The American Chamber of Commerce (AmChamKSA) Expresses Appreciation for Saudi Arabia on Its 91st National Day
By Hana Nemec
Head of Communications, AmChamKSA
The American business community in Saudi Arabia has long expressed its appreciation for the Saudi people, culture, traditions, and ways of doing business to friends, families, and colleagues overseas. It also offers a unique personal outlook on life in Saudi Arabia as it rapidly evolves.
In support of our ongoing bilateral relationship and in honor of Saudi National Day, the American Chamber of Commerce in Saudi Arabia (AmChamKSA) is proud to announce that it will be accepting Saudi nationals as affiliate corporate and individual members for the first time. We welcome Saudi and other international companies that are interested in supporting, engaging and partnering with the American business community in Saudi Arabia to join us as we connect, grow and prosper. Visit Our Membership Page to learn more.
Since the onset of Vision 2030 and the tremendous aspirations that HRH King Salman bin Abdulaziz AlSaud and HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman set for the country, expatriates in Saudi Arabia have anticipated and shared in the excitement of these changes. Stephen McCallion, COO of General Electric Saudi Arabia and Board Member of AmChamKSA, noted, “we are here at the most interesting of times and I am grateful that I have a front-row seat to the rapid changes happening economically, socially, and culturally.” This sentiment is echoed throughout the American business community. Joe Rank, Chief Executive of Lockheed Martin and AmChamKSA Board Member highlighted that his favorite part of working here at this time, “is the sense of excitement and optimism that is tangible with the young Saudis entering the workforce.”
Though still nearly a decade away from Vision 2030, major accomplishments have already been realized that impact the American business community. Women’s empowerment is one of these areas of growth. Saudi Arabia has proactively achieved its goals of having women comprise thirty percent of the workforce. According to he World Bank’s Report on “Women, Business and Law 2020,” Saudi made the most significant reforms in the advancement of women’s economic participation. Jaime Stansbury, AmChamKSA Executive Director and Co-Chair of the Women in Business Committee, expressed, “the opportunity to witness the transformations in the Kingdom over this last decade, especially when it comes to women’s participation and advancement in the workplace, has been tremendously rewarding.” Dina AbuFarha, External Auditor at Baker Tilly and AmChamKSA Board Member echoed, “ as women continue to make significant strides in the workforce, more opportunities for female leaders and entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia continue to present themselves.”
Exciting new initiatives in tourism and culture have created new business opportunities. Todd Albert Nims, Film Producer at Empty Quarter Entertainment and Chair of AmChamKSA’s Arts, Culture and Entertainment Committee reflected, “there may not be a country with more possibility in Film and Theater, than here at this moment.” It is an exciting time for expats in the creative industry to interact, engage, and collaborate with our Saudi counterparts to build strong, bilateral relationships in these new fields.
Investing in Saudi Arabia and opening businesses as expatriates creates new opportunities for the American business community to participate in the business ecosystem. Co-Founder and CEO of Arabius and AmChamKSA Quincy Circle Member, Joel Huffman, explained, “what I’ve loved most about starting a company in Saudi is the dynamic social and economic developments that are fueling unprecedented opportunities— especially for entrepreneurs.” The Saudi way of doing business has not been lost even as the systems modernize. Huffman furthered, “most inspiring to me is how the Kingdom’s leaders are ushering in this historic era of growth while amplifying the heart and soul of the country.” Future investment in Saudi Arabia from abroad creates a better competitive environment for both Saudi nationals and expats to work together and thrive.
Americans in Saudi Arabia hope to continue to contribute to the future of Saudi Arabia long after Vision 2030’s goals are realized. Tarik Solomon, Chairman of AmChamKSA, reflected, "our countries and their cultures are deeply rooted, sharing a long and accomplished history.” And furthered, “it is my hope that as the Kingdom ushers in this historic phase of transformation that we continue to build Saudi's future together, hand in hand."
On behalf of the American business community, the American Chamber of Commerce in Saudi Arabia wishes the Kingdom, its leaders, its nationals, and our fellow expatriates a Happy 91st Saudi National Day and expresses its appreciation for the opportunity to thrive in this country.
