Our setting for this event was the beautiful Margherita authentic Italian Restaurant, set in the heart of the Veranda Food Court, off the Northern Ring Road. They had kindly prepared the seating arrangements and generously provided delicious, complimentary finger foods.

All ladies were excited to meet many new people and to put names from group chats, Zoom profile photos to real faces and personalities. There was such a buzz in the restaurant.

The objective of the evening was primarily to network and get to know one another better. Tables were arranged by Industry Sector and the groups brainstormed on initiatives and activities that support not only individuals but the group and wider community. We wish to thank all the ladies who participated, those who joined and renewed their membership and joined and especially to Margherita Restaurant.

If you are interested in joining our Industry Working Groups, please complete the form and we will connect you with the whole group!

I started my career in the humanitarian and non-profit sector in the Kingdom while I was still attending university. I specialized in project management while majoring in business administration. I was recruited by the Princess AlAnoud Foundation before my graduation and made my way up to executive director for programs and projects. Later I would continue my MBA at Al Faisal University and join KPMG as a management consultant. I gained a lot of practical and personal experience working with one of the most prominent consulting firms in the world. It also gave me the confidence to start my firm, LIBG Solutions. A few years would pass and I noticed that my country, particularly my city was very improvised as far as information about native plants, plant taxonomy, archives of specimens, and plant-based (no pun intended) institutions were concerned. We haven’t even a single botanical garden within the whole Kingdom, although HRH Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman has included the creation of botanical gardens as part of the Vision 2030 national strategy. It was puzzling to me how is it that modern appreciation for the scientific and aesthetic value of plants in my country was previously so overlooked? This is why I decided to start the Saudi Arabian Botanical Society. I’m hoping to create a lasting impression on the development of my country through plants. As for hobbies as you might be able to imagine I love to container garden at my home and office. I also love playing the piano, and exercise.

We are very warm when it comes to interacting with organizations. I’m a true believer in the Arabic proverb “ One hand cannot clap.” Not only is it essential to work with people outside of your organization, but it is also energizing. While some people find meetings and introductions to be awkward and physically/emotionally taxing I truly feel refreshed and inspired by every meeting I have. It is my outgoing nature that got me in front of WSB, so I must be doing something right. I’m particularly targeting PIF companies since they have the most cutting edge and relevant capabilities, budgets, strategies, and so on. They are also the ones that seem to be able to cut through the red-tape and get treated like semi-government organizations. These are “growth-hacks”, as they are called the process of reaching milestones and ultimately success. 

Since the very beginning, we have been mesmerized by plants. There is an emotional bond that unites us with plants. They are so much a part of who we are as a species. They have provided us with every type of nourishment, sustenance, and luxury. Yet, we know so little about them. Though our existence without them is impossible how is it that we have so little cultural and scientific appreciation for them as a society? This is exactly why I founded the Saudi Arabian Botanical Society. I’m truly inspired by many local female role models, both women of privilege and women who are unknown. I’m also very inspired by ex-pat women who tirelessly have to navigate a very complicated, admittedly complex culture, business environment, and regulatory process. Yet every time I meet them they are all smiles, support, and genuine affection, even while being so far out of their comfort zones.   It was working in the field of environmental awareness that my colleague, brother, dear friend the Co-Founder and consultant Joshua Van Alstine encouraged me to pursue my passion in creating a botanical organization. 

1.     Approach the right Ministry: if you are a Saudi, approach the Ministry of Commerce, an expat should approach the Ministry of Investment

2.     Know you facts: If you are an expat and you want to set up your company under the Ministry of Investment, you will need to have the company incorporated abroad first and have its Articles of Association as well as at least 1 year’s financials.

3.     Even freelancing is regulated: it is important to know that if you sign a contract for full-time or part-time work, it may not be enforceable if you are on a private iqama.

4.     Consider Maroof if you have an online business: If you have your own online store or you sell via Instagram you can register it on Maroof (a digital free platform to authenticate your existence, it is not a market place). No CR is required only your ID however you will need to use an absher account.

5.     Always double check: Laws are regularly amended so do check with the relevant Ministry or a lawyer to make sure you have the right information.

If you would like to find out more, then please join us on the 3^rd March 2021. Look out for more details in your inbox and on Social Media @WSBRiyadh

FindinKSA is a one-stop online portal for diverse businesses in Saudi Arabia to showcase as well as advertise their products and services. Its an easy online route for customers and business owners alike to find and be found.

Co-Founder of FindinKSA

As a primary school teacher, I often get asked about pedagogy and teaching styles. It is important to have an educational philosophy in the classroom that is inclusive for all and reflective but also incorporating the latest technology or educational politics that are relevant at the time. Yes politics, unfortunately, does creep, (far too much) into the classroom and teachers are forever incorporating and adapting the curriculum or the latest government initiative. But most teachers do not enter the profession for this, they become teachers because they want to teach, They want to help people learn, to grow and develop as humans and to do this you have to inspire a love of learning. That is what counts. This is why the job is so special.

At the end of the academic year, I want the pupils in my care to be a better version of themselves than when they started. I want them to be curious about the world around them and have the confidence and skills to question and seek answers. With a classroom full of different personalities, a variety of backgrounds, numerous languages are spoken and a wide range of abilities how do we create this passion for learning? Firstly children have to feel safe and secure, comfortable to take risks and try new things without fear of being ridiculed. Maslow before Bloom; basic needs being met fully before academic wants fulfilled.

Essential to inspiring learning is the teacher/ pupil relationship. If we like and have a good relationship with our teachers, we are more likely to try hard to please them! My first job at the start of the academic year is to get to know and understand my pupils. What are they interested in? How do they like to learn? What are their work habits? What kind of personality are they developing? My interactions can have a huge impact on how pupils think for themselves and how they can develop a love of learning. The importance of positive comments and constructive, meaningful feedback can allow pupils to develop and learn from what they have done but they have to believe in their teacher.

Finally, an example from my own home tonight. As my daughter is trying to be motivated for her guitar practice, strumming the chords of Hotel California, a song she’s maybe heard me singing along to on the radio once, she is trying but her heart is not in it. Yet, I'm convinced if she was learning a TikTok tune she would have persevered until she had nailed it. If you are interested in the subject and enjoy it- you want to learn it, your inspiration is already there, it’s not ‘work’ it’s the love of learning!!

Three years ago, I searched for a tool that I could use to support individuals develop confidence in various ways using my management consulting skills and, without having to leave my profession or study psychology. I found Clarity4D, a tool that provides a structured approach to personal development, for both adults and youth. 

I am Sarah Biblo and along with running my home-based Patisserie Biblo Treats, I am also a Chef, Pastry stylist and recipe developer. I was born in Belgium and had 3 beautiful children that I’m so proud of. As part of my Husband’s work, we had the chance to explore and live in 3 beautiful countries UAE, Jordan, and later here in Riyadh KSA. I Studied commerce with a major in business administration and marketing. Since graduation, I was working in corporate institutions, that I always felt there is more for me out there. I gratefully found my passion for baking the year my first child was born. I was only 23 by then. while still discovering parenting and trying to get the hang of it, we had to make our first move to Dubai where it all started…

Please feel free to contact me for information and or feedback on [email protected]

I can arrange ideal Arabian Sunset, Cultural Activities and BBQ Dinner to a Bedouin camp, 100 km North of Riyadh in the Dana Duns. Any day in the week can be arranged, but for weekend trips book well in advance. Any special activity you need can be arranged Camel Rides, Falcons, Henna panting, just contact me in advance for this.