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Don’t Come to Saudi with Big Dreams, Unless You’re Ready to Do This First
Reverse Turing Test answer: Makkah
Important Links
The Impact Lab – www.theimpactlab.store
Cush Digital – www.cush.digital
️ Follow The Impact Lab: TikTok | Instagram | LinkedIn | X (Twitter)
This Week’s Guest: Shoaib Rasheed
Shoaib Rasheed is a seasoned C-Executive with over 15 years of experience in engineering, manufacturing, and consultancy. Proven expertise in leading complex projects, optimizing operations, and delivering innovative solutions across diverse industries. A strategic thinker committed to driving growth and excellence.
Summary
Shoaib Rasheed shares what it really takes to thrive in Saudi Arabia’s booming build-out, drawing from his journey leading the handover of FIFA’s Al Thumama Stadium in Qatar to steering fire safety and MEP programs in the Kingdom. He explains why this is a golden era for talent and firms, provided they show patience, practicality, and cultural awareness.
The conversation breaks down how giga projects (NEOM, Al Masar, and more) change the game: tech-first safety, modular engineering, tougher supply chains, and rapid timelines. Shoaib lays out why proven execution often beats certificates, how AI-driven sensing and preventive maintenance raise standards, and the leadership habits that help expat managers build trust and deliver on time.
Takeaways
Opportunity is real in KSA—pace, adaptability, and practicality decide outcomes.
In hiring, proven delivery often outweighs certifications like PMP.
Giga projects demand modular methods and integrated tech, not copy-paste playbooks.
AI-enabled safety (sensors, predictive alerts) is now baseline for major sites.
Emergency response planning is non-negotiable on first-of-its-kind builds.
Supply chain conditions (weather, logistics, localization) shape specs and timelines.
Networking and community engagement fuel deal flow and hiring.
Working in Makkah adds depth—personally and professionally.
Cultural fit and collaboration matter more than big talk; let actions speak.
Dar Alhmaya actively backs new ideas and shares value with contributors.
Keywords
Vision 2030, Saudi giga projects, MEP engineering, fire safety systems, AI in construction, Dar Alhmaya, expat careers in Saudi, NEOM safety, Al Masar project, smart city infrastructure, leadership in Saudi Arabia, project risk management, adaptive leadership, Makkah business culture, safety innovation, predictive maintenance
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction and Background of Shoaib Rashid
06:04 In-Demand Skills and Team Management in Saudi Arabia
12:09 Networking and Business Setup in Saudi Arabia
18:01 Safety and Risk Management in Mega Developments
23:53 AI and Decision-Making in Safety Protocols
30:03 Personal Reflections and Legacy
View all episodes
By عزيز موسىReverse Turing Test answer: Makkah
Important Links
The Impact Lab – www.theimpactlab.store
Cush Digital – www.cush.digital
️ Follow The Impact Lab: TikTok | Instagram | LinkedIn | X (Twitter)
This Week’s Guest: Shoaib Rasheed
Shoaib Rasheed is a seasoned C-Executive with over 15 years of experience in engineering, manufacturing, and consultancy. Proven expertise in leading complex projects, optimizing operations, and delivering innovative solutions across diverse industries. A strategic thinker committed to driving growth and excellence.
Summary
Shoaib Rasheed shares what it really takes to thrive in Saudi Arabia’s booming build-out, drawing from his journey leading the handover of FIFA’s Al Thumama Stadium in Qatar to steering fire safety and MEP programs in the Kingdom. He explains why this is a golden era for talent and firms, provided they show patience, practicality, and cultural awareness.
The conversation breaks down how giga projects (NEOM, Al Masar, and more) change the game: tech-first safety, modular engineering, tougher supply chains, and rapid timelines. Shoaib lays out why proven execution often beats certificates, how AI-driven sensing and preventive maintenance raise standards, and the leadership habits that help expat managers build trust and deliver on time.
Takeaways
Opportunity is real in KSA—pace, adaptability, and practicality decide outcomes.
In hiring, proven delivery often outweighs certifications like PMP.
Giga projects demand modular methods and integrated tech, not copy-paste playbooks.
AI-enabled safety (sensors, predictive alerts) is now baseline for major sites.
Emergency response planning is non-negotiable on first-of-its-kind builds.
Supply chain conditions (weather, logistics, localization) shape specs and timelines.
Networking and community engagement fuel deal flow and hiring.
Working in Makkah adds depth—personally and professionally.
Cultural fit and collaboration matter more than big talk; let actions speak.
Dar Alhmaya actively backs new ideas and shares value with contributors.
Keywords
Vision 2030, Saudi giga projects, MEP engineering, fire safety systems, AI in construction, Dar Alhmaya, expat careers in Saudi, NEOM safety, Al Masar project, smart city infrastructure, leadership in Saudi Arabia, project risk management, adaptive leadership, Makkah business culture, safety innovation, predictive maintenance
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction and Background of Shoaib Rashid
06:04 In-Demand Skills and Team Management in Saudi Arabia
12:09 Networking and Business Setup in Saudi Arabia
18:01 Safety and Risk Management in Mega Developments
23:53 AI and Decision-Making in Safety Protocols
30:03 Personal Reflections and Legacy