Noha Gad

The freelance market in Saudi Arabia has witnessed rapid growth and transformation in recent years, becoming a dynamic and integral part of the national economy. This evolving sector offers flexible opportunities that empower individuals and foster innovation across various industries, aligning with the Vision 2030 agenda.

Digital platforms have played a key role in facilitating seamless connections between freelancers and businesses. Among these platforms, Hurr (formerly Passioneurs) has established itself as a leader in the freelance market, thanks to its secure, user-friendly platform that supports both entrepreneurs and freelancers. 

Sharikat Mubasher spoke with Muna Balhamar, CEO and Founder of Hurr, to learn more about the platform’s role in transforming the freelance industry in Saudi Arabia and the wider region, as well as its next steps to expand its presence locally and regionally, notably following the launch of its new identity.

First, how does Hurr’s business model support entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC region?

Hurr was built around one simple belief: entrepreneurship should be accessible, flexible, and sustainable. Our business model supports entrepreneurs and companies by giving them an easy way to find verified freelancers across more than 100 fields, without the burden of traditional hiring.

We help companies cut their employment-related costs by up to 60% by giving them instant access to qualified freelancers instead of hiring full-time roles they do not actually need. This allows entrepreneurs to stay lean, move faster, and grow without heavy overhead.

At the same time, we give freelancers a structured, trusted platform where they can build a real income, access opportunities across the GCC, and scale their skills into long-term careers.

In short, Hurr creates a win-win ecosystem: lowering costs for businesses while expanding opportunities for freelancers—both essential to the growth of entrepreneurship in the region.

How do you utilize technology to help users reduce operational costs?

Technology is at the core of how we help our users focus on their craft rather than overhead. We provide a robust digital marketplace where freelancers and entrepreneurs can create profiles, showcase their services, receive assignments, and get paid, all within one streamlined system. This reduces the need for them to build and maintain complex systems themselves.

We automate key processes: from client-matching and job allocation to payment processing and service review. That means less time spent on admin, less cost on infrastructure, and fewer mistakes.

We also offer analytics and insights to enable entrepreneurs to understand their utilization, pricing, service delivery, and client feedback, helping them optimize their operations and reduce waste.

We invest in scalable cloud infrastructure, modular design, and shared services, which pass cost savings directly to our users so they do not carry the burden of building expensive tech themselves.

And now, we are taking this a step further with our new AI-powered tools. These include features like AI-generated job descriptions to help clients describe their requirements more clearly, smarter AI matching to connect them with the best candidates instantly, and automated filtering to reduce time spent on reviewing profiles. All of this helps businesses hire faster and more accurately, while significantly cutting operational costs.

In essence, we provide the “platform as a service” layer to help entrepreneurs focus on delivering excellence, not on building technology from scratch.

You recently unveiled a new identity. How will this milestone reinforce your presence in the Saudi market and the broader region?

Unveiling our new identity was more than a visual refresh—it was a strategic step toward strengthening our presence in Saudi Arabia, the GCC, and the wider Arab region.

The new brand reflects who we are today: a mature, confident, region-focused platform that understands local culture, language, and the evolving needs of both freelancers and businesses. It reinforces our commitment to being a truly Arab brand built for Arab talent.

It also boosts our credibility. A strong, modern identity helps us stand out in a competitive market and positions Hurr as a trusted partner for organizations across Saudi Arabia and the region. It creates clearer visibility, a deeper connection with users, and a unified message that supports expansion into GCC markets and the broader Arab world.

Most importantly, the new identity aligns our team, our freelancers, and our partners under one vision, helping us scale faster and build a platform that genuinely represents the future of freelancing in our region.

As a woman founder, what are the key challenges female entrepreneurs face in Saudi Arabia, and how do you see the Kingdom’s efforts to empower them?

To be honest, I do not see the challenges the way they are often portrayed. In Saudi Arabia today, women founders actually have incredible opportunities. The ecosystem is opening doors for us, not closing them. We are building companies, attracting partnerships, and leading teams in our own feminine, unique way, and the market is responding positively to that.

What stands out to me is how strongly the Kingdom is supporting and empowering women. From representation to visibility to access, we are seeing genuine encouragement for women to step into leadership and entrepreneurship. The environment now rewards competence, creativity, and commitment, and women in Saudi Arabia are showing all of that and more.

So instead of focusing on obstacles, I see momentum. I see women leading with clarity, compassion, and strength. And I see Saudi Arabia actively creating a space where female entrepreneurs can thrive, scale, and contribute meaningfully to the economy across the GCC and Arab region.

