Success Saudi

Hosted by Maria Cometti

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Jan 2026

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About the show

"Success Saudi" is dedicated to current and future entrepreneurs in KSA. We interview local entrepreneurs and industry experts who share their journeys, provide insights into the local market, and impart their hard-earned wisdom and tips for success.

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23 recent

January 8, 2026Episode 541 min

Starting Up in Saudi Arabia: Advice Every Founder Should Hear

In this episode of Success Saudi Podcast, we sit down with Zohaib Ahmad, Founder and CEO of Navigate Saudi and co-founder of NMKKN, an e-learning company focused on skills development.Zohaib works closely with international businesses entering the Saudi market, helping them set up correctly, stay compliant, and avoid costly missteps. He was also a participant in the first cohort of Misk Launchpad, giving him a front-row view of the Kingdom’s startup ecosystem and how it is evolving in practice.In this conversation, we discuss• The biggest misconceptions about starting a business in Saudi Arabia and what is actually true• Realistic timelines for market entry• Red flags to watch for when choosing a local partner (and what to do instead) • How to approach hiring and building local teams• The number one piece of advice for anyone starting up in KSAIf you are thinking about starting a business in Saudi Arabia, or already operating here, this episode offers practical insights that can help you avoid costly mistakes, save time, and build a stronger foundation for your enterprise.

July 15, 2025Episode 41 hr 41 min

Building Saudi Spaces: Sara Batterjee on Design, Leadership & Vision

In this episode of Success Saudi, we sit down with Sara Batterjee,Founder and General Manager of Focal Building Solutions.FBS is an award-winning interior design firm and fit-out contractor, founded in 2006. With main offices in Jeddah and Riyadh and a team of over 100 employees, FBS handles everything from conceptualization to design, fit-out, and furnishing.In this episode, expect to learn: • Why local knowledge is essential in Saudi interior design • Advice on building a thriving company and a fulfilling life • Sara’s non-negotiable requirement for clients • Tips on designing an effective workspace • Why going to an office was important, even when it was just herThis conversation will be especially valuable for anyone designing a commercial space in Saudi or starting up a business locally.Special thanks to the beautiful Dur Al Hada Compound for hosting our podcast today.

June 26, 2025Episode 31 hr 14 min

Building PLAYBOOK: A Global Platform for Women Leaders with Wafa Al Obaidat

In this episode of Success Saudi, we sit down with Wafa Al Obaidat, Founder and CEO of PLAYBOOK, a fast-growing digital platform designed to support and connect women and executive leaders. Originally launched in Bahrain, PLAYBOOK now has a global presence, including a growing footprint in Saudi Arabia.Wafa shares the lessons learned from building PLAYBOOK after bootstrapping her first company, Obai & Hill, to multimillion-dollar revenue. We explore the mindset shifts required for growth, the challenges women face in scaling, and her perspective on balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood.🔹 Why she chose to seek funding after growing her first company without outside capital🔹 Tips for women to secure funding🔹 How PLAYBOOK sold memberships even before launching🔹 Her take on balancing ambition, motherhood, and building at your own pace🔹 Why women founders must think beyond starting and focus on scalingWhether you’re starting from scratch or looking to grow, this episode offers practical advice and inspiration for building something meaningful in Saudi and beyond.

June 10, 2025Episode 21 hr 18 min

Building in Saudi: Insider Advice on Entrepreneurship from Ahmad Mushtaq

What does it really take to launch a business in Saudi Arabia, especially as a newcomer to the ecosystem?In this episode of Success Saudi, we sit down with tech entrepreneur and business consultant Ahmad Mushtaq, founder of Ibtdara, to unpack the practical side of building a company in the Kingdom.From content creation and licensing to community building and tech tools, Ahmad shares hard-earned insights and hands-on tips for anyone looking to start strong in Saudi.🔹 The biggest takeaway from his MBA at Prince Mohammed Bin Salman College🔹 How creating content helped grow his brand and business🔹 What every founder should know about the licensing process🔹 How to “test the waters” before registering your company🔹 The power of webinars Whether you’re based in Saudi or just exploring the market, this episode will help you navigate the startup landscape with clarity and confidence.Thank you to the team at the beautiful Dur Al Hada Compound for hosting us.

May 18, 2025Episode 148 min

How Treehouse Became Riyadh’s Favorite Farm-to-Table Café with Lulwah Al Juraiban

We’re kicking off Season 2 of Success Saudi with Lulwah Al Juraiban, the founder of Treehouse, a homegrown concept that’s redefining healthy, sustainable dining in Riyadh.In this episode, we dive into:•⁠ ⁠How a childhood memory sparked her entrepreneurial journey•⁠ ⁠The challenges of starting and scaling a restaurant business in KSA•⁠ ⁠How Treehouse controls food waste •⁠ ⁠Common mistakes made in F&B •⁠ ⁠Her favorite resources, habits, and Saudi brandsWhether you’re in F&B, dreaming of launching your own venture, or love a good founder story, this one’s for you.Hosted at the beautiful Vivienda Hotel and Villas in the Diplomatic Quarter.

