Sulaiman Abbar: Building from the Ground Up

Sulaiman Abbar knows how to take a hit, but more importantly, he knows how to create something enduring—in and out of the boxing ring.

Currently ranked as Saudi Arabia’s top professional boxer, Abbar has made a name for himself with four knockouts in just as many fights.

Beyond his impressive boxing accolades, he’s a proactive member of Jeddah’s Chamber of Commerce and a businessman committed to boosting local industry and self-sufficiency through Ghazi Abdullah Abbar Co. Ltd.

Through his role in the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and as part of the Food and Pharmaceutical Industries Committee, Abbar contributes to bridging the gap between private businesses and government initiatives.

While his business acumen continues to grow, Abbar remains most passionate about boxing—not only as a competitor but as a catalyst for change.

He is determined to ensure that future generations of Saudi boxers have access to the training, expertise, and facilities that he lacked when starting out.

His investment in Jeddah’s boxing infrastructure reflects this commitment, not only for his career but for the sport’s development in Saudi Arabia.

Abbar’s recent focus has been on “Grassroots Boxing” events in Dubai, emphasizing a preparation method that values precision as much as raw intensity. For him, every training session has a clear purpose.

“Time management is key,” he explains. “Balancing boxing and business takes discipline, but the principle is the same—prioritize what matters and act with intent.”

Abbar is always striving for improvement, treating every fight as a learning opportunity. He studies his past performances meticulously, refining his skills with the kind of attention to detail that separates ordinary fighters from extraordinary ones.

“Boxing isn’t just about power,” he says. “It’s about control—control over your movements, emotions, and the rhythm of the fight. The best boxers impose their strategy while staying composed.”

This discipline pervades all areas of Abbar’s life, from his time in the ring to his business pursuits, where strategy, focus, and preparation remain central.

Saudi Arabia is emerging as a global sports hotspot, with substantial investments in high-profile events, international partnerships, and athlete growth.

While large-scale events like Riyadh Season attract international attention, Abbar highlights the importance of grassroots development to build a strong foundation for Saudi sports.

“Talent doesn’t grow in isolation,” he reflects. “It needs access, guidance, and opportunities. Without those, ability means little.”

The Saudi boxing scene is still in its early stages compared to established nations like the U.S. or U.K.

Local fighters possess talent but often miss out on training infrastructure and exposure to high-level competition.

Abbar envisions changing this with a comprehensive boxing ecosystem in Saudi Arabia. His vision includes certified trainers, youth academies, and pathways to transition from amateur to professional without the need to train abroad.

Despite his high rank in Saudi boxing, Abbar has yet to fight in his homeland. “I’ve fought abroad and represented Saudi wherever I go, but nothing compares to fighting on home soil. It’s a dream for any fighter,” he shares.

He hopes that by investing in boxing infrastructure, Saudi Arabia will soon host major boxing events with homegrown talent taking center stage.

Abbar is actively shaping this future. His soon-to-launch facility, SGA Club, is a testament to his dedication.

“No one should have to leave their home to pursue their dreams,” he says. “I had the privilege of training in top facilities overseas, and now I want to bring that experience home.”

SGA Club is tailored for serious fighters, offering state-of-the-art equipment, professional coaching, sparring areas, and programs for youth and amateurs.

The gym aims to be the heart of Saudi boxing, cultivating future champions and shaping local talent into top competitors.

Abbar is also contributing to Saudi Arabia’s economic progress. Through his role in the Food and Pharmaceutical Industries Committee, he connects private enterprises to government initiatives aimed at boosting local manufacturing and reducing dependency on imports.

Recognized for these efforts, he serves in Jeddah’s Chamber of Commerce, helping advance Vision 2030 goals.

Vision 2030 emphasizes economic diversification, with local manufacturing as a key focus. The government is incentivizing businesses to produce domestically, reducing reliance on imports while strengthening Saudi Arabia’s economy.

“A strong nation thrives on self-sufficiency,” Abbar states. “Whether in boxing or business, having a solid foundation is essential. We have the resources and talent to produce goods of global standards, both for local use and export.”

With Saudi Arabia positioning itself as a global business hub, Abbar believes entrepreneurs have a pivotal role to play in this transformation, whether in manufacturing, trade, or sports.

“The shift is happening,” he stresses. “The smart move is to be at the forefront of this transformation.”

Abbar’s approach to life is as authentic and confident as his approach to fashion. “I think I have my own style. I appreciate creativity but also love simplicity. Fashion is about how you feel in the moment; it’s an unspoken message.”

For Abbar, life’s rules are more about being genuine than conforming. His career and contributions extend beyond personal gains; they signify his efforts to create a lasting legacy.

“Ultimately, it’s not about titles or money,” Abbar concludes. “It’s about what you build and what you leave behind.”

By every move he makes—in the ring, in business, and for his community—Sulaiman Abbar is laying the foundation for a brighter future for Saudi Arabia.

Source: esquireme

The opinions shared in the GymNation KSA blog articles are solely those of the respective authors and may not represent the perspectives of GymNation or any member of the GymNation team.