In your opinion, how does the private sector contribute to enhancing the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Saudi Arabia in general, and the freelancing sector in particular?

The private sector in Saudi Arabia today is playing a huge role in pushing the entrepreneurship scene forward. Companies are becoming more open to new models of work, including freelancing, and that shift alone has unlocked a lot of opportunities for talent and for platforms like Hurr.

What I am seeing is that the private sector is no longer waiting for traditional hiring cycles. They want agility, speed, and specialized skills, and freelancers provide exactly that. When big organizations start integrating freelancers into their workforce, it sends a clear message: freelancing is not just a side gig; it is a real, professional career path.

At the same time, companies are collaborating with platforms, creating structured projects, supporting young talent, and giving people a chance to prove themselves. This combination, flexibility and opportunity, is what strengthens the ecosystem. And honestly, it is one of the reasons why the freelancing sector is growing so fast, not only in Saudi Arabia, but across the GCC and the wider Arab region.

Finally, what are Hurr’s plans to strengthen its position in Saudi Arabia and the GCC?

Our focus is very clear: to grow deeper in Saudi Arabia and expand confidently across the GCC. We are doing this by building a truly local, Arab-first experience that reflects the needs of our market.

A few of our next steps include:

● Enhancing the platform with more AI tools that make hiring faster, smarter, and more accurate, from auto job descriptions to intelligent matching and filtering.

● Expanding our freelancer community with more specialization and higher-quality talent that matches the demands of the region.

● Forming strategic partnerships with companies that want reliable, flexible, and cost-efficient hiring solutions.

● Strengthening our presence across the GCC, making it easier for companies to hire across borders and for freelancers to work regionally.

● Building an ecosystem, not just a platform, one that connects talent, companies, and opportunities across the Arab world.

And ultimately, our goal is to position Hurr as the leading platform for freelance solutions in Saudi Arabia, the GCC, and the wider Arab region — the place companies trust and freelancers prefer.

Kholoud Hussein

In recent years, Saudi Arabia has witnessed a remarkable increase in the visibility of women-led startups. From tech-driven platforms to homegrown fashion brands, female entrepreneurs are gaining traction in the Kingdom’s evolving business landscape. But as the spotlight intensifies—especially under the broad banner of Vision 2030—a critical question emerges: Are women-led startups in Saudi Arabia a quiet revolution reshaping the economy, or are they part of a carefully curated PR narrative aimed at polishing the Kingdom’s global image?

The answer lies somewhere in between. While genuine structural reforms and individual success stories signal meaningful progress, the overwhelming emphasis on optics and international perception also plays a prominent role.

Legal and Policy Shifts Enabling Women Entrepreneurs

Before the launch of Vision 2030 in 2016, the economic participation of Saudi women faced substantial structural and societal barriers. Business ownership required male guardian approval, mobility was severely restricted, and access to funding and banking services was minimal. Many women operated informally from home, often limited to traditionally “feminine” sectors like tailoring, catering, and private tutoring.

The narrative began shifting dramatically with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s ambitious reform agenda. Vision 2030 placed women’s economic empowerment at the center of national transformation, not just for gender parity but as an economic imperative. Reforms rolled out in rapid succession: women could start businesses without guardian approval, freely open bank accounts, and participate in major economic sectors previously off-limits.

The regulatory overhaul included streamlined company registration through platforms like Meras, flexible work arrangements, and enhanced maternity protections. Institutions like Monsha’at, the General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises, began offering targeted support, including training programs and access to incubation hubs. Public-private partnerships, such as Flat6Labs, Wadi Makkah, and Badir, have incorporated specific tracks to support female founders.

Indicators of Growth and Participation

The numbers paint a compelling—if still partial—picture of progress. According to the Saudi Ministry of Commerce, the number of women-owned businesses rose by over 60% between 2016 and 2023. Women now own more than 25% of registered SMEs, with a strong presence in sectors such as e-commerce, fashion, beauty tech, wellness, edtech, and food delivery.

The country also saw female labor force participation grow from 17% in 2016 to over 36% by the end of 2023, suggesting that female entrepreneurship is riding on the back of broader economic integration.

Still, the funding picture remains uneven. While women-led startups have secured high-profile funding rounds—especially in health tech and e-commerce—they receive less than 7% of total venture capital deployed in the Kingdom, according to a 2024 report by MAGNiTT. Most of this funding is clustered in early-stage rounds, with a significant drop-off when it comes to scale-ups.

