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. If you have been...

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 Market Landscape...

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 February 2026, the...