In an era where communications shape nations and trust defines leadership, few figures stand out as clearly as Abdulrahman Inayat. A strategist who has redefined how culture and communication can work hand in hand to build global impact. As co-founder and director of W7Worldwide, he has become one of the region’s most influential voices, steering organizations through crises, shaping reputations, and giving Saudi Arabia a stronger voice on the world stage.

For Abdulrahman, communication has always been more than a profession; it has been a way of life, a lens through which he sees society and culture. Long before he co-founded one of Saudi Arabia’s most influential PR agencies, he was already experimenting with the power of words and narratives. In his early years, he helped produce a viral Islamic contest that attracted audiences far beyond the Kingdom’s borders, and even took part in translating poetic songs into multiple languages. These creative efforts, though modest at first glance, were in fact the seeds of a lifelong journey—proof of his instinct to use communication not simply to inform, but to unite.

This formative period gave him the conviction that communication was no longer a one-way transaction, but a dynamic exchange between brands, institutions, and communities. It also inspired a realization that Saudi Arabia, with its rich cultural heritage and youthful energy, needed its own globally credible communications firm—an agency rooted in local values yet able to speak fluently to the world. That vision, nurtured through study, experimentation, and deep reflection, would eventually give rise to W7Worldwide.

W7Worldwide: Turning Vision into Reality

In 2016, the vision Abdulrahman had long nurtured took shape in the form of W7Worldwide, a Saudi-born communications consultancy that would soon rise to prominence in the region. What set it apart from the beginning was not size or resources—it was philosophy. Abdulrahman believed that for a Saudi agency to succeed globally, it needed to operate with a balance of global standards and local authenticity. This “glocal” approach became the DNA of W7Worldwide, ensuring that every campaign carried the polish of international best practices while remaining deeply rooted in cultural understanding.

At first, W7Worldwide resembled a boutique consultancy—a lean team with big ambitions. But under Abdulrahman’s leadership, the agency grew at a remarkable pace. Within a few short years, it transformed into a multi-million-dollar independent firm trusted by over 140 clients. Its portfolio came to include Fortune 500 corporations, government authorities, and global nonprofits, all drawn to the agency’s ability to deliver strategies that were as culturally intelligent as they were results-driven.

The firm built its reputation by specializing in areas that demand both precision and sensitivity: reputation management, crisis communications, stakeholder engagement, and executive positioning. By helping leaders and organizations navigate high-stakes environments, Abdulrahman established W7Worldwide as a trusted partner in moments when reputation truly mattered.

A Philosophy Rooted in Culture

Abdulrahman often says that “PR is as old as the earth itself and is rooted in our values, beliefs, and cultures.” This belief guided the agency from its first day. W7Worldwide was never meant to mimic Western firms; it was designed to reflect the essence of Saudi Arabia—its identity, traditions, and aspirations—while at the same time meeting the expectations of a globalized business world.

That philosophy resonated not only with clients but with employees, partners, and even competitors. It positioned W7Worldwide as more than an agency; it became a voice for Saudi communications on the international stage, proving that homegrown talent could match, and even exceed, the benchmarks set by global players.

A Human-Centered Leader

W7Worldwide’s success is driven by Abdulrahman’s leadership style—empathetic, inclusive, and grounded in human values. Unlike leaders who dictate from the top, Abdulrahman has always believed that leadership begins with listening. His approach is simple yet profound: before shaping narratives for clients, he first seeks to understand the people behind them. This philosophy has nurtured a culture of collaboration at W7Worldwide, where every team member feels empowered to contribute ideas and perspectives.

Abdulrahman often highlights that values like loyalty, gratitude, and respect—deeply embedded in Saudi culture—are also the strongest levers for building a healthy corporate environment. In a widely-read article for Campaign Middle East, he argued that inclusive corporate culture is not just ethically right but also strategically smart, because it drives engagement, innovation, and resilience. Under his leadership, W7Worldwide has become known for its transparency, fairness, and openness to diverse perspectives.

This culture has had tangible results. The agency has received nearly 50 nominations in leadership categories, a reflection of the respect it has earned across the industry. Colleagues and clients alike describe Abdulrahman as a leader who inspires not by authority, but by example, always prioritizing purpose over ego.

Recognition on the Global Stage

Abdulrahman’s inclusive vision quickly gained recognition beyond Saudi borders. He became the youngest elected member of the PRCA MENA Regional Board, one of the most respected professional associations in global public relations. Rising later to the position of Chair, he represented Saudi Arabia at the highest level, ensuring that the Kingdom’s voice was not only present but influential in shaping international communication standards.

In 2022, his contributions were further recognized when he received the Outstanding Leadership Award, underscoring his role as one of the region’s most promising and respected voices in strategic communications.

