Saudi arabia’s startup revolution

When we think of global startup hubs, places like Silicon Valley or London come to mind. However, a new powerhouse is emerging, and it’s spicing the game—think Cardamon :)!

Saudi Arabia is experiencing a startup revolution fueled by ambitious entrepreneurs, strong government support, and a culture of purpose-driven innovation.

In this episode of Deep Dive Dardachāt, Hala and Rami explore insights from Dr. Tony Feghali, a business coach working closely with professionals in the Saudi space. What’s driving this entrepreneurial surge? How are Saudi founders approaching business differently? And could this new model of collaboration, passion, and innovation reshape the future of startups worldwide?

The rise of Saudi startups

For decades, Saudi Arabia’s economy was centered on oil. But today, a new generation of entrepreneurs is reshaping the country’s future—one based on technology, sustainability, and global ambition. According to Dr. Feghali, three significant factors are fueling this boom:

Government investment: Saudi leadership is offering funding, infrastructure, and regulatory support to make launching a business easier than ever.

A young, digital-first population: Saudi Arabia has a tech-savvy, ambitious youth eager to disrupt industries and create change.

Returning expats with global expertise: Many Saudi professionals are coming home with international business experience, bringing fresh ideas and best practices from around the world.

More than just raising money

Every startup needs funding, but in Saudi Arabia’s fast-moving market, Dr. Feghali warns that too much focus on investment rounds can be a distraction from what matters:

❌ A strong funding round won’t save a weak product.
✅ The key is to build something people need before scaling up.

Startups that succeed in Saudi Arabia’s evolving market aren’t just the ones that attract investors—they’re the ones that truly understand their audience and solve real problems.

The power of teamwork

Dr. Feghali emphasizes a key lesson that many Saudi founders are embracing:

💡 A great idea means nothing without the right team.

The best entrepreneurs don’t work alone—they surround themselves with talented people who bring diverse skills, perspectives, and strengths.

💬 “A startup is only as strong as the team behind it.”

Successful founders don’t just build companies—they create cultures of collaboration, communication, and shared vision. That’s why mentorship, partnerships, and strong leadership are crucial in Saudi Arabia’s startup boom.

Embracing falling: A mindset shift

He compares startups to athletes—they don’t quit after falling. They learn, adapt, and come back stronger.

🔄 Failure isn’t an ending—it’s a learning opportunity.
📚 The more you experiment, the smarter your decisions become.
💡 Taking risks is essential—but they should be calculated.

Saudi entrepreneurs embrace risk-taking as part of innovation, fueling their rapid growth.

A glimpse into the future

Saudi Arabia is proving that startups don’t have to follow traditional models to be successful.

With a strong support system, a culture of collaboration, and a bold vision for the future, its entrepreneurs are creating something entirely new: a startup ecosystem rooted in ambition and community. Could this new model of entrepreneurship inspire change beyond Saudi Arabia? Is this the future of startups worldwide?

One thing is sure—this is just the beginning.