Advancing Cross-Regional Partnerships between Southeast Europe and the GCC
An immersive cross-regional executive program designed for senior leaders shaping growth between the Gulf and Southeast Europe.
Download BrochureImagine leading across two of the world's most dynamic growth regions — turning Vision 2030 ambition and EU market access into one operating ground for your business.
NEXT COHORT DATES
A POWERFUL ALLIANCE
Strategic Gears Academy & Slovenian-Arab Business Council at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia (CCIS): A Leadership Bridge Between the GCC and Southeast Europe
Two complementary regions, brought together into one operating ground for senior executives. This partnership combines Strategic Gears' Saudi-born consulting expertise in strategy, digital transformation, and capability building with the Slovenian–Arab Business Council's institutional reach into Southeast Europe, backed by faculty rooted in both regions and direct engagement with Saudi Exports.
STRATEGIC GEARS
Founded in 2015, Strategic Gears is one of the largest management consulting firms in the Middle East, trusted by over 150 organizations across 21 industries. With a Platinum Ranking among the region’s top consultancies, the firm specializes in strategy, digital transformation, and capability building.
Slovenian-Arab Business Council at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia (CCIS)
The Slovenian–Arab Business Council connects senior leaders, faculty, and institutional partners across Slovenia, Southeast Europe, and the Arab world. Rooted in a tradition of cross-border collaboration, the Council provides direct access to Slovenian export companies, SEE firms already working with GCC partners, and the regional executives shaping commerce between the two regions.
PROGRAM DETAILS
What is the Purpose of the Program?
To equip senior leaders from Southeast Europe and the GCC with the frameworks, networks, and practical tools to navigate cross-border opportunities. Combining global business and technology insight, leadership master classes, and the institutional relationships needed to execute between the two regions — relationships that would otherwise take years to build alone. The aim is practical: open doors, start deals, and grow on both sides.
Immersive program combining live-online sessions, in-person immersion, and industry exposure across cities.
Riyadh or Madrid (4 days · 32 learning hours · November 2026)
Live Online (6 hours · December 2026)
Ljubljana (4 days · 32 hours · January 2027)
Limited cohorts — please visit the application page for details.
Riyadh or Madrid, Online, and Ljubljana
Limited to 50 participants per cohort
70 hours of executive learning · 4 weeks total program duration · 6 modules.
Official Strategic Gears Academy diploma awarded in Ljubljana, in partnership with the Slovenian–Arab Business Council. Graduates become part of the Strategic Gears Academy alumni network.
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WHO IS THIS PROGRAM FOR?
Designed for Senior Leaders Working Across the Bridge
This program is designed for senior executives, business owners, and government leaders shaping decisions across the GCC–Southeast Europe bridge — leaders who need direct access to decision-makers, faculty, and institutional partners in both regions.
- Business Leaders
- Corporate Executives
DURING THIS PROGRAM, YOU WILL:
- Develop strategic frameworks for leading through disruption across the GCC and Southeast Europe
- Build cross-regional business development skills connecting Gulf capital with EU market access
- Engage directly with decision-makers and institutional partners in both regions
- Learn from a faculty drawn from both regions, including IE Business School in Madrid, Spain, and senior Slovenian and Saudi executives
- Build a peer network spanning the GCC and Southeast Europe
- Leave with personal leadership reflections and a development roadmap you can apply immediately
PROGRAM JOURNEY
An Immersive Journey from Riyadh and Madrid to Ljubljana
RIYADH OR MADRID — GLOBAL LEADERSHIP SESSIONS AND BUSINESS FRAMEWORKS
- Global business frameworks across the GCC and Southeast Europe
- Leadership master classes and project development
- Cross-regional business development and market access
LIVE ONLINE — LEADERSHIP MASTER CLASSES
- Live leadership master classes
- Optional in-person session at Casa Árabe, Madrid
- Delivered alongside day-to-day leadership responsibilities
LJUBLJANA IMMERSION AND DIPLOMA
- Master classes on learning organizations and business development
- Executive site tours with leading Slovenian and SEE companies
- Networking with regional leaders and Slovenian-Arab Business Council members
- Official program diploma awarded in Ljubljana
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
A Three-Phase Learning Journey
The program is designed as an immersive journey combining academic engagement, live online learning and industry exposure. Each phase builds toward actionable insights and cross-regional leadership development.
Riyadh or Madrid
4 days of global leadership sessions and business frameworks in the opening host city.
Online Learning
6 hours of live online leadership master classes.
Ljubljana
4 days of master classes, executive site tours, regional networking, and the official program diploma.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
What Participants Take Away from the Program
Participants leave with frameworks, networks, and insights they can apply immediately within their organizations and across regions.
CAPABILITIES GAINED
- Strategic frameworks for leading through disruption
- Cross-regional business development skills for GCC and Southeast Europe
- Leadership master classes from faculty rooted in both regions
LASTING OUTPUTS
- A peer network spanning the GCC and Southeast Europe
- Direct relationships with regional faculty and institutional partners
- Personal leadership reflections and a development roadmap
Ready to lead across the GCC–Southeast Europe bridge?
Join an immersive Strategic Gears Academy program and gain the frameworks, networks, and institutional access needed to lead with confidence across two of the world's most dynamic growth regions.