Wired Middle East - Spring 2024

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Not long ago, the word “disruptive” was used in a primarily negative context – an apt descriptor of rebellious youth, disturbers of the peace, and people who simply didn’t fit the mold. In a way, these ideas are still true. The disruptors of today are young minds that hope to change the way the world works – shaping a new approach to the present world, rather than contorting to fit into yesterday’s standard. Disruption, a term reclaimed by our unruly innovators, has become a global status quo. The Middle East has, in the past few years, entered into its own renaissance of disruption. Visionary thinkers and the inspired few, backed by eager investors and government mandates, have seized the golden opportunity to reshape the region. Arabs are innovating on a regional, global and interstellar role – Emirati Sultan Al Neyadi’s historic spacewalk was just the start of the nation’s collaboration with NASA. Closer to home, founders like Emon Shakoor empower Saudi women to build their own businesses, and leaders of industry including Alat’s Amit Midha aim to turn the region into a global business hub. They’ve already left an impact. At LEAP and DeepFest this year in Riyadh, the sentence I heard the most often was: “This is my first time at LEAP.” It’s not just small talk – this is an important indication that the world is paying more attention to Saudi Arabia as a tech and business hub. With hundreds of hands shaken, dozens of interviews and many panels attended, we’ve created our list of Disruptors changing the face of Saudi Arabia. From rocket engineering to entertainment, technology and esports, our disruptors are making major moves to build the future of the Kingdom. On that note, the second-most common phrase I heard at LEAP was: “Saudi Arabia is not how I imagined it would be.” Peruse our list of Disruptors and you’ll see exactly why that is – old stereotypes about the Kingdom are rapidly shattering as it opens its doors to the world.