Top 10 Most Influential Leaders in Saudi Arabia

CCO and founder NeonHeads Saudi

Illuminating Saudi Arabia's Entertainment Scene with NeonHeads Saudi

LETTER EDITOR’S

1TOP

Most InfluentialLeaders in Saudi Arabia

Top 10 Most Influential Leaders in Saudi Arabia Progressing With a Vision!

DearReaders,

SaudiArabia’sVision2030isatransformativeblueprintlaunchedin2016,aimingtosteerthenationtowardamore diversifiedandinnovativeeconomy.Rootedinthecountry’srichculturalheritageandstrategicadvantages,Vision 2030isnotonlyabouteconomicgrowthbutalsoaboutfosteringavibrantsocietythatvaluesculturaltraditions, nationalpride,andmodernamenitieswhileembodyingthespiritofmodernity.

ThisambitiousplanseekstoreduceSaudiArabia’sdependenceonoil,diversifyitseconomy,anddeveloppublic servicesectorssuchashealth,education,infrastructure,recreation,andtourism.Thevisionissettotransformthe Kingdomintoaglobalinvestmentpowerhouseandastrategichubconnectingthreecontinents:Asia,Europe,and Africa.

Inthisdynamiclandscape,innovativeleadersinthetechnologysectorplayapivotalrole.Theseleadersaredriving thedigitaltransformationnecessarytoachievethegoalsofVision2030.Byleveragingcutting-edgetechnologies, theyarecreatingnewopportunities,enhancingefficiency,andfosteringanenvironmentconducivetoinnovationand entrepreneurship.

InthiseditionofBusinessAPAC,weproudlypresent“Top10MostInfluentialLeadersinSaudiArabia,”celebrating thevisionarieswhoareattheforefrontofthistransformativejourney

OurcoverstoryfeaturesLinaAlabdan,CCOandFounderofNeonHeadsSaudi.Linaisapassionateandvisionary leaderwhosawthepotentialoftheentertainmentindustryinhercountryanddecidedtopursueherdreamofcreating more‘happyjobs’forherselfandothers.Thankstoitsin-houseproductioncapabilities,NeonHeadsSaudiexcelsin speedtodeliverits300+ready-to-goorfullycustom-madeshows.With21yearsofinternationalexperienceinthe industry,NeonHeadsSaudiistirelesslyraisingandutilizinglocalresourcestorevolutionizetheentertainmentsector inSaudiArabia.

Theprofilesinthiseditionalsohighlightotherremarkableleaderswhoaremakingsignificantcontributionstothe Kingdom’sprogress.MohammedAbbas,ReemIkram,AhmedAl-Zaini,andMichaelCrickmoreareexemplary figureswhoseinnovativeapproachesandstrategicinitiativesaredrivingSaudiArabia’stransformation.

Aswedelveintothestoriesandachievementsofthesedistinguishedindividuals,weinviteourreaderstoexplorehow theseinfluentialleadersarereshapingSaudiArabia’sbusinesslandscape.

HappyReading!

Parag Ahire PROJECT EDITOR

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Publisher : Archana Ghule

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Sachin Kharat Parag Ahire

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BUSINESS APAC

L i n a A

Lina Alabdan

Illuminating Saudi Arabia's Entertainment Scene with NeonHeads Saudi

CCO and founder | NeonHeads Saudi

KeyPoints:

●DrivenbytheSaudientertainmentindustry'svastmarketsize,thesubstantialpotentialforimprovement,andthe excitingopportunitytocreatemore'happyjobs,'founderandCCOLinaAlabdanstartedNeonHeadsSaudi.

●NeonHeadsSaudi,anevententertainmentproductionhouse,iscommittedtoempoweringlocaltalentandpromoting culturalexchange.

●Linasays,“Iamdelightedandhonestlyproudtobeacontributor–anactivepartofVision2030implementation, whichisevolvingmylovelykingdomintoalong-termprosperousfuture.”

“Persistence, persistence, persistence, and you can do magic in our land full of opportunities — Saudi Arabia.”

SSaudiArabiaiswitnessingacultural revolutionastheVision2030plan opensupnewavenuesforthe entertainmentindustrytoflourish.From musicfestivalstoartexhibitions,the countryisembracingamorediverseand vibrantscenethatreflectsitsrich heritageandmodernaspirations.Among thepioneersofthisemergingsectoris NeonHeadsSaudi,in-housedeveloping eventshows,acts,andIPs,forprivate, corporate,andgovernmentalclientsand audiences.

NeonHeadsSaudiwasfoundedbyLina Alabdan,apassionateandvisionaryleader whosawthepotentialoftheentertainment industryinhercountryanddecidedto pursueherdreamofcreatingmore‘happy jobs’forherselfandothers.ThankstoitsinhouseproductioncapabilitiesNeonHeads Saudiexcelsinspeedtodelivertheir300+ ready-to-goorfullycustom-madeshows. NeonHeadsSaudiistirelesslyraisingand usinglocalresources,backedby21yearsof internationalexperienceintheindustry

BusinessAPAChadtheprivilegetospeak toLinaAlabdan,theCCOandfounderof NeonHeadsSaudi,whosharesherstory,her vision,andherchallengesinleadingthis uniqueanddynamiccompany.

BusinessAPAC:Whatistheconcept behindNeonHeadsSaudi,andhowdoes itstandoutintheevententertainment industry?

Lina:NeonHeadsSaudiisanevent entertainmentproductionhouse,that specializesincreatingshowsfor private,corporate,andgovernmental eventsormarketingcampaigns.

Ouruniquesellingpointisafusion ofrichSaudicultureandamodern touchinourIPs.Weaimtofindthe sweetspotwheretraditionmeets vision,showcasingthebeautyand diversityofSaudiculturewhilealso incorporatingcontemporary elementsandtechnologies.

Wearedevelopingaswella fascinatingtechstartup,REE.global, whereourmissionisto revolutionizetheevent entertainmentbuyingjourneyona globalscalebyleveragingmodernagetoolstomakeitseamless.We arealsocommittedtoraisingand usinglocaltalents,backedby21 yearsofinternationalexperiencein theindustry

BusinessAPAC:Howdidyou discoveryourpassionforthe entertainmentindustry?Whatare someofthefactorsthatmakeitan attractiveandrewardingsectorin yourcountry?

Lina:Ienteredtheentertainment industrybychancewhenImetmy businesspartner,PetraMarko Navarro.Itwasloveatfirstsight withanewindustryinmycountry thatIdidn’tknowexisted!

Captivatedbyitsunfamiliaryet delightfulnature,Iamtruly enjoyingthejourneyofexploring theentertainmentindustryinmy country.Iamdrivenbyitshuge marketsize,greatpotentialfor improvement,andtheexciting opportunitytocreatemore“happy jobs.”

“Successful people are losers who never gave up. ”

BusinessAPAC:Howdoyou balancebeinganentrepreneur andleadingateam?Whatare someoftheskillsandvalues thatyouhavelearnedand appliedinyourwork?

Lina:Ienjoyourapproachof masteringavastamountof roles.Weareinaprecious phase,growinganewSaudi babywithstrongparentswith globalexperience,wheremy businesspartnerforcesmeto tastealmostalltherolesour productionhousehas.Ibelieve itwillhelpmetobeempathetic withourgrowingteaminlater stageswhenIneedtobemore specialized.

Myresponsibilityasan entrepreneurandacompany owneristotakegoodcareof ourteamandhelpthemgrowin allaspects-onapersonalas wellasprofessionallevel.Our

teamfluctuatesfrombeingalarge grouponedaytojustafewofusthe nextday Workingwithindividuals withdifferentbackgroundsand expectationsmakesitcleartome thatthekeypillarsofanyteam’s successarerespect,understanding, andacrystal-clearcommunication.I alsomakesurethatourartistsare neverhungry

Ifirmlybelievethatwhenyougive wholeheartedly,peoplenaturally follow,boostingbothmotivationand productivity.

BusinessAPAC:Whatdoyou enjoythemost,andwhat frustratesyouthemostaboutyour workasaneventplanner?

