It’s All About Fun and Entertainment

It’s All About Fun and Entertainment: From the Classroom to Shaping Saudi’s Entertainment Sector

By Rayan Barry

Events Operation Planning & Development Department Manager, GEA

College of Business, Class of 2014, Finance

Vice President, Alumni Association Council

My journey began with a simple goal: to use education as a steppingstone to real-world impact. After high school, I enrolled in a financial management diploma program and later pursued a bachelor’s degree in the same field at Al Yamamah University, graduating in 2014. But what really set the course for my career wasn’t just my studies—it was my time as the President of the Fun Club at YU.

Back then, I was all about bringing people together, planning campus events, and making sure everyone was having a good time. It wasn’t just about fun and games, though. Organizing those events taught me how to handle logistics, manage teams, and engage diverse audience skills that I had no idea would become the foundation of my career.

While juggling studies and campus activities, I also worked in the food and beverage (F&B) industry, taking on entry-level roles that pushed me to connect with people from all walks of life. Those experiences shaped my perspective, taught me discipline, and strengthened my ability to handle pressure—traits that proved essential when I stepped into the corporate world.

After graduating, I joined Telfaz11 as a Talent Agent, diving headfirst into the creative industry. I then moved to Cisco, working as the Executive Office Manager for the General Manager in Saudi Arabia. These roles expanded my skill set, exposing me to both the artistic and business sides of the entertainment sector.

But the real turning point came in 2017 when I joined the General Entertainment Authority (GEA). This was a game changer. GEA was still in its early days, and I had the chance to be part of its transformation from the ground up. Over the past eight years, I’ve grown alongside GEA, moving through several leadership roles and eventually becoming the Events Operations Planning and Development Department Manager.

One of the projects that truly defined my journey was leading the Boulevard City project from 2019 to 2023. It was a massive undertaking—one of the largest entertainment zones in the region. Bringing it to life taught me how to blend strategic thinking with on-the-ground execution. It also reinforced a lesson I first learned at YU: the power of creating experiences that resonate with people and leave a lasting impact.

But my connection to YU didn’t end with my undergraduate degree. Last year, I returned to Al Yamamah and now I am pursuing my EMBA, driven by a desire to deepen my understanding of strategic management and leadership. The decision to come back felt like a full circle moment—it was a chance to reconnect with the campus that shaped me and to refine the skills I needed to push my career to the next level.

There’s also a personal side to my time at YU. During my undergraduate years, I met Captain Khalid Jokhadar, the bodybuilding coach at the university gym. Captain Khalid became more than just a coach, became a mentor and a friend. Training with him kept me grounded, both physically and mentally. Even now, despite the demands of work and life, I still hit the gym with Captain Khalid. It’s become a ritual that keeps me focused and reminds me of where it all began.

A standout moment in my leadership journey was managing a high-pressure, cross-functional team during a major season. It was intense, but it pushed me to develop a balanced approach—combining strategic planning with emotional intelligence. That experience became the backbone of my leadership style, a style I’ve continued to refine through executive programs like the Organizational Leadership course at Harvard Business School.

Today, as a founding member of the YU Alumni Association, I carry a deep sense of loyalty to the university that launched my career.

Al Yamamah wasn’t just a place I studied—it was where I first learned the art of bringing people together and creating unforgettable experiences. It was my starting point, and every step I’ve taken since then is rooted in the values and foundation I built there.

Now, as I continue to contribute to the evolution of Saudi Arabia’s entertainment sector, I’m grateful to still be part of the YU community. This association is a place for alumni to connect, share stories, and support each other. Whether you’re just starting out or leading your own team, remember: the experiences you create today could become the foundation of your future.

Let’s keep the spirit of YU alive and growing. Stay connected. Stay involved. And keep pushing boundaries.

This is your space, your voice, and your network—welcome home.