PROJECTS

Two crossed flags, one of the United Kingdom and one of Saudi Arabia, with the text "Saudi British Joint Business Council" underneath.

Saudi British Joint Business Council (SBJBC UK)

Following establishment of UK-Gulf Connect, Chris relaunched SBJBC as a non-profit company in the UK in 2014, and led its development as CEO & Executive Director over 10 years. It became a trusted partner of both governments in developing partnerships and delivering events in support of Saudi Vision 2030 implementation.  It remains an active business to business network with over 250 UK and Saudi members.

Invest Oman Logo

Oman Investment Opportunities

Following a productive visit to Oman Sustainability Week, Chris is organising a UK/Oman Green Investment Roundtable and Delegation visit on 12-14 April 2026 with the support of Invest Oman and UK and Omani partners. Target sectors include clean energy technologies, smart infrastructure and advanced manufacturing.  The programme will include a high level Investor Roundtable, a Workshop hosted by the Oman Net Zero Centre, site visits and business networking receptions. Please contact chris@ukgulfconnect.com to register interest.

Two men in suits sign documents at a desk with small flags, under a large digital display with text about the UK and Saudi Arabia, inside an ornate building with chandeliers and other people in the background.

Chris is passionate about supporting entrepreneurs and youth employability. He launched the Saudi UK Tech Hub as a platform for knowledge exchange and partnerships in 2022 with the support of the FII Institute, Saudi MCIT and UK Science & Innovation Network. It remains active under SBJBC auspices through joint events and initiatives, particularly in fintech, cleantech and healthtech.  

Saudi UK TECH HUB

Logo of the National Center for Privatization & PPP, featuring a palm tree and abstract shapes.

Saudi National Centre for PPP & Privatisation

Working closely with SBJBC members, Chris led a "PPP Lessons Learned" project with the newly established Saudi National Centre for PPP & Privatisation resulting in the placement of UK advisers within the Centre and a series of roadshows in the UK to attract potential investors.

Saudi Arabia Ministry of Investment logo with a palm tree inside a square and Arabic and English text

Following a survey of SBJBC members investing in Saudi Arabia, Chris led a successful two year dialogue with the Saudi Ministry of Investment on business environment reform and trade impediments, including investment licensing, work permits and payment issues. This resulted in positive and practical progress on specific cases. Chris also participated in a similar dialogue with the UK Department of Trade prior to UK/GCC FTA negotiations. 

Saudi MINISTRY OF INVESTMENT

A formal meeting with multiple men wearing traditional Saudi attire seated at a long conference table with computers, microphones, and nameplates, decorated with flowers and flags.

Delegations to Saudi Arabia & the GCC

Chris has led multiple UK business delegations to Saudi Arabia, Oman and the UAE in his former capacities as Trade Director at the Middle East Association and CEO of the Saudi British Joint Business Councils. Main focus sectors include education & training, clean energy, smart cities and financial services in support of GCC economic reform and diversification.

Group of 14 people in business attire standing in a modern office lobby with flags and portrait paintings on the wall.

EVENT DELIVERY IN SAUDI ARABIA & THE GCC

Successful events delivery in the region depends on the support of key public and private sector stakeholders, including governmental permissions.  Chris has led the delivery of successful UK/Saudi SME and Entrepreneurship Forums, and a Fintech Venture Day. He also recently supported Valiant Business Media in delivering the first Retail Technology Show in Riyadh.

A man in a suit and glasses speaking at a conference with a large screen behind him displaying a logo, the text 'UK Saudi Business, Trade & Partnership Forum,' in a grand hall with stained glass windows, classical columns, and a decorative wall mural.

UK/MENA Investment Conferences

Chris has extensive experience of organising successful UK/MENA trade and investment conferences in London. Working closely with the City of London, both governments and major sponsors he recently led the delivery of landmark UK/Saudi Conferences at Mansion House on Sustainable Investment; Renewable Energy; Business, Trade & Partnership; and Sustainable Infrastructure.