Lina:IlovetoseeourfantasticActs inaction-howpeopleenjoyit,how doesitfittotheparticularevent.To seethefruitofanot-easyproduction processandchallenging sales/creationprocess,whereweare crackingthevibeoftheeventand bendingtheexistingActortailoring absolutelynewActtoservea particularneedoftheevent.

Anothersourceofprideformeisthe Saudisationinitiativewehave launchedbetweenNeonHeadsSaudi andNeonHeadsInternational.Itisa one-on-onementorshipprogram whereSauditalentsshadow internationalprofessionalsuntilthey arereadytotakeovertheposition fully Thisfostersskilltransferand knowledgeexchange,withalongtermgoaltoachievesustainable growthofthelocalentertainment industry Wearecommittedto growingthisindustryformultiple decades,sostrategicthinkingisin ourcompany’sDNA.

Andwhatmakesmefurious?When agreementsarenothonored.Late

paymentsandchangesliterallyon thedayoftheeventare unfortunatelystillpresent.Butifwe persist,themarketwillmature.

BusinessAPAC:Howdoyoualign yourvisionwiththeVision2030of SaudiArabia,andwhataresome oftheinnovativeprojectsyouare workingon?

Lina:Iamdelightedandproudto beanactivecontributortothe Vision2030implementation,which isevolvingmylovelykingdominto along-termprosperousfuture.

LookingatourworkIcanspeak weeksaboutourplansandideas,but oneachievementIwouldliketo highlightisourtechstartupI mentionedearlier,REE.global.We havereceivedaremarkableresponse toitsMVP(minimumviable product)andafterclosingasecond

investmentroundweare readytocompleteour nextmilestone–toprofit fromthesynergies betweentheentertainment andtravelindustries.

Thecoreofour innovationisaglobal aggregatorofferingaonestopsolutiontopurchase evententertainmentwith fullyautomateddoor-todoorpricinganddelivery. Imaginemakingasingle visittoourplatformand havingtheshowdelivered righttoyourevent doorstep,instantly Thisis notjustaproject;it'sa paradigmshiftintheway theworldexploresand procuresevent entertainment-B2Bas wellasB2C.

Co-founder and CEO

Ahmed Al-Zaini Turning Tables from Engineering to Restaurant

IntheheartoftheMiddleEast,anewwaveof entrepreneurshipisreshapingSaudiArabia's economiclandscape.FueledbytheambitiousVision 2030,theKingdomisrapidlytransformingintoaglobal hubforinnovationandstartups.Withastaggering87% annualgrowthinthenumberofstartupsfrom2017to2022, SaudiArabiaisnotjustdiversifyingitseconomybutalso fosteringaculturethatcelebratesrisk-takinganddisruptive ideas.

Amidstthisvibrantstartupculture,AhmedAl-Zainistands outasabeaconofinnovationandleadership.AstheCofounderandCEOofFoodics,acloud-basedrestaurant managementsystem,Al-Zainihasbeeninstrumentalin revolutionizingthefoodandbeverageindustryinthe MiddleEast.

AhmedAl-Zaini:APioneerattheForefront

Al-Zaini'sjourneybeganatKingFahdUniversityof PetroleumandMinerals,wherehepursuedelectrical engineering.Hisquestforknowledgeledhimtoexecutive leadershipprogramsatHarvardBusinessSchooland Stanford,equippinghimwithaglobalperspectiveon businessandtechnology.Beforeembarkingonhis entrepreneurialpath,Al-Zainico-foundedAlwansin2010, aventurethatdevelopedappsandprovidedinvestment opportunitiesforstartups.

Foodics:RevolutionizingtheF&BIndustry

TheinceptionofFoodicsin2014markedasignificant milestoneinAl-Zaini'scareer.Underhisleadership, Foodicshasgrowntoemploy847individualsandrecently completedaSeriesCfundinground,raising$170million. Thecompanyoffersasuiteofservices,includingpoint-ofsalesystems,digitalmenus,andanalytics,alldesignedto streamlineoperationsforfoodbusinesses.

UpsandDownsinEntrepreneurialJourney

Leadingacompanyattheintersectionoffintechand foodtechnology,Al-Zainifacesthechallengeof continuousinnovation.Hisvisionistoharness technologytotransformtheoperationaldynamicsof restaurantsandfoodbusinesses.Hismissionisto deliverhigh-qualitytechnologysolutionsthatsimplify salesandoperationsforfoodenterprises.

AchievementsandAccolades

Al-Zaini'sachievementshavenotgoneunnoticed.He hasbeenrecognizedasahigh-impactentrepreneurby EndeavorGlobalandreceivedtheForbesAwardfor EntrepreneursShapingSaudiArabia'sFuture.His effortshavepropelledFoodicstobecomeoneofthe fastest-growingstartupsintheregion.

ThesuccessofAhmedAl-ZainiandFoodicsisa testamenttothethrivingentrepreneurialspiritin SaudiArabia.ItreflectstheKingdom'scommitment tonurturingasupportiveecosystemforstartups, whereinnovationisnotjustencouragedbut celebrated.AsSaudiArabiacontinuestopavetheway foraknowledge-basedeconomy,leaderslikeAl-Zaini willundoubtedlyplayapivotalroleinshapingits future.

ThestoryofAhmedAl-Zainiismorethanjusta narrativeofpersonalsuccess;it'sareflectionofa broadershiftinSaudiArabia'seconomicparadigm. It'sastoryofanationbettingonitsyouth,its innovators,anditsvisionariestobuildafuturethat's prosperous,sustainable,andinclusive.AsSaudi ArabiamarchestowardsitsVision2030goals,the worldwatchesinanticipation,eagertowitnessthe fullpotentialofthisentrepreneurialrevolutionunfold.

AGRO TOURISM

The Rising Sustainable Industry of India

Indiaisanincrediblepieceoflandforfoodiesand travelers.Diverseinculture,landscape,and ethnicities,ithasbeenahotspotfortouristsfrom allacrosstheglobe.Fromspiritualdestinationsto themostscenicterrainandshinybeaches,Indiahasit all.Aspertherecords, Indiacateredtoaround10.93 millionforeigntouristsin2019.However,covid-19 pandemicbroughtthenumberdownto6.19millionin 2022.Theriseisexpectedwithinthenextcoupleof years.Thus,allgovernmentsareimplementingnew strategiestoattractthelargestnumberofdomesticand foreigntourists.OnesuchstrategyisAgroTourism.

WhatisAgroTourism?

Agrotourism,alsoknownasagritourism,involves visitingfarms,agriculturalareas,andrurallandscapesto experienceandparticipateinfarmingactivitiesandrural life.Itisaformofnichetourismthatallowstouriststo learnaboutagriculturalpractices,foodproduction processes,andtheruralwayoflifewhileenjoying recreationalactivitiesinthecountryside.Agritourism destinationsmayincludeworkingfarms,vineyards, orchards,ranches,andotheragriculturalsettings.

ObjectivesofAgroTourism

Theprimaryobjectivesofagrotourismaretoprovide touristswithaneducationalandentertainingexperience, supportlocalfarmersandruralcommunitiesby generatingadditionalincome,andpromotesustainable agricultureandculturalexchange.Visitorstoagritourism sitescanoftenengageinactivitiessuchaspickingfruits, vegetables,orgrapes,participatinginfarmchores, takingfarmtours,learningabouttraditionalagricultural methods,andenjoyingfarm-freshfoodandproducts.

Agritourismhasbecomeincreasinglypopularworldwide aspeopleseektoreconnectwithnature,understand

wheretheirfoodcomesfrom,andexperiencetheslower paceofrurallife.Additionally,itallowsfarmersto diversifytheirincomestreamsandpromotetheir productsdirectlytoconsumers.

WhyisAgroTourismpopularinIndia?

Agrotourism’spopularityinIndiacanbeattributedto itsrichruralheritage,diverseagriculturalpractices,and authenticculturalexperiences.Withover60%ofthe populationdependentonagriculture,Indianaturally becomesanappealingdestinationforagriculture tourism.Moreover,visitorsaredrawntoimmersing themselvesintraditionalrurallife,witnessingvarious farmingtechniques,andengaginginfarm-to-table experienceslikeharvestingcropsandmilkingcows. However,agrotourismpromoteseducationabout agricultureandsustainablepracticesandoffersa peacefulescapefromurbanlife.Inaddition,thesector contributestotheeconomicdevelopmentofrural communitiesandalignswiththegrowinginterestin sustainableandresponsibletourism.Thus,supportedby theIndiangovernment,itcontinuestogainpopularityas itshowcasesthecountry’sagriculturaldiversityand culturalrichness,makingitacaptivatingdestinationfor bothdomesticandinternationaltourists.

