Ali’s multifaceted skill set encompasses strategy formulation, execution, and organizational excellence. His approach combines academic brilliance with practical acumen, making him a stalwart in the industry. With strategic agility, he navigates complex domains adeptly. Whether in government entities or private corporations, he crafts meticulous strategic plans that empower organizations to fulfill their mandates and flourish. His journey exemplifies resilience and adaptability, turning challenges into growth opportunities.
Charting his Course
Throughout the past two decades, Ali has gained vast experience in both private and public sectors working in organizations with different levels of maturity and business natures. Mostly in strategy development and execution, he has contributed to several strategic shifts in financial and banking sectors, government entities, and Non-profit organizations.
Ali’s journey as a chief executive is focused on strategy and sector development. He started his career with the stock exchange. In the journey to uplift the maturity of this promising emerging market, he worked for almost a decade in technology transformation and product development. He then moved to the banking industry for a few years building a strategic plan and an execution framework to take the bank in a growth journey towards larger market share despite the competition.
After 2016, with the great announcement of KSA Vision 2030, the move to the government sector was indeed the right next move for Ali, where he could put into action all the knowledge and expertise gathered throughout the years into even longer term and wider scope of governmental development. He worked for the Small and Medium Enterprises Authority for a while before moving to the General Entertainment Authority (GEA). In these governmental entities, Ali led the development and implementation of national and internal strategies along with enabling sector development programs and Vision Realization initiatives.
As a strategist, Ali looks for sectors that are either developing and emerging which is a great opportunity to formulate fresh strategies; or transforming sectors that give a great opportunity to take a fresh look into the market and existing capabilities along with shaping an even greater future for those sectors. In the dynamic landscape of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, he confidently faces the challenge of transforming nascent sectors within tight timelines. For private enterprises, he strikes a delicate balance—facilitating investor journeys while upholding stringent governance and regulations. Achieving this equilibrium fosters a thriving business environment while maintaining regulatory integrity.
Ali is also a board member of two organizations. One is the development authority for two royal reserves. He brings his expertise in strategy development and regulatory framework design to the authority. The diversity of sectors and businesses’ nature could open huge potential. The other one “Hawi” is an organization aiming to help develop and regulate hobby groups and clubs. This organization helps passionate people of similar interests and hobbies to establish their own clubs and build networks of members to enjoy their hobbies in places facilitated to them by public or private entities with the help of Hawi. Beyond corporate roles, Ali extends his expertise as a consultant. He mentors entrepreneurs and SMEs, ensuring their growth aligns seamlessly with market demands. His commitment to nurturing talent reflects his belief that every challenge is an opportunity for both organizations and their people.
Giving Direction to the Entertainment Sector
Saudi Arabia’s entertainment sector is experiencing rapid growth, creating lucrative opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs. Visionary leaders like Ali are driving key initiatives that propel this expansion.
They have successfully attracted the prestigious IAAPA summit to Riyadh for the first time. This achievement not only garners global recognition but also opens doors for collaboration and international ties.
To further strengthen the sector, Ali shares that they have embarked on Investment Roadshows to countries like the USA, UK, France, and China, attracting vital foreign direct investments. These efforts broaden horizons and foster a collaborative spirit within the industry. Additionally, Ali’s commitment to local startups is evident through the launch of two accelerators. These programs provide vital support, making entrepreneurial dreams more attainable and nurturing innovation within the community.
The General Entertainment Authority (GEA) has also received accolades, including the prestigious EFQM Excellence Award. Ali’s pride in this achievement reaffirms their commitment to excellence, setting a high standard for the industry.
In a heartwarming initiative, Ali highlights The Hawi (Hobby Clubs Association), which nurtures local communities’ hobbies. These initiatives collectively shape a thriving entertainment sector, paving the way for a vibrant, innovative, and inclusive industry. With government support through incubators and accelerators, funding solutions are more accessible than ever for local startups.
Strategic Vision
The entertainment sector is a relatively nascent one led by a newly established authority that is responsible for developing and regulating its activities. These essentially were the key drivers for Ali to take this opportunity. He is currently leading several key business units that deliver the most strategic and long-term results. He oversees the Strategy Management Office which is responsible for the sectorial strategy and the corporate one.
