Is the Saudi Kingdom Projected to Break Innovative History?

The Saudi Arabian Kingdom is facing a pivotal moment in history. Today, if you were outside-looking-in with no digital or historical footprints, the city couldn't be economically or culturally further from where they once were. This is all due to the movement of Vision 2030, and the Kingdom's collective dedication towards achieving the unachievable. Q-Branch set out to Riyadh, on a mission to better understand the Kingdom's new direction.

With future collaboration and partnerships at the forefront Q-Branch, led by Rudy Mirran , one of our Partners, ventures back to the region to explore prospective opportunities presented to support Saudi Arabia, and their latest 'localization' and Vision 2030 goals. Marking his first visit to Saudi in over seven years.

The World Defense Show is an innovation hub showcasing the latest in defense technologies, and a future shaped by innovation and knowledge sharing. Our primary objective following Rudy’s return was to gain knowledge and establish connections with like-minded individuals including, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology of Saudi Arabia (MCIT), وزارة البيئة والمياه والزراعة Ministry of Electricity, Water and Agriculture (MEWA), Ministry of Communications and Information Technology of Saudi Arabia , MonshaatSA , Officials, Governmental Organizations, and Ministries, in hopes of fostering potential collaboration and bilateral innovation bridges. Rudy’s day-one of attendance began with a welcome from The American Chamber of Commerce Saudi Arabia (AmCham Saudi Arabia) , dedicating awareness to the importance of the US and Saudi bilateral relationship. US Ambassador Michael Ratney, spoke of our shared objectives and future collaborations. Out of the gate, The World Defense Show and Saudi Arabia’s hospitality, programming, and panels portrayed the likes of a similar mentality. 

Alignment of goals and ambitions were our hopes for the mission, and the World Defense Show in Riyadh spearheaded as the ecosystem headquarters that allowed for Rudy, and the Q-Branch team to carry out success in Saudi. So much so, that Q-Branch will be represented by Partner, Omar Zaki, MBA this coming week, as he arrives in Riyadh, for the most attended global conference of the year, LEAP .

This mission wasn't just about observing; it was about engaging, learning, and bringing back insights that will propel Q-Branch and our partners into new realms of innovation and cooperation. With that, we would like to pass on to you insight on the impressive innovation Saudi Arabia is working on, some ambitions our ecosystem is fostering, and a summary of intel we acquired. 

(Phase 1) Saudi Arabia and Global Collaboration

Upon Rudy's return, the entire Q-Branch team gathered for a comprehensive debrief, an occurrence that, while rare, is immensely valuable for our collective insight. Saudi has made impressive strides towards creating a thriving ecosystem. The initiatives The Kingdom has accomplished in recent years stand as a beacon to global collaborative success.

(Bilateral Exchanges P.1) A Vibrant Society, a Thriving Economy, and an Ambitious Nation

Rudy's account of his journey was enlightening, particularly his observations on Saudi's strides towards The Vision 2030 . Vision 2030 is a collective road-map of achievements, that is grounded by 3 primary objectives and the nation's commitment to the ambitious maximization of potential, by the year of 2030. Vision 2030 is under the guidance of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz al Saud, and conceived by Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Royal Prince Muhommad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, with the deployment of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) , and Kingdom collective. 

Key initiatives for Vision 2030 Include:

• Withholding an accountable and efficient ecosystem where everyone from citizens to government are transparent, accountable, empowering, and high-performing. One form of this being implemented is through the transparency of government dollars, all is public knowledge, along with many other strides towards self-sustainability and efficiency in the ecosystem.

• Creating a thriving economy that is business centered, where every citizen has the opportunity to succeed. With this advancement a large investment into education took place in hopes of encouraging the use of in-house workers rather than imported work. With the technology hub maturing at such high rates, this improvement will allow for citizens to fill these higher level openings, therefore also creating an increase of accessible jobs for the country.

• Providing a vibrant and healthy society that embraces habits of modern Islam, with an infrastructure that is underpinned by cultural tradition, national pride, and modern amenities. Many infrastructures, regulations, and habitual needs have been directed towards bettering the society as a whole. 

As a collective the Kingdom has recognized that the greater good of its citizens' day to day lives directly impacts productivity rates, efficiency, tourism, and is economically beneficial. 

Since the launch of Vision 2030 Saudi has begun implementations of these foundational steps for success through the use of unprecedented reforms in their public sectors, life sciences, and to the economic blueprint. Rudy witnessed first hand many of these “future forward” changes in full tilt. The reshaping of Saudi’s societal, economic, and technological landscape in ways that are both profound and unique on the global stage is placing them in a powerful position within the global arena. Saudi Arabia's determined path towards becoming a tech hub for self sustainability, life sciences, and economic diversification is a testament to all.  

