Faisal Younes

Saudi Arabia Crown Prince’s Transformation Stress-tests Economy and Stretches Petro Wealth. Dr. Turki Faisal Al Rasheed   Saudi Arabia, under the ambitious vision 2030 of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is experiencing significant economic strain. The Kingdom has faced budget deficits for six consecutive quarters and has emerged as the largest issuer of international debt among emerging markets. This financial pressure is exacerbated by the decision to cut oil production in collaboration with other OPEC+ members in 2023, which has not yielded the anticipated increase in export revenues. Consequently, the fiscal deficits are being financed through a combination of external issuance via Eurobonds and domestic issuance. Many experts, including the writer, believe the Kingdom possesses the flexibility to modify or delay investments in its colossal Giga-projects to manage financial stress. Additionally, the country's commitment to attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) aligns with its pursuit of sustainable development goals and regional stability. Unlike the historical American foreign policy approach, which often prioritized economic and political interests at the cost of igniting conflicts and promoting the arms industry, Saudi Arabia seems focused on development and progress. From the Nixon administration to the present day, U.S. policies have underscored the sustenance of its economic might through means that sometimes disregarded global peace. President Dwight D. Eisenhower had warned in his farewell address about the dangers of the military-industrial complex. He emphasized that every dollar spent on armaments was a theft from those in need of basic essentials, a sentiment that contrasts sharply with the developmental aspirations seen in Saudi Arabia today. Given the current trajectory, Saudi Arabia’s budget may continue to experience deficits for the foreseeable future. Domestic giants like the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Saudi Aramco are expected to bear a significant portion of the financial burden associated with the Crown Prince’s visionary projects. Despite financial hurdles, the Kingdom’s path toward development has sparked a wave of inspiration across the region, urging other nations to pursue genuine development rather than mere political rhetoric. After six years of careful study and authoring a book on Saudi transformation, it is evident that this quest for development is deeply institutionalized. With sustainable development goals in firm focus, Saudi Arabia is on an irreversible path forward, setting a progressive example for the Arab world. The only viable way ahead for these nations is to embrace the road to development, as evidenced by the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment.

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Saudi Arabia: The New Regional Headquarters for Pladis’ Expansion in the MENAI Region UK-based snacking giant Pladis Global, the manufacturer behind iconic brands such as McVitie’s, Godiva Chocolatier, Jacob’s, and Carr’s, has opened a new regional headquarters in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This new hub will serve as the main office for its operations covering the Middle East, North Africa, and India (MENAI) region, marking a significant milestone in its strategic expansion. Chairman Murat Ülker officially inaugurated the new headquarters, underscoring the company’s commitment to its growth in the region. The Managing Director for the MENAI region at Pladis emphasized the importance of this move, stating: “The opening of our new headquarters in Jeddah is a pivotal step in our journey towards strengthening our presence in the region. This office embodies our commitment to investing in our people and business, providing a modern, collaborative space to drive innovation and growth across our operations. As we expand, this new office will serve as the cornerstone of our regional strategy, enabling us to serve our customers and communities better.” Pladis, owned by the Turkish conglomerate Yıldız Holding, produces a wide range of sweet and savory biscuits, cakes, wafers, and chocolates, including the famous Jaffa Cakes. The company employs a global workforce across multiple countries, reflecting its international reach and commitment to delivering high-quality products. The integration of Belgian chocolatier Godiva into Pladis, initiated in 2023, is expected to be completed in 2024, further enhancing the company's portfolio. Saudi Arabia’s business environment continues to attract foreign investors. According to the Saudi Ministry of Investment, the Kingdom’s economic reforms and strategic location as a global hub have made it a prime destination for international companies like Pladis to establish a regional presence. This growth aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and enhance the business landscape. #Pladis #SaudiArabia #MiddleEast #NorthAfrica #India #BusinessExpansion #Jeddah #Innovation #GlobalBusiness #YildizHolding #Godiva #ForeignInvestment #MENAI #Vision2030

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The future of the grocery sector in Saudi Arabia is full of potential for growth. How do you envision consumer behavior influencing this evolving market in the years ahead?

