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Keynote SpeakerSomi Arian

British filmmaker and podcaster documenting and interpreting the transformation of Saudi Arabia through the lenses of technology, capital, and economic change

Somi Arian is a filmmaker, entrepreneur, podcast host, and technology commentator working at the intersection of AI, finance, investment, and economic transformation. She is the founder of production companies in the UK and Saudi Arabia, splitting her time between London and Riyadh while producing documentaries and strategic media exploring the... Read more

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Popular Talks by Somi Arian

  • The Future of Work

    Are you ready for the rapidly changing digital landscape? Get ahead of the curve with insights into the rapidly changing digital era and the future of work. Somi Arian will share her expertise on how to thrive in this new market and provide practical tips on how to stay competitive…
  • Artificial Intelligence

    From intelligent automation to machine learning and beyond, AI is transforming the way we live and work. Discover the power and potential of AI and its impact on our lives, businesses, and society. Somi Arian will explore the ethical implications of this rapidly advancing technology and how we can ensure…
  • Health, productivity & longevity

    If you’re looking to improve your quality of life and increase your longevity, join our expert speaker, Somi Arian as she guides you through the latest research on health, productivity, and longevity, providing actionable insights and practical tips to help you achieve your goals. From nutrition, exercise, and restful sleep…
  • Financial Markets & Economic Transformation

    Explore how capital, technology, and policy are reshaping the Middle East and global financial markets. Drawing on her work documenting Saudi Arabia’s transformation under Vision 2030, Somi Arian shares insights into private capital, venture investment, fintech, artificial intelligence, and the economic shifts redefining the region. Through conversations with founders, investors,…
  • Bridging Saudi Arabia and the West

    As a filmmaker and podcast host working between London and Riyadh, Somi Arian offers a grounded perspective on the changing relationship between Saudi Arabia and the West. Through documentaries, interviews, and business conversations across technology, investment, media, and innovation, she explores how the Kingdom is positioning itself on the global…
  • Innovation, Technology & Economic Change

    Technology is no longer confined to Silicon Valley. Somi Arian explores how innovation is reshaping economies globally, with a particular focus on emerging technology ecosystems in the Middle East. Through her documentary and podcast work, she examines the intersection of AI, digital infrastructure, investment, entrepreneurship, and policy, and how these…
  • Consumer Behaviour in the Digital Age

    Technology has fundamentally changed how people discover, trust, buy, and engage with brands. Drawing on years of work across media, technology, and consumer culture, Somi Arian explores how AI, social platforms, creator-led media, and shifting attention spans are reshaping consumer behaviour and decision-making. From the rise of personal brands and…
  • Transition Architecture: Navigating Change in the Age of AI

    Businesses and societies are entering a period of rapid technological, economic, and cultural transition. In this talk, Somi Arian explores her concept of “Transition Architecture” — a framework for understanding how individuals, organisations, and industries adapt during periods of large-scale change. Drawing on her work across AI, media, economic transformation,…

Biography

Somi Arian is a filmmaker, entrepreneur, podcast host, and technology commentator working at the intersection of AI, finance, investment, and economic transformation.

She is the founder of production companies in the UK and Saudi Arabia, splitting her time between London and Riyadh while producing documentaries and strategic media exploring the Kingdom’s transformation under Vision 2030.

Somi is also the host of On Point by Argaam, Saudi Arabia’s flagship English-language business podcast, featuring long-form conversations with founders, investors, policymakers, and global business leaders focused on capital, technology, leadership, and the future of the region.

Her recent documentary work focuses on sectors shaping the future of Saudi Arabia and the wider region, including venture capital, private capital markets, fintech, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, sustainability, and innovation.

Recent productions include:

* From Silicon Valley to Riyadh

* Building Tomorrow Today

* The Next Green Chapter

* Fintech Arabia

* Scaling Saudi: The Rise of Private Capital Markets

Her work has been distributed through platforms including Shahid, Saudia Airlines, Riyadh Air, Argaam, stc TV, and Tahaluf channels, reaching investors, policymakers, and international business audiences.

Somi’s first independent documentary, The Millennial Disruption, received multiple international awards and was featured on BBC Radio 5 Live. The film explored the impact of technological disruption on business and society and featured brands including Bentley, The Economist, Jaguar Land Rover, Steinway, and Marie Claire.

As a speaker and moderator, Somi has appeared at events including LEAP, SuperReturn, TEDx, Cambridge University, Condé Nast, and Adweek, contributing to conversations around AI, the future of work, innovation, investment, and economic transformation.

Through her documentaries, podcasts, and interviews, she has spoken with global founders, investors, technologists, and policymakers including Gary Vaynerchuk, Tom Bilyeu, Raoul Pal, and Sriram Krishnan of A16z, as well as senior Saudi government officials, investors, and entrepreneurs shaping the Kingdom’s future.

