Majed M. Rashad, Founder and CEO, NEXT LEVEL INTERNATIONAL
Success isn’t just about having a vision—it’s about turning that vision into reality. It requires passion, persistence, and the ability to adapt to challenges. Some businesses follow the norm, while others reshape industries. This is a story of transformation, where leadership, resilience, and innovation come together to create a lasting impact. And every great journey begins with a single step.
For Majed Rashad, that step was as a volunteer at the 2007 OPEC summit in Riyadh. At the time, he had no idea this experience would ignite a lifelong passion for event management. Working alongside Hill & Knowlton and the Ministry of Energy, Majed caught a glimpse of the immense potential within Saudi Arabia’s evolving event industry. He saw a landscape ripe for transformation, an industry waiting to be redefined. The experience planted a seed—one that would eventually grow into NEXT LEVEL INTERNATIONAL.
But passion alone doesn’t build success. Majed knew he needed knowledge, expertise, and a strategic mindset to turn his vision into reality. He pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Financial Economics from King Saud University and later expanded his knowledge in Business
Communication and Marketing Strategy in the U.S. His academic pursuits, combined with hands-on industry experience, gave him the confidence to step into the business world.
Before founding NEXT LEVEL, he honed his skills at Rotana Media Group, worked with technology incubators, and played a key role in Saudi Arabia’s National Industrial Cluster Program. Each experience added another brick to the foundation of his future empire.
More Than an Event Company, a Movement
Some companies follow trends; others create them. When Majed launched NEXT LEVEL in 2018, he wasn’t just starting another event management firm—he was setting a new standard. “We don’t just plan events; we craft experiences that leave lasting impressions,” he often says. His vision was clear: integrate international best practices with Saudi Arabia’s unique culture to create extraordinary events that resonate with local and global audiences.
Unlike traditional event companies, NEXT LEVEL introduced a meticulous, detail-oriented approach. Every event was designed with precision, creativity, and a deep understanding of cultural nuances. Majed ensured that his team didn’t just execute projects—they innovated. From corporate conferences to large-scale national events, NEXT LEVEL quickly earned a reputation for excellence. The company didn’t just thrive; it led the way, showing the world what Saudi Arabia’s event industry could achieve.
Where Work Feels Like Home
“A company’s true strength lies in its people,” Majed often shares, and he has built NEXT LEVEL with this philosophy at its core. Unlike many corporate environments that feel rigid and impersonal, NEXT LEVEL fosters a culture of warmth, inclusivity, and mutual respect. It’s more than a workplace—it’s a family. Employees don’t just collaborate; they celebrate victories, share meals, and support one another through challenges.
Majed believes that a united team is the backbone of any successful business. He ensures that every individual at NEXT LEVEL feels valued, heard, and empowered to contribute. The company operates with transparency, encouraging open communication and creative freedom. This people-first approach hasn’t just shaped the company’s internal culture—it has also translated into exceptional client experiences. When a team is happy and motivated, it reflects in the work they produce. And at NEXT LEVEL, every event is a testament to that philosophy.
Surviving and Thriving through the Storm
No industry was hit harder by the COVID-19 pandemic than event management. With large gatherings canceled and uncertainty looming, many companies struggled to stay afloat. But where others saw a crisis, Majed saw an opportunity. Instead of waiting for things to return to normal, he pivoted. NEXT LEVEL didn’t just survive the storm; it adapted, innovated, and emerged stronger.
Within weeks, the company diversified its business model. Majed and his team launched the NEXT LEVEL store, offering premium stationery and gifts. They also played a crucial role in nationwide health initiatives, collaborating with the Ministry of Health to distribute sanitisers and medical masks. Their agility and resilience turned a time of crisis into a period of unexpected growth. As Majed explains, “Challenges aren’t roadblocks; they are stepping stones to something greater.”
Wisdom for the Next Generation
Majed Rashad’s journey offers invaluable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs. His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: start from the ground up. “Before you build a company, be a part of one. Learn the ropes, understand the challenges, and master the craft,” he advises. His path—from a volunteer to the founder of a groundbreaking company—proves that experience is the greatest teacher.
He also emphasizes the importance of passion. In an industry as demanding as event management, success isn’t just about strategy; it’s about loving what you do. “Let passion be your compass,” he advises. Finally, he champions resilience. Every entrepreneur faces setbacks, but the key is to keep moving forward, learn from failures, and turn obstacles into opportunities.
Majed’s story is more than an entrepreneurial success—it’s an inspiration. Under his leadership, NEXT LEVEL isn’t just shaping Saudi Arabia’s event industry; it’s redefining what’s possible. As NEXT LEVEL expands, one thing is undeniable—Majed Rashad is only getting started.