Video Library

What does it really take to establish, operate and grow a business in Saudi Arabia? In this first film from the AEI Founders Series, Charlotte Melia, co-founder of D&F Creative, joins Mickey Stewart MBE, Deputy CEO of AEI Saudi, to share the company’s journey into the Kingdom. From company formation and compliance to establishing a local presence and building trusted relationships, Charlotte discusses the practical realities of entering the Saudi market, what surprised her and why long-term success requires genuine commitment to the Kingdom. She also reveals how D&F Creative’s success in Saudi Arabia became a springboard for wider international growth, including its expansion into the United States. The film arrives as D&F Creative is named a finalist for the Department for Business and Trade International Expansion of the Year Award, while Charlotte is shortlisted for the Cazenove Capital Entrepreneur of the Year Award at the 2026 Lloyds British Business Excellence Awards. Chapters: 0:00 Why Saudi Arabia 0:51 Misconceptions, and what actually surprised Charlotte 1:49 Setting up: first deal in eight weeks after landing 2:58 Hiring locally, and scaling beyond Saudi 3:39 Operating as a woman founder in Saudi Arabia 4:21 Three years on, and what's next AEI Saudi supports international businesses through every stage of establishing and operating successfully in Saudi Arabia. Learn more about AEI Saudi: https://www.aeisaudi.com/ Start a business in Saudi Arabia: https://www.aeisaudi.com/start-a-busi... Subscribe for more practical insight, founder experiences and expert guidance on doing business in Saudi Arabia. #AEIFoundersSeries #SaudiArabia #InternationalExpansion

Saudi Arabia has moved beyond being simply a market-entry story. In this London IX conversation, Mickey Stewart explains how Vision 2030 has transformed Saudi Arabia into a more mature, transparent and globally attractive business environment. Greater regulation, investment reform, foreign direct investment (FDI), expanding capital markets and increasing international confidence are reshaping how businesses view the Kingdom. As Saudi Arabia continues to attract organisations from around the world, businesses are no longer asking only how to enter the market—they are considering how to establish a sustainable, long-term presence within one of the Middle East's most dynamic economies. AEI Saudi has spent more than 14 years supporting international businesses in Saudi Arabia, helping more than 2,700 companies navigate market entry, company formation, operational support and long-term business growth. Discover more insights into Saudi Arabia, Vision 2030 and international business expansion at AEI Saudi. 🔗 Talk to the Saudi market entry experts: www.aeisaudi.com 🔗 More insights on Vision 2030 and doing business in Saudi Arabia: https://www.aeisaudi.com/saudi-market... 📩 Get in touch: https://www.aeisaudi.com/contact #SaudiArabia #Vision2030 #DoingBusinessInSaudi #SaudiMarketEntry #SaudiBusiness #BusinessGrowth #BusinessExpansion #InternationalBusiness #Investment #AEISaudi #LondonIX #SaudiMarket

Saudi Arabia's transformation is no longer defined solely by rapid growth; it is increasingly characterised by market maturity. In this London IX insight, Adam Hosier, Co-Founder of AEI Saudi, explores how the Kingdom's business environment has evolved under Vision 2030 and why that evolution matters for international businesses. As Saudi Arabia continues to attract investment, strengthen regulation and expand opportunities across multiple sectors, businesses need to think differently about entering and growing within the market. Success today is no longer simply about recognising the opportunity. It is about understanding a more mature business environment, adapting to evolving expectations and building a sustainable long-term presence. For international organisations considering Saudi Arabia, the question is increasingly not whether the opportunity exists, but whether they are prepared for the market Saudi Arabia is becoming. AEI Saudi has spent more than 14 years supporting international businesses in Saudi Arabia, helping more than 2,700 companies navigate market entry, company formation, operational support and long-term business growth. Discover more insights into Saudi Arabia, Vision 2030 and international business expansion at AEI Saudi. 🔗 Talk to the Saudi market entry experts: www.aeisaudi.com 🔗 More insights on Vision 2030 and doing business in Saudi Arabia: https://www.aeisaudi.com/saudi-market... 📩 Get in touch: https://www.aeisaudi.com/contact #SaudiArabia #Vision2030 #DoingBusinessInSaudi #SaudiMarketEntry #SaudiBusiness #BusinessGrowth #BusinessExpansion #InternationalBusiness #Investment #AEISaudi #LondonIX #SaudiMarket

Understanding the opportunity in Saudi Arabia is only part of the equation. Understanding the market itself is what creates long-term success. In this London IX conversation, Ben Farrell discusses why local context, first-hand experience and understanding Saudi Arabia's evolving business environment have become increasingly important for international companies. Saudi Arabia continues to transform under Vision 2030, creating significant opportunities for businesses across multiple sectors. However, successful market entry requires more than recognising commercial opportunity—it requires understanding the pace of change, the regulatory landscape and the realities of operating within one of the world's fastest-changing economies. Having experienced Riyadh's transformation first-hand, Ben reflects on why businesses benefit from understanding the Kingdom beyond headlines and assumptions. AEI Saudi has spent more than 14 years supporting international businesses in Saudi Arabia, helping more than 2,700 companies navigate market entry, company formation, operational support and long-term business growth. Discover more insights into Saudi Arabia, Vision 2030 and international business expansion at AEI Saudi. 🔗 Talk to the Saudi market entry experts: www.aeisaudi.com 🔗 More insights on Vision 2030 and doing business in Saudi Arabia: https://www.aeisaudi.com/saudi-market... 📩 Get in touch: https://www.aeisaudi.com/contact #SaudiArabia #Vision2030 #DoingBusinessInSaudi #SaudiMarketEntry #SaudiBusiness #BusinessGrowth #BusinessExpansion #InternationalBusiness #Investment #AEISaudi #LondonIX #SaudiMarket