What’s the falafel economy and why is it holding back real innovation in Saudi Arabia?

In this episode of The Next Big Thing – Dhahran, Saleem Bitar discusses the mindset shifts and the five IQs founders need to build real innovative soluations.

From leading tech initiatives at Aramco, Microsoft, Huawei, and Emerson to founding Sailor’s AI, Saleem has spent his career bringing technology closer to industry. Now, his mission is localisation, IP creation, and digital transformation

In this episode of The Next Big Thing - Dhahran, Saleem goes deep on:
 ⏵ The dangers of the falafel economy
 ⏵ His learnings from the Silicon Valley
 ⏵ Why localisation and IP matter for Saudi’s future
 ⏵ What true digital transformation looks like on the ground
 ⏵ The five IQs founders need to build something lasting
 ⏵ The difference between Riyadh's and Dhahran's startup ecosystems

It’s not just about avoiding the copying business. It’s about creating the mindset, culture, and capacity to build what’s next.

This episode is hosted by Albara Nabil Alqurashi, the community manager of Dhahran Techno Valley.

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► Saleem Bitar – Ecosystem Builder & Digital Transformation Expert
  https://www.linkedin.com/in/saleembitar/ 

► Albara Nabil Alqurashi – Dhahran Techno Valley 
 https://www.linkedin.com/in/albara-nabil-alqurashi-11470a38/   

In collaboration with Dhahran Techno Valley 
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dhahran-techno-valley-dtv/ 

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00:00 – Trailer
01:25 – Saleem's Diverse Career in Digital Transformation
05:05 – Why Localisation and IP Creation Matter
06:55 – Lessons from Silicon Valley and Building the same Ecosystem in Saudi Arabia
09:34 – Dhahran as the Hub for Innovation
11:35 – The Growing Digital Transformation in Saudi Arabia
15:25 – Difference between the Startup Ecosystem in Riyadh and Dhahran
19:58 – Saudi’s Transformation and Global Ambitions
24:26 – What Inspired Him in the Silicon Valley
27:52 – Albara’s Entrepreneurial Lessons from Accelerators and Incubators
32:00 – Why Founders Must Ask for Support
35:40 – Startups and Corporates are Two Completely Different Games
38:40 – The Falafel Economy Trap and Why Copying Kills Innovation
40:50 – The 5 IQs Every Founder Needs
42:50 – What Will Saleem Focus on in the Next 5 Years
45:32 – Advice for the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs


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