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 her

This 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.

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.

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.

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 brands

Whether 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.

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:

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:

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.

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.

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

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:

And more!

Episode 12 of Success Saudi Podcast features Brandie Janow, a Design Strategist and Community Lead.

Brandie is the founder of Kingdom Creatives, a think tank and social enterprise bringing together over 700 individuals, businesses, and government organizations involved in the creative sectors.

She is also the Head of Community at Al Mashtal Community House and a recognized voice in the Saudi business and design community.

In this interview, Brandie shares:

▪ Tips on connecting with like-minded people in Riyadh

▪ Mistakes she sees newcomers make in the Saudi market

▪ Lessons learned from her mentor, Princess Nourah AlFaisal

▪ Who can join Kingdom Creatives

▪ Current challenges in the freelancing industry in KSA

▪ Why entrepreneurship isn’t for everyone

▪ Upcoming events at Al Mashtal Creative Incubator and Community House

The full episode is now live on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, & Spotify!