السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته

The Arabic language is a beautiful thing. The word Riyadh ( الرياض ), meaning “gardens,” perfectly encapsulates the spirit of this city – a place that was once considered barren, but now blooms with life and prosperity. Gardens being a symbol of resilience, remind us that even in the harshest of conditions, life can thrive with a little care and patience. As the proverb goes,( من غرس بستاناً، حصد به فرحاً) “He who plants a garden, reaps joy.” this resonates deeply with the spirit of Riyadh, a city that is blossoming with digital innovation and growth, much like Silicon Valley did before it. I’m continuously struck by the same sense of possibility and potential that I felt when I was a kid walking through the streets of San Francisco. There’s an energy in Riyadh, a sense that anything is possible with hard work, determination, and vision!

As I journeyed to the heart of Saudi to meet the Abiliti ابيليتي team, I found myself in a place that was more than just a desert, more than just a city. The city of Riyadh is bustling with life, and the growth and innovation happening here is nothing short of remarkable. It is like stumbling upon a garden in the middle of the sand dunes, with the promise of new beginnings and growth.

The Silicon Valley of the Middle East, as Riyadh is often called, is a breath of fresh air. The startup culture here is palpable, with an emphasis on velocity that is both inspiring and exciting. It reminds me of the early days of the tech boom in The Bay when entrepreneurs were driven by a vision to change the world.

What strikes me most is the shared vision of the people in Riyadh for Vision 2030, a plan to transform the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia into a thriving and diversified economy. The digital innovation happening here is not just about creating companies, but about building a future that benefits the Kingdom as a whole.

This is a stark contrast to what I had experienced in Silicon Valley. There, the focus was often on valuation over everything, and VCs were notorious for their pragmatic approach. But in Riyadh, the atmosphere is one of collaboration and support, with the common goal of creating a better future for all.

It is a beautiful thing to see the passion and dedication of the people in Riyadh, and how they are using technology to unlock the potential of the city and the region. The parallels between the startup culture in Riyadh and the growth I have witnessed in Silicon Valley are undeniable, and it gives me hope for what the future could hold.

I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement for what is to come. The Silicon Garden in the heart of Saudi is just beginning to bloom, and I am grateful to be witnessing it in its early stages. The potential for growth and innovation is limitless, and I have no doubt that InshaAllah Riyadh will continue to be a beacon of transformation and beneficial innovation for years to come.

From my journey here in Riyadh, I’ve had the chance to witness the most incredible fusion of traditional culture and modern innovation. I’m thrilled to be exploring the Silicon Garden, and I’d love to know more about what makes your city and country unique to you!

For all the coffee lovers and connoisseurs in Riyadh, I’m curious – where Is your best cup of coffee in the city? Is there a hidden gem or a popular spot that you believe surpasses all others? Wheres the cup that takes me away with one sip to the fields of Jazan or Asir?

And for those who know Riyadh like the back of their hand, where are the must-see places that truly capture the spirit of the city? Where do I go walk after Maghrib to enjoy the city? What is the best spot to see the local desert landscape and enjoy the true Saudi vibe?

#Saudivision2030 #Saudi #technology #SaaS #SanFrancisco #BayArea
By Juliano Sarinelli | Abiliti CRO | SF-KSA