AreportpublishedbyIMARCsaysIndia’sagriculture tourismcouldhaveagrowthrateof19.9%(CAGR) between2023-2028.Tounderstandthepredictedgrowth, let’strytounderstandhowagrotourismoperatesin India.

TypesofAgroTourisminIndia

EachtypeofagrotourisminIndiaoffersadistinctive experience,allowingvisitorstoconnectwithnature, understandlocalculture,andgaininsightsintothe country’sagriculturalheritage.Moreover,thesediverse

optionsmakeIndiaanattractive destinationfortouristsseeking authenticandenrichingrural experiences.

●Culinarytourism:Thistypeof tourismcentersaroundfood experiencesandculinarytraditions. Touristscanindulgeinfarm-fresh meals,cookingworkshops,and localproduceandregionaldishes tastings.

●Wineandvineyardtourism: Indiahasagrowingwineindustry, particularlyinregionslikeNashikin MaharashtraandKarnataka.Wine andvineyardtourismallowsvisitors toexplorevineyards,learnabout winemakingprocesses,andsample differentwines.

●Teaestatetourism:Indiais renownedforitsteaproduction,and teaestatetourismallowstouriststo visitteaplantationsinplaceslike DarjeelingandAssam.Theycan witnessteapluckingandprocessing andlearnabouttheteaculture.

●Spiceplantationtourism:In Keralaandothersouthernstates, spiceplantationtoursoffervisitors thechancetoexplorearomaticspice gardens,learnaboutvariousspices, andunderstandtheirculinaryand medicinaluses.

●Fruitorchardtourism:Certain regionsinIndia,likeHimachal PradeshandUttarakhand,offerfruit orchardtourswheretouristscan pickfruits,enjoysceniclandscapes, andexperienceruralagricultural life.

●Ayurvedaandwellnesstourism: Thisformofagrotourismfocuses ontraditionalAyurvedicpractices andwellnesstherapies.Moreover, touristscanengageinrejuvenating

treatmentsandyogaretreats,aswell aslearnaboutAyurvedicmedicinal plants.

●Sustainableandeco-tourism: Someagrotourisminitiativesfocus onpromotingsustainableandecofriendlypractices.Touristscan participateineco-friendlyfarm activities,learnaboutconservation efforts,andsupportresponsible tourism.

●Ruralcraftandarttourism:This typeofagrotourisminvolvesvisiting ruralartisansandcraftsmentolearn abouttraditionalcraftslikepottery, weaving,andhandloomworkand purchaseuniquehandmadeproducts.

●Adventuretourism:Adventure tourismofferstouriststhe opportunitytoengageinvarious outdooractivitiesamidstrural landscapes.Theseactivitiesoften involveexploringnatureand agriculturalareasinanadventurous andactivemanner

BenefitsoftheIndustry

AgrotourisminIndiapromotesa symbioticrelationshipbetween agriculture,tourism,andlocal communities,fosteringsustainable development,culturalunderstanding, andeconomicsuccesswhile safeguardingthecountry’snatural andculturalheritage.InIndia, agrotourismoffersanumberof advantages:

●EconomicBoost:Agrotourism generatesadditionalincomefor farmersandruralcommunities, helpingtodiversifytheirrevenue sources.Italsocreatesemployment opportunitiesthroughvarious serviceslikefarmstays,guided tours,andlocalcrafts,contributingto thegrowthofthelocaleconomy

●AgriculturalandEnvironmental Sustainability:Agrotourism encouragessustainableagricultural practicesasfarmersoftenshowcase eco-friendlymethodstotourists. Thisfostersawarenessabout responsiblefarming.Moreover,it emphasizestheconservationof naturalresourcesandtheimportance ofbiodiversitypreservation.

●CulturalExchangeandSocial Integration:Agriculturetourism facilitatesculturalexchange betweentouristsandlocal communities.Thus,visitorsgain insightsintoruraltraditions, festivals,andcustoms,promoting mutualunderstandingand appreciationofdiversecultures. Thissocialinteractionhelpsbridge thegapbetweenurbanandrural populations.

●PreservationofRuralHeritage: Agro-tourismplaysarolein preservingtraditionalknowledge, crafts,andskillsthatmight otherwisebeatriskoffadingaway Byvaluingandshowcasingrural heritage,ithelpsmaintaincultural identityandheritageforfuture generations.

●EducationandAwareness:Agrotourismofferseducational opportunitiesfortouriststolearn aboutagriculturalpractices,food production,andrurallifestyles. Therefore,thisincreasedawareness fostersappreciationfortheeffortsof farmers.Additionally,ithighlights theimportanceofsustainableand locally-sourcedfoodsystems.

●HealthandWell-being:Agro tourismpromotesphysicaland mentalwell-beingthroughoutdoor activities,suchashiking,biking, andfarm-relatedtasks.Itprovidesa refreshingescapefromurbanlife,

offeringtouristsachanceto connectwithnatureand experienceahealthierlifestyle.

●ConservationofAgricultural Land:Farmersmaybe incentivizedtomaintaintheir agriculturallandsinsteadof convertingthemintononagriculturalusesbypromoting agro-tourism.Thishelpsprotect valuableagriculturalresources andpreventfurtherurbansprawl.

●TourismDevelopment:Agro tourismaddstothediversityof tourismofferingsinIndia, attractinganichesegmentof travelerswhoseekauthenticand ruralexperiences.Thiscan contributetothecountry’s overallgrowthinthetourism sector

TopAgroTourismStatesto VisitinIndia

Indiaoffersmanycaptivating agrotourismdestinations,each boastinguniqueagricultural landscapes,culturalexperiences, andadventureopportunities. Herearesomeofthemost popularstatestoexplore:

●Maharashtra:Maharashtra’s richagriculturalheritagemakes itanidealdestinationforagro tourism.Farmstaysoffera glimpseintorurallife,while heritagetoursunveilthestate’s culturalgems.Adventurous travelerscanexplore Maharashtra’sdiverse Sahayadrimountainrangeand thesceniclandscapesof Konkan.

●Kerala:Keralaalwayssurprises everytouristontheirtripinitsverdant hillsandtranquilbackwaters.In addition,touristscanenjoyfarmstays amidstlushplantations,participatein heritagetourstolearnaboutthestate’s richculturaltraditions,andengagein adventureactivitieslikehikingandriver rafting.

●HimachalPradesh:Nestledinthe northernregionofIndia,Himachal Pradeshcaptivateswithitsmajestic mountains,forests,andvalleys. Moreover,agrotourismhereincludes farmstaysthatallowvisitorsto immersethemselvesinrurallife. Additionally,therearetreksthrough sceniclandscapesandcampinginthe lapofnature.

●Uttarakhand:Withitsholy mountains,sacredrivers,anddense forests,Uttarakhandhasamagical experienceforeverytourist.Visitors canindulgeinfarmstays,hikethrough breathtakingtrails,andenjoythrilling raftingadventures.

●TamilNadu:Diverseagricultural practicesandlushlandscapesmake TamilNaduanexcellentdestinationfor agro-tourism.Touristscanexploretea andcoffeeplantationsintheNilgiris, visitspicegardensinKerala,and discovertraditionalagricultural practicesinruralareas.

●Assam:TheteagardensofAssam allowvisitorstolearnabouttea cultivationandprocessing.Additionally, touristscanexploretherurallifeofthe state’stribalcommunitiesandindulge intraditionalAssamesecuisine.

●AndhraPradeshandTelangana: Thesesouthernstatesboastarich agriculturaloutput.Here,opportunities includeexploringricepaddies,fruit orchards,andvegetablefarmsand witnessingtraditionalfarmingpractices.