Inside the Experience: Success, Exposure, and Gaps

Behind the aggregate numbers are real women who reflect both the promise and pitfalls of Saudi Arabia’s startup revolution.

Take the case of Sara Al-Rashed, founder of a Saudi edtech platform offering gamified Arabic learning tools for children. Her company received support from a local accelerator and won recognition at regional innovation forums. Yet, when it came time to scale, she struggled to attract Series A funding. Several investors voiced concern about her ability to lead a high-growth tech company as a solo female founder—a subtle but telling form of gender bias.

In contrast, Reem Al-Jaber, who launched a high-end wellness and beauty brand targeting GCC markets, not only received angel investment but also inked distribution partnerships with two major Saudi retailers. Her success was featured in multiple government-sponsored media outlets and at international trade events. Yet, critics note that her brand, while highly visible, has yet to break even—a reminder that not all media coverage reflects business fundamentals.

These examples reveal a complex truth: some women are building resilient, scalable startups, while others gain media traction without matching financial success. The disparity highlights the need to distinguish between authentic progress and symbolic representation.

Public Narratives and the Power of Visibility

Saudi Arabia’s image overhaul is a cornerstone of Vision 2030, and women entrepreneurs are a critical part of that strategy. High-profile forums like LEAP, FII, and the Global Entrepreneurship Congress regularly spotlight female founders as proof of the Kingdom’s modernization. International media coverage often portrays these women as pioneers, shattering stereotypes in a conservative society.

While these stories are real and inspirational, the heavy emphasis on a few selected figures risks reducing systemic progress to PR optics. Corporate sponsors, banks, and government agencies often feature women entrepreneurs in ESG reports and ad campaigns, aligning their brand with the Kingdom’s progressive image. The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) and the Ministry of Investment frequently emphasize female participation as part of their global investor pitch decks.

This strategic branding is not inherently negative—visibility matters. But without consistent support, mentorship, and equitable access to capital, these stories risk becoming superficial showcases rather than sustainable models of empowerment.

Challenges Below the Surface

Despite reforms, significant barriers persist for women-led startups. Access to funding remains a top hurdle. Investor networks are still predominantly male, and many women lack the informal connections or technical backgrounds that VCs typically favor.

Scaling a startup often requires partnership with logistics firms, government contractors, or large-scale suppliers—areas where women still face subtle discrimination. Moreover, societal expectations continue to weigh heavily. Many female entrepreneurs juggle business leadership with family obligations, in a culture that still views caregiving as a woman’s primary role.

These challenges are particularly acute outside urban centers like Riyadh and Jeddah, where conservative norms remain deeply entrenched. Even within cities, progress often relies on the backing of liberal-minded family members or sponsors.

Broader Influence and Long-Term Potential

Despite these headwinds, women-led startups are beginning to transform Saudi Arabia’s business ecosystem. Many female founders actively hire women, mentor younger entrepreneurs, and cultivate inclusive work cultures. This creates a multiplier effect that extends far beyond individual success.

For example, one fintech founder in the Eastern Province reportedly structured her team to include 70% women, offering flexible work-from-home options and onsite childcare. Her model—though still rare—is helping redefine what leadership looks like in a new Saudi economy.

Furthermore, these entrepreneurs are becoming role models for the next generation. As young Saudi girls see women launching companies, raising capital, and speaking at global summits, their expectations—and those of their families—begin to shift.

From Visibility to Viability

The rapid rise of women-led startups reflects real, measurable progress driven by sweeping legal reforms, cultural evolution, and individual ambition. But at the same time, the prominence of these founders in media campaigns and international forums points to a deliberate effort to shape perception, both inside and outside the Kingdom.

To ensure that this movement evolves from trend to transformation, more must be done. The government must deepen institutional support, investors must diversify funding pipelines, and the ecosystem must go beyond visibility to sustainability.

Only then will Saudi Arabia’s women-led startup surge prove to be not just a compelling narrative, but a lasting economic force.

Ghada Ismail

In the digital age, the allure of virtual meetings is undeniable. Yet, when it comes to forging meaningful business relationships, nothing quite matches the depth and impact of face-to-face interactions. For SMEs striving for growth, these in-person connections are more than a luxury—they are a strategic necessity. This episode explores why stepping beyond the screen can lead to unparalleled opportunities and stronger partnerships.

Building Trust Through Presence

Trust is the cornerstone of any successful business relationship, and building it often requires more than virtual connections. In-person meetings foster a sense of authenticity and commitment that digital platforms struggle to achieve. A handshake, shared meal, or even casual conversation can create bonds that lead to long-term partnerships. For SMEs, these connections can be pivotal in securing deals, attracting investors, or establishing reliable supply chains.

