How Saudi star Yasir Alsaggaf took it to the next level

He is one of the most recognizable faces in the Kingdom, a beloved television presenter. But now multi-talented artist Yasir Alsaggaf is in the midst of an experiment for the next phase of his career.

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Standing among the historic houses of Jeddah’s Al Balad district, Yasir Alsaggaf has the air of being the right person in the right place. Although he is now one of the most widely-recognized stars of Saudi television, the public were first introduced to Alsaggaf through his voice, before they ever saw his face.

Alsaggaf started his media career on the radio, finding work at a local radio station by sheer coincidence. But don’t be fooled, his path to success was not one of luck and leisure, Alsaggaf had a clear vision of what he wanted to accomplish. And now, he’s closer than ever to the goal he originally set himself.

For years, Alsaggaf has been the face of flagship television shows on the Arab world’s leading broadcaster, MBC1, presenting many shows including crowd favourites The Voice and Wheel of Fortune. But this multi-talented performer had his eyes on something beyond television. His turn as Khaled—the smug young man who finds himself coaching a football team with special needs—in 2021’s Champions was a turning point. The film was incredibly well received (and successful) in Saudi cinemas, in large part due to the Alsaggaf’s performance and his recognisability.

Rather than rest on his considerable laurels, Alsaggaf quickly turned his focus to his next project, the upcoming film I Am Al Ittihad. The drama tells story of the Jeddah-based football club. Not only will it be an acting challenge, but there’s also a personal challenge to overcome—namely Alsaggaf’s life-long fandom for  rival Jeddah club Al Ahli. Ever the consummate professional, Alsaggaf is keeping his personal support out of it.

Predicting his next steps may seem difficult given his lofty ambitions but it seems clear that Alsaggaf’s immediate future is set to unfold in the world of cinema. As he spoke to Esquire Saudi, it was clear he was keen to present more of this side of himself to both Saudi and international audiences. He also has plans to step behind the camera, having honed his writing and production skills as well as his acting. Get ready for Yasir Alsaggaf’s next act.

Al Balad, Jeddah, 11 March 2023

ESQ: Do you miss the world of radio and television?

YASIR ALSAGGAF: Life consists of stages, I believe. For everyone there comes a time in your life when you feel you’ve had enough and need a change. When it comes to the radio, it was not longer challenging me. That chapter in my life is closed and I do not expect to go back. With television, I still present programs and do various broadcasters, I have a lot to give the public still.

What caused the shift from presenting to acting?

Acting is an integral part of entertainment. In 2015, I started to develop my skills as a writer, producer and actor. I’d been wanting to enter this field since then. I have worked on many different series, but the movie Champions was the pivotal turning point in my career.

Now that you’re in the world of cinema; do you have a clear goal of what you want to achieve there?

From my early days, I drew my artistic path clearly. I took my first steps very deliberately, starting with commercial films on cinema screens and working with various broadcasters. I made sure to cover a lot of areas of the industry. I’m always thoughtful in my choices for the film projects I take on. My upcoming projects are carefully selected, and I always wait for the right time to dive into an experience.

Is the ambition to go global?

I have already taken this step as presenter, working on a lot of international events, like presenting at the G20 and the Formula 1. I am trying to take the same approach in cinema, to reach a wider audience. I am currently working on a project I can’t talk about yet, but it will be global!

Tells us a bit more about the film I Am Al Ittihad…

The film follows the historical journey of the founding of the Saudi club Al-Ittihad. Although the story is well known among the masses, the movie deals with some exciting details about the founding of the club. I play one of the characters who played a pivotal role in the founding of the club and it was an amazing feeling. Being part of an epic drama that represents an exciting historical story. The film is still in the post-production stage, and it will enter the marketing and distribution cycle soon. The film is scheduled for the end of the summer. I hope the audience will like it.

You’re an Al Ahli fan, though. How did you work through that?

Yes, that’s correct! Although I am a fan of Al Ahli, I approached the role with professionalism. I have the ability to separate my personal preferences from my professional roles, but I definitely had mixed feelings while acting, in one scene in particular! I hope we’ll see a film about the history of Al Ahli soon.

How was your experience working with Telfaz11’s Kees Show? Would you do something similar again?

It was a simple experience and I learned a lot from it. I do not plan to do that kind of production again. But then again, nothing is impossible. I always try to seize opportunities.

Are there any plans for a Saudi project with a global ambition?

I am working on an international Saudi series alongside some truly brilliant people from the creative world. Sadly I can’t say more at the moment. But I promise people that it will exceed expectations.

You’ve been a presenter, actor, and producer. Are you still searching for your artistic path?

I am happy in all of those. Entertainment is all down to the content you provide to the audience. And how happy they are with it, the audience determines that. I charted my own artistic path, but I am  always striving to create more opportunities. I run my own production company that has supervised many local programmes, but I prefer to keep it discreet. I have found my own path and hope to achieve as much as possible.

Your family has long-standing roots here in Jeddah, and in Hijaz. Do you feel a particular connection to the historic Al Balad area of Jeddah?

To be in this rich area which has witnessed tremendous development over the past few years, is a rather indescribable feeling. It is a wonderful thing. I am optimistic about the future of Historic Jeddah in the coming years.

You mentioned before that you have hosted many conferences and televised celebrations. How comfortable are you facing an audience?

A lot of the conferences and celebrations that I presented came around ten years ago. During that period I was able to develop a special immunity to standing up there in front of an audience, but to be honest, even to this day those first 15 seconds are still pretty scary. I used to rehearse a lot in order to overcome this. The trick is not to make mistakes in those first seconds, then everything becomes easier.

So, you’ve done radio, television and film, is the theatre somewhere in your future plans?

I can imagine myself acting on stage. I’ve presented on stage many times but I haven’t had the opportunity to participate as an actor on stage. But there is no rush, I’m happy to wait for the right opportunity.

What’s something people don’t know about you?

I don’t have many secrets, but something the public doesn’t know is that I have spent most of my academic life outside of Saudi Arabia.

Yasir the engineer?

I worked in that field for nine years. When I got to radio and television, I decided to shift my profession. I do not plan to go back!

Do you have any pets?

Absolutely not. I have a particular phobia of creatures moving past my feet! 

Do you see yourself starting a podcast?

I see myself doing it. I am waiting for the right time, opportunity and, of course, the right content. It’s part of my future plans. It’s possible I could do something with Thamanyah if the right opportunity arises. From my personal point of view, the best way to get into the podcast world is with Thamanyah.

How do you balance professional and personal life?

I try to mix my professional and personal life. Despite my shortcomings, family occupies the very top of my priorities. At the end I do everything I can to be balanced with them.

Riyadh has really established itself as regional hub for media. Do you see yourself needing to leave Jeddah for the capital?

It’s an option. I already spend most of my week in Riyadh, but I travel a lot and I try hard to come to terms with myself about that.

What’s your relationship to sports?

I practice a lot of differently sports but I recently switched to padel, which has swept the sports scene in the Kingdom. I wouldn’t say I’m at a professional standard, but I’d love to be.

You’re coming up on 40. Does that make you feel any pressure?

Not at all. Creativity has no age. You can accomplish a lot, regardless of your age. It’s just a number. Although my choices change from one era to another. I don’t plan to retire early! I still have so much more I want to achieve.

See more of Yasir Alsaggaf in the latest issue of Esquire Saudi, on newsstands now

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