●Karnataka:Thestate’sdiverselandscapes containeverypossibleattraction,from beaches,andjunglestowidelyspreadfarm lands.Karnatakaoffersattractionssuchas visitstocoffeeandspiceplantationsinCoorg andexploringruralcharmintheMalnad region.

FactorsDrivingIndia’sAgriculture Tourism

Keyfactorsarepropellingtheagrotourism market’sgrowthinIndia:

●IncreasingDemandforSustainable Tourism:Touristsareshowinginterestin sustainabletourism,recognizingits significanceinpreservingtheenvironment andsupportinglocalcommunities.Thus, agro-tourism,focusingonsustainable farmingpracticesandruralexperiences, alignswellwiththistrend.

●SurgingPopularityofFarmStays:Farm stayshavegainedsignificantpopularity amongtourists,astheyofferaunique opportunitytoimmersethemselvesinrural lifeandengageinagriculturalactivities.

Theseauthenticexperiencesattracttravelers seekingmeaningfulconnectionswithnature andlocalculture.

●GovernmentInitiativesPromotingRural Tourism:TheIndiangovernment’sproactive effortstopromoteruraltourismfostertheagrotourismmarket’sgrowth.Byincentivizingand supportingruralinitiatives,thegovernment aimstouplifttheruraleconomyandpreserve traditionalheritage.

AgrotourisminIndiaoffersadiverseand enrichingruralexperiencetovisitors.Withits vastagriculturallandscapesandrichcultural heritage,touristscanengageinfarmstays, learnaboutsustainablepractices,andbridge thegapbetweenurbanandruralcommunities. StateslikeKerala,HimachalPradesh,and Rajasthanprovideopportunitiesforadventure tourism,whilePunjabshowcasestheimpactof theGreenRevolution.Fromteagardensin AssamtospiceplantationsinKarnataka,each regionoffersuniqueexperiences.This sustainableandeducationalformoftourism benefitslocaleconomies,promotes environmentalconservation,andfosters culturalunderstandinginIndia’scountryside.

Everything About Green Technology for a Sustainable Tomorrow

“The future will either be green or not at all!” 66%ofconsumersworldwidearewillingtopaya premiumforenvironmentallysustainable productsandencouragegreentechnology.

Well,thissignifiestheimportanceofsustainable practicesforpeoplewhocarefortheprosperityof ourplanet.Intoday’sworld,theimportanceof greentechnology,sustainability,and environmentalconservationhasneverbeenmore evident.

Asbusinessesandindividualstogetherstriveto reducetheircarbonfootprintandadoptmoreecofriendlypractices,thedemandforgreen technologycontinuestogrow

Greentechnology,alsoknownasgreentech, encompassesawiderangeofinnovationsand practicesthataimtoreduceourimpactonthe environment.Inthisblogpost,wewillexplore everythingyouneedtoknowaboutgreen technology.Solet’sgetstarted!

WhatisGreenTechnology?Anditsgoalsfora sustainablefuture.

Greentechnologyisaninnovativefieldthat combinesscienceandtechnologytodevelop environmentallyfriendlyproductsandservices.

Itsprimarygoalsaretoreduceenvironmental harm,repairpastenvironmentaldamage,and promotethesustainableuseofresources.

Withafocusonoperationalefficiencyand reducingnegativeenvironmentalimpacts,green tech,alsobroadlyreferredtoascleantechor environmentaltechnology,playsacrucialrolein protectingtheenvironment.

Renewableenergyisakeyaspectofgreen technology,especiallyinfightingclimatechange. However,solarandwindpowertechnologies havesignificantlyreducedourdependenceon fossilfuelsandgreenhousegasemissions.

Additionally,sustainableagriculturepracticesand innovations,includingverticalfarmingandthe useofbiochar,playavitalroleinconserving resources,reducinglandandwaterusage,and

enhancingfoodproduction.Thereforesignificantgrowth reflectsthegrowingdemandforenvironmentallyfriendly solutions.

Thejourneytowardsensuringthatfuturegenerationsinherit ahealthierandmoresustainableworldinvolvesablendof innovation,policy-making,andenvironmentalcommunity engagement.

Statisticsofthemarketsize

Theglobalgreentechnologyandsustainabilitymarketis experiencingsignificantgrowth.Here’sabriefoverview:

● ThemarketvaluewasworthUSD16.50billionin 2023andisexpectedtorisetoUSD19.83billionin 2024.By2032,it’sprojectedtoreachUSD83.59 billion.

● ThemarketisgrowingataCAGRof20.8%from 2023to2030.

● Whenwelookintotheregionalshare,in2023, NorthAmericaheldamarketvalueofUSD5.84 billion.

● Solutionsarebeingimplementedingreenbuilding, cropmonitoring,pollutionmonitoring,andcarbon management.EvencompanieslikeCropX,Inc.,and SchneiderElectricareofferinginnovativeproducts.

● Post-pandemic,governmentinitiativesand regulationshavecreatedopportunitiesformarket players.There’safocusonreducingcarbon emissions,whichcouldleadtooperationalchanges andcostreductions.Forinstance,thedemandfor electricvehiclesisalsoincreasingduetotheir environmentalbenefits.

Themarket’spotentialisespeciallyhighindeveloping economiesandemergingmarkets.Alltheabovestatistics indicateastrongmarketuptake,signifyingamajorshiftin howbusinessesandconsumersalikevaluesustainability,and theytogetheraremarkinganeweraofenvironmental consciousnessintheglobalmarket.

Advantages

andChallengesofGreenTechnology

Greentechnologyisbecomingabiggerpartofourlives.It bringsmanyadvantagesbutalsofaceschallenges.Here’sa simplelistcomparingthetwo:

AdvantagesOfGreenTechnology:

● CreateNewJobs:Greentechnologyinsolar andwindpowerandwastemanagement,which isnowabigbusiness,cancreatejobslike environmentaltechnicians,windturbine technicians,airqualityengineers,water resourcesengineers,etc.Thiswillalsohelp remotecommunitiesgetpower.Green technologieslikebiogasplantscanhelprural familiesandcommunitiesdobetter

● CostReduction:Itcansavecompaniesmoney onenergyandresources.Forexample,by reducingtheuseofenergyinrunningIT systems,organizationscansavemoneyon electricityandcoolingcosts.

● GreenManufacturingandFarming:Green manufacturingreduceswasteandpollution, makingproductswithlessenvironmentalharm. Thesedays,businessesarechoosingtogenerate powerusingrenewablesourceslikewind, geothermal,solar,hydropower,andlandfillgas. Greenfarmingisbetterforpeople’shealthand thesoil,leadingtomorefoodovertime.Even greenfertilizerslikecompostmanure,green manure,andbonemealarebeingusedaspart oforganicfarming.

Challenges:

● HighCosts:Startinggreentechprojectscanbe expensive.Thehighinitialinvestmentcanbea barrierforsome.Andgreenproductsmightcost moretomake.

● EfficiencyandTechnicalIssues:Greentechis stillnewandcanhaveproblemsthatneed fixing,asthereisaneedformoreinnovationto makegreentechbetter.

● SlowImplementation:Itcantakealongtime toswitchtogreentechnology Alackof awarenessandunderstandingaboutgreen technologyanditsbenefitscandelayits adoption.

Overcomingthesechallengesrequireseffortsfrom governments,businesses,andcommunitiestoprovide encouragement,investininfrastructuredevelopment,

andeducatethepublicontheimportanceandadvantagesof adoptinggreentechnology.

TypesofGreenTechnology

Greentechnologyhasavarietyofmethodsaimedat environmentalrestorationandtheconservationofa sustainableandeco-friendlyfuture.Amongitsmanyforms, sometypesofgreentechnologyareasfollows:

● AlternativeEnergy:

Thebusinessesaredevelopingenergysourceslikesolarand wind,whicharenowcost-effectiveandwidelyaccessible. Solarpanelsareincreasinglyaffordableforhomeowners. Geothermalandtidalenergyarepotentialfuture alternatives.Andevenhydrogenisgainingattentionasa cleanenergysource.

● ElectricVehicles(EVs):

EVsarethekeystoreducingtransportationemissions, whichaccountforasignificantportionofgreenhouse gasses.Theinnovationsneededhereincludehigh-capacity batteriesandchargingnetworks.TheeffectivenessofEVs iscurrentlylimitedbypowergridsthatusefossilfuels.

