The 966

Rami Shabaneh, Senior Fellow, King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC) joins host Richard Wilson and The 966 for Episode #135. Rami is a senior fellow with KAPSARC’s Oil and Gas program, with a focus on global gas and hydrogen markets. He has nearly 15 years of research and industry experience analyzing energy markets and energy policy.Rami also co-edited the recently published, Clean Hydrogen Economy in Saudi Arabia, Domestic Developments and International Opportunitiesavailable for purchase on Amazon or Routledge as well as Taylor & Francis. Spanning 28 chapters the book is a first-of-its-kind analysis of the emerging global hydrogen economy from the vantage point of one of the world’s biggest energy providers: Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom is optimally situated geographically between the major demand markets in Europe and North Asia, from where it can leverage clean hydrogen exports as a potential tool to become a player of strategic importance and successfully diversify its economy under its Vision 2030 program.In his discussion with Richard and The 966 Rami Shabaneh provides informed analysis of the "who," "what," "where," and "why" related to clean hydrogen development within and beyond Saudi Arabia.Coincidentally, this past week NEOM Green Hydrogen Company (NGHC) initiated a major recruitment campaign for its world-leading green hydrogen plant as the project moves closer to its operational phase.The $8.4 billion facility, set to be the world’s largest green hydrogen production plant, is targeting full operations by the end of 2026 and aims to produce up to 600 tonnes of carbon-free hydrogen daily, potentially eliminating five million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.Rami Shabaneh is the second KAPSARC expert to join The 966. In January 2022, for Episode #22, Adam Sieminski, who had just finished serving as President of KAPSARC talked renewable energy and the Circular Carbon Economy. Another terrific conversation you can listen to here.https://share.transistor.fm/s/44662395    

The 966 and host, Richard Wilson welcome to Episode #134 Laura Morgan, Market Intelligence Lead, MEA, JLL to discuss Saudi Arabia’s Booming Construction Sector.  Ms. Morgan expands on JLL's Q1 2024 KSA Construction Market Intelligence Report which noted that with $1.5 trillion in the Saudi pipeline of unawarded construction projects, Saudi Arabia accounts for almost 40% of the total MENA pipeline value.  Within that pipeline the construction sector represents $950 billion (62% of the total $1.5 trillion), while transportation, infrastructure, and other utilities account for $582 billion (38%).  According to MEED Projects, the thriving KSA construction sector reported the highest value of awarded projects in 2023, reaching USD97 billion compared to USD60 billion in 2022. Aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 economic diversification and investment goals, this value represents only 6% of the potential pipeline, highlighting substantial opportunities within the sector.Join us for another timely and informative episode of The 966.SummaryLaura Morgan, Market Intelligence Lead Middle East, and Africa for JLL, discusses JLL's latest KSA Construction Market Intelligence Report and the construction market in Saudi Arabia. The report highlights the potential for GDP growth in Saudi Arabia, driven by Vision 2030 giga projects and infrastructure developments. The report also examines the construction pipeline, awarded and unawarded projects, and the challenges faced by the sector. Laura emphasizes the importance of data and transparency in understanding market trends and risks. She also discusses the progress of economic diversification in Saudi Arabia and the impact of rationalization efforts on the contracting sector.Keywords JLL, KSA Construction Market Intelligence Report, Saudi Arabia, construction market, Vision 2030, infrastructure developments, GDP growth, construction pipeline, awarded projects, unawarded projects, challenges, data, transparency, economic diversification, rationalization, contracting sector.TakeawaysSaudi Arabia's construction market is experiencing significant growth, driven by Vision 2030 projects and infrastructure developments.The construction pipeline in Saudi Arabia is substantial, with a value of around $1.5 trillion, and there is still a large portion of projects in the design and pre-qualification phases.Data and transparency are crucial in understanding market trends and risks in the construction sector.The efforts to build up local contracting capability in Saudi Arabia are progressing, but there is still a need for skilled labor, particularly in the MEP sector.Despite challenges such as inflation and geopolitical tensions, Saudi Arabia remains committed to its Vision 2030 goals and the construction projects associated with it.TitlesData and Transparency: Understanding Market Trends and RisksThe Construction Pipeline: A Look at the Projects in Saudi ArabiaSound Bites"Saudi Arabia's progress on numerous Vision 2030 giga projects and infrastructure developments has cemented the kingdom's position as a leader in construction activity regionally and globally.""Around 5% of the pipeline projects in Saudi Arabia are under a main contract, while the remaining 94-95% are in the design and pre-qualification phases.""Despite challenges such as inflation and geopolitical tensions, Saudi Arabia remains committed to what they've announced and what they've said they want to achieve by 2030."Chapters00:00    Introduction and Overview of JLL and the Construction Market in Saudi Arabia03:11    Vision 2030 and Infrastructure Developments Driving Growth08:11    The Construction Pipeline: Overview and Status of Projects13:12    Data and Transparency: Understanding Market Trends and Risks15:57    Building Local Capability: Challenges and Progress in the Contracting Sector23:14    Commitment to Vision 2030: Overcoming Challenges in Saudi Arabia's Construction Market 