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Exciting News: Introducing International Business Holding, emerging proudly from the esteemed legacy of J Chambers Capital. As our new flagship entity, IBH will lead as the management company , fostering growth and innovation across our diverse group of companies. Stay tuned for the next chapter in our journey of global impact and success! #InternationalBusinessHolding #JChambersCapital #BusinessGrowth #CorporateExpansion #Leadership #GlobalBusiness #Innovation #BusinessTransformation #NewBeginnings #HoldingCompany #BusinessLeadership

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Mingora's Food Panel's KSA Q3, 2024 competitive replacement data shows a clear outcome: ALBAIK Food Systems Co. brand appears as the 1st alternative to current brand choice, for the highest number of brands. The question: If you didn't visit/order from this brand, what would be your 1st alternative. In fact, Albaik is the 1st alternative even for many brands in non-QSR categories such as casual dining and coffee. Al Baik in Saudi Arabia is a phenomenal brand. Even more interesting: while there is more jostling for the 2nd most chosen brand as competitive replacement, even there Food Panel indicates clear leaders. In those cases though, brands are more category specific. Any brand's target will be to take the largest position at the top of the funnel, so it can maximize conversion opportunity. But to achieve that, knocking the strongest brands off their perch is a marketing and operations challenge, since these top brands invest heavily in building both awareness and equity. As always, everything begins with knowing where you are. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q3, 2024 KSA Food Panel Report is now available. Please reach out to [email protected] for a dashboard link. #foodpanel #ksa #uae #datanotopinions

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Fastest Growing Startups Ecosystem in Abu Dhabi.

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Why don’t we see celebrity chef concepts in Kuwait? Despite the high purchasing power of Kuwaitis, the country's reputation as a hub for trying new concepts, and the presence of highly qualified restaurant entrepreneurs, there seems to be a gap. Is it due to market readiness, cultural preferences, or perhaps the unique challenges of sustaining global brands in a local setting? It’s a question worth exploring as Kuwait’s dining scene continues to evolve.

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Very interesting numbers on startups in the region. I personally think it's only going to get better from here. It will be interesting to see the positive change moving forward. #startups #mena https://lnkd.in/drXPdsxb

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In 2023, Saudi Arabia welcomed over 100 million visitors, many of whom enjoyed local sweets filled with dates and nuts. This rich heritage of flavor is a foundation upon which we can build something extraordinary. Imagine a future where "made in KSA" chocolates are celebrated around the globe. To achieve this, we must blend the time-honored traditions with modern innovation. By utilizing locally sourced ingredients such as coffee, dates, nuts, camel milk, saffron, rose water, and spices, we can create products that are not only unique but also of exceptional quality. While some brands are already on this path, it’s crucial that the standard of excellence in our chocolates is never compromised. My goal is to help chocolatiers and confectionery brands integrate these traditional ingredients with advanced techniques. Think of chocolates enriched with Saudi coffee or sweets that marry dates with our local nuts. By embracing both tradition and innovation, we can set new industry standards. #SaudiArabia #ChocolateIndustry #DateSweets #CulinaryInnovation #MadeInKSA #LocalIngredients #QualityChocolates #SustainableSourcing #CulinaryTraditions #TasteOfKSA #GourmetChocolates #InnovativeConfectionery #SupportLocalBrands #CulturalFlavors #FoodInnovation #Chocolatiers #SaudiCulinary #FutureOfFood #SweetsWithHeritage #Vision2030

