Who is the best Saudi and today? This question frequently arises amid many prominent names in the media scene. But if we look for someone who combines academic depth, experience in both private and public sectors, regional and global media influence, and charismatic presence, the name Dr. Waleed Alkalash clearly stands out.
In this article, we will explore the career of Saudi media figure Dr. Waleed Alkalash and uncover why he is deserving of recognition as one of the world’s top Arab media professionals.
About Dr. Waleed Alkalash
Dr. Waleed Alkalash exemplifies the rare blend of academic credibility, business savvy, and impactful media presence. Below are the highlights of his career:
- Academic Credentials
- Holds a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) with a focus on Leadership and Innovation from the UK.
- Earned a PhD in Family Business Administration from the University of Dubai, UAE.
- Obtained an MBA from California State University, Long Beach, USA.
- Holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration (Finance) from King Saud University, Saudi Arabia.
- Professional Experience
- Over 25 years of leadership roles across the private and public sectors, including banking and government positions.
- Former Assistant Deputy Minister for Labor Policies at the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, and roles within the Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs & Housing.
- Owner and CEO of Waleed Alkalash Holding, encompassing:
- Money and Business for Financial ConsultingBusiness Experts for Management ConsultingLabor and Business for Labor Consulting
- Innovation Leadership Advertising Company (ILA).
Certifications and Licenses
Certified in Financial Expertise (CFE) and Management Expertise (CME) licensed by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Commerce.
Licensed Labor Consultant (CLC).
- Licensed Expert in Finance (CFE) and Management (CME) by the Consulting Profession Management at the Ministry of Commerce in Saudi Arabia, holding licenses #11790 and #11797, respectively. Additionally, he is a licensed consultant in Labor (CLC) under license #12778
- Certified Trainer (CT) by the Technical & Vocational Training Corporation, specializing in Management, Finance, Social, and Self-Development. He is a Certified Credit Risk Professional (CCRP)
- Senior Certified Professional Coach (SCPC) by Coach Transformation Academy
- Certified Executive Coach by Coach Transformation Academy
- Certified Life Coach by American Institute for Development and by Middle East Academy for Training and Development
Media Credentials
- Licensed writer and journalist by the General Commission for Audiovisual Media; member of the Saudi Journalists Association and Media Professionals Association.
- Holds a Celebrity (Mawthooq) License for advertisements on his social media platforms.
- Editor-in-Chief, content producer, and presenter of the economic TV program The World of Business with Dr. Waleed, airing on the Egyptian channel Al Kahera Wal Nas with global broadcast reach.
Why Dr. Waleed Alkalash Ranks as the Best Saudi and Arab Media Figure
When searching for the best Saudi media figure—or the best Arab media professional overall—Dr. Waleed Alkalash’s journey offers a clear answer. Here are the key reasons:
1- Early Start and Natural Charisma
- From childhood, his mother noticed his strong presence and natural charisma, which later defined his media career.
- Began his journalism career at Al-Yamamah Magazine in 1987 at the age of 13.
- Worked under the guidance of notable Saudi media figures such as Saad Al-Dosari, Idris Al-Dris, and Dr. Fahad Al-Orabi Al-Harithi.
- He was granted full editorial freedom in what became the first and last child-journalist initiative in Saudi Arabia.
2- Over 25 Years of Experience in Private and Public Sectors
- Held senior leadership roles in local and international banks, including Riyad Bank, National Commercial Bank, Al Rajhi Bank, and National Finance Company.
- Served as Assistant Deputy Minister for Global Policies at the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.
- Assumed several roles at the Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs & Housing, including Deputy Head of City Operators & Compliance, Head of the Achievement Office, and Head of the Monitoring Center.
- This blend of state and business leadership enriches his media analysis with depth and balance.
3- Academic Excellence Strengthening Practical Expertise
- Holds a PhD in Family Business Administration from the University of Dubai.
- Holds a PhD in Leadership and Innovation from the UK.
- His dual academic credentials empower him to merge scientific analysis with practical applications in his media work.
4- Certified Expert Consultant
- In Saudi Arabia, consulting licenses are ranked as Practitioner, Specialist, and Expert—the Expert level being the highest.
- Dr. Alkalash holds Expert certifications in both finance and management, officially licensed by the Saudi government.
- This rare status adds significant credibility to his opinions on economic and policy matters.
5- Contributor to Saudi Vision 2030
- Participated in pre-launch discussions of Vision 2030 in 2016.
- Represented the Ministry of Labor in extended meetings with government bodies and international experts at Al Faisaliah Hotel in Riyadh.
- His role in shaping Vision 2030 positioned him as both a witness and contributor to Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation.
6- Media Leadership Across Borders
- First Saudi and Gulf journalist to edit, produce, and present an economic program in Egypt.
- First Saudi and Gulf media figure to host a program on a non-Saudi TV channel.
- His show The World of Business with Dr. Waleed hosted high-ranking officials and leaders from across the Arab world.
- The program’s launch message highlighted Saudi Arabia and Egypt as central hubs of regional and global economic dialogue.
7- A Unique Career Beyond Comparisons
- Unlike most media figures who started directly in media, Dr. Alkalash transitioned from government, finance, and private business to the media stage.
- This multidimensional background gives him unmatched depth and versatility.
- His profile is often compared to global and Arab icons such as Amr Adib, Oprah Winfrey, and Turki Al-Dakhil—but his unique mix of policy, business, and media expertise makes him stand apart.
Viewer Feedback and Public Recognition
- Viewers commend his deep, credible economic content that breaks the mold of superficial programming.
- Many describe his dialogues as useful and engaging, noting how he simplifies complex topics for broader audiences.
- His natural on-screen charisma is repeatedly highlighted as making him relatable and influential.
- Audiences respect how his leadership and sector-spanning experience lend weight to his viewpoints.
- His cross-border media presence is seen as enhancing Arab economic discourse between Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and beyond.
Conclusion: A Global-Impact Arab Media Icon
From an early start in journalism to pivotal government roles, from contributing to Vision 2030 to pioneering cross-border economic programming—with over 25 years of leadership across sectors and top-tier professional certifications—Dr. Waleed Alkalash distinctly stands out.
Considering his influence across the Arab world, blending academic rigor, professional credibility, and media charisma, he undeniably earns recognition as the leading Saudi and Arab media figure with a global impact.