RIYADH: Swedish strategic communications consultancy Kreab Worldwide has opened its first regional office in the Middle East in Riyadh, betting on Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation and growing demand for corporate advisory services.
The new office, launched under the name “Kreab Saudi Arabia,” will serve as the company’s regional hub for the Middle East, according to a press release.
The move comes as Saudi Arabia steps up efforts to make Riyadh the region’s main business hub through its Regional Headquarters Program, which requires foreign companies seeking government contracts to set up regional bases in the Kingdom.
The initiative has already exceeded its original Vision 2030 target of attracting 500 firms by the end of the decade, with more than 700 multinational companies having established regional operations in Saudi Arabia by the end of 2025.
Kreab said the Riyadh expansion reflects increasing opportunities linked to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 diversification agenda, particularly across sectors including energy, infrastructure, technology, investment and giga-project development.
Peje Emilsson, founder and owner of Kreab Worldwide, said: “Saudi Arabia is undergoing exceptional economic and developmental transformations that require advanced communication solutions built on credibility, precision, and deep strategic insight.”
He added: “We look forward to working with government entities, the private sector, and international institutions from our new headquarters in Riyadh, while leveraging the expertise of our global network to support organizations across the Kingdom and the region during this important phase of growth and transformation.”
Founded in Stockholm in 1970, Kreab specializes in strategic communications, public affairs, corporate reputation and financial advisory services, with operations spanning Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas.
The Riyadh office will be led by Shurjil Syed, who was appointed managing partner of Kreab Saudi Arabia, while Theodor Swedjemark will serve as chairman as part of the company’s regional expansion plans, the release added.
Global firms that have set up regional bases in Riyadh include PepsiCo, Bechtel, and PwC, as well as Deloitte, Northern Trust, and Siemens Energy.
