In a nation rapidly transforming its approach to health, wellness, and sports, Alwaleed Alkeaid stands out as a leader reshaping the field from the ground up. With more than 15 years of experience, Alkeaid has emerged as one of Saudi Arabia's foremost voices in sports management and wellness strategy. His journey from a self-described "couch potato" to an Ironman athlete reflects the very ethos he brings to his work: resilience, reinvention, and results.
Personal Transformation with National Impact
Alwaleed Alkeaid began his professional journey far from the spotlight of national federations or high-level strategy sessions. He once lived a sedentary lifestyle, until a personal decision to pursue health and performance set him on a path of deep transformation. That path led him not only to become an Ironman finisher but also to pioneer a career that blends personal empowerment with systemic change.
Equipped with a master’s degree in Sport Management from the Johan Cruyff Institute and credentials as a MISK 2030 Leaders Program alumnus, Alkeaid has combined academic insight with real-world execution. This balance has helped him operate effectively across federations, startups, and public institutions.
The Ventures: Institutions with Purpose
1) Saudi Sports Professionals Network (SSPN)
Alkeaid is the founder of the Saudi Sports Professionals Network (SSPN), a first-of-its-kind platform designed to connect talent with opportunity across the Kingdom. SSPN delivers tailored recruitment services to sports federations, clubs, and fitness businesses, helping professionalize a sector previously fragmented and underdeveloped.
With Saudi Arabia investing billions into sports under Vision 2030, SSPN is well-positioned to serve as the connective tissue between human capital and organizational ambition.
2) Shihany
Co-founded in 2023, Shihany is a sports tech startup delivering innovative digital solutions for the industry. It has been incubated by leading programs including Microsoft, the Misk Foundation, Garage Plus, and the National Technology Development Program (NTDP), a signal of its strategic relevance in Saudi Arabia’s tech-driven transformation.
Shihany focuses on building technology to enhance how federations, clubs, and sports organizations manage operations, engage members, and elevate performance. It’s a clear example of Alkeaid’s commitment to integrating innovation, strategy, and user-centric design into the future of sport.
3) Alkeaid Advisory & Expert Networks
As a consultant, Alkeaid works with global expert networks like GLG, AlphaSights, and Guidepoint. He advises on market entry, federation roadmaps, athlete-to-entrepreneur transitions, and wellness M&A strategy. His reach extends beyond borders, bringing global best practices into local contexts.
Institutional Roles & Achievements
Throughout his career, Alwaleed Alkeaid has held leadership roles across multiple national federations and initiatives:
- CEO, Saudi Boxing Federation: In just four months, he led the federation to achieve 99% of its technical KPIs, finalized eight key governance regulations, and secured partnerships with private sector entities.
- Secretary General, Yoga Global Federation (2025–Present): Appointed by H.E. Sheikha Al Sabah, Alkeaid now serves as Secretary General of the global federation.
- Project Manager, Ministry of Sport: Spearheaded the SaudiReps accreditation system and organized the Kingdom’s first Sports Career Fair, attracting 6,000+ attendees and 48 organizations.
- CEO, Saudi Hiking: Managed over 150 adventure events nationwide, fostering active tourism and community engagement.
He’s also served as mentor with the International Olympic Committee and sits on the Executive Council of the Asian Yogasan Sport Federation.
Public Voice & Wellness Advocacy
Known widely as Coach Waleed on social media, Alkeaid has cultivated a strong digital following. His content spans fitness tips, health education, and strategic commentary on the evolving sports landscape. This blend of tactical advice and strategic insight appeals to both everyday fitness enthusiasts and institutional decision-makers.
Beyond content, he’s also a frequent speaker at regional conferences and has been featured by platforms like Forbes Middle East for his impact. His advocacy extends to corporate wellness and youth empowerment, reinforcing a message that health is foundational to national progress.
Leadership Style & Strategic Philosophy
What distinguishes Alkeaid is not just what he builds but how he builds it. His leadership emphasizes system thinking, talent development, and high performance. He focuses on:
- Building governance and operational frameworks
- Designing long-term development plans
- Engaging cross-sector stakeholders
- Aligning each initiative with Vision 2030 pillars: economic diversification, quality of life, and youth engagement
He often enters organizations during phases of transition or growth, guiding them from ambition to structured execution.
Recognition & Influence
Alkeaid has been recognized with:
- The Health Award from the Saudi Ministry of Health
- CEO of the Year in Sporting Ventures
- Inclusion in Forbes Middle East's list of entrepreneurs shaping the future of Saudi Arabia
He also played a key role in increasing ElCoach’s market penetration in Saudi Arabia, doubling its user base and integrating mobile payment systems through local telecoms.
Vision 2030 Alignment: More Than a Mission
Alkeaid’s work embodies Vision 2030 goals across multiple fronts:
- Health & Wellness: Empowering Saudis to live healthier lives through accessible fitness and wellness solutions
- Economic Diversification: Creating new job markets and business models in sports and wellness
- Digital Transformation: Leveraging tech through startups like Shihany to enhance experiences and outcomes
- Youth & Talent: Providing young professionals with platforms, mentorship, and pathways into meaningful careers
A Final Reflection
Alwaleed Alkeaid is a system architect for a new era of Saudi sports. From Ironman athlete to federation strategist, from founder to public voice, his journey illustrates what can happen when personal purpose aligns with national ambition.
For Saudi youth considering a career in sports, wellness, or entrepreneurship, his story offers not just inspiration but a roadmap. The next generation of leaders will not only play the game, they’ll design the field. And Alwaleed Alkeaid is showing them how.
Follow @coachwaleed for insights, or explore opportunities through SaudiSPN if you're a young professional ready to lead Saudi Arabia's sports transformation.
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