Hassan Sharbatly: A Legacy of Excellence
As an entrepreneur and CEO within one of Saudi Arabia’s most prestigious family businesses, Hassan Sharbatly is at the forefront of transforming both the business landscape and the economic future of his home country. His journey is defined by resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to building not just successful enterprises, but also contributing to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030—a national plan to diversify its economy and reduce dependence on oil.
Sharbatly’s path to success has never been about taking the easy route. From his early days as a businessman, he has demonstrated a knack for recognizing untapped opportunities and an ability to take calculated risks. His latest venture, Digitect, a 360-degree marketing solutions company, is a prime example of this entrepreneurial spirit. Launched in 2020, in the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic, Digitect was born out of a clear market need in Saudi Arabia for comprehensive digital services—ranging from app development to social media management, IT solutions, and digital marketing. While many businesses were focused on survival during this crisis, Sharbatly chose to innovate, leveraging the changing business dynamics to create a thriving enterprise.
Building a Legacy with Al Nahla Group
In addition to his work with Digitect, Sharbatly serves as the CEO of Al Nahla Hospitality, a subsidiary of the Al Nahla Group, which was founded in 1996 by the late H.E. Hasan Abbas Sharbatly. The Al Nahla Group, a family-owned business, has long been recognized as a significant player in Saudi Arabia’s economic development, with interests across various sectors including real estate, hospitality, and investment. As the leader of this prestigious group, Sharbatly’s role extends far beyond that of a businessman; he sees himself as a custodian of a multi-generational legacy.
“My vision aligns seamlessly with Saudi Vision 2030,” Sharbatly explains. “Rooted in a commitment to contribute to the nation’s growth, my focus is on fostering innovation, embracing sustainability, and actively participating in economic diversification.” It is this vision that propels his efforts in transforming Al Nahla Hospitality into a forward-thinking company that is not just responding to the needs of the hospitality market, but also driving the evolution of the sector within Saudi Arabia.
Innovating the Hospitality Landscape
Under Sharbatly’s leadership, Al Nahla Hospitality is embracing the ongoing transformation of the hospitality industry in the kingdom. The company is focused on offering distinctive experiences for both local and international visitors, leveraging the unique cultural assets of Saudi Arabia to create luxurious and innovative hotel and restaurant offerings. The company has already achieved significant milestones in the sector, with plans to expand its portfolio further in 2024.
Sharbatly has ambitious plans for Al Nahla Hospitality in the coming year. “Looking boldly into 2024, our aspirations for Al Nahla Hospitality include strategic investments in the tourism sector with upscale hotels like SLS, SO, 25Hours, and Fairmont,” he says. These partnerships with prestigious global hospitality brands reflect Sharbatly’s vision of Saudi Arabia as a luxury tourism destination.
But it doesn’t end with hotels. Sharbatly also envisions introducing high-end restaurants to Saudi Arabia, including those from the renowned Moma Group, such as Manko, Noto, Café Laperouse, and Mimosa. These investments are not only aimed at diversifying the group’s offerings but also contribute to the broader vision of creating world-class destinations that align with Saudi Arabia’s goal of becoming a global tourism hub.
“We aim to diversify our portfolio, strengthen customer relationships, set benchmarks in real estate development, and play a pivotal role in realizing Vision 2030’s objectives through sustainable practices,” Sharbatly adds.
Digital Innovation: A Driving Force for Growth
In addition to his work with Al Nahla Hospitality, Sharbatly is also deeply invested in shaping the digital landscape in Saudi Arabia through his company, Digitect. The firm has prioritized digital innovation, skill development in media, advertising, and communications, and supporting the country’s national goals of Saudization—an initiative designed to encourage local employment and reduce reliance on foreign labor.
Sharbatly’s commitment to supporting local talent is evident in the way Digitect operates. The company not only focuses on offering cutting-edge marketing solutions but also plays an active role in cultivating local talent through collaborations, internships, and skill-building programs. These initiatives aim to provide young Saudis with the opportunity to gain valuable experience and contribute to the growth of the digital economy.
“We actively cultivate local talent through strategic collaborations and internship programs,” Sharbatly explains. “At Digitect, we’re proud to be part of the solution to providing more job opportunities for Saudis, while helping our clients navigate the digital transformation.”
Saudi Vision 2030 and Beyond
Hassan Sharbatly’s entrepreneurial journey extends beyond mere business success. His work is intricately tied to Saudi Arabia’s national vision—Vision 2030—which aims to diversify the economy, reduce dependence on oil, and create a more sustainable future for the kingdom. For Sharbatly, this vision is not just a political or economic blueprint; it is a personal mission that shapes every business decision he makes.
As an active participant in the nation’s transformation, Sharbatly is proud to play a role in shaping Saudi Arabia’s future. His vision for the future goes beyond business—it is about contributing to a broader social, cultural, and economic shift that will benefit generations to come. His commitment to sustainability, community empowerment, and youth development ensures that his work continues to align with the kingdom’s long-term goals.
A Message to Saudi Youth
Reflecting on his own entrepreneurial journey, Sharbatly offers advice to the youth of Saudi Arabia. “My message to Saudi youth is this: aim high, embrace challenges as opportunities, and stay steadfast in pursuing your goals. Your dedication and innovation are key to shaping our nation’s future,” he says.
Sharbatly’s story is one of resilience, determination, and a commitment to not only succeeding but to uplifting others along the way. His leadership reflects the values of Vision 2030—innovation, sustainability, and an unwavering belief in the potential of Saudi Arabia’s people. As he continues to drive change through his businesses, he remains an inspiration to those around him, especially the younger generation that will ultimately carry the torch forward.
Hassan Sharbatly’s journey as an entrepreneur and CEO is proof that success is not just about financial gain, but about leaving a legacy that benefits both business and society. Through his ventures, he is not only reshaping the business world but also contributing to the transformation of an entire nation. As Saudi Arabia moves towards a brighter, more diversified future, Sharbatly stands as a leader who is paving the way for others to follow. Do follow him on Instagram.