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When we rebranded our legacy wholesale brand to Bettergrow, people sometimes including us were skeptical on what where we trying to achieve. Our Vision “Partnering for Growth” seemed an unusual vision for UAE companies, with no specific terms like “to be the best” “to be no.1”. Even we were doubtful in the initial periods. Our doubts were so grounded that I did not have the confidence to print it in our business cards at the least. But then as time passed by, as we started to communicate the vision, as we started to take small actions that broadly reflected our vision, perceptions started to change, of both ourselves and the people with and around us. We started to understand, this vision, a encompassing term that somehow our founder chairman has followed this his entire life. He has helped people grow, he always talked about how women should study, work. He has always talked about supporting small businesses. He has always talked about sharing knowledge. We started to understand slowly, the people around us started believing in us, they started getting attracted to this organization because our vision never stated a selfish goal. Our vision was never to make our company the best, the no. 1 or anything of sort. Our vision is very plainly, simply known as “Partnering for Growth”, in the growth of all our stakeholders. This everlasting and neverending vision helped us shape our values, our strategy, all which helps our customers grow, all which helps our employees grow. We have just started, and as time passes, we will start experiencing the result of our vision, where we get in the best talents, where we get the best customers, where the customers get the best out of us. All because we are here just to be a partner in their growth.

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Dive into the extensive range of brands under PepsiCo’s umbrella. From iconic snacks to refreshing beverages, PepsiCo’s portfolio is integral to our everyday moments. Knowing which brands are owned by PepsiCo sheds light on the company's market strategy and brand influence. This understanding provides crucial insights into the company's growth trajectory and competitive positioning. Explore more as we reveal the brands that make a difference. 🍹🍟 #WhoOwnsWhat #BrandOwnership #PepsiCo #MarketInsights #InvestmentOpportunities

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🌟 Peach Consulting is Expanding to KSA in 2025! 🌟 Exciting news for all the innovators, entrepreneurs, and business leaders in Saudi Arabia! 🇸🇦 As we gear up to launch in KSA, we aim to empower brands to thrive and stand out in a dynamic, competitive market. Whether starting fresh, scaling up, or reimagining your brand, Peach Consulting is here to help you achieve your goals. Here’s how we can support your success: ✨ Brand Transformation Strategies: Build a brand that connects and converts. 📱 Social Media Marketing: Create meaningful engagement and grow your digital presence. 🎥 Content Production: Tell your story through captivating visuals and authentic narratives. 💻 Digital Marketing & Meta Ads: Drive impactful results with targeted strategies. 🔍 SEO Optimization: Increase visibility and attract your ideal audience. 💡 Know a business or entrepreneur that could benefit from this? Tag them below or connect with us—we’d love to collaborate and create innovative solutions tailored to KSA’s market. 🚀 Let’s make 2025 the year your brand transforms and thrives! #PeachConsulting #KSA2025 #BrandTransformation #DigitalMarketing #SocialMediaStrategy #ContentCreation

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I am exploring the vast business and franchising potential in Jordan, a crucial investment market in the Middle East. 🇯🇴 The franchise business in Jordan has significantly contributed to the country's GDP and economic growth, with key sectors driving this growth. - The food and beverage industry, with leading franchises like KFC, Pizza Hut, Starbucks, McDonald's, and Burger King, has a strong foothold in Jordan. Café franchises also thrive in this market. - Retail franchises are on the rise, especially with the emergence of new malls in cities like Amman, Irbid, Zarqa, and Aqaba. The retail, food and beverage, and service sectors offer promising growth opportunities. - Service sector franchises, particularly those from the U.S., have witnessed substantial growth, presenting high-impact opportunities in customer-facing services. - Education and training franchises are also showing promising potential in Jordan. With opportunities in various sectors such as transportation, early childhood education, primary medical care, business support, financial inclusion, and public service delivery, Jordan's franchise market is ripe for expansion. However, successful franchising in Jordan will require adapting international models to the local context and adopting a clustered approach for maximum impact. Consulting franchises, including the master franchise of FranchiseBAZAR, are gaining traction in Jordan, making it a strategic choice for consultants, professionals, and executives to drive franchising growth in the country. Entrepreneurs are invited to join hands in establishing the leading consultancy franchise in Jordan, offering top-notch opportunities to business seekers from across the globe. #Jordan #Amman #Franchising #Consulting #Business #Opportunities #Irbid #Zarqa #Aqaba

