What are your expectations for KSA?
I truly believe in the kingdom’s Vision 2030. The Saudi Arabia of today is a dream come true for entrepreneurs, as many projects and plans are in the pipeline, with the goal of turning the kingdom into a world leader.
Amsa Hospitality actively supports the kingdom’s vision by aiming to increase our local footprint as part of the nation’s development strategy and by promoting the kingdom internationally through the growth of our Arabian brand. I have been involved with Saudi Arabia in one way or another since the early 2000s, because I recognized the country’s enormous potential when I first visited.
This is the reason why I was asked to create the first-ever Saudization strategy for the kingdom after the successful Emiratization of the hospitality industry.
I could never have achieved success in the UAE and KSA without partnering with John Mowatt.
In late 2022, I was asked to join the board of AMFORHT, the tourism and hospitality education and training arm of the United Nations’ World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), where I am responsible for the Middle East. As such, I believe it is my duty to help the kingdom realize its hospitality potential and Saudization efforts. The country is already doing a great job, but I think AMFORHT, with its specific know-how, my 20-plus years of knowledge of the region’s unique challenges and the kingdom’s will to become a major tourist and business destination, can make the difference.
Needless to say, Amsa Hospitality will also benefit from this plan, as we see our global development only possible with primarily great Saudi nationals managing our properties and regions worldwide.