Entering the Middle Eastern market, particularly in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, requires a strategic approach tailored to the region's unique business environment. One of the critical first steps in this journey is the scoping call with a consultancy partner. This initial conversation sets the foundation for a successful market entry by clarifying objectives, challenges, and opportunities. Understanding the nuances of an R Consultancy scoping call can significantly enhance your

A century of Royal Commission data tells a story most operators have missed. Here is what the numbers reveal, and where serious schools should be moving now By Rana Maristani, Founder and CEO, R Consultancy Group The Royal Commission for Riyadh City publishes one of the richest open datasets in the Gulf. Most people in my sector have never opened it. They should. Inside those tables sits a hundred-year record of Riyadh's growth, and the numbers reframe how anyone thinking abo

Why Saudi Arabia remains the calmest place to do business in the region By Rana Maristani, Founder and CEO, R Consultancy Group I am writing this from Riyadh. The streets are full. The restaurants are busy. The Diriyah construction cranes are still moving on the skyline. The senior officials I met this week walked into the room with the same calm I have come to expect from them, in the same suits, with the same focus on the next ten years rather than the next ten news cycles.

Entering the Saudi market offers significant opportunities for international businesses due to the Kingdom's strategic location, growing economy, and ambitious Vision 2030 reforms. However, success requires a clear understanding of the local business environment, cultural nuances, and regulatory landscape. This article outlines practical strategies to help companies navigate the complexities of entering Saudi Arabia and establish a strong foothold. Understanding the Saudi Mar

Strategic infrastructure built during the Iran-Iraq War proved its value when the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed* By Rana Maristani The Petroline Activation The 1980s Iran-Iraq War taught Saudi Arabia a hard lesson about the Strait of Hormuz. The response was the East-West Pipeline - the Petroline - a 746-mile engineering feat from Abqaiq to Yanbu that most observers forgot about until eight weeks ago. Built in 1981 as insurance against exactly what happened on 28 Februa