(Bilateral Exchange P.2) Ministries, Authorities, Entities, and Governmental Organizations

During his time at the World Defense Show, Rudy engaged with influential entity executives, and many officials from various Ministries, Authorities, and Governmental Organizations. These meetings showcased the critical role such officials play in decision making. In regards to the growth of  Saudi’s future goals—ranging from bilateral economic growth, digital transformation, creating national innovation strategy, localization of manufacturing of critical infrastructure, and reducing dependence on oil-revenue, to utilizing local talent, and focusing on strengthening profiles of women in defense. Rudy has testified that they are on a path to greatness. These meetings gave invaluable insight and understanding to possible collaborative opportunities with Q-Branch. 

(Bilateral Exchange P. 4) KAUST Mission Alignment and Strategy

While in The Kingdom, Rudy was honorably invited to visit KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology) in Jeddah, where ambitions and education align with the newfound goals of the Kingdom. At this respected top University in Saudi Arabia the focus is on resource and environment sustainability, health and wellness science and studies, economics of the future, energy, industrial leadership, and most importantly; not just focusing, but accelerating in these sectors. 

KAUST (kaust.edu) has stated this month their strategy pillars include; a focus on research, development, and innovation (RDI), an enhancement of both global and local partnerships, and the focus of commercialization and economic impact. This testament was seen first hand while in Jeddah, when Rudy engaged with key university leaders at the KAUST campus. He returned with gratitude for the exceptional hospitality extended to him, and aghast at the architectural beauty of the physical location. Q-Branch is hopeful of future collaboration with KAUST and their innovative spirit and fostering entrepreneurial nature that aligns with our mission.

(Bilateral Exchange P.4) LEAP the World’s Most Attended Annual Tech Event 

This debrief session also served as a primer prep session for partner Omar Zaki, MBA , who is set to represent Q-Branch along with Founders Club International (FCI), this week in Saudi. In partnership with FCI, Zaki will partake in a week of innovative programming Feb 29th - March 5th, 2024. FCI’s program ends on Riyadh’s day 1 of the global tech convention, LEAP .

LEAP; the world's most attended tech convention, March 4th - 7th, 2024. With over 170,000 attendees, including— Government Officials, Investors, C-Level Executives, Startups and Key International Players of influence, a pivotal annual convention. LEAP, supported by Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MCIT), Small and Medium Enterprise Foundation (SME Foundation) , the @Entrepreneurship World Cup (EWC) and General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) , was founded in 2022 by the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MCIT), the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP), and Tahaluf , in the act of actively promoting the tech industry as an incentive to foster growth of both the VC industry, and the tech hub of Saudi Arabia. The event is the showcase of the year for the Kingdom's latest innovations and entrepreneurs. 

Last years LEAP 2023 held a key role in Saudi’s Vision 2030 advances. According to Forbes, at last year's event the country was able to raise nine funds totaling $2.4 Billion, dedicated to the mission of driving growth in the startup community. With this knowledge, we look forward to witnessing what’s to come at this year's event through our Partner, Omar Zaki. The insights from Rudy's trip have been invaluable for our ongoing engagement and strategic understanding.

Prior to LEAP, Omar is set to attend The Garage | الكــراج , a newfound hub for entrepreneurs to connect and flourish, of both the local, and international realm. Followed by the exploration of The Garage and their latest innovation will be an exquisite dinner in the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), a mixed-use financial district acquisitioned by the PIF (Public Investment Fund.) 

Continued sneak peak programming to stay tuned for, upon Omar’s return:

• Immersive workshops followed by an executive dinner with Brandie Janow , the founder of Kingdom Creatives , a digital platform dedicated to fostering knowledge sharing of over 600 creatives. 
• FCI’s (Founders Club International) engaging networking event created to foster insights sharing and professional relationships.  
• LEAP investor lounge exploration of potential partnerships. 
• The latest in Saudi Arabia’s strides towards Vision 2030. 
• Startup pitch competition made up the cross-continental founders of the future. 

Watch out for next month's article on Q-Branch partner Omar Zaki’s recap, insights, and latest findings from Saudi Arabia, FCI programming, and LEAP.

Concluding Thoughts on Future Collaboration 

Thank you to Rudy Mirran for taking the time to provide a comprehensive briefing to our team. Our primary objective as an organization has heightened thanks to your execution of the trip overseas.

Q-Branch's involvement is a direct reflection on our steps toward staying at the forefront of global industry trends and partnerships. As Saudi continues to unfold its Vision 2030, Q-Branch is keenly observing and ready to engage with the emerging opportunities that this transformation presents. Our participation in these international conventions not only enriches our understanding, but also serves as a learning agent; Saudi Arabia is doing many things right, and their growth trajectory in many sectors stands as a true testament to innovation. 

More to come on Omar Zaki's upcoming trip, and Phase 2 of fostering connections with Saudi Arabia. To be continued...

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