Board Member
An accomplished leader in integrating European businesses into the emerging Middle East market, Dr. Saif Abugulal, Ph.D., has driven client revenue and profitability in the oil and gas sector for over 12 years. A Certified Project Manager with a doctorate degree in Government and International Affairs – focused specifically on the Middle East – Dr. Abugulal specializes in launching, expanding, and growing European businesses in the Middle East, with expertise in high-level business development, project management, supply chain management, logistics, and procurement. In the highly relationship-driven Middle East business culture, Dr. Abugulal leverages a vast Middle East social-business network with deep, respected family roots and a network of global business relationships.
Dr. Abugulal’s early career began at the University of Newcastle Upon-Tyne in the UK, where he delivered lectures and tutored students on Oil and Security, Middle East Politics, as well as Market and International Relations. He then transitioned to a consulting role with Laureate Education, Inc., aiding clients in over 95 countries in business development solutions.
In 2005, Dr. Abugulal was hired at Saudi Aramco Overseas Company BV, which owns, operates, and develops all energy resources based in Saudi Arabia. He progressed quickly through project management and leadership roles, driving efficient management of oil and gas projects, logistics, supply chain, expediting and procurement. He drove record 95% on-time delivery (OTD) and on-time Technical & Inventory refinery shutdowns (T&Is).
In 2014, Dr. Abugulal joined Stahl-Electromach as the General Manager for Saudi Arabia, where he spearheaded the company expansion into the new Saudi Arabia market and established the Stahl-Electromach brand as a new Saudi entity.
Dr. Abugulal also established, manages, and continues to grow Key2MiddleEast Ltd., a consulting business that connects European companies with opportunities to expand their efforts in the Middle East.
Dr. Abugulal also currently serves as General Manager for the Middle East for GIS International, a leading global procurement service provider for multinational, multisite companies.
Dr. Abugulal completed his Ph.D. at the University of Durham in the UK. He has a Master’s degree in Middle Eastern Studies from the University of Durham and a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Webster University in the U.S.
Dr. Abugulal completed an English Language Certificate from the University of East Anglia in the UK and an English Language Diploma from the British Academy of English.
