Sultan A.j Alqahtani - The connector | Change Agent

You can force people to change but you can't force them to accept it. With 70% of the population in Saudi Arabia under 35 and a majority of them on TikTok and X, they are proponents of this change happening here.

When others talk about Saudi Arabia becoming a global hub, Sultan is quietly putting together the pieces – connecting education to innovation and fostering positive change through various ventures, and creating platforms where these ambitions can find their wings.

I had the honor to sit down with Sultan A.j Alqahtani and learn more about his background and a look into the future of Saudi Arabia. 

Sultan is a true change maker. A business pioneer and investor that drives strategic growth. In a landscape full of ambitious visions, Sultan is building the bridges to make them reality. 

"Success in Saudi Arabia today isn't about individual achievement," Sultan reflects. "It's about how well we can work together to create opportunities for others. Every business we build should leave a positive mark on our society."

When asked about the rapid pace of change in the Kingdom, he thoughtfully notes: " Our role is to help guide it in ways that benefit everyone. The youth of Saudi Arabia aren't just accepting change, they're creating it."

Through various ventures in energy innovation and construction, Sultan has witnessed firsthand the power of strategic partnerships. Each project serves as a small part of the larger vision that guides the Kingdom forward, contributing to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. 

For over two decades, Sultan has been methodically weaving together the fabric of Saudi Arabia's future. His board memberships aren't just positions – they're strategic points of impact. Through Coursera, he's helping democratize education across the region. 

With Q30, he's nurturing the next generation of leaders. His involvement in GRMC and SNAM30 puts him at the forefront of energy innovation, while BKL showcases his commitment to advancing construction standards.

What makes Sultan a true change maker isn't just his vision or his connections – it's his understanding that sustainable change comes from creating value for everyone involved. 

He's not just trying to make Saudi Arabia a place where business happens; he's helping make it a place where innovation thrives, where young talent can flourish, and where global expertise meets local ambition.

Where the connection happens – The Access Circle

One of Sultan's most exciting initiatives is Access Circle, a platform designed to cultivate strategic business relationships and drive meaningful international collaboration. As its Chairman, he's created something unique in Saudi Arabia's transformation landscape – a meeting point where vision meets opportunity.

The upcoming Access Circle Investment Summit (April 22-23, 2025, in Riyadh) exemplifies this approach. It's not just another business conference; it's a carefully curated gathering of family offices, diplomatic corps, global business leaders, senior government officials, venture capitalists, and entrepreneurs – all united by the common goal of driving Saudi Arabia's economic transformation.

"We're not just facilitating introductions," Sultan explains. "We're creating an ecosystem where ideas can flourish and contribute to the greater good. It's about building something that will benefit not just individuals or companies, but the entire community."

The impact is already evident, marked by the presence of the esteemed Guest of Honour, His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Faisal Al Saud, alongside an impressive lineup of partners and guests. 

In this time of remarkable change in Saudi Arabia, perhaps the most inspiring aspect is witnessing how the young generation has embraced the future while honoring their heritage. 

They understand, better than anyone, that true progress comes not from forcing change, but from nurturing it with wisdom, patience, and respect for all who share in this journey.

Thank You Sultan!