● SustainableAgriculture:

Greentechnologyinagricultureaimstoreducethe environmentalimpactoffarmingandlivestock.The practicesincludeorganicfarming,methane-reducingcattle feed,andmeatsubstitutes.

● Recycling:

Recyclingeffortsfocusonreusingmaterialstoconserve resources.Advancedrecyclingprocessesrecovervaluable materialsfrome-wasteandautoparts.Turningwasteinto resourcesorenergyisagrowingtrendin2024.

● CarbonCapture:

Intoday’stimes,technologiesdesignedtocaptureandstore greenhousegasesarebeingdeveloped.Thelatestfacility canabsorb4,000tonsofCO2annually.Low-carbon construction,likesustainablebuildingpractices,isalso becomingmorecommon.

It’salsointerestingtoknowthat71%ofnewenergy capacityisderivedfromwindandsolarpower Thegreen

techmarketisexpanding,withsignificant advancementsinenergystorageandsustainable materials.Thesegreentechnologiesrepresentthe limelightofeffortstocreateamoresustainableand environmentallyfriendlyfuture.

Greentechtrendstowatchin2024

In2024,greentechnologytrendsareshapinga sustainablefuturewithinnovativesolutions.Let’s havealookatthetoptrends:

● Low-CarbonConstruction:Smart buildingsaregrowinggloballytotacklethe 38%ofgreenhousegasemissionsfrom traditionalconstruction.Thesebuildings areenergy-efficient,produceminimal waste,andusesustainablematerialslike bambooandhemp.

● CarbonCaptureandStorage:Tofight globalwarming,carboncapturetechnology isadvancingtoremovecarbonfromthe atmosphereandconvertitintosynthetic fuel.Althoughit’scurrentlycostly,it’s expectedtobecomemoreaffordableand scalable.

● RenewableEnergyStorage:As renewableenergysourcesbecomemore common,thechallengeofconsistent energysupplyisbeingaddressedby companiesdevelopinglong-termstorage solutions.

● Hydrogen:Fuel-cellelectricvehicles poweredbyhydrogenaregaining popularityduetotheirefficiencyandzero emissions.Predictionssuggestasignificant increaseinhydrogen-powered transportationby2050.

● Upcycling:Thepracticeofconverting wasteintonewmaterialsispartofthe circulareconomy,eliminatingtheconcept ofwasteandpromotingresourceefficiency. Thesetrendshighlightourcommitmenttoreducing environmentalimpactandfosteringagreener planet.Theyalsoshowcasetheongoingevolutionof greentechnologyanditspotentialtocreateamore sustainablefutureacrossvarioussectors.

Howcanyourcompanybenefitfromgreentechnology?

Intheforward-thinkingworldof2024,greentechnology isthekeytoenjoyingatreasuretroveofbusinessbenefits. Embracinggreentechnologycanpositionyourcompany asaleaderinsustainability,pavingthewayfornumerous advantagesthatextendfarbeyondenvironmentalimpact. Herearesomepointsonhowyourcompanycanbenefit fromembracinggreentechnology:

● Sustainability:Byadoptinggreentechnology, yourcompanycanjointheglobalsustainability movement,reducingitscarbonfootprintand wasteandusingrenewableresources.

● CostSavings:Greensolutionsareoftenmore cost-effectivethantheirtraditionalpractices.For example,solarpowercanleadtolowerenergy costs,andeco-friendlysuppliersmayofferbetter pricing.

● IncreasedProductivity:Goinggreencanopen manydoorstooperationalefficienciesandmake employeeshappier,leadingtoimproved productivity

● EmployeeSpirit:Acommitmenttogreen practicescanbooststaffenthusiasmandsupport, asintoday’stimes,employeesprefercompanies thattakeactionagainstclimatechange.

● BrandImage:Embracinggreentechnologycan enhanceyourbrand’sreputation,resonatingwith the70%ofconsumerswhofavorsustainableand responsiblebrands.

In2024,theadoptionofgreentechnologyoffersmany advantagesforyourcompany,fromfinancialsavingsto brandenhancementandmarketopportunities,ultimately contributingtoasustainablefutureforall.Yourcompany doesn’tjustbenefitfromgreentechnology;itthrives becauseofit.

TopExamplesofGreenTechnology

Greentechisallaboutfindingnewwaystolivewithout hurtingourplanet.It’saboutcleanwater,lesswaste,and cleanerair.It’saboutmakingenergyinwaysthatwon’t runoutorharmtheearth.Herearesomeinnovative examplesofgreentechnologythatareleadingthecharge in2024:

● LEDLighting:Thesebulbsareabrightideafor savingenergy.Theyuselesspowerandlastlonger thanold-schoolbulbs.Plus,they’renotjustfor lightinguprooms—theyhelpgrowfoodandfight diseasestoo.

● WindEnergy:Smallwindmillscanmakeabig difference.They’reperfectforhomes,turning breezesintoelectricity.It’slikehavingamini powerplantinyourbackyard.

● SolarPanels:Solarpanelsarecheapernow;they canheatyourwaterorpoweryourhome.Adding tothat,theyaresuper-efficientaswell.

● ProgrammableThermostats:Thesegadgetsare reallyamazingandarewarmforyourwallet.Just setthemuptomatchyourschedule,andthey’ll automaticallyturntheheatdownintheroomwhen you’reout,savingenergyandmoney.

● VerticalFarming:Thiswayoffarmingstacks plantshigh,savingspaceandwater.It’sperfectfor citiesanddoesn’talwaysneedsoil.

Thesegreentechnologiesarenotjustgoodfortheearthbut alsogreatforourlives.Theysaveenergy,money,and space,allwhilehelpingtheplanet.

Conclusion

Aswewrapupourjourneythroughthepathofgreen technology,it’sclearthatsustainabilityandinnovationgo handinhandinshapingourfuture.

Adoptinggreentechnologyisnotjustachoicebuta responsibilitytowardbuildingabetterworldfor generationstocome.

It’stimetoshiftourfocustowardsustainablepracticesand embracetheinnovationsthatwillshapeourplanet’sfuture.

Remember,everysmallsteptowardsadoptinggreen technologycanhaveapowerfulimpactonour environment.So,whywait?Startexploringtheworldof greentechnologytodayandbeapartofthemovement towardsamoresustainabletomorrow

Together,let’scoverthewayforagreener,cleaner,and moreprosperousworld.Takeactionnowandmakea difference.Thefutureisgreen,anditstartswithyou!

MiCHAEL CRiCKMORE

Bridging Cultures, Leading Innovation in Saudi’s Business Landscape

MichaelCrickmore,aseasonedcorporate founder,boastsaprolificentrepreneurial journeyspanningover15venturesacross diversesectors,fromthefutureofmobilityto internationalgovernmentandadvisoryroles. CommencinghiscareerasanentrepreneurinHong Kong,MichaelnavigatedrolesatErnstandYoung inLondon.Here,hedelvedintomanagement consulting,specificallyfocusingontheFutureof Mobility,contributingtopivotalprojectsduring BrexitintheDepartmentforInternationalTrade andNHS’songoingstaffingcrisis.

AsthesecondemployeeatFoundersLaneLondon, lateracquiredbyCreativeDock,Michaelplayeda crucialroleinleadingnewventureswith internationalclients.Hisnotableco-founding achievementincludesRekabinSaudiArabia.This ventureachievedanimpressivemilestoneof3.5 millionridesinthefirst18months,boastinga remarkable27%compoundedmonthlygrowthrate andavaluationsurpassingUS$60millionafterjust 12months.

InJanuary2023,MichaelfoundedFvtvreinSaudi Arabia,markingtheinitiationofgroundbreaking venturessuchasPropXinPropTechandDecisionX inFinTech.Holdinganundergraduatedegreein BusinessStudieswithafocusonStrategyand AccountingfromLancasterUniversity,includinga yearabroadinHongKong,Michaelfurtherfortified hisexpertisewithaMaster’sDegreein InternationalBusinessStrategyfromHult InternationalBusinessSchool,spanningLondon

andNewYork.Withawealthofexperienceanda trackrecordofsuccessfulventures,Michael continuestobeatrailblazerinentrepreneurship andcorporateleadership.