In Episode #133 of The 966 podcast, Dr. Jennifer Peck, Swarthmore College, expands on her excellent article in Foreign Affairs magazine (Working Women are Changing Saudi Arabia: Reforms Have Made the Economy More Productive, Families More Resilient, and Saudis More Tolerant) where she writes, "This economic transformation has also raised women’s visible participation in public life, made families more financially resilient, and boosted businesses’ productivity by increasing their access to talent. These shifts, in turn, appear to be driving a feedback loop: the more Saudi society embraces women in the workplace, the more the government is encouraged to pursue ambitious reforms." In this episode Dr. Peck also discusses the evolution of women's participation in the Saudi labor force and the impact of reforms on the economy and society. She highlights key historical timeframes, such as the 60s, 80s, Arab Spring, and Vision 2030, that have shaped women's access to and impact on the workforce. She also discusses the challenges and opportunities that remain, including cultural adaptation, mentorship programs, and the long-term effects of labor quotas on firms.

On the ground the latest Gaza war has caused untold human carnage and massive damage to buildings and infrastructure.  It has also severely damaged the reputation of the United States in the region as well as negatively impacted US company brands. Stefanie Hausheer Ali, senior director at international affairs consulting firm Rice, Hadley, Gates & Manuel LLC and Atlantic Council nonresident fellow joins host Richard Wilson on The 966 for a deeply informative Episode #132 in which she discusses five impacts of the Gaza war to watch.1. The reputation of the United States and US company brands have taken a major hit in the region.2. Boycotts of certain US brands are occurring and will continue to flare up periodically.3. Israel’s ability to bring in foreign direct investment may be diminished.4. Arab states are pulling away publicly from the United States in some ways, but still desire close ties.5. The potential for destabilizing regional protests and lone-wolf attacks has increased.To read more about this topic please see Ms. Ali's excellent article published by The Atlantic Council.

