From the very first moments of my journey, I sensed that my trip to Riyadh would be something extraordinary. Boarding Saudi Airlines, I was immediately struck by the level of professionalism, warmth, and cleanliness that set the tone for what was to come. The experience was seamless, from the courteous crew to the attention to detail, offering a glimpse into a country that takes pride in excellence and hospitality.
During the flight, I had time to read about Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the ambitious national transformation plan led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The scale of its projects, from NEOM, the futuristic city being built from the ground up, to The Red Sea Project, Roshn Group, and other mega-developments, is truly staggering. It’s a vision that combines innovation, sustainability, and cultural preservation, redefining what progress can look like in the region.
Championing Women’s Leadership
Once in Riyadh, my agenda was full of remarkable events. One of the key highlights was the Forbes Middle East Women’s Summit, a vibrant gathering of female leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators from across the region. The discussions and networking were inspiring, a clear reflection of the country’s growing commitment to women’s empowerment and inclusion in the business and creative sectors.
I was also deeply impressed by my visit to Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, the largest women’s university in the world with over 60,000 students. During the Creative Women event held there, I met brilliant young women whose creativity and ambition left a lasting impression. Their passion and forward-thinking mindset embody the transformative energy that is reshaping Saudi society.
Entrepreneurship and Technological Momentum
Another major highlight was attending BIBAN, the Kingdom’s flagship expo for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The event was immense, halls filled with entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators showcasing their ideas and products. It perfectly encapsulated the entrepreneurial drive that’s fueling the diversification of Saudi Arabia’s economy.
What stood out everywhere I went was the high level of technology integrated into every aspect of the city. Riyadh’s modern architecture, smart infrastructure, and digital systems reflect a country that is not only embracing innovation but championing artificial intelligence and advanced technologies to power its future.
Throughout the trip, I held numerous meetings with clients and partners, each one offering insights into the determination and optimism driving Saudi Arabia’s growth. The people I met shared a collective sense of purpose, an eagerness to build, create, and contribute to something larger than themselves.
A City of Determination and Grace
Riyadh itself left a profound impression on me. The city is spotlessly clean, impeccably organized, and full of friendly, welcoming people. There’s a quiet confidence that defines the city, a mix of discipline, ambition, and warmth that makes visitors feel both inspired and at home.
Although my schedule was packed with events, meetings, and conferences, I found myself wishing for more time to explore the cultural side of Riyadh, its museums, art galleries, heritage sites, and exhibitions that reflect the Kingdom’s deep history and artistic richness. The balance between tradition and innovation is one of the most fascinating aspects of Saudi Arabia’s transformation.
Reflections on an Inspiring Journey
My time in Riyadh was more than a business trip; it was a journey through a nation in motion. From the empowerment of women to the embrace of technology, from entrepreneurial ambition to cultural pride, every experience reinforced a sense of optimism about the future.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is not just a plan, it’s a palpable reality taking shape across the Kingdom. Riyadh, in particular, stands as its heartbeat: a city of progress, pride, and purpose, where innovation meets tradition and the future is being built one bold step at a time.