Thamir bin Abdullah Al-Sadoun is the CEO of the National Transformation Program (NTP). The NTP released its annual report on Sunday reviewing its achievements during 2019. Al-Sadoun lauded his team’s efforts to achieve the program’s goals under the guidance of the country’s leadership.
Al-Sadoun has over 17 years of experience in project management. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Arizona in 2002. Al-Sadoun continued his education with a master’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Southern California in 2008.
He started his professional career at Saudi Aramco as a communications engineer in 2002. Al-Sadoun held several key positions in the state oil company until 2016.
During his long stint at Aramco, he managed global resources for different contracts in various international locations and directed diverse teams of professional engineers and construction managers in critical projects.
Al-Sadoun left the company as a senior project manager to join the Delivery and Rapid Intervention Center as its director. The center supports the Council of Economic and Development Affairs in its work with executive bodies to achieve the goals set in the Vision 2030 reform plans. It assists with designing, implementing and achieving new initiatives.
In January 2018, he was promoted to become the executive director of the center and became its director general in February 2019.
He joined the NTP in November 2018 as its chief executive officer.
Thamir bin Abdullah Al-Sadoun, CEO of the National Transformation Program (NTP)
https://arab.news/2tpwe
Thamir bin Abdullah Al-Sadoun, CEO of the National Transformation Program (NTP)
- Al-Sadoun has over 17 years of experience in project management
Sha’abanah festival brings Hijazi heritage to life ahead of Ramadan
Jeddah: The Sha’abanah festival celebrating Hijazi heritage drew more than 18,000 visitors to the Abadi Al-Johar Arena in Jeddah as part of the city’s pre-Ramadan festivities.
Organized by Vertex 33, the three-day event from Jan. 22-24 offered an immersive celebration of local culture, crafts, and cuisine.
The festival featured local boutiques offering oud incense and perfumes, artisanal shoes and a variety of handcrafted products from local entrepreneurs.
Visitors also enjoyed a range of artistic workshops, such as pottery and mosaic, while children engaged in scented candle-making, art activities by Global Art, and thread kneading to create keychains and home wall hangings with Ramadan themes.
A dining area served traditional Saudi cuisine, coffee, and festive Ramadan treats.
Guests were entertained with live traditional Yanbu’awi performances, Al-Ajal dance displays, and a contemporary Saudi-style DJ, bringing together the energy of modern entertainment with the rich cultural heritage of Hijaz.
The project was led by four young cultural enthusiasts, Abdulaziz Al-Jehani, Abdulmajeed Abualkheer, Ghoroub Al-Barakati and Shahad Abualkheer.
Al-Jehani, CEO of Vertex 33, said Sha’abanah was inspired by a desire to revive the social traditions that once brought Hijazi communities together ahead of Ramadan.
“At Vertex 33, we believe events should feel meaningful, not just entertaining, and Sha’abanah was our way of creating a space where people could reconnect with heritage in a lively, modern setting,” he told Arab News.
“Bringing the festival together took just three months of planning, from concept development and cultural research to vendor selection, design, and on-ground coordination.
“The positive response from attendees has reinforced Vertex 33’s commitment to supporting local artists and making Hijazi heritage central to future events,” he added.
Entrepreneurs taking part in Sha’abanah praised the festival for providing exposure and opportunities to engage directly with customers.
Afraa Damanhouri, founder of RuaqAfraa, said: “We are participating to make scented cake candles for both adults and children. Workshops like these promote business and help people understand the process behind different types of candles.”
Reem Awad, founder and CEO of Black Mus, said: “Through Sha’abanah, we were able to meet our customers face to face, share the story behind our products, and help them understand the range of services and items we offer.”
Chef Fayzah Al-Sulami, who took part in the event preparing and selling her homemade spices and traditional white sweet Saudi coffee, said: “I started teaching cooking on YouTube, and when people asked about the ingredients I use, I began selling my products.
“It was amazing to see so many people take an interest, and sales were strong throughout all three days of the festival.”
With Ramadan approaching, many local entrepreneurs offered gift packages, prayer baskets, homemade traditional coffee, and spices.
Duaa Shukri, founder of Printful, said: “Ramadan is a time for giving. We created unique gift packages for children, teenagers and adults, with thoughtful items.”