Reading the Unspoken: Body Language and Context

Face-to-face meetings provide an opportunity to pick up on subtle cues that virtual platforms often miss. Body language, tone of voice, and other non-verbal signals offer critical insights into a partner’s intentions and comfort level. These nuanced observations can guide SMEs in negotiations, helping them adapt strategies in real time. Moreover, being physically present allows a deeper understanding of cultural and organizational contexts, particularly when entering new markets.

Showcasing Commitment and Seriousness

Traveling to meet a client or partner in person demonstrates dedication and seriousness about the relationship. This effort often leaves a lasting impression, showcasing the SME’s commitment to collaboration and growth. For businesses looking to expand internationally, such gestures can be the deciding factor in winning over stakeholders who value personal interaction.

Networking Beyond the Agenda

While virtual meetings tend to stick strictly to the agenda, in-person visits often open doors to informal networking opportunities. Whether it’s a chance encounter at a conference or a post-meeting coffee chat, these interactions can spark unexpected collaborations and ideas. SMEs can benefit immensely from these serendipitous moments, gaining insights and contacts that might not have emerged in a structured online meeting.

The Human Element in a Digital Age

At its core, business is about people. Despite advancements in technology, the human need for connection remains unchanged. Face-to-face interactions provide a level of engagement and emotional resonance that is hard to achieve through screens. For SMEs navigating competitive industries, this human touch can set them apart, fostering loyalty and goodwill that fuel long-term success.

Balancing Virtual and In-Person Interactions

While the importance of face-to-face meetings is undeniable, SMEs must strike a balance between physical and virtual engagements. Strategic planning can help businesses maximize the benefits of both approaches. For instance, SMEs can use virtual meetings for routine updates while reserving travel for high-stakes negotiations, key networking events, or market exploration trips.

Wrapping things up...

In the quest for growth, SMEs must look beyond the convenience of digital communication and embrace the unique value of in-person interactions. These moments of genuine connection, trust-building, and cultural understanding can be transformative, propelling businesses toward new opportunities and stronger partnerships.

In the next episode, we’ll tackle the practical side of business travel with Navigating Challenges: How SMEs Optimize Business Travel, exploring how small businesses can overcome hurdles to make the most of their journeys.

Ghada Ismail

In today’s fast-paced and hyper-connected world, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are constantly seeking ways to stand out, grow, and seize new opportunities. While digital platforms and virtual meetings have transformed communication, business travel remains a critical driver for growth and success. A research by the American Express highlights a compelling fact: 57% of SMEs report that business travel has directly fueled their expansion. Let’s explore why hitting the road is more than just a logistical necessity—it’s a strategic growth catalyst.

The Numbers Tell the Story

The connection between business travel and SME success is undeniable. American Express’s findings reveal that over half of SMEs attribute their growth to the opportunities generated through business trips. Whether it’s closing deals, forging partnerships, or discovering untapped markets, face-to-face interactions often create outcomes that virtual tools can’t replicate.

Key statistics show that SMEs that invest in business travel are more likely to:

• Achieve higher revenue growth.
• Expand into new regions or markets.
• Establish stronger and longer-lasting client relationships.

These numbers highlight why travel is not just an expense but an investment in a company’s future.

Turning Trips Into Opportunities

For many SMEs, business travel has been a game-changer. Consider the story of a Saudi-based technology startup that expanded its footprint in the GCC market through a series of strategic trips. By attending industry expos, hosting in-person client meetings, and engaging in cultural immersion, the startup landed contracts that would have been difficult to secure remotely. These trips were not just about showing up; they were about demonstrating commitment, building trust, and gaining a competitive edge.

Similarly, a boutique manufacturing firm leveraged travel to explore supplier partnerships in Europe. What began as a routine factory visit evolved into a strategic partnership that improved their supply chain efficiency and reduced costs. Such success stories illustrate the transformative power of travel for SMEs.

The Strategic Imperative for SMEs

For small businesses, every decision must align with overarching goals. Business travel is no exception. Here’s how SMEs can maximize the impact of their trips:

1. Set Clear Objectives: Whether it’s lead generation, client retention, or market exploration, having a clear purpose for travel ensures measurable outcomes.
2. Leverage Networking Opportunities: Conferences and industry events are goldmines for connecting with potential clients and collaborators. SMEs should prioritize these opportunities to build lasting relationships.
3. Focus on Long-Term Gains: While travel may come with upfront costs, the long-term benefits often outweigh the initial investment. Deals closed in person tend to be more robust and enduring.

