Testimonials

Client Testimonials

“I am grateful to Fiona Hill for her presentation at our Pre-Mission Briefing for Victorian businesses going to Gulfood (Dubai) and Saudi Arabia. I have been in the Middle East a few times, but Fiona helped clarify my observations and gave me an understanding about what is important to Arabs, particularly in Saudi Arabia. I was so interested in what I learnt I have looked at Fiona’s take-away notes several times since.”
Brian Kearns, Project Leader International Market Access – Middle East, Meat and Wool Branch, Department of Primary Industries, Horsham, Victoria.

“I would have to say that (Fiona Hill’s Briefing) was the most interesting and useful Professional Development I have ever done”
Teacher, Swinburne College

“Fiona Hill’s briefing and facilitated seminar on Arab student Teaching and Management was highly professional, thoroughly researched, and clearly grounded in real life experience. Her presentation style is engaging, informative, impressive, and inclusive. Our staff have not stopped talking about it, indicating that they now feel far better prepared and confident to deal with the sorts of issues our clients from the Gulf Arab region present. I highly recommend Fiona for any professional development about the Arab region”
Rachel Mackie, Director of Studies ELICOS, Swinburne College, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn

“Dr Fiona Hill arranged and chaperoned our marketing visits to Saudi Arabia. Her special understanding of the region, her unique ability to navigate the government and business worlds equally, and her commitment to relationships proved invaluable. I know with certainty that our efforts to do business in the region without Fiona would have been wasted, and that her efforts have saved us years”
Peter Broadbent, CEO, Sustain Ability International P/L

“Fiona Hill provided great leadership throughout our visit (to KSA) and prepared us with the right amount of information to give us security and background. She impressed with her command and use of Arabic, and her cultural sensitivity. It was a great broadening experience for me. To have the company send me on a trip like this is better than any kind of cash bonus because you can’t go out and buy something like this. Its really very special, and I would encourage anyone who gets the opportunity to grab it with both hands”
Christine Bishop, Strategy & Planning Manager, Woodside Energy Ltd

“’With Fiona’s amazing connections and experience, our Syria tour itinerary was wonderfully varied. Her daily explanations of what to expect and how to interpret what we experienced were INVALUABLE and meant that we entered every situation with a positive, accepting, and enthusiastic attitude, which was returned in every encounter.”
Michelle Wild, CEO, Strange Fruit (Performance Troupe)

“I can’t think of anyone who could provide the same level of access in Asia as Fiona Hill does for the Arab countries . . . We would not be able to put together visits to decision makers like Fiona does”
Jill Wilson, Curriculum Corporation (formerly of Asia Education Foundation)

“’Fiona Hill’s presentations on the Arab region are informative and hold your interest. Her work helps enormously in turning around outdated perceptions of doing business, particularly in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which has the largest economy in the entire GCC and offers significant potential for Australia. The AACCI is proud to support such an active advocate of sound relationship building as Almanar Consultancy”
Max White, Executive Officer, Victoria Chapter, Australia Arab Chamber of Commerce & Industry