A Philosophy of Trust

For Abdulrahman, true leadership cannot be reduced to titles or accolades. He often insists that what matters most is trust—the trust of clients, colleagues, and society. By embodying patience, perseverance, and passion, he has instilled in W7Worldwide a culture where trust is not only the foundation of internal collaboration but also the ultimate measure of external success.

“Leadership is about listening as much as it is about guiding. You cannot shape narratives unless you understand the people behind them,” he says, a statement that captures the essence of his style.

Shaping Narratives Through Campaigns

The reputation of W7Worldwide has been built not just on vision but on the impact of its campaigns—initiatives that have resonated with both local and international audiences. Under Abdulrahman’s leadership, the agency has consistently designed communication strategies that go beyond branding and advertising. They create cultural touchpoints that connect organizations to people’s values, traditions, and aspirations.

One of the most celebrated examples was the Saudi National Day motion graphics campaign, which captured the spirit of unity and pride through modern storytelling. During Ramadan, W7Worldwide produced a series of heartfelt films that highlighted compassion, community, and giving—values deeply tied to the Saudi identity. And in 2020, when the pandemic disrupted the Hajj season, the agency rose to the challenge with a campaign that used digital communications to unite communities around the world. At a time of isolation, W7Worldwide provided a sense of collective belonging.

Award-Winning Excellence

Under Abdulrahman’s leadership, W7Worldwide transformed from a boutique consultancy into one of the GCC’s most decorated independent PR firms. The numbers speak for themselves:

• 31 international awards and over 214 nominations to date.

• Recognized for excellence in crisis communications, energy campaigns, professional services, and international PR strategy.

• ICCO Global Award for Best Technology campaign during the COVID-19 crisis—a major milestone showcasing their agility in navigating a rapidly evolving communications landscape.

In 2021, W7Worldwide swept the MEPRA Awards, winning categories like:

• Best Crisis Communications & Issues Management

• Best Energy & Natural Resources Campaign

• Best Professional Services Campaign.
  

These accolades weren’t just trophies—they represented the agency’s ability to consistently deliver campaigns with cultural intelligence, technical precision, and human resonance.

Communications as Nation-Building

For Abdulrahman, the future of communications is inseparable from the future of Saudi Arabia itself. As the Kingdom advances through Vision 2030, he views public relations not as a support function but as a nation-building discipline—one that strengthens trust, preserves cultural identity, and projects Saudi voices authentically on the global stage. Every campaign, he believes, carries a responsibility beyond its immediate goals; it is part of shaping how the world understands the Kingdom.

“Every campaign, every message, every narrative we craft carries the responsibility of representing who we are,” he explains. This sense of responsibility has guided his career and continues to inspire the work of W7Worldwide.

Innovation at the Core

Looking forward, Abdulrahman is investing in innovation and research to ensure W7Worldwide remains ahead of industry trends. The agency’s pioneering Communicating Through COVID-19 Resource Centre, which won international recognition, reflected his commitment to providing clients and communities with tools to navigate uncertainty. Today, that same spirit of foresight drives new initiatives in digital communications, ESG strategies, and crisis management frameworks.

At the same time, Abdulrahman is deeply committed to talent development. By mentoring young Saudi communicators and connecting them to global networks, he is ensuring that the Kingdom not only participates in international conversations but leads them. His vision is clear: W7Worldwide should not simply be a successful agency; it should be a school of leadership for the next generation of PR professionals.

A Legacy of Trust

Despite the global awards, industry accolades, and strategic victories, Abdulrahman measures success by a different yardstick: trust. “True success in PR is not measured by awards or headlines—it is measured by the trust you leave behind,” he says. For him, trust is the ultimate currency in communications, whether between brands and consumers, leaders and stakeholders, or nations and the international community.

The Cover Story Spotlight

Today, Abdulrahman stands as more than a co-founder and director of a leading PR consultancy. bold yet grounded, globally minded yet culturally authentic. Through W7Worldwide, he has proven that a homegrown agency can achieve global recognition without compromising its identity.

As the agency continues to grow with new hubs like Bahrain and an expanding roster of clients across the GCC, Abdulrahman’s influence will only deepen. His story is not just about building a company; it is about shaping an industry, mentoring a generation, and ensuring that Saudi Arabia’s narrative is told with dignity, authenticity, and vision.

In every respect, Abdulrahman’s legacy is already unfolding—not in the awards displayed on shelves, but in the voices he has empowered, the bridges he has built, and the trust he continues to inspire across borders.

As for the expansion of W7Worldwide, we are broadening our presence across the GCC and MENA region to better serve our clients and strengthen our global positioning.