Saudi boxer and entrepreneur Sulaiman Abbar talks about building his career and legacy, and the journey that’s brought him here.
Photo: Charl Marais
Saudi Arabia‘s rising star, Sulaiman Abbar, is a man who wears multiple hats. Not only is he a professional boxer with a passion, he’s also a dedicated businessman with sky-high goals.
For the uninitiated, Sulaiman Abbar is a partner at Abbar & Sons Ltd. and a board member of Ghazi Abdullah Abbar Co. Ltd. But that’s not where his expertise ends. As an enthusiastic boxer, Abbar is a rare entity who seems to have talents across spectrums. His passion for the sport started at a young age, while watching historical war movies like Troy, Alexander, and Gladiator, which motivated him to pursue boxing during his university years in London. The athlete started training in Fitzroy Logdge, one of the oldest boxing clubs in the country, honing his skills to make him one of the very best in his home country. Despite experiencing bias motivated by his background, he persevered and continues to pioneer both fields.
How does he do it all? “Time management is everything. I treat my day like a training session—there are always multiple tasks to tackle, so I break them down, focus on each, and ensure they’re completed,” Abbar tells Vogue Man Arabia. Below, the multi-hyphenate opens up about the challenges he has incurred while straddling two interests, the people who make his support system, and his hopes for aspiring athletes in Saudi Arabia.
Photo: Charl Marais
Boxer and businessman—you juggle two very demanding roles! What keeps you motivated 24/7?
It’s a matter of discipline and commitment in both. Boxing provides an immediate, intense challenge—there’s nothing quite like the thrill of stepping into the ring, pushing your mind and body to their limits. Business, on the other hand, is a game of patience and foresight, requiring a long-term vision. Balancing the two may seem intense, but in truth, they fuel each other. The lifestyle of a boxer—early mornings, disciplined nutrition, and an unwavering focus on fitness—cultivates mental clarity and resilience, qualities that serve me remarkably well in all ventures, particularly in business.
Who was the first person to inspire you to give boxing a try? Can you share your first memory of boxing with us?
My earliest inspirations were historical figures, Titans like Alexander the Great and Achilles—men drawn to greatness, even if it came at a cost. My own first encounter with boxing, however, was decidedly less heroic. It was during my boarding school years, and when I told the coaches about myself and my desire to box, they seemed almost puzzled, wondering why someone like me, who had no need to ‘fight their way out’ of anything, would want to step into a sport that’s often a path out of tough situations. My reasons, however, had nothing to do with necessity and everything to do with challenge. I was drawn to the discipline, grit, and intensity of the sport—qualities that felt timeless, even noble. Rather than waiting for encouragement, I relied on my own determination, cultivating a sense of self-reliance that has stayed with me and shaped how I approach every obstacle in life since.
Photo: Charl Marais
Support from family and friends is imperative when it comes to taking on challenges. Who in your life has been your biggest strength and support in this journey with boxing?
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have the support of my family and mentors along the way. My parents and siblings have always encouraged me to pursue my passions, even when the path I chose was unconventional and not without great risk. In the ring, one of the most influential figures has been Mark Reigate, my coach from my time at Fitzroy Lodge. He saw something in me beyond where I came from or who I was. Mark taught me that true mastery lies in the art, not the title. His belief in my potential gave me the strength to keep going, even when the journey felt impossible. He didn’t just train me—he showed me how to stand firm and be relentless, and most importantly to me, he believed in me.
As a partner at Abbar & Sons Ltd. + a board member of Ghazi Abdullah Abbar Co. Ltd. you’re bound to have a busy schedule. How do you split your days/weeks between your many passions?
Time management is everything. I treat my day like a training session—there are always multiple tasks to tackle, so I break them down, focus on each, and ensure they’re completed. My days are split between business commitments, where I focus on strategy, growth, and development, as well as boxing training and strength and conditioning sessions that keep me sharp both mentally and physically. I don’t believe in sacrificing one passion for another; if something matters, I make it work. Each has its place, and I’ve found that one complements the other. Boxing keeps my lifestyle disciplined and focused, which is invaluable for business, while business keeps me grounded and balanced in boxing.
Photo: Charl Marais
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received, and from whom?
The best advice I ever received came from my father. He once told me, ‘If you don’t sacrifice for what you want, what you want becomes the sacrifice.’ I heard it at a young age, and it’s something that’s stayed with me ever since. At the time, I didn’t fully grasp it, but as I’ve taken on challenges in both boxing and business, I’ve come to understand its truth. Pursuing a goal—whether in the ring or in life—requires discipline, sacrifice, and resilience. My father’s words have always reminded me that anything worth having demands a price, and I’ve been willing to pay it.
As a proud Saudi, what are your hopes for aspiring athletes in the country?
I hope that the next generation of Saudi athletes finds spaces where they feel supported and inspired. With Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is embracing sports in new ways, but we need more than just infrastructure. My goal with the gym I’m building is to create a community—a place where young fighters have the tools, guidance, and belief to push boundaries. I want them to see that they don’t need permission to break barriers. They can make their mark on the world stage if they’re bold enough to carve their own path.
Photo: Charl Marais
What is one key similarity between managing a business and being an established boxer?
Both require a strong, strategic team. In boxing, I rely on my coach, conditioning experts, and sparring partners. In business, it’s everyone from the ground-level to the executives that make the vision a reality. Success in either field isn’t just about the individual; it’s about building a team that’s aligned with your vision and committed to growth. But at the end of the day, I don’t rely on anyone else to set my goals—I set the pace, and I hold myself accountable for every win and loss.
You have achieved a lot at a young age. What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced so far, and how did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge was probably the early stereotyping I faced when I started boxing. Coming from Saudi Arabia, I wasn’t taken seriously at first. People assumed I wouldn’t stick with it for long, thinking I was just testing the waters. Yet the stereotyping didn’t trouble me—I was confident in my purpose and took their opinions as nothing more than idle chatter. I was there to commit and excel, and overcoming that required resilience and a strong sense of self-belief. I wasn’t looking for validation; I focused on my own growth, making sacrifices along the way, and was willing to do whatever it took. If they couldn’t see my potential, I was determined to make them see it.
Photo: Charl Marais
When it comes to business ventures, your plans are very much aligned with Vision 2030. How about your goals with boxing? Is there anything major you have set your sights on in the near future?
Absolutely. My ambitions in both business and boxing are closely tied to Vision 2030’s goals for a more prosperous Saudi Arabia. On the business side, I’m currently serving on the frontline as project manager for a major industrial venture that I’m very passionate about and fully immersed in. A state-of-the-art industrial complex encompassing a dairy factory, a powder packing plant, a vegetable processing factory, a sauce factory, and a can assembly factory. These factories will support local food security and reduce our reliance on imports. We’re in the construction phase, and it’s incredibly rewarding to contribute directly to the Kingdom’s food security and economic resilience.
In boxing, my vision is equally purposeful. I’m working to become the first Saudi professional boxer to own a gym in the Kingdom—a space designed not just for training but for building a community that supports and empowers local fighters. This gym will offer aspiring athletes the guidance and resources they need to pursue their dreams.
Lastly, what is one thing you wish you could tell your younger self?
I’d tell him, ‘Embrace solidarity, greatness is rarely found in the company of the many but in the solitude of the determined. Seek the challenges that others avoid, as only by testing your limits will you surpass them. Let discipline and sacrifice shape you, and remember that every great feat demands a price—pay it willingly. Set your sights on the highest goals, and let no obstacle deter you, for true purpose makes even the harshest trials worthwhile.’