He leads the Vision Realization Office which is the unit governing and delivering the KSA Vision 2030 initiatives. Investment Stimulation and Business Development are also two units aiming at maturing the entertainment sector with its services, companies, and investors in addition to attracting new international and local investors to open businesses in KSA. This is supported by four other key units aiming to provide governance, support, and controls.
Data Management Office is a unit acting as a one-source-of-truth where it accommodates all relevant data from inside and outside to provide meaningful and useful information to make strategic decisions. Excellence Office that acts as the center of excellence providing standardized policies, procedures, and business processes with proper governance and quality controls. Strategic Partnerships department that provides access to partners locally and internationally so they can deliver more and better by joining forces and sharing services among entities along with creating value through active partnerships. Last but not least, a Project Management Office that helps organize and govern all these projects and other projects of the authority providing sources of tools, plans, governance models, and a framework of proper project management and implementation.
Catalyzing Development
In authorities like GEA where one entity is responsible for a particular sector, the authority assumes responsibility for building and maturing a full value chain to develop that industry. Entertainment, for example, is an industry where local businesses existed before and needed a strategy for further development and improvement to cope with today’s customer demand. Also, the industry is full of potential when considering international players who own IPs and attractions where KSA can benefit from their presence in diverse cities. KSA possesses amazing destinations that, when activated, will be a global attraction; and the world has seen this starting now. “Entertainment activities adjacent or part of a tourism destination and accompanied with sports venues, cinemas, and other F&B and retail outlets is what shapes the future – creation of all-in destinations,” says Ali.
In order to ensure the sustainability and growth of the emerging sectors in KSA, small and medium enterprises are needed to play a crucial role. These SMEs and potential entrepreneurs are an important source of innovation. They also bring creative solutions that fill the gaps in larger investment projects. Ali has had discussions with huge international investors who are willing to be part of KSA’s growing market and they always ask for the availability and readiness of SMEs who can provide local content to fit in their upcoming projects. “We are blessed to have such amazing SMEs today and we could connect and match-make their solutions with international expertise,” he says.
Roadmap Ahead
Ali envisions a dynamic and innovative future for the General Entertainment Authority (GEA). He aims to diversify entertainment options across Saudi Arabia. This includes promoting cultural events, music festivals, sports competitions, and family-friendly activities. By catering to a wide audience, the GEA can create memorable experiences for residents and visitors alike.
Ali recognizes the importance of infrastructure in supporting the entertainment sector. His plans involve developing state-of-the-art venues, theme parks, and recreational spaces. These investments will enhance the overall entertainment ecosystem and attract both local and international audiences. He also emphasizes collaboration with private companies, international organizations, and local talent. By fostering partnerships, the GEA can access expertise, resources, and fresh ideas. Ali envisions joint ventures that elevate Saudi Arabia’s entertainment scene on a global scale.
Ali believes in nurturing local talent. His vision includes mentorship programs, workshops, and talent showcases. By empowering young artists, performers, and entrepreneurs, the GEA can contribute to a vibrant creative community. He also plans to prioritize inclusivity. He aims to make entertainment accessible to all segments of society, regardless of age, gender, or background. This involves creating events that cater to diverse interests and ensuring affordability.
Inviting the Aspiring Entrepreneurs
The growing industries in KSA provide a great opportunity that if not taken today may be missed with regret. Entrepreneurs have the chance to benefit from government support through incubators and accelerators in addition to guaranteed funds.
Ali has had the privilege to establish and activate an accelerator of entertainment activities combining brilliant businesses from around the Kingdom. They provide a networking opportunity that opens the potential for joint ventures, and they have actually celebrated several agreements among them. Mentors and advisors are available to the business owners in a very well-designed calendar of events.
“I have had several chances to connect personally with the entrepreneurs and business owners to discuss various issues with their business plans and growth ambitions. I have also delivered some keynotes and presentations in the area of strategy planning for new businesses, and strategic transformation for expanding and growing businesses,” concludes Ali.
“If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail!”
“I am passionate about developing strategies, executing them, and leading game-changing initiatives.”