Saudi entrepreneur and Leeds alum earns British Council recognition
A graduate of the University of Leeds has been honoured by a major international awards programme recognising global impact.
Yasser Badahdah, who completed an MSc in Engineering Project Management in 2009, was awarded as a finalist in the Business & Innovation category of the British Council Alumni Awards in Saudi Arabia.
The awards celebrate international graduates of UK universities who have made significant contributions to their industries and communities. This year, more than 1,700 applications were submitted worldwide, highlighting the scale and competitiveness of the programme.
Badahdah has built a diverse portfolio spanning fintech, education, and tourism. He is the founder of WAKI, a cashless payments platform designed to enable safer, more controlled digital spending for children. Alongside this, he leads training organisations that have supported thousands of learners, as well as a travel agency with international recognition.
His time in Leeds played a formative role in shaping his approach to leadership and growth. “At that time, I was running companies and building businesses, but I needed to take some time out and acquire a systematic, internationally recognised approach,” Badahdah said. “Leeds appealed to me for its academic strength, practical focus, and diverse student community.
“Being selected for this award is a meaningful recognition of my journey and the role that education has played in shaping it. My experience at the University of Leeds helped me develop the perspective and confidence to take on complex challenges, and I’m grateful for the foundation it provided.”
Today, his work focuses on building scalable ventures in Saudi Arabia while contributing to broader economic development. Looking ahead, he hopes to expand his initiatives to support entrepreneurs and contribute to long-term economic and social development. He is also committed to giving back to the UK through collaboration, talent exchange, and knowledge transfer.
Badahdah also actively encourages people to follow in his footsteps and come to Leeds. He added: “I would encourage prospective students to make the most of the full experience at Leeds, both academically and beyond the classroom. The programme offers strong practical learning, but the diversity of the university and the people you meet is just as valuable.”
The Study UK Alumni Awards, now in their twelfth year, highlight the long-term value of a UK higher education and the global influence of its graduates.
Further information
- Image caption: Business and Innovation finalist Yasser Badahdah with His Majesty’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Stephen Hitchen. (Credit: British Council)
- Learn more about the benefits of applying for an Alumni Award.
- For media enquiries, please contact Faculty Communications Manager Matt Gardner at M.D.Gardner@leeds.ac.uk.