Show NotesThe 966, episode #131, with Reiting Lee, Founder of The Oriental Hybrid, explores the impact of the growing participation in sports and healthy activities in Saudi Arabia on the fashion industry, particularly sportswear and athleisure. Reiting Lee is deeply involved in the youth, sportswear and streetwear fashion sectors in Saudi Arabia and the region and is the dynamic founder of The Oriental Hybrid, a boutique consulting firm specializing in innovation strategy and intercultural communications, that serves Arab fashion brands and provides market insights and trend analysis for corporates and media outside of Saudi Arabia. The sportswear athleisure market in Saudi Arabia is currently valued at $1.3 billion and is expected to reach $1.5 billion by 2027, with an annual growth rate of 13%. The primary factors driving this lifestyle change and participation include social media influence, health awareness, overseas education, and government initiatives. Soccer, basketball, yoga, and volleyball are popular sports influencing fashion choices in Saudi Arabia. International brands like Adidas, Nike, Puma, and Fila dominate the market, with Adidas being the market leader. The Saudi 100 brand initiative, launched in 2021, aims to promote Saudi brands, including sportswear and streetwear. The sector has tremendous potential for growth, with opportunities for more female founders and female-friendly products. Collaboration between Saudi brands and international brands, as well as investment in localized campaigns and designs, can further accelerate the sector. The boost in tourism in Saudi Arabia is also expected to contribute to the growth of the sector. The conversation concludes with optimism about the future of Saudi sportswear and the potential for Saudi brands to become prominent in the global market.TakeawaysThe sportswear athleisure market in Saudi Arabia is growing rapidly, with a current value of $1.3 billion and an expected growth to $1.5 billion by 2027.Social media influence, health awareness, overseas education, and government initiatives are driving the lifestyle change and participation in sports and healthy activities in Saudi Arabia.Soccer, basketball, yoga, and volleyball are popular sports that are influencing fashion choices in Saudi Arabia.International brands like Adidas, Nike, Puma, and Fila dominate the sportswear market in Saudi Arabia.The Saudi 100 brand initiative aims to promote Saudi brands, including sportswear and streetwear, and there is potential for more female founders and female-friendly products in the sector.Collaboration between Saudi brands and international brands, investment in localized campaigns and designs, and the boost in tourism in Saudi Arabia can further accelerate the growth of the sportswear sector.TitlesThe Impact of Sports Participation on Saudi FashionThe Future of Saudi Sportswear: Growth and PotentialSound Bites"The sportswear category has generated $1.3 billion in 2022 and is still expected to grow more and reach $1.5 billion in 2027.""The boost and investment into the tourism of Saudi Arabia will also definitely accelerate the sector.""Out of the Saudi 100 brands, 34 of those brands are under the category of sportswear and streetwear."Chapters00:00Introduction and Background of Oriental Hybrid03:07The Impact of Sports Participation on Saudi Fashion05:15The Growth of the Sportswear Category in Saudi Arabia09:28The Dominance of International Brands in the Saudi Market11:50The Emergence of Saudi Brands and the Saudi 100 Program16:21The Most Influential Sports in Saudi Arabia20:36The Future Potential of the Sportswear and Athleisure Market23:12Women-Only Gyms and Modesty in Sportswear26:46Conclusion and Outlook for the SectorKeywordsSaudi Arabia, sports participation, fashion industry, sportswear, athleisure, Oriental Hybrid, innovation strategy, intercultural communications, market insights, trend analysis, social media influence, health awareness, overseas education, government initiatives, soccer, basketball, yoga, volleyball, international brands, Adidas, Nike, Puma, Fila, Saudi 100 brand initiative, female founders, female-friendly products, collaboration, localized campaigns, tourism, growth potential 

Saeed Al-Ansari, Founder and CEO of Tawaref, a Saudi Arabia-based tech investment community that also provides startup advisory, legal consultancy and due diligence support joins Richard Wilson on The 966 to discuss what is needed to establish a business in Saudi Arabia.  Saeed and Tawaref bring an extraordinary amount of experience to this challenge. In addition, Tawaref has published a series of invaluable articles in Wamda, a well-known platform, media site and venture capital firm, on how to establish a business in KSA. The series currently includes 8 articles that, “provide a one-stop resource to answer all the repetitive queries that we see throughout our work. Through insightful articles, Tawaref provides valuable insights and guidance on various topics, such as legal and regulatory requirements, key challenges, tips and tricks, how-to manuals, sector-specific information, and opportunities for growth. Showcasing the key hubs, dos and don’ts, common missteps, incorporation detail, facts that save money. “The articles include:  Tawaref Series: navigating Saudi expansion Tawaref Series: an entrepreneur’s journey in Saudi Arabia, from bootstrapping to big bucks Tawaref Series: A blueprint for foreign investment success in Saudi Arabia Tawaref Series: The truth behind Saudi landing hard costs Tawaref series: Categorising Saudi setup partners by soft costs  Tawaref Series: Saudi corporate annual operating costs explained Tawaref Series: Understanding annual operating cost in Saudi Arabia “The Saudi Arabian investment landscape has been thriving in recent years, attracting investors from around the globe. With the introduction of business-friendly reforms and attractive incentives by the Saudi Government, the country has become an increasingly potent and vibrant market for entrepreneurs and investors alike. However, navigating the market can be challenging without access to authentic and authoritative content that provides useful and concise information.”The Saudi-US Trade Group and The 966 strongly recommend the series for anyone looking to establish a presence in Saudi Arabia. 

