Vision 2030 creates foundations for success, Saudi investment guru says

Sultan Ghaznawi, chairman and managing director of Scene Holding, speaks about his lifelong passion for building businesses. (AN photo)
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Updated 30 April 2025
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Vision 2030 creates foundations for success, Saudi investment guru says

  • Scene Holding boss Sultan Ghaznawi praises ‘vibrant’ business environment

RIYADH: Saudi Vision 2030 has created an environment in which people can build successful companies, a leading Saudi investment entrepreneur said.

Speaking during an episode of “The Majlis” podcast, produced in collaboration with Arab News, Sultan Ghaznawi, chairman and managing director of Scene Holding, talked about his lifelong passion for building businesses.

“From a young age I was fascinated with the concept of creating value or exchanging value in return,” he said.

“I remember in fourth grade I used to make prayer beads. The first time I sold them in a family gathering, I made SR30 ($8). On the same day I went to the supermarket and I had the absolute freedom of deciding what to buy. That feeling ignited something inside me.”

But it was in high school, with the encouragement of his older brother, that he realized he was destined to become a businessman.

“He gave me a curiosity to find a purpose in life,” Ghaznawi said. Soon after, he created his first company, a creative agency that later became Backyard Symphony.

On the early days of the business, he said: “There was no General Entertainment Authority. Every summer there was an annual festival that happened and for decades there were three or four companies that dominated that bid.

“So we did the joint venture, developing content and integrating emerging tech with it. At that time, 3D projection mapping and holograms and augmented reality.

“It was revolutionary technology back in 2014. We were responsible for the event management, the business development, the financing and the experiential performances.”

This early success gave him the confidence to start several other businesses.

Speaking about Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Saudi Vision 2030, Ghaznawi said: “He gave us the vision, fostering a vibrant environment, making the policy shift economic and political.”

Entities like the General Entertainment Authority and new sectors created opportunities, he said.

“Whether it was accelerator programs, incubators, angel investor networks, venture capital, enablement programs … the government, the customers unlocked new sectors, new types of SMEs to come to the market. And international companies showed interest in the Saudi market.”

Another of Ghaznawi’s ventures, Vibes Offices, develops and operates co-working spaces to foster entrepreneurial growth.

“The Vibes became my school of entrepreneurship because every day I meet new startups, new founders across multiple sectors,” he said. “As the trends of each sector grow, you see startups that grow and scale.”

According to Ghaznawi, building a successful business needs great technology, the right team and great timing.

“Somebody once told me a business is like a ship. You either adjust the sail or change the vessel or abandon the ship before it sinks. So you pivot. If the market is changing but you have a good foundation and you can change your strategy to adapt, you emerge.”

On the future of AI, he said: “I think it’s going to be extremely interesting to see the intersection of AI-based economies and government management with venture building.”


Madinah governor hosts Eid Al-Adha reception, highlights Hajj services

Prince Salman bin Sultan receives well-wishers celebrating Eid Al-Adha in Madinah. (Supplied)
Updated 2 min 20 sec ago
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Madinah governor hosts Eid Al-Adha reception, highlights Hajj services

  • The governor praised the facilities and services provided to pilgrims performing Hajj and commended the efforts of the relevant authorities

MADINAH: Madinah Gov. Prince Salman bin Sultan received well-wishers celebrating Eid Al-Adha and reaffirmed the Kingdom’s dedication to serving pilgrims and maintaining the Two Holy Mosques.

During the reception, the governor underscored the commitment of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to ensuring exceptional care for pilgrims visiting Islam’s most sacred sites.

The ceremony drew a diverse gathering, including senior clerics, government ministers, tribal chiefs, local officials and citizens, who came to offer their best wishes to the prince.

The governor praised the facilities and services provided to pilgrims performing Hajj and commended the efforts of the relevant authorities.

 


Saudi crown prince praises efforts behind Hajj success

Updated 58 min 42 sec ago
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Saudi crown prince praises efforts behind Hajj success

  • Prince Mohammed also praised the dedication of government employees and volunteers across all sectors

MINA: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Friday lauded the success of this year’s Hajj season, crediting it to the Kingdom’s commitment to serving the Two Holy Mosques and the pilgrims who visit them, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

“The continued success we witnessed today in serving the Guests of God is the result of our blessed country’s efforts in serving the Two Holy Mosques, the holy sites and their visitors,” the crown prince said.

