Journey to Biban 24: Expanding into the KSA Market
Expanding into the KSA market has become an exciting priority for me as an entrepreneur. Now feels like the perfect time to be in Riyadh, witnessing and contributing to this nation’s incredible technology-driven growth and innovation. The momentum here is unmistakable.
My journey to Biban 24 began with a chance conversation in October with two inspiring eCommerce thought leaders, Mr. Mahmoud Mazi and Mr. Abdul Aziz from Monsha’at. We discussed the topic of “future-proofing eCommerce for long-term growth and success,” and I was captivated by their vision. When they invited me to join a panel discussion on “Building a Future-Ready Infrastructure: Enabling eCommerce Growth” at Biban 24, I knew I couldn’t miss this opportunity.
My only challenge was balancing my schedule, as I was also slated to participate in a panel at Bold B2B in London. Thanks to my ever-supportive family and my amazing colleague Alastair, who took the lead for us in London, I managed to make it to Biban 24.
Warm Welcome and First Impressions
From the moment I connected with the Biban team, I felt their warmth and hospitality. Even before I arrived, they were in contact, ensuring every detail was organised for my arrival. And when I landed, they greeted me with genuine smiles, traditional Saudi coffee, qahwa, and dates. It was a fantastic introduction to the local culture, and I felt welcomed and excited for the days ahead.
Reflections on Biban 24: A Hub of Innovation and Opportunity in Saudi Arabia
Biban 24 was an incredibly inspiring experience. The event showcased innovation, resilience, and collaboration, gathering thought leaders, startups, investors, and government officials. All were united by a shared vision: to foster a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Saudi Arabia. Being able to attend—and contribute as a panelist—was an honour, providing the opportunity to share my insights and learn from other leaders in the field.
The energy in the atmosphere was palpable, and I left each session with a renewed sense of purpose for the future of business in the Kingdom.
bharat sharma
ceo, monsoon consulting
A Dynamic Platform for Entrepreneurship
This year’s event was packed with sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities. From tech innovation to SME financing, each session offered strategic insights and practical advice for navigating today’s entrepreneurial challenges.
The energy in the atmosphere was palpable, and I left each session with a renewed sense of purpose for the future of business in the Kingdom. Driven by Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is cultivating an entrepreneurial environment that encourages innovation, and I’m excited to be part of that growth.
My Panel Experience: Insights and Reflections
One of the highlights was my participation in a panel alongside a leading eCommerce policymaker advising the Saudi government and a top industry thought leader from the GCC region. We discussed “Building a Future-Ready Infrastructure: Enabling eCommerce Growth,” covering everything from the core components of eCommerce infrastructure to the impact of technology and digital inclusion.
I shared insights from my experiences, especially emphasising Riyadh’s unique appeal for young entrepreneurs with big ideas. It was energising to see these concepts resonate with both the audience and fellow panellists. The diverse exchange of perspectives—from entrepreneurs to investors and policymakers—made it an invaluable experience.
Our Exhibition Booth and Meaningful Conversations
This was our first exhibition in Saudi Arabia, and it exceeded all expectations. For five days, our booth was consistently busy. Despite my limited Arabic, we had incredible conversations thanks to my colleague, Ahmed Jouda, and the understanding of our visitors.
Now, I have a collection of business cards, LinkedIn connections, and WhatsApp messages to follow up on. There’s great potential here for new partnerships and collaborations to support our expansion in Saudi Arabia.
Key Takeaways and Inspiration for the Future
Several key themes from Biban 24 will shape my approach moving forward:
- The Power of Collaboration
Biban underscored the importance of partnerships between public and private sectors to build a thriving business environment. My discussions with other attendees demonstrated how shared resources and knowledge can help us overcome challenges and achieve greater impact. - Commitment to Digital Transformation
The Kingdom’s commitment to digital transformation is inspiring. Across all sectors, businesses are adopting technology to scale and innovate. For companies like ours, this is both an opportunity and a responsibility to leverage digital solutions that make meaningful contributions. - Local Solutions with Global Potential
Many entrepreneurs here are tackling challenges relevant not only to Saudi Arabia but also to the global stage. This event highlighted how thoughtful solutions to local issues can resonate far beyond regional borders. - Endless supply of Traditional Saudi coffee, qahwa, and dates
I can’t emphasise enough the importance of a small shot of qahwa and a quick energy boost from a date to keep spirits high and energy up. The combination kept everyone in great spirits throughout the event! This will definitely be my go-to remedy for any event we organise in the future. 😊
- The Power of Collaboration
Moving Forward
Biban 24 was more than an event; it was a call to action. The conversations, insights, and connections reinforced my commitment to expanding into the Saudi market. I look forward to strengthening relationships with the incredible talent and visionary leaders I met and to collaborating further to build something meaningful in the Kingdom.
I am grateful to Monsha’at for organising such an impactful gathering and providing a platform for entrepreneurs to grow, connect, and lead. I am excited to embark on this journey and to contribute to the Kingdom’s dynamic growth story.
This experience has left me inspired and motivated, and I’m ready to take the next steps with new insights, stronger connections, and a clearer vision for the future.
