COLABS, a Saudi headquartered community-led workspace platform backed by regional investors, has launched a 4,000 sqm campus in northern Riyadh, marking its entry into Saudi Arabia as competition grows to serve the Kingdom's expanding startup and SME sector.

Located in Al-Narjis, COLABS Narjis is designed to accommodate more than 500 members, including early-stage startups, scaling companies, and enterprise teams. The campus forms part of the company's broader strategy to create work environments that combine thoughtfully designed space, curated networks, and year-round programming.

The launch event drew more than 300 attendees, including founders, investors, policymakers, and members of the creative industries. Speakers included representatives from BECO Capital, Shorooq, 500 Global, Sotheby's, and Aqar.

"Saudi Arabia represents a significant long-term market for us," said Omar Shah, CEO of COLABS. "Our focus is on building environments where ambitious companies can work more effectively and where networks strengthen over time."

Faisal AlRashed, Managing Partner at Waseel, said "the partnership reflects deepening economic ties between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan and highlights the potential for greater cross-border collaboration across the region."

Through their curatorial initiative, COLABS Creative Collective (CCC), art, design, and culture are embedded into the COLABS experience, reflecting the shared Saudi–Pakistan Islamic cultural heritage. With local partners such as the Abdul Monem Arts Foundation and Noura Arts, the platform brings together artists from both countries through initiatives like the "Love Across Borders"series by Zahid Mayo and Ola Hejazi, alongside engagements across Lahore and Jeddah.

Beyond entrepreneurship, COLABS is committed to promoting culture, art, and music—deepening the cultural connection between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.

The campus includes event space for more than 200 people, a rooftop terrace, a podcast studio, and more than 10 meeting rooms, alongside amenities such as a daycare facility and on-site café. COLABS said it will also run a year-round calendar of programming designed to foster interaction among founders, investors, and operators.