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The upcoming 33rd Arab Summit, set to be hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain under the auspices of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, marks a pivotal moment for Arab nations. As Bahrain finalizes its preparations for this historic event, the streets, highways, and iconic landmarks are transformed into vibrant displays adorned with flags representing the diverse beauty of Arab countries, alongside portraits of their esteemed leaders. This striking visual symbolizes Bahrain's significance as a host and underscores the paramount importance of unity and solidarity among Arab nations. Looking ahead, the future of the Middle East is intricately linked to the collective actions and collaborations of its constituent countries. By fostering greater unity and cooperation, Arab nations can navigate the region's myriad challenges and unlock new opportunities for progress and prosperity. Through dialogue, diplomacy, and mutual respect, the Middle East can transcend historical divisions and forge a path toward a more peaceful, stable, and prosperous future. Furthermore, as the region embraces technological advancements and economic diversification, there is immense potential for innovation and growth. By investing in education, research, and sustainable development initiatives, Arab countries can harness their youth's talents and aspirations to drive progress and create a brighter future for generations to come. Ultimately, the success of the Middle East lies in its ability to forge strong bonds of unity and cooperation among its nations. By working together towards common goals and aspirations, Arab countries can overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and chart a course towards a future defined by peace, prosperity, and shared progress. #middleeast #future #arab

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I have spent the last few days in the UAE meeting with great people and organizations. There is a real commitment to creating greater food security, in a sustainable way. It will be interesting to see which countries lead in food production in the future, I believe it will be those who embrace new approaches and work with the traditional food players and experienced food executives to execute them at scale. What do you think? https://lnkd.in/dTrGRYBb Alessandro Borgogna, Tom Mastrobuoni , Roger Lienhard,

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While leadership styles can vary widely depending on the organisation's vision and mission, the level of cultural diversity, and other factors, experience has shown me that leaders in the GCC countries tend to excel at building trust and sincerity amongst their teams.  This is one of my core values as a leader.  Achieving success in this region is all about mixing and matching your leadership approaches to suit your team members and their unique capabilities.  Are they highly skilled and motivated? Then, you may want to adopt a more hands-off, empowering style. Or, if they need a little more support, a more directive approach could be the way to go. By incorporating elements from different leadership styles, you can efficiently encourage organisational success, promote creativity and innovation, and build resilient teams that can adapt to evolving work trends. So, what's your leadership style, and how does it align with motivating your team to reach new heights? I'd love to hear your thoughts! #LeadershipStyles #Leadership #OrganisationalSuccess

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Awesome week teaching this impressive cohort at VC Unlocked by 500 Global and Sanabil Investments. Saudi Arabia's economic and social transformation over the past few years is remarkable. The energy of young people to innovate and invest drives the entrepreneurial ecosystem that will lead to a more vibrant and sustainable economy. I’m privileged to play a small role in educating a new generation of VCs that will support founders in building the next generation of companies. Let’s go!! #venturecapital #vc #startups

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I’m being asked for the reasons of the low salaries offered by the restaurants in GCC. Here's a breakdown of some potential reasons, keeping in mind it's not universal across all restaurants: Labor Market Saturation. Visa Sponsorship System. High Operating Costs. Shifting Consumer Preferences: The rise of fast-casual and delivery apps might prioritize cost-effectiveness and automation, impacting higher pays. It’s important to note that attracting European became easier (bias judgment)? Nationality: While trends exist, generalizations are risky. Pay can vary based on nationality and qualifications. Not All Restaurants Pay Low Wages: High-end establishments or those specializing in a particular cuisine may offer competitive salaries and benefits to attract top talent.

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