Ahsan Abdullah believes now is the time for investors and entrepreneurs to enter the Saudi market. As an entrepreneur himself whose firm advises hundreds of companies in over 7 countries, when Ahsan speaks, investors listen.

Episode 8 of Success Saudi Podcast features Ahsan Abdullah, co-founder and director of Tass and Hamjit, a a multi-service firm offering a broad range of services in financial consultings, audit, tax and compliances, data analytics and legal domains.

In this wide-ranging interview, we cover frequently asked questions by entrepreneurs and investors in KSA, including:

- Different ways to set up a business in Saudi
- Benefits for foreign companies
- Common investor concerns
- Current incentives for the manufacturing sector
- Clarification on the Regional Headquarters Program Tax Holiday
- Why multinational companies doing business in KSA should be concerned if they don't have an RHQ License at this point
- Ahsan's key to success in Saudi and other markets

Ahsan Abdullah has a talent for articulating industry jargon in layman's terms. I learned a lot from this interview, and it's apparent why Tass and Hamjit's services are highly sought after, and the firm is growing so quickly.


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Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro
01:34 - What are the ways for foreigners to start a business in KSA?
03:31 - What is the "Entrepreneurial License" and how to get one?
06:38 - Can you start a business in KSA if you don't have one established in a different country?
08:00 - What are the benefits for foreign investors?
11:28 - What are some common concerns you hear from potential investors?
13:06 - What are the nuances of doing business in KSA?
14:57 - Can you hold an Iqama & a foreign investment license at the same time?
16:28 - Updates about the regional headquarters program
19:51 - How will Saudi incentivize the manufacturing center to promote Saudi-made products?
22:16 - What does Saudization mean for business in KSA?
24:20 - How are companies finding local talent?
25:13 - What are the advantages of a joint venture in KSA?
28:05 - How good is the payment cycle for KSA in business?
29:27 - What are the compliances that need to be taken care of when doing business in KSA?
31:20 - Can you touch on the economic growth in terms of Riyadh Expo 2030 & the Fifa World Cup in 2034?
32:52 - What has helped you to be a successful entrepreneur in general and in KSA?
35:22 - Do you have any advice about collaboration with either government or private entities?
39:13 - What is Tass & Hamjits' competitive advantage?
41:09 - What message do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs in KSA?
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Find out more about Tass & Hamjit here: https://www.tasshamjit.com/

Special thanks to Fairmont Riyadh for hosting this episode of Success Saudi.