In the world of management consulting, where established methods and traditions are the norm, one firm has quietly started making a difference by doing things differently.

Founded in 2011, Beyond Consulting began with a clear vision: to become the top choice for small- and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) and public sector clients across the Arab world. Guided by the slogan, “Think Big, Start Small, Act Now” they have a straightforward approach that reflects their practical, step-by-step philosophy.

In less than a decade, the firm has solidified its local and regional presence, gaining a reputation as a trusted advisor in strategic planning, market research, and institutional reform. “The value of our company lies in our name,” says Marwan Ata, CEO/ Managing Partner – Beyond Consulting. “We always aim to go beyond the expected deliverables, focusing on outcomes that truly meet the core needs of our clients.”

This ethos of exceeding expectations has propelled Beyond Consulting to the forefront of the industry in Jordan and beyond, earning them a client roster that spans across the Middle East, from the halls of government in Riyadh to public reform projects in Amman and healthcare initiatives in Dubai.

Redefining Consulting in the Region

What distinguishes Beyond Consulting from its peers is its willingness to break free from conventional approaches. While many firms rely on tried-and-true frameworks, Beyond Consulting prides itself on offering innovative tools and methodologies that are tailored to the specific needs of the Arab world. The firm marries global expertise with a deep understanding of local cultures and economies- something that, according to Marwan, is essential in this part of the world.

“Our region presents unique challenges and opportunities,” says Marwan. “We’ve developed a consulting approach that combines international best practices with local insights. This is what allows us to create strategies that aren’t just theoretical but are rooted in the realities our clients face.”

Beyond Consulting’s innovative approach has been further strengthened by its strategic partnerships with global and regional consulting firms. Collaborations with industry leaders such as Candesic Consulting and Hygeian Consulting in healthcare, Avasant and Visagio in technology and transformation, and Agon Consulting in pharmaceuticals have expanded their reach and expertise. The firm has also forged alliances with local institutions like the Health Institutions Accreditation Council (HCAC) and Innovation360, deepening its footprint in key sectors like healthcare and innovation.

A proven track record

Since 2011, Beyond Consulting has completed more than 250 projects across seven countries, including Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Iraq. While the firm has worked with a wide range of industries, its primary strength lies in strategic planning for governments and NGOs, particularly in Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Over the years, Beyond Consulting has honed a proprietary Strategic Management System (SMS), a tool designed to ensure that strategic objectives align with day-to-day operational activities- a critical need for the often-complex governmental projects they manage.

The firm’s resume reads like a who’s-who of Middle Eastern public sector entities. In Jordan, Beyond Consulting has led the creation of the National Human Rights Plan (2022-2025) and the National Criminal Justice Strategy, and worked closely with key public bodies such as the Jordanian Judicial Authority and the National Center for Human Rights. Regionally, their clients include the Saudi Central Board for Accreditation of Healthcare Institutions (CBAHI), Dubai Healthcare City, and Bupa Insurance in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“Strategic planning for governments and large NGOs is a complicated process,” says Marwan. “Our success in this area stems from our ability to develop customized methodologies that not only meet our clients’ expectations but also address the unique needs of the region.”

A man with a vision

Much of Beyond Consulting’s success can be attributed to its CEO, Marwan Ata, whose career has spanned more than 15 years in strategic planning and management consulting. With an MBA from the German Jordanian University, a graduate certificate in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from Harvard Extension School, and a B.Sc. in Industrial Engineering from the University of Jordan, Marwan brings a wealth of academic and practical expertise to his role. He is also an International Certified Valuation Specialist (ICVS) and a certified Strategic Planning Consultant.

Throughout his career, Marwan has worked with some of the region’s most high-profile organizations, from developing the Jordanian Judicial Authority’s Strategic Plan (2017-2021) to crafting the National Healthcare Strategy for the King Abdullah II Center for Excellence. His deep knowledge of the region’s political and economic landscape has made him a sought-after consultant, not only in Jordan but across the Gulf states.

“Our job is not just about creating a roadmap for success,” Marwan explains. “It’s about ensuring that the roadmap is realistic, actionable, and culturally attuned to the environment in which it will be implemented.”

In addition to his consulting work, Marwan is an accomplished trainer, having led more than 16 seminars and workshops on strategic planning, marketing, and entrepreneurship. His experience spans multiple markets, including Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Palestine, further deepening his understanding of the region’s diverse challenges and opportunities.

Building for the future

As Beyond Consulting looks ahead, its goals are as ambitious as ever. The firm aspires to cement its position as the leading consulting partner for public sector entities and SMEs across the Arab world. In doing so, they continue to emphasize the importance of blending local expertise with global best practices- a strategy that has clearly resonated with clients.

For Marwan, the key to Beyond Consulting’s success is simple: “We think big, but we understand that meaningful change happens incrementally,” he says, echoing the company’s slogan. “Our job is to help clients act now, with the confidence that the steps they take today will set them up for long-term success.”