Saudi cinema re-opened six years ago in April 2018 after a 35-year hiatus. The sector has exploded with revenue during that period close to $1b, over 61 million tickets sold, 1,971 films screened including 45 local productions. Saudi-based director, producer and actor Todd Albert Nims joins The 966 to discuss the origins of the Saudi film sector, how it has transformed and what remains to be done.  In addition to the recent 10th showing of the Saudi Film Festival, Todd examines other ongoing events (Cannes Film Festival, Red Sea International Film Festival, etc.) including the 2nd U.S.-Saudi Film Forum happening later this month.  The 2023 US-Saudi Film Forum Industry Report, is available here https://www.amchamksa.com/us-saudi-industry-film-forum-report. 

William Greene, MD, Chief Investment Officer (CIO) of the Hevolution Foundation, joins The 966 to talk about Hevolution's investment strategy and role as an investor in the emerging field of Healthspan Science. As CIO, Dr. Greene oversees all aspects of Hevolution Foundation’s investment strategy, planning, analysis, and execution.The Hevolution Foundation, based in Riyadh, is a non-profit organization that provides grants and early-stage investments to incentivize research and entrepreneurship in healthspan science.Last month, Hevolution announced its first ever impact investment to catalyze the healthspan and geroscience ecosystem and drive transformative breakthroughs in healthy aging. Dr. William Greene’s leadership positions have included founder, biotechnology executive, investor, and clinician. As CEO, he built Iconic Therapeutics through discovery, clinical development and venture financing, leading to a successful sale of the company. He later helmed longevity biotech company Fountain Therapeutics and co-founded digital therapeutics startup Pear Therapeutics.Dr. Greene spent 12 years at MPM Capital where he was a Managing Director and member of its Investment Committee, responsible for biotechnology and medical technology investments worldwide. He was also founding Chairman and head of the Investment Committee at the Global Health Investment Fund, a groundbreaking impact-oriented venture fund in collaboration with the Gates Foundation, which successfully scaled both investment returns and health impact simultaneously.Earlier in his career, Dr. Greene was an Assistant Professor of Medicine at University of California at San Francisco (UCSF) and led clinical trials and strategy for a variety of therapeutic areas at Genentech.Dr. Greene earned his BA from Wesleyan University and his MD from UCSF. He was a Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Scholar at Yale and a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Research Scholar at the US National Institutes of Health (NIH).

U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Michael Ratney joins The 966 to talk diplomacy and U.S.-Saudi relations. In recent years, he was the Acting Deputy Director of the U.S. Department of State’s training center, the Foreign Service Institute, where he had also been Dean of the State Department’s School of Language Studies.  He was Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem in 2021, and earlier served on the faculty of the National Defense University.Ambassador Ratney was the U.S. Special Envoy for Syria from 2015 to 2018, and also served as acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Levant and Israel and Palestinian Affairs.  He was the U.S. Consul General in Jerusalem from 2012 to 2015, where he was responsible for U.S. relations with Palestinians in the West Bank, Gaza, and Jerusalem.  He has been Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Media, overseeing a network of State Department media hubs throughout the world, and was Spokesman for the State Department’s Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs.

What is the state of the Saudi labor market today? How do Saudis find jobs, and how are young Saudis viewing their prospects in a changing and modernizing Saudi economy and society? Saudi labor market expert Dr. Hanaa Almoaibed talks with Lucien Zeigler about Saudi Arabia's changing labor force, the job market in the Kingdom, youth and employment, the embrace of technical and vocational training, women in the workforce, and so much more. Before the conversation, Lucien's One Big Thing is *the* one big thing in Saudi Arabia for pretty much every citizen and non-citizen alike: Ramadan. Lucien shares his initial experience with Ramdan in Riyadh, his first despite being a long-time regular visitor since 2009 and now living in Riyadh. He discusses how his fasting is going and observations on how the city changes during the holy month.Ramadan Kareem and a blessed holy season to all The 966 listeners and viewers.