60 Seconds With … Ghariba Suleiman

Ghariba Suleiman is Cargo and Logistics Director at King Salman International Airport, she focuses on hub creation, attracting local and international cargo and logistics partners, and developing the new KSIA Cargo Area. Her role is centred on building strategic partnerships and enabling Riyadh’s growth as a leading global logistics gateway, supporting Saudi Vision 2030’s ambition to position the Kingdom as a global logistics and trade hub. What was your dream job as a child? I wanted to be a cabin crew member because I loved the idea of travelling the world and meeting people from different cultures. While I never ended up living the childhood dream, I still get to travel extensively through my role in the aviation industry, so I’d say it worked out pretty well! What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in the industry? The recognition of air cargo as a strategic economic enabler rather than simply a transportation service. Today, cargo plays a critical role in national competitiveness, e-commerce growth, and supply chain resilience. What’s the most unusual thing you’ve ever shipped? Live bees. Thousands of them during my time in Abu Dhabi. It’s not every day you realise an Etihad freighter aircraft is carrying an entire flying workforce in the cargo hold. What’s one buzzword you secretly dislike? “Synergy.” It’s often used so much that it loses its meaning. Window or aisle seat? Window seat, every time. I love looking out and being reminded of how incredible God’s creation is. Whether it’s mountains, oceans, deserts, or city lights, the view never gets old. What’s the best business lesson you’ve learned the hard way? Alignment is just as important as execution. A great idea can fail if stakeholders are not aligned from the beginning. If you could swap jobs with anyone for a day, who would it be? Richard Branson – I’d love to experience his approach to entrepreneurship, building brands across industries, and leading with a sense of adventure and curiosity. Which three items would you bring to a desert island? My family, a lifetime supply of coffee, and a boat. I love adventure, but I don’t plan on staying stranded for too long! Tea or coffee? Coffee. No hesitation. Becoming a mother turned coffee from a preference into a necessity! What’s your guilty pleasure TV show or movie? Friends. No matter how many times I’ve seen it, I still watch it. What’s the most exciting place you’ve visited for work? That’s a difficult one because this industry has taken me to some incredible places. But if I had to choose, I’d say China. The scale, speed, and innovation across its aviation, logistics, and manufacturing sectors are truly impressive, and every visit offers something new to learn. If you could introduce one new regulation in air cargo, what would it be? A globally harmonised digital documentation framework to eliminate paper-based processes and improve efficiency across the supply chain. What’s your go-to karaoke song? Sweet Caroline. It’s impossible not to get the crowd involved. Describe your job in three words Connect. Negotiate. Deliver. What’s your hidden talent? Leaving a lasting impression. Whenever I meet someone, they tend to remember me long after the conversation ends. I’d like to think it’s my personality… but you’ll have to ask them! If you could instantly master one skill, what would it be? laying the piano. I’ve always admired people who can sit down and effortlessly create beautiful music. It’s one of those skills that combines creativity, discipline, and a little bit of magic. What’s something on your bucket list? I have a book called 1,000 Places to See Before You Die, and my bucket list is simple: see as many of those places as possible. I know I probably won’t make it to all 1,000, but I’d love to spend my lifetime ticking off as many as I can. What’s the best airport in the world, and why? Can I be biased? I’d have to say King Salman International Airport. We are building what I believe will become the world’s best airport, setting new standards for connectivity, passenger experience, cargo, and innovation. I can’t wait for everyone to experience it firsthand. If air cargo had a mascot, what would it be? An eagle. Fast, reliable, adaptable, and able to connect distant places. How did you get into airfreight/logistics? I stumbled into the industry by chance, but what made me stay was the people, the community and support! What quote has most resonated with you? “Be a good person and do good wherever you can.” It’s simple, but I believe how we treat people and the impact we leave behind matter far more than titles or achievements. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Be known for solving problems, not creating them. What is the most adventurous thing you have ever done? As of today, I would say Skydiving! If you could have dinner with any three people, living or dead, who would it be and why? Steve Jobs for his vision, innovation, and ability to challenge conventional thinking. Ne