When speaking about entrepreneurship in the Kingdom, the name Loai Naseem—the designer and businessman—inevitably comes to mind.
He is not only a symbol of personal success but also a pioneer who sought to transform the image of Saudi men’s fashion by redefining the traditional thobe in a modern style that aligns with the aspirations of the new generation.
Loai Naseem’s journey was anything but conventional. It was filled with challenges that he turned into opportunities,
until he became one of the most prominent names in the Kingdom in the worlds of fashion and entrepreneurship—an inspiring example of perseverance and creativity.
Early Life and Upbringing
Loai Naseem was born in Jeddah in 1969, into a well-off family that provided him with a stable environment conducive to developing his talents.
From a young age, he was passionate about drawing and art, a passion that shaped his identity and later influenced his career choices.
Although his first dream was to study architecture, his academic record did not allow him to pursue that path.
He instead enrolled in the Business Administration program at King Abdulaziz University.
However, he soon realized that this field neither reflected his ambitions nor satisfied his artistic inclinations.
At this juncture, he made a life-changing decision: to move to the United States to continue his studies at the Art Institute of Houston.
There, he graduated in 1995 with a degree in graphic design. This step proved to be the turning point that paved the way for his creative breakthrough.
Education
Joining the Art Institute in Houston was not merely an academic pursuit, but a life experience that shaped his personality and ambitions.
There, he was introduced to diverse art schools and exposed to the latest design methods and creative thinking approaches.
This allowed him to build a deep knowledge base that later enabled him to blend art with business.
This unique combination of academic training and innate talent made him a designer capable of seeing details through a different lens, giving him the ability to stand out in every project he undertook.
Career Path and Professional Journey
Upon returning to the Kingdom, Loai began his career in advertising. He worked as an Art Director at the global agency Leo Burnett before moving to Three Points as a Creative Director.
During this period, he gained extensive experience in art direction, marketing, and brand identity development—skills that later became cornerstones of his success.
Yet Loai’s ambitions extended beyond advertising. He carried within him a strong desire to create tangible change in Saudi society through fashion.
In 2002, the idea of reinventing the Saudi thobe and presenting it in a more contemporary form was born.
After three years of planning and conceptualizing, he launched his own venture, Lomar, which started modestly but quickly grew into a landmark brand in the men’s fashion industry.
Achievements
Loai Naseem’s achievements cannot be summarized in titles or awards alone—they represent an ongoing journey of transformation, creativity, and impact.
Since founding Lomar in 2005, he has revolutionized Saudi fashion by not simply offering traditional garments, but by introducing an entirely new concept: “Redefining the Saudi thobe.”
This innovative vision established Lomar as a pioneering brand that successfully blended authenticity and heritage with modernity and practicality.
As a result, it captured the admiration of a broad segment of Saudi and Gulf society alike.
Lomar’s success was not confined to the local market. The brand soon gained recognition beyond the Kingdom, opening new horizons for Saudi fashion in regional markets.
Alongside its commercial triumphs, Loai Naseem has been recognized with numerous awards and honors.
The U.S.-based Endeavor organization named him “The Most Influential Entrepreneur in Saudi Arabia” in 2012, an acknowledgment of his impact on the local entrepreneurial community.
He also received the Okaz Entrepreneur Award at Souk Okaz, a recognition that reflects the appreciation of cultural and commercial institutions in the Kingdom for his efforts.
In 2015, Forbes magazine ranked him second on its list of the most creative entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia—a global recognition that cemented his place among the most influential figures in the Middle East.
But Loai’s achievements extend beyond accolades. He was one of the few who managed to reshape the Saudi consumer’s perception of fashion,
turning the traditional thobe into a luxury garment suitable for both formal and everyday occasions, capable of competing with global brands in quality and elegance.
This transformation not only boosted the local fashion industry but also inspired a new generation of Saudi designers to enter the field with confidence and passion.
Loai’s influence also extended to advertising and visual creativity.
He contributed to establishing agencies such as Three Points and Leo Burnett Saudi, offering creative solutions that helped develop the marketing and advertising industry in the Kingdom.
His long-standing expertise gave him the ability to merge the worlds of design and management, making him a figure who bridges art and economics, creativity and innovation.
In addition, his literary achievement came with the publication of his novel “From the Door of Change”, which reflected his intellectual journey and personal struggles.
The book offered readers an enriching human experience blending stories of success and failure, dream and reality.
It was not merely a literary work but a motivational message, encapsulating his philosophy that every closed door can lead to a new opportunity—if one has the courage to seek its key.
Personal Life
Away from the spotlight, Loai Naseem leads a balanced life, giving great importance to his family and roots.
His personality reflects a unique blend of Saudi authenticity and openness to the world. He remains deeply attached to his traditions while embracing innovation and modernity.
This balance is clearly reflected in his designs, which merge the spirit of Saudi heritage with the pulse of global fashion.
Wealth
Thanks to his multiple successes, Loai Naseem managed to build significant wealth that placed him among the Kingdom’s prominent businessmen.
Although the exact figures of his net worth have not been officially disclosed, the commercial success of the Lomar brand and its expansion inside and outside the Kingdom,
along with his contributions to advertising and marketing companies, indicate that he has built a strong financial foundation reflecting the scale of his achievements and leadership in his field.
