As part of the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) International Trade Week taking place from 6 to 10 November 2023, RIBA will be hosting an online seminar regarding opportunities and challenges of doing business in Saudi Arabia.
About the event
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is considered a high income country. It has a large population, significant purchasing power, and a growing reputation as an important destination for many foreign brands and companies in many different sectors.
As Saudi Arabia moves towards economic diversification and a non-oil future, the country is investing billions in various mega projects, such as the high tech city Neom and a megacity for culture, sports and entertainment in Qiddiya.
There are also development projects on the Red Sea coast including hotels, high end residential properties and a luxury tourist and wellbeing resort called Amaala. These mega projects demand the full range of creative services and expertise to service the growing hospitality, leisure and commercial property sectors.
The creative industries sector, which includes architecture, is witnessing massive growth and transformation in the region, driven by the urgent need to construct, design, and fit out.
In this session, attendees will receive an insight into building relationships, doing business, exploring opportunities and dealing with challenges, and hear from architects who are already working in the country.
Speakers
Diba Salam - Founder and Principal, StudioDS
Diba Salam is the Founder and Principal of StudioDS, a dynamic London based creative agency, specialising in architecture and ESG Consulting. As signatories to the UN ‘Race to Zero’ campaign, StudioDS core values are routed in promoting UN SDGs through designing efficient, adaptive, and effective communities.
Diba is an active voice in promoting sustainable innovation and diversity in the built environment through her current and past roles as UK Built Environment Ambassador during COP 26 for the UK Green Building Council, Woman in Construction Ambassador, RIBA International Committee member and UK Export Champion for the Department for Business & Trade.
Richard Coutts - Director, Baca Architects
Richard is an international thought leader in waterfront design and regeneration. As Founder and Director of Baca, Richard has extensive practical experience assisting private developers, landowners and government organisations, in turning financial and socio-economic objectives into deliverable projects, policies and solutions.
In 2019, Richard became a RIBA Fellow Member, given to Chartered Members who have made a significant contribution to the profession.
Graham Ellis - Middle East Business Specialist, Services & Skills, DBT
Graham works in the Department for Business & Trade, as the Middle East Business Specialist.
He is focused on identifying and supporting UK creative companies to access large scale projects across the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia.
Safwan Syed - Trade Advisor, Creative Cluster, British Consulate General Jeddah
Safwan is a Trade Advisor for the Department for Business & Trade based at the British Consulate in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Safwan’s focus is on supporting and advising UK Creative companies in various sectors, including Architecture and Design, Tourism, Entertainment, Culture, Film and Sports. He helps companies compete effectively and win business in Saudi Arabia.
Download the full event programme (PDF)
Please note: This session will be recorded and the recording will be available at a later date.