LeadershipExcellenceandImpactfulVentures

Invariousleadershiproles,Michaelconsistently demonstratesaversatileskillset,excellingin teamleadership,fundraising,andstrategyand partnershipdevelopmentandexecution.Asa teamleader,heeffectivelyguidesventures, fosteringcollaborationandinnovationamong teammembers.

Hisfundraisingproficiencyishighlightedby successfullyestablishingventureslikeRekaband Fvtvre,showcasinghisabilitytosecurefinancial backingforambitiousprojects.Michaels ’ strategicacumenisevidentindevelopingand executingpartnershipsthatcontributetothe growthandsustainabilityofventuresunderhis purview

Notably,Michaelreceivesrecognitionforhis entrepreneurialprowessandleadership.The accoladeof“MostInnovativeVentureBuilding Firm2023”inSaudiArabiaatthePrivateEquity andVentureCapitalAwardshighlightshis commitmenttoinnovationandexcellenceinthe venture-buildingspace.Additionally,the acknowledgmentof“BestFintechBankingStartUpinMENA2023”bytheGlobalFinancial MarketsReviewisatestamenttohissuccessin

steeringventurestowardexcellenceinthecompetitivefintech landscape.

Michael’sachievementsextendbeyondaccolades, encapsulatingthetangibleimpactofhisventures.The remarkablegrowthofRekab,aleadingride-sharingplatform inSaudiArabia,showcaseshisabilitytodriveventuresto substantialsuccess.Rekabhasbeenprovidingmobilityto majoreventsintheKingdomsuchasFormula1,the InternationalBoxingFederation,andLeap,directlyhiringone ofthelargestfleetsoffemaledriversforfemalepassengers.

Throughsharingrideswithmultiplepassengers,Rekabhas avoidedCO2emissionsthataretheequivalentof1,400fully loadedflightsbetweenLondonandNewYork.Rekabhasalso delivereda1350%ROCEforitscorporateinvestors, maintainedafeedbackscoreof4.7outof5(highestinthe industry),andemployedover700Saudisprovidingstable employmentvsthegigeconomy.Michael’svisionand leadershiphavemadeRekabagame-changerinthe transportationsectorandacatalystforsocialand environmentalchangeinSaudiArabia.

Furthermore,thelaunchofFvtvrewithgroundbreaking ventureslikePropXandDecisionXfurthersolidifiedhis positionasaninfluentialfigureinshapingthefutureof technologyandfinanceinSaudiArabia.

StrategicVentureEcosystemAlignedwithVision2030

Futureisadynamicventurestudiowithfullintegration.Itis renownedforitscapacitytogenerate,build,andfund venturesfromthepre-seedstagetoearlycommercial validation.Committedtocreating3-4strategicventures annuallyinFinTech,PropTech,Consumer,andSocialImpact, Fvtvreplacesitselfattheforefrontofinnovationinlinewith SaudiArabia’sVision2030objectives.

Thecompanyfeaturesacompactyethighlyskilledteamof12 coremembers,eachwithextensiveexperienceindeveloping venturesacrossglobalcorporates,fast-growingstartups,and industry-leadingscale-ups.Thisteamencompassesa comprehensiverangeofverticalandfunctionalexpertise neededfordesigning,launching,andscalingstartups.The hybridcompositionoflocalandinternationaltalentreflects Fvtvre’sdedicationtocapitalizingonthediverse opportunitiespresentedbyVision2030,demonstratinga commitmenttoglobalbestpracticesalongsidelocalinsights.

“

Networks are the most critical source of success, whether that is having a network with established leaders in the market or a network of latent consumers who are waiting for a new solution

NavigatingCulturalBarriersandOvercoming Resistance

Asanon-Saudileaderwithdifferentworkingculturesand languages,Michaeladoptedamultifacetedapproach.Firstly, effectivecommunicationandrelationship-buildingplayeda crucialrole.Byencouragingopendialogueand understanding,hereducedresistanceandillustratedthe valueofdiverseleadershipinachievingVision2030 objectives.Additionally,Michaelimplementedstrategic initiativestodemonstratethebenefitsofforeignleadership, emphasizinghisglobalperspectivesandexpertise.This includedhighlightingsuccessfulcasestudiesandleveraging histrackrecordinventuressuchasRekabandFvtvre.

Indealingwithsenior-leveltalentshortages,Michael exploredinnovativerecruitmentstrategies.Thisinvolved targetedinitiativestodeveloplocaltalentthroughtraining programs,andexpandingthepoolofqualifiedSaudi professionals.Simultaneously,internationalrecruitmentmay havebeennecessarytoaddressthescarcity,requiringhimto navigatepotentialculturaldifferencesandintegratediverse perspectivesintotheorganizationalfabric.

FoundationalPrinciplesofFvtvre’sCollaborativeand InnovativeFramework

TheteamatFvtvreoperateswithinaclearframeworkthat encouragescollaboration,transparency,andinnovation. Beforestartinganyventure,roundtablediscussionsandaco-

founderagreementlaythegroundwork,aligningteam membersonexpectations,incentives,andcollaborative methods.Theseprocessesestablishafairmechanismfor rewardsandtoolstoaddressdeviationsfromworkand collaborationstandards.

Democratizedcommunicationensuresthateveryteam memberunderstandsthebroadervision,emphasizingthe significanceoftheircontributions.Cultivatingleadersrather thanmeremanagershelpstheorganizationmaintainflat hierarchies,empoweringeveryonetoactivelyparticipatein shapingbusinessstrategyandplans.

The“Failfastandlearn”cultureencouragesrisk-takingand experimentation,steeringawayfromthepunitiveapproachto failuresthatoftenhampersinnovationinlargecorporations. Embeddedtrustisacornerstone,allowingflexibilityinwork hoursandlocations,withsuccessmeasuredthrough milestoneachievementsratherthanstricthourlytracking.

Moreover,Michaelkeepstheteammotivatedandproductive byemployinganequity-sharingmodelthatextends incentivestoeveryteammember.Thisapproachaligns individualsuccesswiththeoverallgrowthandsuccessofthe business,fosteringacollectivesenseofownershipand commitment.Emphasizingresults-drivenKPIsand promotingacultureoftrustandcollaboration,Michael ensuresthattheteamremainsmotivated,innovative,and alignedwiththecompany’soverarchingvision.

StrategicNetworkingforYoungLeadersinSaudiArabia

Michaelemphasizestheimportanceofnetworksasacrucial sourceofsuccessforyoungleadersaspiringtomakea differenceinSaudiArabia.Whetherestablishingconnections withestablishedindustryleadersortappingintoconsumer networkseagerlyawaitinginnovativeSaudi-madesolutions, Michaeladvisesyoungleaderstoprioritizebuilding meaningfulrelationships.

Forthoseaspiringtomakeanimpact,Michaelencourages cultivatingconnectionswithinfluentialfigureswithinthe industry.Seekingoutmentors,engagingwithindustry leaders,andcollaboratingwithpotentialpartnerscanprovide valuableguidanceandopendoorstoimpactfulopportunities. However,itisessentialtoensurethatwhenreachingoutto anindustryleaderorpotentialcollaborator,oneapproaches theinteractionwithrespect,preparedness,andaclear understandingofhowtheconnectioncanbemutually beneficial.

Understandingthelocallandscapeisanotherkeypieceof advice.Youngleadersshouldinvesttimeingaininginsights intomarketdynamics,culturalnuances,andconsumer preferencesuniquetoSaudiArabia.Thisunderstandingis crucialfortailoringsolutionsthatalignwiththeVision2030 objectivesandresonatewiththeSaudiaudience.