The ROI of Business Travel

Understanding the return on investment (ROI) of business travel is essential for SMEs to ensure their trips deliver value. Calculating ROI involves comparing the outcomes of travel against its costs, including transportation, accommodation, and time. Here are some ways SMEs can evaluate the ROI of their travel efforts:

1. Track Measurable Outcomes: Metrics such as deals closed, new leads generated, or partnerships secured provide tangible evidence of travel’s impact.
2. Assess Revenue Growth: Analyze whether specific trips contribute to increased sales or expanded market share in the months following travel.
3. Consider Intangible Benefits: Improved client relationships, enhanced brand visibility, and market insights may not show immediate financial returns but often lead to long-term gains.

By systematically evaluating these factors, SMEs can make informed decisions about their travel strategies and refine their approach to maximize impact.

Conclusion

Business travel is far more than a logistical endeavor for SMEs; it’s a pathway to growth, innovation, and resilience. The 57% of SMEs that recognize its value are reaping the benefits of expanded horizons and stronger connections. As technology continues to enhance global connectivity, the importance of stepping out into the world—literally—will remain a vital component of SME success.

In the next post, we’ll dive deeper into why in-person meetings have the edge over digital interactions and how they can amplify the value of business travel. Stay tuned!

Ghada Ismail

When starting a company, the excitement of innovation and ambition often overshadows the critical legal and financial groundwork needed to secure a startup’s future. Yet, ensuring clear agreements and protecting intellectual property from the outset can save co-founders from potential disputes down the road. In this installment, we explore the essential legal and financial considerations every co-founder must address to build a stable foundation for their venture.

1. The Importance of Clear Co-Founder Agreements

From day one, having a co-founder agreement in place is non-negotiable. This document should outline key elements such as equity ownership, roles, decision-making authority, and an agreed-upon exit strategy.

Without such an agreement, even the strongest partnerships can falter under pressure. Questions such as "Who owns how much?" or "What happens if one of us leaves?" can lead to conflicts that are avoidable with a clear legal framework. These agreements serve as a reference point during challenging times, ensuring transparency and mutual understanding.

2. Dealing with Equity Splits: Fair and Transparent Agreements

Determining how to split equity is one of the most delicate conversations co-founders will have. A fair split isn’t always 50-50; it’s about aligning contributions—both financial and operational—with ownership stakes.

To achieve this, co-founders should openly discuss:

• The value of each co-founder’s input (time, expertise, and capital).
• Vesting schedules to ensure equity is earned over time, safeguarding against early departures.
• Future roles and their impact on the company’s growth.

Transparency during these discussions builds trust and prevents misunderstandings later on.

3. Protecting Intellectual Property (IP)

For many startups, intellectual property is their most valuable asset. Co-founders must establish clear ownership rights for anything created during the course of the venture.

Key steps include:

• Defining who owns what in terms of IP contributions.
• Registering patents, trademarks, or copyrights under the company’s name to avoid individual claims.
• Drafting confidentiality agreements to protect sensitive information.

These measures ensure that the startup’s core innovations remain safeguarded, regardless of changes in the co-founder team.

4. Preparing for Exit: Buyouts, Acquisitions, and Co-Founder Exits

While no one likes to think about it, co-founders must plan for scenarios where one partner decides to leave. Exit strategies are crucial for ensuring the business can continue without disruption.

Key considerations include:

• Buyout clauses that allow remaining founders to purchase the departing founder’s equity at a fair value.
• Provisions for handling acquisitions or mergers, including how proceeds are distributed.
• Non-compete agreements to prevent departing co-founders from starting a competing business.

Addressing these scenarios early provides stability and protects the company’s interests in the long term.

Final Thoughts

Starting a company with a co-founder offers immense benefits, but it also requires careful planning and open communication about legal and financial matters. Clear agreements, equitable arrangements, and robust protections for intellectual property are not just safeguards—they are enablers of trust and long-term success.

By addressing these considerations from the outset, co-founders can focus on building a thriving business, confident that their shared vision is well-protected. Ultimately, the strength of a co-founder partnership lies in its ability to combine shared ambition with sound strategies, creating a legacy that extends beyond individual contributions.

With this, we conclude our mini-series on co-founders. Whether you're just starting your journey or navigating the complexities of an established partnership, remember that the foundation you build today will shape the success of your startup for years to come.