Jeddah skyline with modern skyscrapers and Red Sea coastline, representing Saudi Arabia’s economic growth and the importance of cultural insight for startups entering the market.

Beyond the License: What It Really Takes to Succeed in Saudi Arabia

Startups eyeing Saudi Arabia must understand: success here begins where standard playbooks end.

by Dahlia Rahaimy | 3rd May 2025

Viewpoints

Saudi man with ESG sign in Riyadh, symbolizing Saudi Arabia’s ESG adoption.

How ESG Is Shaping Saudi Business and Society

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in Saudi Arabia may appear to be an imported framework — another layer of corporate compliance to attract international investors. But behind the acronyms and reporting structures lies something more intimate: a society starting to rewrite its own definition of responsibility, from the boardroom to the grassroots.

Apr 23, 2025

A digital illustration showing the contrast between traditional and modern Saudi Arabia, with a desert village and camels on the left and a futuristic city skyline with solar panels on the right, under the title "Vision 2030."

What Is Vision 2030?

You can’t talk about Saudi Arabia today without mentioning Vision 2030. Launched in 2016, this sweeping reform plan aims to diversify the economy, modernize society, and reshape the Kingdom’s global image. But how far has it come—and where is it really going?

Apr 17, 2025

A Saudi woman in a black abaya drives a car in Riyadh, with the iconic Kingdom Centre Tower visible through the windshield.

Saudi Women Before and After the Reforms: A Life Transformed

Few topics in Saudi Arabia ignite as much conversation as the evolution of women’s roles. Once defined by restrictions on mobility, work, and public life, Saudi women are now at the forefront of the Kingdom’s transformation. From driving their own cars to running their own companies, they are not just participants in change—they are shaping it. This article explores what life looked like before the reforms, how it feels today, and what these changes mean for the future.

Apr 12, 2025

Electric car plugged into an EVIQ charging station in Saudi Arabia with a coastal city skyline in the background.

The Road of EVs in Saudi Arabia

A recent AGSIW report spotlighted the Gulf"s move toward electric vehicles. In Saudi Arabia, the transition is as much cultural as economic, with decades of cheap fuel and car dependency shaping public perception.

Apr 4, 2025

Trade is booming and handshakes abound, but EU-GCC relations remain more cordial than concrete—still waiting for people, not just policies, to cross borders.

Bridging the People Gap in EU-GCC Relations

High-level dialogue between the EU and GCC surged in 2024, but behind the headlines lies a familiar problem: too much ceremony, not enough substance. As 2025 begins, only action—on trade, energy, and people—can prevent this relationship from drifting into irrelevance.

Apr 2, 2025

Traditional lantern glowing at sunset on a wooden pier, symbolizing peace and reflection during Ramadan.

Ramadan Redefined: Saudi Art Gets a Soulful Twist

Ramadan in Saudi Arabia slows life to a thoughtful pace, blending tradition with calm reflection. Now, a new wave of Saudi artists is capturing this spirit through modern, soulful art—portraying the feelings of peace and renewal that define the holy month.

Mar 26, 2025

A professional Saudi woman in a modern office, symbolizing the rise of women in the Saudi workforce.

Saudi Women at Work: A New Chapter, But Not the Final One

Saudi women’s workforce participation has surged, yet leadership roles remain largely male-dominated. Is this the start of lasting change, or are women simply filling labor gaps?

Mar 14, 2025

A professional film set featuring Saudi men in traditional attire working with a production crew. The setup includes cameras, lighting equipment, and boom microphones, illustrating the growing Saudi film industry.

Training Fuels Saudi Arabia’s Film Industry

Storytelling has always been central to Saudi culture, but now it’s finding a new medium—film. The Red Sea Labs – The Lodge workshops in Jeddah, held in partnership with TorinoFilmLab, are training a new generation of filmmakers, turning instinctive storytelling into cinematic craft.

Feb 27, 2025

A rugged desert landscape in Saudi Arabia featuring towering cliffs and a winding stone pathway lined with solar-powered streetlights. The scene highlights the integration of renewable energy solutions in remote natural areas.

Green Gold: Saudi Arabia’s Sustainable Pivot

In a study by Dr. Sebastian Sons and Dr. Tobias, Saudi Arabia emerges as a master of green diplomacy. By blending sustainable initiatives with strategic economic diversification, the piece reveals how the Kingdom is reshaping public discourse, energy policy, and global influence. With a mix of wit and seriousness, it asks: can this green pivot truly drive societal transformation beyond the confines of government-led projects?

Feb 25, 2025

A modern, well-lit classroom with a large musical note displayed on a whiteboard. The room is empty, featuring neatly arranged desks and chairs, with walls decorated with posters of musical notes and instruments. A piano and other musical instruments are

Striking the Right Chord: Saudi Arabia’s Cultural Shift Through Music

Once confined to private gatherings, music in Saudi Arabia is now being actively nurtured. With 17,000 kindergarten teachers trained in music education and a growing rap and opera scene, the Kingdom is striking a bold new chord. But can this cultural shift evolve into a lasting creative industry?

Feb 13, 2025

An artistic tree with branches symbolizing tradition, modernity, community, and individuality, rooted in desert sand and reaching toward a futuristic skyline.

A Saudi Paradox: The Struggle to Belong at Home

Saudi Arabia’s sweeping reforms have reshaped its economy and infrastructure, but societal attitudes remain a battleground between tradition and modernity. For those who have long hoped for greater openness, the reality is more complex. While change is evident, deeply ingrained norms continue to define who truly 'belongs.' Having returned from Germany as a child, I learned firsthand how cultural expectations shape identity—and how difference is often tolerated rather than embraced.

Feb 4, 2025

Futuristic view of Saudi Arabia featuring a large solar power plant in a desert setting, with rows of solar panels extending to the horizon. A modern skyline with wind turbines and greenery symbolizes the country's sustainable energy future.

Saudi Arabia’s Path to Sustainability

Saudi Arabia is navigating the complex shift from oil dependency to a sustainable future, with ambitious projects like the Al Henakiyah solar plant leading the way.

Jan 21, 2025