How has your first year at RWS Global been?
Invigorating. To be a part of RWS Global, at such a pivotal moment of growth in the Middle East, there is nothing like it. I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else and am very grateful for RWS Global’s leadership and trust in me to help establish our Riyadh headquarters. There are some very exciting projects in the pipeline, both long-standing and new developments. One of the biggest highlights has been the global support and company culture. The passion and collaborative nature of our team members are world class.
What makes the Middle East important to RWS Global?
RWS Global has built a reputation for delivering world-class entertainment and elevating the guest journey across land-based attractions, cruises, mega-events, museums, and destination experiences. The entertainment landscape in the Middle East is ambitious, immersive, and happening everywhere. Entertainment is embedded into daily life, from parks and festivals to malls and public spaces. There is an emphasis on lighting, architecture, and atmosphere, creating thoughtful and inclusive guest environments.
RWS Global is uniquely positioned because we can provide full turnkey support, from master planning and design through execution, operations, consulting, and special events. Our global network, combined with more than 25 years of collective GCC experience, allows us to support projects of any scale while remaining focused on guest experience. That balance is critical in the Middle East.
How important is Saudi Arabia to RWS Global’s regional growth strategy?
There is an enormous appetite in Saudi Arabia and across the GCC for premium entertainment, and the region deserves the very best. Through our permanent operations in Riyadh, we have created a foundation for long-term growth and are excited to contribute meaningfully to the transformation of tourism and entertainment in the region.
Saudi Arabia has positioned itself in a unique way, as the Kingdom is reforming its entire economic and cultural systems at the same time. The country’s transformation is unprecedented in its scale and vision. Its economic diversification to focus on tourism, cultural heritage, and entertainment will define the success of the Kingdom.
His Highness Mohammed bin Salman (MBS)’s Saudi Vision 2030 development plan will go down in history as one of the most ambitious and well executed reform plans in human history. The vision is clear, purposeful, built to directly benefit the people of Saudi Arabia, and will bring prosperity and opportunity to the entire Kingdom.
How is RWS Global helping to bring through the next generation of Saudi talent?
Vision 2030 is a global phenomenon with the advancement and benefit of the Saudi people at its core. The approach is simple: listen to the Saudi people, understand their culture, and celebrate it. Developing local talent is essential, and it’s something I’m personally passionate about.
Our goal is to help build a world-class entertainment workforce within the region by combining local leadership with global expertise. We want to bring international educators, performers, and industry experts into the region to share knowledge, conduct training, and support long-term professional growth. Saudi professionals want to build careers here, and we want to support that ambition.
In what other locations and sectors do you see the biggest opportunities for growth for RWS Global?
The entire GCC region is ready for more growth. Much of the global attention has been focused on Dubai’s business sector, Abu Dhabi’s tourism, and Riyadh’s rapidly growing tourism-focussed infrastructure, but other GCC countries are eager to keep up. From experiential airports to giga-theme parks, destination water parks, luxury resorts, and immersive museums, we are witnessing the development of an entire region. RWS global specialises in realising ambitious dreams. We provide world-class experiences, backed by decades of client and guest satisfaction. This includes master-planning, development, production, operations, and even localised training and development.
How is technology changing guest expectations in entertainment and live experiences in the region?
Experiences are expected to be fully immersive and even personalised. The rapid advancement of technology allows us to push the boundaries of the guest experience and send them on a journey like never before. We are in the business of creating, in-person, human moments. When we use technology as a part of an experience. It is woven in seamlessly, so guests don’t get distracted by technology but become even more deeply invested in the experience, creating a more meaningful human connection.
What is your approach to selecting technical partners?
Our approach is focused on trust, expertise, and alignment. We maintain strong technical expertise in-house, but occasionally, we need to bring in partners whose specialised skills complement our team and support the specific requirements of a project. We evaluate not only technical ability, but also cultural fit, collaboration style, and a proven track record of delivering at a high level. Since any technical partner is a representation of us, it’s essential that they share our commitment to delivering our client’s vision.
What are your goals for RWS Global in the region?
Our focus is simple: deliver world-class entertainment, at scale, supported by our international network and grounded in local culture. Training, workforce development, and operational excellence will be central to our growth. We’re here for the long term, committed to contributing to the region’s success and creating experiences that resonate with families and communities. Being part of KSA’s evolution is a privilege, and we’re excited about what’s ahead.
Photos: RWS Global
