Strategic Leadership in Destination Management and Marketing
Abdulelah Basyouni is a seasoned strategic leader in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. His expertise lies in formulating and executing visionary roadmaps that align closely with national heritage, cultural, and tourism objectives to position Saudi Arabia as a world-class destination. Abdulelah’s leadership is focused on building robust operational frameworks, defining policies, and implementing KPIs that ensure optimal departmental efficiency and adherence to governance standards.
His comprehensive approach to destination branding, storytelling, and marketing has significantly enhanced visitor appeal and accelerated local economic development. By forging robust alliances with tourism, cultural, and commercial partners, Abdulelah enriches the destination’s offerings and drives meaningful visitation growth. His oversight of demand forecasting models and immersive cultural exhibitions informs strategic decisions that elevate the region’s cultural narrative and visitor engagement.
Corporate Strategy and Governance Roles
Beyond destination management, Abdulelah holds influential positions that reflect his broad leadership capabilities. As a Board Member of Yosr Almashaer, he has led the transformation of the organization into a Limited Liability Company in partnership with KPMG, spearheading major initiatives such as the Road to Makkah and Altakamlia initiatives in collaboration with the Ministry of Hajj and Ministry of Interior. His governance role ensures excellence and regulatory compliance across Hajj services, directly impacting millions of pilgrims’ experiences annually.
Abdulelah’s executive prowess extends to his role as Chief Entertainment Strategy Officer and Board Member at Arabia Pictures Entertainment, where he has driven strategic transformation, financial sustainability, and innovation across cinema offerings. By restructuring critical departments like HR and Finance, expanding funding capabilities, and nurturing an innovation-driven culture, he has successfully raised revenue and profit margins while enhancing customer experiences.
Pioneering Marketing Leadership and Digital Transformation
As Chief Marketing Officer for KSA at Tiqmo, Abdulelah built and led a regional marketing and growth team, securing regulatory licensing and successfully launching innovative products like Tiqmo’s Digital Wallet MasterCard. His data-driven marketing strategies powered by market research and customer segmentation boosted digital sales leads by 38%, improved marketing ROI by 23%, and optimized spend by 35%. His leadership further strengthened brand presence while invigorating organizational culture.
Previously, at The Saudi National Bank (SNB), Abdulelah founded the Digital Marketing and Sales Department, accelerating digital banking growth. He managed a SAR 120 million budget and effectively drove the launch of pioneering digital payment systems, including SAMA’s Mada brand. His early marketing leadership was foundational in positioning SNB as a market leader in the region.
Early Career and Brand Building Expertise
Abdulelah began his career with significant roles that shaped his marketing and strategy expertise, including Brand Manager at Fitaihi Holding Group and Assistant Brand Manager for Al Wessam. He launched new luxury brands, opened flagship stores, and led customer loyalty programs that enhanced brand equity. His foundational experience also includes managing integrated marketing campaigns for major clients at 3points, developing deep capabilities in media planning, financial performance analysis, and strategic communications.
Academic Excellence and Professional Growth
Abdulelah’s professional accomplishments are strengthened by continuous education and executive development. He recently completed a Certificate in Strategy Execution from Harvard Business School Online and holds a Leadership Program certificate from London Business School. His academic foundation includes a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from California State University-San Bernardino, where he graduated with a strong academic record.
A Visionary Strategist Driving National and Organizational Progress
With over 18 years of diverse experience, Abdulelah Basyouni brings a unique capacity to lead large-scale, complex programs that intersect with national transformation agendas, including Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. His strategic foresight and tactical execution have delivered tripling of revenues, substantial operational cost reductions, and award-winning marketing campaigns that significantly elevate brand equity and stakeholder value.
Known for his ability to build high-performing teams and foster cultures of accountability and innovation, Abdulelah is passionate about creating meaningful impact through strategic marketing, destination management, and commercial excellence. His expertise is shaping organizational success and fueling national progress in Saudi Arabia and the broader region.
Recognized Excellence and Leadership
The Arab Leaders proudly recognize Abdulelah Basyouni as a visionary leader whose expertise and dedication are driving sustainable growth across destination marketing, entertainment, digital banking, and beyond. His transformative leadership inspires a new generation of leaders to pursue innovation, strategic agility, and operational excellence in complex, evolving industries.
Abdulelah Basyouni is more than a marketing and strategy executive; he is a catalyst for national development and a pioneer shaping the future of Saudi Arabia’s cultural, entertainment, and economic landscapes.