Additionally,Michaelrecommendsidentifyingambassadors forone’svision.Influentialindividualswhocanintroduce andendorseayoungleader’sbusinesscansignificantly enhancecredibilityandreachwithinthemarket.Prioritizing relationship-building,understandingthelocalcontext,and activelyparticipatinginthebusinessecosystemcanhelp youngleaderspositionthemselvesforsuccessin contributingtoSaudiArabia’stransformativeVision2030

How the Future of will Revolutionize Our World AI INDUSTRY

ThefutureofAIindustryholdsimmense

promiseandpotential,poisedtorevolutionize varioussectorsandredefinethewaywelive andwork.Withanexpectedrevenueofastaggering US$390.9billionin2023,theindustryisonan upwardtrajectory,witnessingrapidgrowthand innovation.Asartificialintelligencecontinuesto matureandadvance,itsimpactisbecoming increasinglytangible,withbusinessesandindividuals harnessingitscapabilitiestodriveefficiency,enhance decision-making,andunlocknewopportunities.From autonomousvehiclestopersonalizedhealthcare,AIis reshapingourworld,creatingexcitingprospects,and transformingindustriesacrosstheglobe.Inthisblog, wewillseetheimpactandthefutureofAIindustry andhowweneedtobereadyforthat.

Currentimpact/growth

AI’simpactonthefutureofworkandlifeis transformative.Advancementsinmachinelearning, naturallanguageprocessing,androboticsare revolutionizingindustriesandreshapingourdaily routines.AIautomatestasks,boostsproductivity,and reducescostsintheworkplace.Manycompaniesnow emphasizeusingbotsandinstructingthemtocollect, extractandorganizethedata.Itcreatesnew opportunitiesforhumanstofocusoncomplex, creativeendeavors.

Beyondwork,AIimprovesconveniencethrough personalizedvirtualassistantsandenhanceshealthcare throughbetterdiagnosticsandtreatment.Addressing ethicalconcernssuchasdataprivacyandalgorithmic biasisessential.EmbracingAI’spotentialiscrucial foraprosperousfuture.

Industriesthatwillgetaffectedseverelyinthe future

1. AutomotiveIndustry

● CAGR:55%

● Currentmarketsize:US$9.3billion(2023)

● Expectedmarketsize:US$744.39billion (2033)

ThefutureofAIindustryintheautomotivesectoris promising.Self-drivingcarsareatestamenttoAI’s currentimpact,utilizingadvancedalgorithmsand

sensorsforreal-timedecision-making.AI-powered voiceassistantsandinfotainmentsystemsenhancethe drivingexperiencefurther.AIstillhasuntapped potentialtoexplore.Ongoingresearchand developmentwillenableAItorevolutionizevehicle safety,predictivemaintenance,andintelligenttraffic managementsystems.Theautomotiveindustrycan lookforwardtoanexcitingfuturewhereAIcontinues totransformandshapethewaywedrive.

2.

ManufacturingandLabor-Intensive Industries

● CAGR:47.9%

● Currentmarketsize:US$97billion(2023)

● Expectedmarketsize:US$163.6billion (2026)

Manufacturingandlabor-intensiveindustriesarevital toeconomies,employingalargeworkforce.These sectorsinvolvephysicalproductionprocessesand significanthumanlabor.However,withtheriseofAI, theseindustriesareundergoingtransformation.AIis increasinglyintegratedintomanufacturing,enhancing efficiency,loweringcosts,andimprovingproductivity Automation,machinelearning,androbotics revolutionizeproductionlines,enablinghigher precision,fastercycles,andreducederrors.Although AIisstillinitsearlystages,itspotentialtoreshape manufacturingandlabor-intensiveindustriesis enormous.Itpromisesafutureofincreasedautomation andimprovedoverallperformance.

3. TraditionalMediaandBroadcasting

● CAGR:30%

● Currentmarketsize:US$8.4billion(2023)

● Expectedmarketsize:US$104.36billion (2030)

Traditionalmediaandbroadcastingencompass establishedformsofmasscommunicationlikeTV, radio,newspapers,andmagazines.Theseplatforms havelongbeenvitalforsharingnews,information, andentertainment.Althoughdigitalmediahasgained prominence,traditionalmediaremaininfluential. However,AItechnologyisincreasinglyplayingarole intransformingtheindustry AIisusedforcontent personalization,dataanalysis,andtargetedadvertising, enhancingtheefficiencyandeffectivenessof

traditionalmediachannels.Asaresult,traditional mediaandbroadcastingareadaptingtoleverage AI’scapabilitieswhilemaintainingtheirenduring significance.

4. Healthcare

● CAGR:47.6%

● Currentmarketsize:US$14.6billion (2023)

● Expectedmarketsize:US$102.7Billion (2028)

Healthcareiscriticalforsafeguardingwell-being, avoidingdisease,andimprovingqualityoflife. Artificialintelligence(AI)hastransformedthe industry,enablingmoreaccuratediagnoses, effectivetreatments,andbetterpatientcare. MachinelearningandAI-powereddataanalytics areutilizedinmedicalimaging,drugdevelopment, electronichealthrecords,andpersonalized medicine.AIisrevolutionizingtheareaand holdingouthopeforbetterhealthcareresults becauseofitsabilitytoevaluatelargeamountsof medicaldataandassisthealthcarepersonnel.

5. RetailIndustry

● CAGR:30.3%

● Currentmarketsize:US$6Billion (2023)

● Expectedmarketsize:US$85Billion (2033)

Theretailindustryisavitalanddynamicsector, valuedattrillionsofdollarsglobally.It encompassesthesaleofgoodsandservices throughvariouschannels.Inrecentyears,the industryhaswitnessedsignificantintegrationof artificialintelligence.AIistransformingretail operations,improvinginventorymanagement, personalizingmarketingcampaigns,optimizing customerservicewithchatbots,andenhancing demandforecastingaccuracy TheadoptionofAI intheretailindustrycontinuestogrow, revolutionizingoperations,elevatingcustomer experiences,andenablingdata-drivendecisionmaking.Thistechnologicaladvancementisdriving innovationandshapingthefutureoftheretail landscape.

6. Finance,Banking

● CAGR:32.36%

● Currentmarketsize:$11.59billion(2023)

● Expectedmarketsize:US$64.03billion (2030)

Financeandbankingplayapivotalroleintheglobal economy,providingindividuals,businesses,and governmentswithessentialfinancialservices.The financesectorencompassesactivitiessuchas investing,borrowing,lending,andmanagingmoney, whilebankinginvolvesstoringanddistributingfunds. Technology,includingAI,hassignificantly transformedtheindustry.Financeandbanking extensivelyutilizeAItodetectfraud,assessrisk, executealgorithmictrading,andautomatecustomer service.Ithasexpeditedprocesses,improvedaccuracy, andenhancedcustomerexperiences,makingitan indispensabletoolforfinancialinstitutionsworldwide.

Howweneedtobeready

EventhoughhumansdevelopAI,AIwillbringa massivechangeinthelifeofhumans.Thereisgrowing evidencethatAIwilleventuallyreplacehumansin manyworkenvironments,whichcouldmakeitmuch moredifficultforpeopletosucceedintheirchosen careers.ButAIisalwaysgoingtobeunderprocess andprogress.Humanswillstillhavetheupperhand onlyiftheycanhandleandimprovethequalityofthe AI.

Let’slookatsomeofthepracticeswecanpracticeto stayaheadandincontroloftheAIindustry’sfuture.

1. ContinuedResearchandDevelopment

InvestinginAIresearchanddevelopmentiscriticalfor understandingitscapabilities,limitations,andpossible risks.Governments,academicinstitutions,and corporategroupsshouldinvestinAItechnology advancementandnewideas.

2. EthicalAIDevelopment

EmphasizingthecreationofethicalAIsystemsisvital. It’simportanttopromotetransparency,accountability, impartiality,andconfidentialitytoensurefairnessand safetyinAIalgorithmsanddecision-makingprocesses.

Byestablishingstandardsandregulatory frameworks,wecanensurethatAIisused appropriately.

3. Human-CenteredDesign

DesigningAIsystemswithhuman-centered principlesinmindcanenhancehumanabilities insteadofreplacingthem.WecandesignAIsystems collaboratingwithhumansinmultiplefieldsby emphasizinghumanwell-being,values,andchoices.

4. LifelongLearningandUpskilling

InaworldwhereAIisquicklyadvancing, encouragingongoingdevelopmentandupskillingis critical.Wemayoptimizethepossibleadvantagesof AIwhileavoidingtheriskofjoblossbyproviding humanswiththeskillsandknowledgerequiredto workalongsideAIsystems.