January 3, 20251 hr 21 min

Building Community Through Endurance: Insights from Nezar Al-Tuwaijri

In this episode, we sit down with Nezar Al-Tuwaijri, founder and CEO of Race Arabia, the trailblazing organization creating world-class endurance events in Saudi Arabia. Nezar shares his journey from building a small running community to establishing a leading endurance event firm shaping the kingdom’s fitness culture. Key highlights from our conversation: From Passion to Purpose: Nezar's journey from being a Boston runner to founding Race Arabia, emphasizing community building. Overcoming Challenges: Race Arabia’s path to success despite market skepticism, stakeholder issues, and operational hurdles. Participant-Centered Experiences: The focus on passionate teams and unforgettable participant experiences as core to Race Arabia's mission. Lessons from Failure: Early struggles with stakeholder management and logistics refined Nezar's approach to event planning. Growing a Movement: Nezar's strategies to transform a casual running group into a thriving community, with ambitions for international-level road races.

December 9, 20241 hr 3 min

Empowering Entrepreneurs: Expert Insights from Hussein Attar

In this episode, we sit down with Hussein Attar, CEO of Tech Invest Com, a leading PE/VC firm with 1B SAR invested in regional tech startups. Hussein shares his journey from co-founding Sawerly, a former top MENA photography booking platform that was named one of the Top 50 Arab Startups by Forbes Middle East in 2015, to his current work supporting the regional ecosystem through investments and mentorship. Key highlights from our conversation: • Entrepreneurial Lessons: Hussein reflects on his early experiences with Sawerly and the key lessons learned that shaped his current approach to investing. • Foundational Steps for Startups: Practical advice for new entrepreneurs on how to lay a strong foundation for success, including building the right team. • Investment Insights: What Hussein looks for when investing in startups and how his approach differs from other VC firms. • Government Engagement: Advice on working with Saudi government entities and how to successfully collaborate with them. • Cultural Factors: Essential cultural considerations for entrepreneurs starting or scaling their businesses in Saudi Arabia. • Building Resilience: Hussein shares strategies for maintaining resilience during tough times and how to know when it’s time to move on from a business idea. • Marketing on a Budget: Effective, low-cost marketing strategies for startups to maximize growth. • Health & Wellness: We also discuss the growing importance of prioritizing health for entrepreneurs. Hussein’s passion for the startup ecosystem shines through in this episode, and his insights are invaluable for anyone looking to grow in the MENA region. Tune in for expert advice on entrepreneurship, investment, and navigating the challenges of building a successful business.

November 12, 202454 min

Creative Leadership & Cultural Impact with Kholoud Attar

In this episode of Success Saudi, we sit down with Kholoud Attar, the CEO and Founder of DRB KSA and KAAPH Marketing Agency, and the Founder of Design Magazine. Kholoud shares her inspiring journey of breaking boundaries and leading change across creative industries. In this conversation, we discuss: 🤝 Her work empowering local designers and creatives 🌐 The significance of the networks and groups that have shaped her success 🚐 Her journey of creating a mobile gift caravan to deliver cultural experiences ✨ Valuable lessons on self-belief and staying inspired Get ready for an empowering conversation filled with fresh insights and the wisdom of a true creative leader. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or simply seeking motivation, this episode is packed with gems! 🔗 Tune in now to hear Kholoud’s story and follow her journey.

October 20, 20241 hr 2 min

F&B Frontiers: Faisal’s Journey with Modern Food Company

Faisal Shaker is a visionary entrepreneur, restaurateur and co-founder and CEO of Modern Food Company or MFC. The MFC portfolio of brands includes many of Riyadh’s finest including San Carlo Cicchetti, Urth Cafe, Billionaire, the award-winning Peruvian-Japanese restaurant COYA, Signor Sassi, the homegrown and award-winning Japanese concept MYAZU, and many others. Prior to founding MFC Group, Faisal was in the banking and investment industry for over 15 years, at firms such as Merrill Lynch, SABB, Barclays and Audi Capital. Moreover, Faisal also sits on various boards and committees, including publicly listed companies. In this interview we cover: - Faisal’s early career ambitions - The decision to leave banking and run MFC - Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to enter the F&B industry - Lessons learned from opening MFC’s first restaurant - The evolution of Saudi’s F&B industry - The ways international brands must adapt to local preferences - What it takes to be successful in F&B - Why Faisal is excited about Saudi Arabia’s future

September 24, 202444 min

Linkedin Success & Women’s Stories with Mirna Al Ali

Mirna Al Ali is a leader in women’s empowerment, a keynote speaker, and was recognized as a Top Arab LinkedIn Creator. She hosts a LinkedIn show called Her Story providing inspiration and wisdom to thousands of followers. In this episode, we discuss: How entrepreneurs can effectively engage clients on Linkedin How to achieve balance in life The cultural barriers that women in the Middle East must overcome to advance professionally Hacks to build a LinkedIn presence Mirna’s bold move after becoming too comfortable in her job Starting a LinkedIn talk show And more!