Three Saudi Young Entrepreneurs in Forbes List
In September 2020, Forbes released its list of Young Entrepreneurs and Innovators Under 30 in the Middle East, taking into account several criteria including the founders’ solidity, their scalability, and commercial viability, and their commitment to being a force for good and sustainability in the world.
“We are looking for innovators who bring new concepts to the Middle East or accelerate the use of new technologies,” Forbes said.
This list recognizes a selection of the Arab world’s most impressive and accomplished young minds, some of whom have already built and scaled multi-million dollar businesses, patented cutting-edge technology, or made a huge difference in other people’s lives.
The list includes 30 young men under the age of 30, and 3 Saudis came to it: Khaled Al-Shathri, Saeed Al-Zahrani, and Rima Al-Juffali.
- Khaled Al-Shathri
Al-Shathri, 28, entered the Forbes list in the industry category, with his Norabec Foundation who is acting in it as Managing Director, the company works in the field of shipping. The company owns a fleet of about 400 ships, and it started with a capital of $ 133,000and achieved sales of $ 22 million in 2019.
- Saeed Al-Zahrani
Al-Zahrani, 26, entered the industry category with his Barq Aviation Corporation, as CEO, his company has developed the next generation of urban air transport vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles.
Al-Zahrani was the first Saudi citizen to specialize in unmanned aircraft systems in the United States, where he also worked as a visiting researcher and holds several patents related to his field.
The company won third place in the GITEX Innovation Challenge for Future Stars of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Center in 2018.
- Rima Al-Juffali
Al-Juffali, 27, entered the Sports and Entertainment category.
She is the first Saudi female racing driver to compete in the Formula 4 category and is also the first Saudi woman to compete in an international racing competition in the Kingdom.