Saudi Arabia market entry: From market exploration to loccal presence

What you’ll learn

• Understand the different stages of market entry into Saudi Arabia and what they mean in practice for your business.
• Identify the most suitable market entry approach based on your objectives, resources, and level of market commitment.
• Gain insight into the operational, investment, and staffing considerations associated with establishing and growing a presence in Saudi Arabia.

Description
Saudi Arabia is one of the most dynamic and rapidly evolving markets in the GCC, offering significant opportunities for UK businesses across a wide range of sectors. However, the right approach to entering the market depends on your company's objectives, level of commitment, and stage of international growth.

Delivered by market entry experts from AstroLabs, a leading business expansion platform supporting international companies across the Gulf region, this webinar will help UK businesses assess their readiness for the Saudi market and understand the different market entry routes available. Rather than focusing solely on company formation, the session will explore the most common expansion profiles seen among international businesses and the practical considerations associated with each stage.

The webinar will cover:

Watching the Market – understanding the opportunity, conducting market research, and building relationships before making a commitment.
Testing the Opportunity – establishing a presence through local partnerships, business development activities, and representative arrangements.
Building an In-Market Operation – setting up locally to support customer demand, tender participation, recruitment, or operational requirements.
Scaling for Long-Term Growth – expanding an established presence and optimising operations for sustainable growth in Saudi Arabia.

Speakers

Georges Malkonian

Head of Saudi Expansion & Operations, AstroLabs

Georges Malkonian is the Head of Saudi Expansion & Operations at AstroLabs, specializing in helping companies expand into the Saudi market with clarity and confidence. With six years of hands-on experience in market entry, business development, partnerships, and operations, Georges has been instrumental in leading over 300 company expansions, from VC-backed startups to publicly listed enterprises.

Mina Ayoub

Head of Marketing & Communications, AstroLabs

Mina Ayoub is the Head of Marketing & Communications at AstroLabs, where he leads strategic growth initiatives that connect international businesses with opportunities in Saudi Arabia. Working at the intersection of market intelligence, partnerships, and commercial strategy, he helps shape cross-border expansion conversations and strengthen AstroLabs' position as a trusted partner for companies entering the Kingdom.