in Shaping Sports Culture
Moderator: Cordelia Begbie, CEO, SBJBC UK
Speakers:
- Dave Martin, Senior Vice President at British Esports and CEO at Esports
- Jonny Gray, Senior Managing Director at Ankura
- Rashid Menras, Director at Menras
- George Quick, Commercial Director at 54
11:45-12:00 Q&A General Discussion
12:00-13:00: Standing lunch & networking
13:00-13:30: practical lunch
Day 2: Tech & IT – March 13th
Venue: Argyll, Central Court, LondonArgyll – Central Court, London
Explore the dynamic and rapidly evolving Tech & IT landscape in Saudi Arabia. Leading experts will discuss market trends, opportunities, key players, and the future of innovation, focusing on UK-Saudi bilateral relations.
Key Themes:
- Market Landscape, Trends, Opportunities, Bilateral Relations, Main Barriers for UK Businesses
- The Future of Government and Corporate Innovation
Agenda:
09:00-09:30: Registration, coffee networking
09:30-09:40: Welcome notes – Astrolabs / SBJBC
09:45-10:30: Panel 1: (more general) market landscape, trends, opportunities, bi-lateral relations, main barriers for UK businesses
Moderator: Riley Gonta: Head of Global Partnerships, AstroLabs
Speakers:
- Chris Corbishley, Managing Partner at 9900
- Omar Ebeid: Chief Executive Officer at Zeal
- Rob Mossop, Chief Digital Officer at Sword Group
- Sa’ad Hamoud, Director at Deloitte
10:30 – 11:45: Panel 2: The future of government and corporate innovation ||
Moderator: Sagar Shah, Director at Fintech Saudi
Speakers:
- Mark Melvin, Vice President at Mach 49
- Raed Marouf: Director at Elm Europe
- Juian Ritter: Partner and member of the Executive Board at Stryber
- Alison Young, Associate Director, Local Public Services at Tech UK
11:45-12:00 Q&A General Discussion
12:00-13:00: Standing lunch & networking
13:00 -13:30: Practical Lunch
Why Attend?
- Gain valuable insights into the Saudi market across key sectors.
- Network with industry experts, policymakers, and potential partners.
- Discover lucrative business opportunities in a rapidly growing economy.
- Understand the latest trends and innovations shaping the Saudi landscape.
- Learn market entry strategies tailored to your industry
- Network with companies who have successfully expanded to Saudi Arabia
About AstroLabs:
AstroLabs is the Gulf’s leading business expansion platform, having set up 800+ businesses in the Kingdom, including construction & design leaders HBA, CPG Corporation, Grankraft, UN Studio, Waagner Biro, and many more.
Don’t miss this opportunity to unlock the potential of the Saudi market!
SBJBC members will recieve a 100% discount to these events. For further details, please contact asil@sbjbc.org
Day 1: Sports & Mega-Events – [Register here]
Day 2: Tech & IT – [Register here
