‘Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.’ That’s my favourite quote, highlighting the importance of maintaining a sense of wonder and optimism in everything we do. It’s also a reminder that believing in possibilities, even when things seem challenging, is key to discovering opportunities and achieving success.
It’s an exciting time to be in Saudi Arabia’s emerging entertainment market. The Saudi Vision 2030 initiative has led to a rapid expansion in entertainment facilities. Mega-projects are in development and there is growing demand for live events, concerts, cinemas and family entertainment centres. There are also opportunities in technology, as the country’s population is mostly young and tech-savvy.
I haven’t ruled out becoming an entrepreneur
Exciting though the sector is, there are still challenges. We have to navigate evolving laws and regulations as Saudi Arabia continues to open up, balancing traditional cultural values with the new entertainment forms. Another challenge is attracting international entertainment talent.
My career in accountancy sprang from watching my relatives manage their finances by controlling the numbers and maintaining financial clarity. After starting at KPMG, I went into corporate roles and in 2015 took the opportunity to move to Saudi Arabia with First Entertainment Holdings as an assistant financial controller. I’m now head of finance and business.
I want to continue my career in the entertainment sector as I can contribute to strategic decisions that have a meaningful impact. However, I haven’t ruled out becoming an entrepreneur. The skills and business knowledge I have gained are invaluable and can help me whether I choose to remain here or start my entrepreneurial journey at some point in the future.
I love working with numbers and communicating a business-impacting story
What I like about my role is I can work with numbers and then communicate a business-impacting story. My job also helps me showcase my communication skills when dealing with key stakeholders and I get to show my creative skills when working with the product development team. All this gives me a sense of accomplishment and helps me feel I am making a vital contribution.
If I had law-making powers, I would require more financial education in schools. Having this at a young age can encourage better management of personal finances and good decision-making, helping people to secure their future. It would build a generation who can navigate economic complexities much better than their predecessors.
Constructing compelling stories to engage a wider audience fascinates me
If I weren’t an accountant, I would have liked a career in marketing and content creation. Building brands and constructing compelling stories to engage a wider audience has always fascinated me. I would also enjoy influencing perceptions and bringing ideas to life with the help of innovative campaigns.
Outside of work, I do light exercise to keep my body moving. A daily half-hour walk allows me to relax and refresh my mind. I also like to play table-tennis with my friends, watch movies and read.