“We will continue to exert all efforts to provide comfort to the Guests of God.”

His remarks came during a reception held at the Royal Court in Mina Palace, where he received Eid Al-Adha well-wishers on behalf of King Salman.

The gathering included senior princes, the Kingdom’s Grand Mufti, high-ranking officials, military commanders involved in the Hajj operation and guests from Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

The crown prince also praised the dedication of government employees and volunteers across all sectors for their role in enabling pilgrims to complete their Hajj rituals safely and peacefully.


Saudi authorities crack down on illegal Hajj entry

Updated 3 sec ago
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Saudi authorities crack down on illegal Hajj entry

  • Penalties include imprisonment, fines of up to SR100,000 ($26,600), public naming of violators, deportation of residents, and a 10-year re-entry ban after sentencing

MAKKAH: The Hajj Security Forces at Makkah’s entrances arrested 18 residents and 31 citizens for transporting 197 individuals without Hajj permits, the Saudi Press Agency reported Friday.

The Ministry of Interior issued administrative decisions through seasonal committees against the transporters, their accomplices, and the unauthorized pilgrims.

Penalties include imprisonment, fines of up to SR100,000 ($26,600), public naming of violators, deportation of residents, and a 10-year re-entry ban after sentencing.

The ministry also called for the confiscation of vehicles used in unauthorized transport and fines of up to SR20,000 for those attempting Hajj without a permit.

In a separate incident, security forces arrested 119 expatriates holding visit visas for violating Hajj regulations by attempting to enter Makkah on foot via a desert route.

All involved individuals were referred to the relevant authorities for legal action, the SPA reported.

Authorities also arrested an Indonesian resident for transporting 24 residents and 23 expatriates with visit visas, attempting to enter Makkah without permits. All were referred to the competent authority.

Earlier, the ministry urged full compliance with Hajj regulations to ensure pilgrim safety and reminded the public that entering Makkah without a Hajj permit from April 29 to June 10 is prohibited.

 


Hajj guests praise Saudi dedication to Islam, Muslims

Updated 06 June 2025
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Hajj guests praise Saudi dedication to Islam, Muslims

  • This year, the Two Holy Mosques Program for Hajj and Umrah is hosting 2,443 pilgrims from 100 countries

MAKKAH: Guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program for Hajj and Umrah have praised Saudi Arabia’s unwavering dedication to Islam and Muslims.

Implemented by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, the program’s invitation to diverse communities highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to enabling more Muslims to perform Hajj with ease and tranquility.

Pilgrims from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka said the program had a significant humanitarian impact and reflected the Kingdom’s global outreach.

They lauded Saudi Arabia’s rapid infrastructure development, particularly in Makkah and Madinah, which has substantially increased capacity for pilgrims.

The guests commended the exceptional services, meticulous organization and high-quality infrastructure in Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah.

This year, the program is hosting 2,443 pilgrims from 100 countries, reaffirming Saudi Arabia’s legacy of service to the global Muslim community.


Saudi crown prince meets with Pakistani PM in Mina

Updated 06 June 2025
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Saudi crown prince meets with Pakistani PM in Mina

  • The two leaders exchanged Eid Al-Adha greetings
  • They also reviewed regional developments and the efforts being made to enhance security and stability

MINA: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday at Mina Palace, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The two leaders exchanged Eid Al-Adha greetings and discussed the longstanding ties between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, with a focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation across various sectors, SPA added. 

They also reviewed regional developments and the efforts being made to enhance security and stability.

The reception was attended by several senior Saudi officials, including Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Makkah Region; Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef, Minister of Interior; Prince Khalid bin Salman, Minister of Defense; and Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Also in attendance were Adel Al-Jubeir, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Climate Envoy; Minister of Information Salman bin Yousef Al-Dosari; Chief of General Intelligence Khalid bin Ali Al-Humaidan; and Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Maliki.

On the Pakistani side, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar joined the meeting along with Field Marshal Hafiz Syed Asim, Chief of Army Staff and ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmed Farooq.