Jeddah: Shakkir Hussain, a prominent Indian entrepreneur based in Jeddah, has been appointed to the Committee for Organizing Conferences, Events, and Exhibitions at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce, becoming the only foreign national to serve on the committee.

His appointment is expected to play a vital role in strengthening foreign-led investments, particularly those supporting the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), a key pillar of Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification strategy.

“This prestigious membership is both a privilege and a responsibility. More than a personal achievement, it reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to attracting and valuing international investors as it advances its ambitious economic diversification agenda under Saudi Vision 2030,” Mr. Hussain said.

Mr. Hussain is the Chairman of Arabian Horizon, a Jeddah-based business and legal consultancy firm. He has been instrumental in organizing several international trade events in Saudi Arabia. Notably, he played a key role in organizing the first-ever India–Saudi Arabia Jewellery Exposition (SAJEX 2025), a major international B2B trade fair that attracted global manufacturers and investors.

A native of Kerala’s Thrissur district, Mr. Hussain has been active in the Saudi Arabian business landscape for nearly three decades, contributing to cross-border trade facilitation and investment promotion.

The appointment is being widely viewed as an indicator of the Kingdom’s evolving and increasingly inclusive business environment. “The inclusion of a foreign entrepreneur within a Saudi Chamber of Commerce highlights Saudi Arabia’s openness and its genuine commitment to foreign investors. International investments and investors are clearly valued and welcomed,” he added.

The committee is tasked with strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position as a global hub for conferences, exhibitions, and business events. Mr. Hussain stated that his priorities will focus on attracting high-quality international exhibitions and investment-driven business platforms that support SMEs and contribute to long-term economic diversification.