Naif Saleh Abdulaziz Alrajhi: A Leading Saudi Entrepreneur and Investor

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 represents a bold promise to diversify the economy, empower its people, and transform the Kingdom into a global innovation hub. Among the leaders driving this transformation, Naif Saleh Abdulaziz Alrajhi is a defining figure. As Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Naif Alrajhi Investment, he embodies the entrepreneurial spirit fueling the nation’s rise، building businesses that balance profit, purpose, and progress.

Born into the influential Alrajhi family, co-founders of Al Rajhi Bank, Naif inherited a deep-rooted legacy of enterprise. Yet his success is distinctly his own built through innovation, resilience, and a clear vision of Saudi Arabia’s future in the global economy.

From Ambition to Achievement: The Early Years

Naif Alrajhi began his journey in commerce in 2001 and quickly transitioned into real estate development in 2003. His early projects reflected a global outlook and strategic foresight, notably the Time Place Tower, one of the first residential skyscrapers in Dubai Marina. The success of this development marked his emergence as a bold new voice in regional real estate.

By 2007, he had founded Memar Investment & Real Estate Development Company, leading ambitious residential and hospitality projects across the GCC. In 2011, his launch of The Investor Real Estate Fund for Multiple Projects became a milestone, the first real estate fund of its kind in Saudi Arabia, setting the tone for a new investment era.

Founding Naif Alrajhi Investment: A Global Vision

In 2012, Naif Alrajhi established Naif Alrajhi Investment, headquartered in Riyadh, with offices in London and Dubai. Today, the firm manages a diversified portfolio of over 350 investments across 14 sectors, including:

• Real Estate & Hospitality
• Food & Beverage
• Mining & Manufacturing
• Architecture & Design
• Information Technology & Marketing
• Capital & Property Markets

This diversified model reflects Alrajhi’s belief that Saudi companies must think globally while staying deeply rooted in the national vision of sustainability and empowerment.

Redefining Real Estate and Capital Markets

A defining moment in his career came in 2015, when Alrajhi partnered with Riyad Capital to launch the Riyadh Real Estate Income Fund (Riyad REIT). Listed on the Saudi Exchange (Tadawul) in November 2016, it became the first REIT in the Kingdom, pioneering a new investment class that opened real estate access to a broader investor base.

In subsequent years, Alrajhi built on this success through landmark partnerships:

• May 2025: Collaborated with TGCC Middle East to execute major construction projects across Saudi Arabia.
• May 2025: Formed a SAR 1.7 billion private real estate fund with Aljazira Capital, focusing on projects in Riyadh’s Al Khuzama district and Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz Road.
• May 2024: Partnered with Miskan to launch Aral Real Estate Development, dedicated to integrated mega-projects.
• 2023: Joined King Salman Park Company and Saudi Fransi Capital to develop District One, a 290,000-square-meter residential and leisure hub.

Each initiative aligns with Vision 2030’s pillars of livable cities, economic diversification, and sustainable investment.

Expanding Horizons: Media, Technology, and Innovation

Alrajhi’s influence extends far beyond real estate. In February 2025, he spearheaded the launch of Saudi Arabia’s first international media representation services company, through Phi Advertising in partnership with Skyscale Media. This venture connects Saudi brands with global audiences, offering exclusive access to world-renowned media houses such as Condé Nast, NBCUniversal, Sky Media Europe, and Network18 India. From Times Square to Piccadilly Circus, Saudi voices now reach global stages.

Complementing this expansion, NAI’s investments in technology and AI have redefined its portfolio diversity. In 2024, the firm acquired a strategic stake in Mawdoo3, a leading Arabic AI and data solutions company, and in 2023, it invested in Veyron Marketing, a rising force in digital communications.

Hospitality, Culture, and Lifestyle Leadership

Through ventures like Fairmont Ramla Serviced Residences, Ramla Terraza, and the launch of TRIBE and TRIBE Living hotels in partnership with Accor, Naif Alrajhi Investment has elevated Saudi Arabia’s hospitality and cultural offerings. These projects reflect a focus on quality of life and global standards, core priorities under Vision 2030.

The Fairmont Ramla project, opened in 2023, introduced Fairmont’s first serviced residences in the Kingdom, blending international luxury with Saudi authenticity. The TRIBE Living project, launched in 2024 within King Salman Park, marked the brand’s debut in the Middle East and reinforced Riyadh’s emergence as a world-class destination.

“We seek opportunities, and we see today the change happening in the Kingdom: the hospitality sector is booming, tourism is increasing” — Naif Saleh Alrajhi.

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Recognition and Philanthropy

Naif Alrajhi’s leadership and innovation have earned numerous accolades:

• 2019: International Finance Award – “Most Innovative Diversified Investment Portfolio.”
• 2021: Named among Arabian Business’s Top 50 Most Influential Arabs.
• 2021–2023: Ranked in Forbes Middle East’s Top 100 Arab Family Businesses.

His success, however, is matched by a strong commitment to social responsibility. Alrajhi has championed philanthropy through Tasamy for Impact (2014), a platform initiated by Princess Ameera al-Taweel to support sustainable community initiatives. His firm has also organized blood donation drives with the Central Blood Bank and King Faisal Specialist Hospital, and launched programs supporting the visually impaired and environmental sustainability through the Feyan Foundation.

Leadership Philosophy Rooted in Vision 2030

For Naif Alrajhi, business is not just about returns; it’s about responsibility, resilience, and renewal. He believes that sustainable success comes from empowering others, fostering innovation, and aligning private ambition with public good. His philosophy embodies the Vision 2030 call for an ambitious nation, where entrepreneurship drives social and economic advancement.

The Road Ahead

Today, Naif Saleh Abdulaziz Alrajhi continues to redefine what it means to be a Saudi entrepreneur in the global era. Through his leadership, Naif Alrajhi Investment has evolved from a local enterprise into a multinational group impacting industries from real estate and media to AI and finance.

As Saudi Arabia accelerates its transformation, leaders like Alrajhi are turning vision into reality, bridging the Kingdom’s heritage with its global future. His journey reminds us that the true measure of success lies not just in the structures we build, but in the opportunities we create and the generations we inspire.

Discover more inspiring stories at Saudi Wins, where Vision 2030 comes to life.