Doing Business in Saudi Arabia: 17 Years of Lessons | Victor Barrero, Manara

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In 2009, in the middle of the financial crisis, Victor Barrero took a summer internship at an airline in Riyadh over a consulting offer in Dubai. Everyone at INSEAD asked him why. Seventeen years later, he has built and scaled businesses across Saudi Arabia, the US, Canada, Mexico and Singapore, returned to launch one of the largest residential platforms for international professionals in the Kingdom, and now runs his own company in Riyadh helping executives and businesses relocate to Saudi Arabia. Learn more at https://manara.sa

In this conversation, Victor explains what he saw in Saudi Arabia before Vision 2030 existed, what has actually changed since, and why most foreigners misread the market. He covers what it's really like moving to Riyadh, the mistake he made on his own return in 2024, why you should multiply your timelines by three, and the trap that catches almost every newcomer: confusing Saudi hospitality with commercial traction.

Whether you're an expat considering relocating to Riyadh, an executive weighing a move to the Gulf, or a company entering the Saudi market, this is a conversation about emerging markets, relationships, patience and building a life in a place most people never considered.

Connect with Victor Barrero:
Website: https://victorbarrero.com
Manara: https://manara.sa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victorbarrero
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victorinriyadh
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@victorinriyadh

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