5. MaintainingHumanCreativityand EmotionalIntelligence

Developingandrewardinguniquelyhumancharacteristics likecreativity,emotionalintelligence,analyticalskills, andsensitivitycanassisthumansinmaintainingan advantageagainstAI.Thesecharacteristicsarecomplex forrobotstocopyandarenecessaryformanyindustries, includingart,invention,andnurturing.

Inconclusion,thefutureoftheAIindustryholds immensepromiseandpotential.Astechnologyadvances atanunprecedentedpace,AIispoisedtorevolutionize countlesssectorsandshapehowweliveandwork. However,itiscrucialtostayaheadofitandonlygive partofthepowertothehandsoftheAI.Wehopethis bloghasprovidedyouwithvaluableinsightanda warningaboutthefutureofAIindustry.It’scrucialto prepareforsignificantchangesexpectedinthecoming years.

Co-Founder & CEO

REEM IKRAM REEM IKRAM

Intoday’sdynamicbusiness environment,smallandmediumsizedenterprises(SMEs)are facingadauntingchallengeintheform ofsocialsecurity.Fromtheperspective ofemployees,thisresultsinahard-toswallowdeductionfromtheirsalaries. However,itisnotjustaboutthe financialaspect;employees,regardless oftheirbackground,wantstabilityand security,aswellasaccesstoadiverse rangeofinvestmentoptionstobuild theirwealth.

Meanwhile,companiesarestruggling withtheinternalretentionof employees,losingthemduetosmall increasesinsalaries.Itisclearthatthis isnotjustacommercialchallenge,but alsoasocialonethatbusinessesneed toaddress.AccordingtoanewBoston ConsultingGroup(BCG)study, approximately70%ofUAEemployees areconsideringchangingjobs,with compensation,retirement,and insurancebenefitsbeingthe“topdeal breakers.”

Similarproblemsinothermarketshave beenaddressedwithDefined contributionPlanssuchasthe401kin theUS.Thesechallenges,however,are globalinscope,anditistheroleof exemplaryleaderstochangenotonly themarketbutalsothoughtprocesses.

AnexampleofthisisReemIkram (Co-Founder, CEOand of ThriftPlan).Withhervisionand foresight,sheisredefiningsocial securitybyofferinganinteractive investmentplatformforboth employersandemployeesinthe MENAregion.

ATrailblazer’sJourney

Reemhasanimpressivejourneythat beganinherchildhoodinGermany, whereshediscoveredthethrillof creatingherownenterprisebyselling stones.Asachild,shewasfascinated bythefinancialaspectofrunninga business,andthisearlyexperienceleft alastingimpressiononher.

Afterstudyingentrepreneurship,Reem workedininnovationandtookher family’sbusinessfromthefirsttothe thirdgeneration.Shefacedthe dauntingchallengeofbringingthe companyintothedigitalageand transforminganimport/exportbusiness intoe-commerce.Herexperiencein managingfinancesprovedtobe invaluableduringthistransformational journey

UponmovingtoSaudiArabia,Reem encounteredasignificantchallenge duringhertimeworkinginPrivate EquityinSaudiArabia–the complicatedpensionsystemforexpats andthestrugglesofayounggeneration thatisnotpreparedforfinancial hurdlesinthefuture.Assomeonewho

wasusedtohavingadeductionfrom hersalary,Reemfoundithardtoadapt tothenewsystem,andthisrealization promptedhertoaddressamore widespreadproblem.Thisrealization sparkedtheideaforThriftPlan,a revolutionaryplatformthatoffersan interactiveinvestmentplanforboth employersandemployees.

RevolutionizingFinancialSecurity inMENA

Foundedin2019,atAlYasmeen, Riyadh,ThriftPlan’sgoalistohelp individualsachievefinancialsecurity inaregionwheresocialsecurityisa challengingissue.WithVision2030 addressingtheneedforsaving solutions,Thriftplanisactively highlightingoneofthelargestsources ofsaving,theWorkplaceSaving Plan,whichhascrossedamarket valueofmorethanUSD$7trillionin theUnitedStates.

Moreover,itisthethoughtprocessof companiesandindividualsthatis changing.Oneofthecorestrugglesin encouragingindividualstosavehas beenthecountry’sleveloffinancial

literacy,whichhasproventobea difficultobstacleinamarketwitha largeyoungpopulation.However,by automatingandencouragingdigital learningwhileinvesting,Reemandher teamarechangingthefutureofa generation. “The secret to evoking change is to have believers; my team was the first to believe. They are the ambassadors of saving,” saysReem.

InvestinginEmployeeRetention

AtThriftPlan,theteamhelps companiescreatedefinedcontribution plansthatincreaseinternalemployee retention.Unlikecompetitors,the company’sapproachinvolvesallowing adirectcontributionfromthe employee’ssalarytothesavingsplan, matchedbytheemployerbasedon theirretentiongoals.Thisencourages employeestoinvestintheirfuture whilebuildingloyaltytotheir employer.

ThriftPlanalsoempowersemployees bygivingthemtheautonomytodecide ontheirinvestmentportfolio,ensuring thatonlytheirdiscretionaryfundsare managedbythem.Additionally, ThriftPlanofferscomprehensive workshops,educationalcontent,and advisoryservicestohelpcreatethe mostsuitabledefinedcontributionplan foreachcompany’suniquehierarchy, objectives,andculture.

MakingThingsPossible

Reemisadynamicleaderwho shoulderstheultimateresponsibility foreverythingatherorganization. Withherleadershipstyleofleadingby example,sheensuresthatnotaskis beneathher,regardlessoftheskillset required.Asaleader,sheisrenowned forherabilitytomakethingspossible. Sheapproacheseveryproblemwitha contingencyplan. “Every problem

should have a plan B, a plan C, and if needed all the way to Z,” statesReem.

Asanentrepreneur,Reemunderstands thechallengesofkeepingherselfand herteammotivated.However,she considerstheimpactshehasonthe communityandstakeholderstobethe mostrewardingandrefreshingaspect ofherprofession.Sheisafirmbeliever thatbusinessesmustlookbeyond profitabilityandaddresssocialissues aswell.

Reemremembersatimewhenpeople toldherthatwhatshewasdoingwas impossible.However,sherefusedtolet thenaysayersdiscourageherand insteadpersevered,makingthe impossiblepossible.

Underherleadership,thecompanyhas achievednumerousnotableawardsand achievements.Inrecentyears, ThriftPlanwasawardedtheprestigious titleofthemostinnovativecorporate savingsolutioninKSA.Thecompany hasalsoreceivedmultipleawardsfor itsexceptionaleducationincentive.It participatedinFintechSaudiandwon thefirstprizeduringDemoDay.

StayingProactiveinaChanging Landscape

“Opportunities come, but they are a gift; as leaders, we need to be able to recognize them and capture them to succeed,” assertsReem.Sheopines thatbeingproactiveisnotonly importantbutalsoanobligationfor leaderstoseekoutnovelwaysto evolve.Itisnotonlyforthebenefitof stockholders,butalsoforthe organization’semployees,the ecosystemthatdependsonit,andthe individualswhohavenoalternative.

FromBoardroomtoBarn

Beyondhercabin,Reemindulgesina fewhobbiesthatbringhertruepeace. Shefindssolaceintrainingandriding horses,whichbringsanunparalleled senseoftrustandrejuvenationbetween theanimalandtherider.Forher,itisa refreshingfeelingthathelpsher unwindfromthedemandsofherbusy schedule.Inadditiontohorseriding, Reemalsoenjoysjoggingandreading whichhelpsherreleasestressandcalm hermind.

TheMindsetofaLeader

Reemsharesinvaluableadvicefor aspiringbusinessleaderswhowantto excelintheirfield.Heradviceis simpleyetprofound–“Believe in yourself.”Evenwhenothersdoubt yourabilitiesortellyouthatyourideas areunrealisticorimpractical,she advisesthatyoushouldnotgiveup. Instead,usetheirskepticismasa motivatortoworkevenharderand provethemwrong.

Opportunities come, but they are a gift; as leaders, we need to be able to recognize them and capture them to succeed. “

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