Jerry is the GCEO of Diriyah Company, a highly immersive, 63.2-billion-dollar Development, heritage, and tourism project. It will be home to 100,000 residents and aims to attract 50 million visits a year. Jerry is also Vice Chairman of Forbes Travel Guide who grew up in humble circumstances in Brooklyn and first visited Saudi Arabia in 1981. With over five decades in the hospitality and tourism industry, he has garnered global recognition as a visionary in the field, as well as a champion for Saudi Arabia and its people. In a conversation with Mo, they delve into the development and vision of Diriyah, emphasizing the significance of preserving Saudi Arabia’s rich history with the support of UNESCO. Jerry reflects on his appointment by His Royal Highness The Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman and shares his excitement for the future of Saudi Arabia. He highlights the ongoing enhancements to the quality of life in the country and the rapid evolution of tourism and prosperity.
0:00 Introductions
2:46 Giga-projects
4:57 60-Minutes Interview
8:26 Media coverage of Vision 2030
9:34 Ministry of Tourism
12:48 Decision to live in Saudi Arabia
15:44 HRH The Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman
19:41 Growing up in Brooklyn
24:45 Civilization, humility, leadership
27:59 Is Saudi a “sleeping giant”
32:35 Childhood and college years
35:27 Hobbies
39:50 UNESCO and Diriyah
50:00 Happiness, aging, finding peace
55:20 Rapid questions and future of Saudi
1:07:00 Worst and best advice
1:10:30 Ted Talk and closing words