- Saudi Arabia maintains high educational standards, while job opportunities for Pakistanis grow in construction, engineering, healthcare, education and high-growth strategic sectors
Interview with Mr. Imtiaz Ansari, a Saudi Arabia-based Pakistani
PAGE: Tell me something about yourself, please:
Imtiaz Ansari: I am a financial leader currently heading the Finance Team at a foreign Diplomatic Mission in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. My professional foundation is built on a Master’s degree in Business Administration (Finance) and over 20 years of expertise in financial management, auditing, and complex disbursement operations within international and diplomatic environments.
My career trajectory has provided me with diverse global exposure across Pakistan, Afghanistan, Kolonia-Micronesia, and Saudi Arabia, cultivating a robust understanding of global financial systems, multi-jurisdictional compliance, and cross-cultural leadership. I take pride in contributing to a mission that upholds the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and service excellence.
Beyond my core duties, I am dedicated to mentoring young professionals.
PAGE: How would you describe the life of a Pakistani in Saudi Arabia?
Imtiaz Ansari: The life of a Pakistani in Saudi Arabia is characterized by stability, opportunity, and strong cultural integration. The Pakistani community today is exceptionally well-integrated and deeply respected, a sense of dignity that has been further solidified by recent strategic initiatives from the Government of Pakistan.
Our nationals are contributing significantly across all echelons of the economy—from executive leadership roles in multinational corporations and specialized fields like finance and IT, to technical and skilled labor crucial for the Kingdom’s development. Crucially, the shared Islamic heritage and Gulf traditions between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia foster an inherent sense of comfort, mutual respect, and belonging, making the Kingdom truly a second home for millions of Pakistanis.
PAGE: What are the employment prospects for Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia vis-à-vis other nationals?
Imtiaz Ansari: Employment and business prospects for Pakistanis are not just promising—they are strategically aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. The pace of change and the scale of infrastructure and economic diversification projects demand high-caliber, committed talent, a need the Pakistani workforce is perfectly positioned to meet.
We are seeing active employment and growth in critical sectors:
Construction & Engineering: A massive surge, particularly for project managers, civil engineers, and specialized technicians crucial for mega-projects.
Healthcare, Education, Hospitality & Retail: Sustained demand for skilled professionals.
High-Growth Sectors: Significant, untapped avenues for skilled Pakistani professionals in green energy, sophisticated logistics, and digital infrastructure.
The Pakistani workforce is highly competitive, renowned for its dedication, technical expertise, and adaptability.
Furthermore, the rapid liberalization of the business landscape means this is the opportune moment for Pakistani enterprises to establish a strong footprint and capitalize on new market dynamics.”
PAGE: Tell me about the standards of education in Saudi Arabia:
Imtiaz Ansari: Saudi Arabia is making commendable and strategic strides in its education sector, backed by heavy governmental investment in STEM fields, digital learning, and international academic partnerships.
The system caters to diverse needs, maintaining high standards across the board:
International Education: Numerous private schools offer world-class curricula (British, American, IB), such as Reigate Grammar School Riyadh and KAUST School, ensuring high academic rigor for expatriate families.
Pakistani Schools: For the Pakistani diaspora, institutions like Pakistan International School, Riyadh (PISR), and its branches across the Kingdom operate under the Embassy’s supervision. These schools successfully balance the provision of quality education following the FBISE curriculum with the preservation of our cultural identity.
The clear commitment is to rapidly evolve the educational standards to support a future knowledge-based economy.”
PAGE: Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?
Imtiaz Ansari: In the next decade, I envision transitioning into a strategic leadership or senior advisory role where I can leverage my two decades of experience for wider impact. My primary focus will be on:
Financial Governance & Development: Contributing to international development, financial governance, or diplomatic policy by collaborating with global organizations on transparency, institutional strengthening, and public sector reform projects.
Mentorship & Capacity Building: Actively mentoring and training the next generation of financial and diplomatic professionals, potentially leading capacity-building initiatives in developing nations.
Homeland Contribution: I hold a strong aspiration to potentially return to Pakistan or move to US to apply my international experience.”