She is also the author of Career Fear (and How to Beat It), published by Kogan Page, exploring the future of work and adaptation in the age of artificial intelligence.

Ready to invite Somi Arian to your event?

Tell us about your event, one of our consultants will reach out within 24 hours.

What clients say about Somi Arian

“Somi’s session was really insightful and covered a lot of ground in a short amount of time. All in all though a great session, and we would definitely have her back.” Shaun Acres, Conference Producer, Haymarket Media Group
“Overall great content, nice that she has a book to pair with it. We are grateful that we were able to make this work given the such short notice.” Monika Philp, Director of Tech Leadership Development, AIM Institute
“Somi is a great speaker – engaging, energetic, insightful, and fun! During her webinar for the ASMALLWORLD Community on “The Influencer Culture and Modern Workforce”, Somi combined practical advice with humour, and our members responded with 5-star ratings across the board.” Caterina Ghedin, Events Manager, ASMALLWORLD
“Very few people are able to beat the quality of content and quality of production that Somi does.” India Nott-Bower, Marketing Administrator, The Recruitment Events Co.
“Somi is a real pleasure to work with. The effort that she put into her content really showed. The talk was extremely engaging and insightful; I thoroughly liked the fact that a good mix of theory and actionable tips and tricks were presented. We had great feedback from our clients who attended and I hope to work with Somi again in the future.” Perri Robinson, Meltwater Media Intelligence
“Somi spoke about how best to empower millennial employees, by giving them autonomy and space to innovate. It resounded well with our audience of senior female technologists, in our firm, fully delegating the responsibility to accomplish the task is how we do business.” Hilary Strong, Morgan Stanley
“Somi had a lot of interesting and thought-provoking things to say – both in regards to tech disruption and human response. We loved having her there to broaden the conversation about CX on the panel as well.” Shammah Banerjee, Chief Disruptor Live
“Somi delivered great value to a panel we hosted on the influencer marketing space and was great at communicating her thoughts to a wide-ranging audience in a manner that everyone could understand key points.” Patrick Lindon, Open Influence
“Somi’s keynote on the Millennial Disruption had a very high score regarding her knowledge of content, presentation ability, and audience participation. Her talk met the audience’s high expectations and professional interests.” Flaminia Angelucci, Conference & delegate manager, Richmond Italy
“We have received some wonderful feedback, thank you for contributing to the success of this year’s event. Your session was greatly appreciated and truly valuable for those in attendance” Amy Griffin, Senior Conference Producer, American Lawyer Media LLC (LegalWeek)

How to book Somi Arian as a keynote speaker

How do I book Somi Arian for a keynote speech?

You can book Somi Arian through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with Somi's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.

What are Somi Arian's speaking fees?

Somi Arian's speaking fees depend on the event format (in-person or virtual), the location, the length of the engagement and the level of customisation required. Please contact London Speaker Bureau for an up-to-date fee quote for Somi tailored to your event.

What topics does Somi Arian speak about?

Somi Arian speaks on Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Blockchain, Digital, Digital Trends. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Somi to align the content with your delegates and goals.

Is Somi Arian available for international events?

London Speaker Bureau can book Somi Arian for events worldwide, subject to Somi's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.

Does Somi Arian deliver virtual or online keynotes?

Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether Somi Arian is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).

How long is a typical keynote by Somi Arian?

Most keynote speeches run between 45 and 60 minutes, often followed by a 15-30 minute Q&A. Other formats - shorter conference slots, panel appearances or longer workshop sessions - may also be possible. Share your agenda with London Speaker Bureau and we will confirm what Somi can accommodate.

Can Somi Arian tailor the keynote to our industry and audience?

London Speaker Bureau will brief Somi Arian on your audience profile, sector and objectives so the keynote can be shaped around your event. The level of customisation possible depends on the speaker and the lead time - contact us with your brief and we will confirm what Somi can offer.

What languages does Somi Arian present in?

Somi Arian delivers keynotes in English. This profile may not list every language available; ask London Speaker Bureau to confirm. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.

What makes Somi Arian a strong fit as a keynote speaker?

Somi Arian's areas of expertise include Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Blockchain, Digital, Digital Trends. To get a clear sense of Somi's style, credentials and how they engage an audience, please review the biography, popular talks and any videos or testimonials shown on this page, or request a detailed speaker brief from London Speaker Bureau.

What kind of events can Somi Arian speak at?

Somi Arian can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Blockchain, Digital, Digital Trends is relevant. Details of Somi's background and previous engagements are included in the biography above; contact us if you would like a more detailed list of past clients or case studies.

Does Somi Arian offer workshops, panels or fireside chats in addition to keynotes?

Beyond keynote speeches, many of the speakers on our roster also take part in workshops, executive masterclasses, panel discussions and fireside chats. Contact London Speaker Bureau with your preferred format and we will confirm what Somi Arian is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.

How far in advance should we book Somi Arian?

We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with Somi Arian, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check Somi's current availability for your dates.