Riyadh, Rugby and Real-World Work: My Placement Year in Saudi
- elliotfowler
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
by Elliot Fowler
Over the past 11 months, I’ve been on a work placement in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, at AEI Saudi as a Market Entry Consultant Intern. The placement is part of my degree at Loughborough University and marked a big shift from student life — moving to a new country, adjusting to a very different culture, and working full-time.
AEI helps international companies navigate and enter the Saudi market, which gave me the opportunity to be involved in a wide range of projects across diverse sectors and clients. It’s been a steep learning curve at times, but getting hands-on experience with real client work and seeing how strategy plays out in practice made it incredibly valuable. Being based in Riyadh gave me a very different perspective on both business operations and daily life compared to any of my previous experiences.
As an intern at AEI, I supported our team on a variety of client projects, most of which focused on helping international businesses understand how to enter and operate in Saudi Arabia. This involved navigating licensing rules, assessing regulatory barriers, and ensuring compliance upon market entry. I contributed to research, helped prepare presentations for executives, and supported client communication. I didn’t expect to be this involved so early on, but I was given real responsibility and the chance to learn directly from an experienced and supportive team.
A unique part of the role was attending events hosted by embassies and industry groups in Riyadh. Events like the Saudi Sport Show and Big 5 Construction Expo gave me insight into the wider business environment, with opportunities to hear directly from investors, diplomats, and government stakeholders. It felt surreal at times — standing in a room full of CEOs and advisors — but also highlighted how globally connected this type of work is, even at the intern level.
Living in Saudi Arabia has been fascinating. It’s not the place I expected — in the best way. The pace of change is impossible to ignore, especially in Riyadh, where cranes line the skyline and Public Investment Fund (PIF) projects are announced constantly. From NEOM to Diriyah Gate to Qiddiya, there’s a huge push to diversify the economy, reduce reliance on oil, and reposition the country on the global stage.
Saudi is working toward hard deadlines — hosting the 2029 Asian Winter Games, completing the new Formula 1 track, and preparing infrastructure for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Even from when I arrived in August 2024, I’ve seen visible development — new roads, metro lines, and entire districts being built at speed. The ambition is serious, and the momentum is real. That said, Saudi is still a work in progress. Sometimes the ambition outpaces the execution — and yes, the traffic reflects that! But you can feel the intent everywhere you go.
Outside of work, one of the best decisions I made was joining the Riyadh Falcons rugby club. When I first arrived, I wasn’t sure if I’d keep playing or if it would be worth it. But it turned out to be a game-changer. It gave me structure, introduced me to a broader network of people from all walks of life, and led to some incredible moments — like playing in the Dubai 7s and fixtures at the iconic Bahrain RFC.
Being part of the Falcons also gave me a front-row seat to the growth of sport in the region. Grassroots rugby is gaining momentum, and what’s even more exciting is the investment in the women’s game — something that would have been unimaginable here just a few years ago. In a country where organised sport is only just beginning to open up across society, witnessing this kind of progress has been a real highlight.
One of the biggest perks of being based in Saudi was the travel. Over the past 11 months, I visited eight countries — seven of them for the first time. Being closer to the Gulf and Asia made shorter trips so much more accessible, with places like Bahrain and Doha just a quick hop away, and destinations like Thailand and Hong Kong suddenly realistic for a long weekend. The Eid holidays and generous public holidays added to the experience, offering a brilliant way to see more of the world while working abroad.
Overall, this year has pushed me far beyond my comfort zone — professionally, socially, and culturally. I’ve learnt a lot about consulting, client management, and business operations, but also about adapting quickly, working in new environments, and navigating unfamiliar situations. I can’t thank the team at AEI Saudi enough for the opportunity. It’s given me clarity on where I want to take my career next, and I’m heading back to university — and the UK — with a very different perspective.
1: Presented my playing jersey by Bryan Habana at the iconic Dubai 7s – a true highlight!
2: Networking at the British Embassy in Riyadh, connecting with fellow interns and professionals.
3: Proud moment winning the SARF Series with the Riyadh Warriors in Saudi Arabia.ents
