Jafar Alsenan is the client services lead for WSP Middle East’s project management services business.
As a project management and business development expert with over 18 years of experience, Alsenan has been integral to developing and managing successful high-level business activities for organizations in the public and private sectors.
He also has significant experience in effective stakeholder and project management for key entities in Saudi Arabia.
“As Saudi Arabia opens its doors to the world, I am proud to be playing a role in the social and economic empowerment of my country, as well as inspiring future generations to be part of something amazing as the Kingdom’s giga-projects take shape,” he said.
“As a nation, this is our time to help deliver new sectors, preserve our rich heritage, create new experiences, and foster a culture of knowledge sharing with the international community that will enable the people of Saudi Arabia to accomplish new opportunities.”
Alsenan began his professional career with the local conglomerate Al-Suwaidi Holding Co. in 2003, where he contributed to strategic project coordination at one of its business units.
From 2007 to 2011, he furthered his project coordination knowledge as an assistant construction manager overseeing key projects for global energy contractor Bonatti S.P.A.
He then developed proficiency in business development and procurement with KBR-AMCDE — an entity formed to carry out engineering and project management services under Saudi Aramco. He joined Faithful & Gould as a business development manager for the project management services program with Saudi Aramco from 2016 to 2021.
He has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the Arab Open University.
Who’s Who: Jafar Alsenan, client services lead at WSP Middle East’s project management services business
https://arab.news/mz5rv
Who’s Who: Jafar Alsenan, client services lead at WSP Middle East’s project management services business
Klija Festival in Buraidah empowers small businesses
- Half a million attend 15-day celebration of heritage; event creates 1,500 seasonal jobs
RIYADH: The 17th Klija Festival in Buraidah drew more than half a million visitors during its 15-day run, celebrating the region’s heritage and entrepreneurial spirit.
Organized by the Qassim Chamber of Commerce, the event highlighted small businesses, providing a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase local products.
More than 340 sales outlets, marketing corners and points of sale welcomed attendees, while the festival provided 1,500 seasonal job opportunities, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The small business pavilions featured families in the cottage industry, artisans and startups presenting traditional foods, and handicrafts and heritage items that reflect the region’s identity.
Participants said that the festival was a key marketing platform, boosting sales, increasing brand awareness, facilitating knowledge exchange and fostering connections with organizations supporting SMEs.
Mohammed Al-Hanaya, Qassim Chamber secretary-general and festival supervisor, said that the event brought together families, artisans, SMEs, companies and institutions, stimulating commercial activity, opening direct marketing channels and enhancing economic returns.
He added that the festival provided seasonal jobs for more than 1,500 young men and women across operations, marketing and services, supporting the labor market, empowering national talent, and connecting youth to the events and creative economy.
Klija, a traditional cookie made from wheat flour, dates or sugar, date syrup and natural ingredients such as cardamom and lemon, is a rich source of energy, carbohydrates, dietary fiber and natural proteins.
A cultural icon rooted in Qassim’s traditions, the cookie has gained international exposure through the festival, expanding the availability of packaged products.
Starting next year, the festival will be renamed the International Klija Festival, a rebranding approved by Qassim Gov. Prince Faisal bin Mishaal, who described it as a “successful model for turning local initiatives into global economic engines.”
This year’s festival, held at the King Khalid Cultural Center, included international participants from Egypt, Turkiye and Morocco, marking its evolution into a cross-cultural platform.
