JEDDAH NETWORKING DINNER: UNLOCKING SME POTENTIAL THROUGH GOVERNANCE

October 21, 2025

Jeddah

On October 21st, 2025, the American Chamber of Commerce Saudi Arabia (AmCham Saudi Arabia) convened business leaders, investors, and policymakers at the Ritz Carlton Jeddah for "Unlocking SME Potential Through Governance: Pathways to Investment and Global Partnerships", a strategic dialogue examining governance as a catalyst for SME growth and international expansion.

Under the expert moderation of Tuba Terekli, Misk 2030 Leader at Misk Foundation, our distinguished panel of experts—including Ben Harburg, Managing Partner at Novo Capital; Sara Aalamri, Partner at Clyde & Co; Omar Houssainy, Chief Financial Officer at Beit Binzagr Holding Company; and Matteo Grassani, Director of Legal Affairs and General Counsel at Zahid Group—delivered actionable insights on navigating the evolving business landscape.

The discussion addressed critical dimensions of SME governance and growth:
• International expansion and compliance frameworks for structuring SMEs to attract global partnerships while ensuring regulatory adherence in local markets
• Financial sustainability: strategic approaches to capital allocation, diversification, and sustainable growth aligned with Vision 2030 objectives
• Operational excellence: building resilient supply chains and leveraging technology to enhance competitiveness in global markets
• Investment readiness: mechanisms for improving access to capital and safeguarding intellectual property across jurisdictions
• Collaborative ecosystems: the transformative role of public-private partnerships in accelerating SME development and innovation

The interactive Q&A session underscored the sophistication and ambition characterizing Saudi Arabia's dynamic SME sector, with participants engaging in substantive dialogue on implementation strategies and practical applications.

This inaugural event of our new season reinforces AmCham Saudi Arabia's commitment to fostering meaningful connections between Saudi and international business communities, creating tangible pathways for collaboration and growth.

Photos: Jeddah Networking Dinner: Unlocking SME Potential Through Governance