Annabelle Mander on Saudi Arabia’s Rise as a GCC Growth Hub at Money20/20

Saudi Arabia is undergoing a transformation that extends far beyond attracting international investment. As the Kingdom accelerates its economic diversification and digital transformation, it is increasingly positioning itself as a base for companies looking to expand across the wider Gulf region.

At Money20/20 Middle East, Entrepreneur Middle East spoke with Annabelle Mander, Executive Vice President at Tahaluf, about Saudi Arabia’s evolving business landscape, the industries driving its next phase of growth, and what entrepreneurs need to succeed in an increasingly interconnected GCC economy.

For Mander, the shift is significant. Saudi Arabia is no longer simply a market that international companies are looking to enter. Instead, businesses are increasingly choosing to establish a presence in the Kingdom as a strategic starting point for their wider regional expansion.

This evolution is creating new opportunities across a range of industries. Mander highlighted fintech, financial services, artificial intelligence, gaming, and biotechnology as sectors she expects to continue expanding, supported by the Kingdom’s ongoing investment in innovation and its growing entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Beyond individual industries, greater regional connectivity and improvements in the ease of doing business could play an important role in helping entrepreneurs scale. As GCC markets become more interconnected, companies operating in Saudi Arabia have opportunities to expand their reach, build cross-border partnerships, and access new customers throughout the region.

However, building a successful business requires more than identifying the right market.

Reflecting on her own perspective on entrepreneurship, Mander emphasised the importance of taking risks, believing in your vision, and surrounding yourself with the right people. Strong professional relationships can open doors to new opportunities, while the ability to delegate becomes increasingly important as a business grows.

For founders, this means recognising that scaling a company requires a shift in mindset, from managing every aspect of the business personally to building a team capable of supporting its long-term ambitions.

Looking ahead, Mander believes the decisions businesses make today could shape their position in the market for years to come. Companies investing in people, products, and technology in Saudi Arabia now may be well positioned to benefit from the Kingdom’s continued development over the next five to ten years.

As Saudi Arabia strengthens its role in the regional business ecosystem, the opportunity for entrepreneurs is evolving from entering a promising market to building businesses with the potential to scale across the GCC and beyond.