Alumni spotlight: Abdallah Alhaleem
Abdallah Alhaleem (MSc Global Strategy and Innovation Management, 2022) is bringing graduates together in Saudi Arabia, helping to build a supportive and active alumni community.
For Abdallah Alhaleem, the sense of belonging he felt at Leeds University Business School didn’t end at graduation. Motivated by the memories of shared learning, cultural exchange, and the strong community he built in Leeds, he is now working to create similar connections among alumni in Saudi Arabia. With many graduates living and working across the country, Abdallah saw an opportunity to bring people together, celebrate their achievements, and strengthen professional and social ties. In this article, he reflects on his time in Leeds, the journey he has taken since, and his vision for a growing alumni community in the region.
Why did you choose to study at Leeds University Business School?
I chose Leeds University Business School because of its strong global reputation and the diversity of its academic community. I also heard about Nexus, the innovation hub on campus, which reflected the kind of forward-thinking environment I wanted to be part of. In addition, Leeds’ strategic location in the UK made it easy to explore other major cities and experience the country’s business and cultural diversity.
What is your favourite memory of your time in Leeds?
My favourite memories are built around the diverse and welcoming community at Leeds. Living close to campus made life easier and more social, and we often gathered for dinners, cultural nights, and informal discussions. During the dissertation period, I especially enjoyed the sense of collective effort; we’d spend long days together in the library learning and supporting each other, and later in the evenings, those discussions would continue informally over coffee or walks around the city.
What has your career history been since leaving?
After graduating, I built my career at PwC in Riyadh, where I worked as a Manager in Strategy, Digital Transformation, and Innovation, helping government entities and large organizations design and implement transformation strategies.
In the last quarter, I moved to Cisco as Director of Digital Transformation and Innovation, where I lead the Saudi Advisory line, focusing on innovation around Cisco’s infrastructure and developing solutions within the smart city industry.
How did your time in Leeds help with your career journey?
My time at the Business School taught me how to think strategically and globally. The emphasis on collaboration, leadership, and real-world case studies directly influenced how I approach complex transformation projects today.
Why did you decide that you’d like to meet alumni in Saudi Arabia?
I wanted to reconnect with the Leeds community and build a network of professionals who share similar values and experiences. There are many Leeds graduates in Saudi Arabia doing incredible work, and I thought it was time we connected and celebrated that.
How did you arrange this?
I reached out to the alumni office, and with their help, I started contacting alumni in Riyadh. We haven’t met yet, but we’re planning to hold our first alumni event at the end of November to bring together graduates from different sectors and backgrounds.
What has happened since?
The idea has generated a lot of enthusiasm. Several alumni have already expressed interest in joining, and we’re coordinating the logistics for our first meetup. The goal is to establish a foundation for a consistent network that can grow into both professional collaborations and social friendships.
What activities do you have planned for meeting up?
Our plan is to host informal gatherings every few months, alternating between professional networking sessions and casual meetups. We’re also exploring collaborations with the wider University of Leeds alumni community in the region.
If other alumni wanted to meet alumni in their countries, what advice would you give them?
Start small and be proactive. Even a casual coffee meeting can grow into a meaningful network. The key is to connect people who share genuine curiosity and pride in being part of the Leeds community.
If any alumni in Saudi Arabia are interested in connecting, how can they get in touch?
They can email me directly or connect with me on LinkedIn.
Anything else?
I’m grateful for how Leeds shaped my personal and professional growth. It’s wonderful to see how the spirit of collaboration that defined our time there continues across borders.
Networking that works for you – connect with an alumni group in your area.
