Explore Riyadh: Your Gateway to WFS and the Future of Football
Experience the dynamic city of Riyadh during WFS 2025. This guide offers essential information on accommodations, cultural etiquette, and practical advice to ensure a seamless visit to Saudi Arabia’s capital.
Networking Guide
Networking
Guide
We want you to make the most of your experience, so we have created this networking guide, specifically tailored to your situation and the event’s cultural context:
- Block a daily 30‑min slot to answer app requests before and during the event.
- Star a Top‑20 contact list for the 2 days; focus effort there.
- Skip celebrity/opinion-leader hunts unless you genuinely solve their pain.
- Craft a two‑line self‑intro + clear aim of the conversation. Prepare for small talk!
- Send reminders to confirmed meeting prospects: day‑before & 30 min pre‑meeting.
- Keep meetings to 15 minutes. Questions at the start help you tailor the conversation.
- Offer value (insight, intro, data) before any ask. It aligns with local generosity culture!
- Swap LinkedIn QR codes immediately.
- Log one personal detail after each chat, especially if there’s intent to follow-up.
- Sometimes the person pitching to you is not for you, but it might be for others in your network - refer them to those people. Matchmaking boosts your reputation.
- Define 3 learning goals before arrival.
- Prepare a 60‑second pitch focused on skills and value.
- Schedule 5 informational interviews per day to gain real insights.
- Attend sector meet‑ups outside your comfort zone.
- Take notes on career paths shared by speakers.
- Join speed‑networking to practice concise pitching.
- Connect with peers from other academic institutions - future colleagues and allies.
- Respect senior execs’ time; keep asks brief.
- Send a “what I learned from you” message post‑event to top contacts.
- Set 30‑day reminders to revisit top connections.
- Map attending investors’ portfolios; tailor each pitch.
- Schedule meetings in 15‑min “bursts”; leave buffer.
- Collect feedback, not just funding. Expect directness and honesty back.
- Seek partnerships with complementary startups.
- Book morning slots— fresher minds at the start of the day.
- Bring a portable charger.
- Identify top 10 CLF pain points beforehand.
- Lead pitch with proven case study, not features.
- Attend sector‑specific sessions to meet niche leads.
- Prioritise quality over quantity meetings.
- Track competitor booths and social media posts discretely for insights.
- Attend at least one sector session beyond your niche to shift your perspective.
- Arrive with a clear objectives for the event beyond the catch-up.
- Attend brand‑marketing sessions for activation ideas.
- Research and meet relevant NGOs for CSR collaborations.
- Plan 15‑min sponsor health checks.
- Leverage the opportunity to meet with peer clubs or potential partner clubs.
- Offer warm intros between sponsors & startups when relevant.
- Scan social buzz around the event on day 1 for emerging voices to meet on day 2.
- Network with clubs for internship pipelines - provide success stories on other CLFs.
- Share latest research in one‑page summaries.
- Promote scholarship opportunities.
- Host coffee round‑table with alumni in attendance.
- Seek joint‑research MOU with CLFs.
- Engage on LinkedIn with conference insights.
- Plan follow‑up webinars for captured leads.
- Invite NGOs for guest‑lecture opportunities.
- Deliver certificates of attendance to your students.
Cultural Considerations
Cultural
Considerations
- Punctuality: Arrive on time for all meetings. Be aware that scheduled prayer times may cause short breaks.
- Greetings: Men can offer a firm handshake to other men. For local women, wait for her to initiate a handshake. If she doesn’t, a nod and a smile are appropriate.
- Dress Code: Wear business formal and modest attire. Suits are standard for men, modest-wear preferred for women.
- Hospitality: Be prepared for invitations to lunch or dinner, great for building relationships. Remember, alcohol is not part of the culture.
- Language: While English is the business language, using basic Arabic phrases like “Shukran” (thank you) will be appreciated.
- Hierarchy: Use formal titles until you’re invited to use a first name. This shows respect for seniority.
- Relationships: Business is often preceded by small talk to build personal trust and rapport.
Remember one of the best things you can do is learn about Saudi Vision 2030, straight from those involved in the project.
Plan your journey to The Event
Plan your journey to
The Event
Novotel Suites Riyadh Olaya
abdullah.alharbi@accor.com
Cantonal Hotel by Warwick
info.cantonal@warwickhotels.com
Executives Hotel Olaya
reservation@executives-hotel.com
Bus
The Riyadh Bus network is expanding rapidly. Route details to the venue will be updated closer to the event. You can use the Masar app to check real-time connections. Estimated time: 30–45 minutes.
Train
The Riyadh Metro (expected to be operational by end of 2025) will be one of the most advanced systems in the region. Check Line 3 (Orange) or Line 1 (Blue) for connections to the event district.
Taxi
Careem and Uber operate widely in Riyadh. A trip from the city center to the venue area typically takes 20–30 minutes. Luxury executive car services are also available for C-level profiles.
What to see & do in Riyadh
What to see & do in
Riyadh
Know Before you GO
Know
Before you GO
Currency & Payments
The official currency is the Saudi Riyal (SAR). Major credit cards are accepted almost everywhere. Contactless and mobile payments are widely used.
Useful Phrases
السلام عليكم (As-salamu alaykum) – Peace be upon you (Hello)
شكراً (Shukran) – Thank you
أين مكان المؤتمر؟ (Ayn makan al-mu’tamar?) – Where is the conference venue?
كم السعر؟ (Kam as-si’r?) – How much is it?
من فضلك (Min fadlik) – Please
Electricity & Plugs
Type G plugs (UK-style) are used. Voltage: 230V. Bring an adapter if your devices use other plug types.
Dress Code
Conservative smart casual is advisable for public areas. For business events, formal attire is recommended. Men should avoid shorts; women visitors are not required to wear abayas but should dress modestly.