As one of Saudi Arabia’s leading entrepreneurs, Hassan Sharbatly is focused on transforming the kingdom’s thriving hospitality sector. Through his leadership of Al Nahla Hospitality, a subsidiary of the prominent Al Nahla Group business empire, Hassan aims to drive growth, innovation and excellence in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.
Born into a distinguished lineage of entrepreneurs, Hassan draws from his family’s rich legacy in numerous industries as he steers two companies towards realising the ambitious goals of Vision 2030. “As an entrepreneur overseeing a multi-generational legacy, my vision seamlessly aligns with Saudi Vision 2030,” says Hassan. “Rooted in a commitment to contribute to the nation’s growth, I focus on fostering innovation, embracing sustainability, and actively participating in economic diversification.”
As the CEO of Al Nahla Hospitality, Hassan’s role is “to steer the company towards excellence in the ever-evolving hospitality landscape.” The group’s focus includes “creating distinctive experiences, optimising real estate assets, and actively participating in sustainable projects in alignment with Vision 2030 to enrich our portfolio.” Their efforts reflect “a commitment to diversification and informed decision-making across various ventures.”
Looking ahead to 2024, Hassan’s aspirations for Al Nahla Hospitality are “strategically audacious.” Plans include “strategic investments in the tourism sector with upscale hotels like SLS, SO, 25Hours, and Fairmont.” The group also aims to “expand our footprint in the hospitality industry by 2024, introducing prestigious brands, such as restaurants of the French Moma Group — Manko, Noto, Café Laperouse, and Mimosa.”
Through these strategic moves, Hassan intends to “diversify our portfolio, strengthen customer relationships, set benchmarks in real estate development, and play a pivotal role in realising Vision 2030’s objectives through sustainable practices.” His vision reflects Al Nahla’s commitment to enriching their offerings and participating in the rapid transformation of Saudi’s economy.
An entrepreneurial legacy
Hassan comes from a lineage of prominent Saudi businessmen. His grandfather, Hassan Abbas Sharbatly, founded Al Nahla Group in 1946 which has since grown into one of the top 10 family businesses in the country. Al Nahla Group holds significant assets across various industries including real estate, automotive, trading and finance.
Al Nahla Group’s influence on Saudi Arabia’s economic development cannot be understated. The company played an instrumental role in establishing Riyad Bank, where Al Nahla stands as the largest shareholder in the largest private bank in the kingdom.
Acknowledged for his business prowess, Hassan strategically utilised his family’s investments in Jeddah Tower, destined to be the world’s tallest skyscraper, to procure multiple hospitality brands.
This astute maneuver not only positioned them for prominence at this budding global landmark but also played a pivotal role in Hassan’s appointment by the Ministry of Investment as a member of the official Saudi Investment delegation team.
Continuing this legacy of diversifying assets and contributing to Saudi’s progress, Hassan graduated from prestigious universities in the UK with qualifications in international business and management. He started his career in corporate banking with Credit Suisse in Zurich, where he gained expertise in finance and strategic planning. These experiences served as an ideal foundation for Hassan to one day lead Al Nahla Group’s holdings and vision.
Developing hospitality assets
While CEO of Al Nahla Hospitality, Hassan has played an instrumental role in transforming Jeddah’s landscape. As he explains, “Our investments focus on projects that contribute to the kingdom’s development.” An exemplary endeavour includes revitalising Jeddah Walk into an exceptional new urban hub.
Under Hassan’s leadership, Jeddah Walk now features versatile developments, performance studios, art galleries and notably, the kingdom’s first-ever flagship Ferrari showroom. Additionally, he introduced renowned restaurant brands like Amar Restaurant and establishments from the prestigious Moma Group such as Café Lapérouse, Manko, Mimosa, Noto, and Boeuf Sur Le Toit which have enriched the dining scene.
These developments not only activate Jeddah’s public spaces but set new standards for the city’s hospitality offerings in line with global brands. Hassan’s strategic investments in turn reinforce Saudi Vision 2030’s objective to greatly expand leisure and entertainment sectors domestically and internationally.
Capitalising on opportunity
While founding roots in a heritage of entrepreneurship, Hassan also demonstrated his ability to identify opportunities amid challenges as the global pandemic emerged in 2020. That year, he established 360° marketing solutions firm Digitect to fulfil rising needs in app development, digital operations and more.
“In 2020, Digitect emerged as a strategic response to the challenges posed by the global pandemic,” explains Hassan. Recognising demands in the Saudi market, he moved to capitalise on growth sectors and positioned Digitect at the forefront of digital transformation. Even in difficult economic conditions, Hassan exhibited his entrepreneurial mindset and long-term vision by establishing this innovative company.
Today as Chairman of Digitect, Hassan continues actively overseeing governance and providing strategic advice as the firm establishes itself as a leader in the dynamic marketing industry. Through bold moves like launching Digitect, he sets an example for agile decision making and optimistically guiding companies during unpredictable times.
A visionary steering transformation
Looking ahead, Hassan says his objective as an entrepreneur is “to play a pivotal role in Saudi Arabia’s rapid transformation.” Beyond his professional roles, he emphasises giving back through involvement in philanthropic initiatives. The Hassan Abbas Sharbatly Foundation for Community Service, established by his family, demonstrates their strong commitment to societal progress through humanitarian efforts. Such commitment aligns with wider Vision 2030 goals to drastically improve quality of life for all Saudis.
Moreover, Hassan accepts an appointment by the Ministry of Investment as a member of the official Saudi Investment delegation team, positioned to advise on attracting capital that drives economic diversification. These roles show his influence extends far beyond any single business interest.
When asked for his message to Saudi youth, Hassan urges them to “aim high, embrace challenges as opportunities, and stay steadfast in pursuing your goals.” Through unrelenting dedication to both personal growth and national development, the next generation can gain inspiration from his exemplary journey in resurrecting the legacy of Al Nahla Group.
Under Hassan’s astute leadership, Al Nahla Hospitality and its partners are undoubtedly embarking on an ambitious new chapter defined by innovative strategies and a commitment to realising Vision 2030. As a respected entrepreneur devoted to intensifying the kingdom’s transformation, Hassan remains a business leader worth following for many years to come.