Seizing Opportunities: Exploring the Saudi Market with Ahsan Abdullah

Ahsan Abdullah believes now is the time for investors and entrepreneurs to enter the Saudi market. As an entrepreneur himself whose firm advises hundreds of companies in over 7 countries, when Ahsan speaks, investors listen. Episode 8 of Success Saudi Podcast features Ahsan Abdullah, co-founder and director of Tass and Hamjit, a a multi-service firm offering a broad range of services in financial consultings, audit, tax and compliances, data analytics and legal domains. In this wide-ranging interview, we cover frequently asked questions by entrepreneurs and investors in KSA, including: - Different ways to set up a business in Saudi - Benefits for foreign companies - Common investor concerns - Current incentives for the manufacturing sector - Clarification on the Regional Headquarters Program Tax Holiday - Why multinational companies doing business in KSA should be concerned if they don't have an RHQ License at this point - Ahsan's key to success in Saudi and other markets Ahsan Abdullah has a talent for articulating industry jargon in layman's terms. I learned a lot from this interview, and it's apparent why Tass and Hamjit's services are highly sought after, and the firm is growing so quickly. ------------- Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 01:34 - What are the ways for foreigners to start a business in KSA? 03:31 - What is the "Entrepreneurial License" and how to get one? 06:38 - Can you start a business in KSA if you don't have one established in a different country? 08:00 - What are the benefits for foreign investors? 11:28 - What are some common concerns you hear from potential investors? 13:06 - What are the nuances of doing business in KSA? 14:57 - Can you hold an Iqama & a foreign investment license at the same time? 16:28 - Updates about the regional headquarters program 19:51 - How will Saudi incentivize the manufacturing center to promote Saudi-made products? 22:16 - What does Saudization mean for business in KSA? 24:20 - How are companies finding local talent? 25:13 - What are the advantages of a joint venture in KSA? 28:05 - How good is the payment cycle for KSA in business? 29:27 - What are the compliances that need to be taken care of when doing business in KSA? 31:20 - Can you touch on the economic growth in terms of Riyadh Expo 2030 & the Fifa World Cup in 2034? 32:52 - What has helped you to be a successful entrepreneur in general and in KSA? 35:22 - Do you have any advice about collaboration with either government or private entities? 39:13 - What is Tass & Hamjits' competitive advantage? 41:09 - What message do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs in KSA? ---------- Find out more about Tass & Hamjit here: https://www.tasshamjit.com/ Special thanks to Fairmont Riyadh for hosting this episode of Success Saudi.