Naji Atallah leads the Construction and Manufacturing industries for Autodesk across EMEA Emerging Countries. He focuses on defining the regional vision for the industries, cultivating and sustaining the firm's relationships with strategic industry leaders and associations as well as enabling regional designers, builders and makers to innovate through the use of technology. He evangelizes purposeful digital transformation as a roadmap for companies to make more with a less negative impact on the plant necessary to sustain the demographic changes of the future.

His research interests focus on advanced technologies such as Generative Design and the effect of those technologies on the design process and outcomes. He is a peer-reviewed published author on the topic.

Naji has been in the engineering technology sector for nearly 25 years. Prior to joining Autodesk in 2013, he served as the Middle East Regional Manager for AVEVA Solutions and as a Project Engineering Lead for Petrofac. He holds a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the American University of Beirut, Lebanon.

Hani Rizkallah is the Program Director for the NEOM Spine project in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and is responsible for the delivery of the green-field 170-kilometer utility and transport corridor as well as the regional infrastructure program supporting NEOM.

Hani joined Bechtel in 1998, working in business development for the Europe, Africa, and Middle East region in the Civil business unit. In 2005, Hani became the senior project manager on the London Tube Lines project, responsible for delivering more than 20 station upgrades over the Jubilee, Northern, and Piccadilly Lines network. He then took on the project manager role for Liverpool Street Station on the Crossrail Project and, subsequently, the Vauxhall Station project.

In 2014, Hani moved to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as the delivery director for Underground Stations on the Riyadh Metro project, where he was responsible for the engineering, procurement, and construction of the deep underground stations, one of the largest and most complex scopes on the project. In 2019, Hani became the executive assistant to the chairman & CEO and the president & COO before taking on his current position with NEOM.

Hani is known for his energy, building strong teams, and his focus on delivering for the customer. He is passionate about creating a real sense of belonging. At NEOM, he is building a learning and development program that offers the whole team the opportunity to fulfill their potential. His ability to engage, collaborate effectively, and co-develop innovative solutions leaves a positive impact on our customers and inspires Bechtel colleagues.

Hani was named a principal vice president in 2019 and senior vice president in 2023. He holds a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering and an MBA, both from the American University in Cairo.

Steven Mifsud MBE is a global leader in the field of accessibility establishing accessibility consultancy Direct Access in 2004. Under his leadership, Direct Access has won several international awards including the MEED Editors Award in 2019. Steven has worked on some of the world’s most iconic projects including world expositions, Olympics and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. For Expo 2020 Dubai, Steven was appointed Director of Accessibility responsible for all aspects of access and inclusion during the construction and operation stages of the event. He has led teams working with a diverse range of Saudi projects including Qiddiya, Neom, Ilmi, Diriyah Gate and Seven. In 2021 he was awarded the MBE by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for creating a more accessible world.

Bandar is the General Manager (GM) and a Researcher at the Advanced Manufacturing Technologies Institute (AMTI) at the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST). KACST is both the Saudi Arabian national science agency and its national laboratories. Before being named GM in December 2022, Bandar was the director and a researcher at the National Center for Advanced Materials Technologies (NCAMT) and at the National Center for Building and Construction Technology (NCBCT), contributing leadership skills in the scientific and technical elements of major projects.

Bandar earned a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and Building Technology from King Saud University (KSU) in Riyadh and a Master of Architecture from the Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc) in Los Angeles. His master’s thesis project “New Flexibility and the Architecture of Time” researched the possibility of designing adaptable buildings that evolve over time in response to their users’ needs and requirements. Bandar received his Ph.D. from Virginia Tech in which his research focus and interest is in the area of Automation in Construction.

Christopher Seymour BSc FRICS Managing Director at MACE Middle East & Africa - Mace

Chris Seymour has more than 30 years’ experience in the industry and over 14 years based in the Middle East working in most of the major cities in the region.

Currently leading the strategy and investment of the Mott MacDonald Group in ME Africa and South Asia, Chris is the former managing director of the company’s 1300 strong Middle East operation and is the current Chair of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) MENA World Regional Board.

Chris is also an independent advisor on the Investment Committee of ENBD Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) and having spent many years in PFI and PPP procurement practising in both UK, Europe and Middle East. He also advises many clients on strategy, risk, commercial and technical advice for large public-sector investments.

A familiar face at conferences and industry events, Chris was awarded Construction Executive of the Year in 2020 by Construction Week magazine.

Prior to joining Mott MacDonald in 2016, Chris worked for Arcadis and was a member of the strategic advisory board to the Group, advising on mergers and acquisitions, divestments, strategy changes and shareholder presentations.

A well-known and respected thought leader in MENA affairs, Edward James has been with MEED for more than 19 years, working as a researcher, consultant and content director. Until September 2008 he was MEED’s Gulf Bureau Chief, after which he moved over to head up the consulting arm of the business. From 2015-2021 he was responsible for content and research at MEED Projects, the region’s leading projects tracking service. Today he heads up all content and research produced by the MEED group. His specific areas of expertise are construction, hydrocarbons, power and water, and the petrochemical market, and is considered one of the world’s foremost experts on the MENA projects market. He is a regular guest commentator on Middle East issues for news channels such as the BBC, CNN and ABC News and is a regular speaker at events in the region. He has an honours degree in Arabic and Middle East Politics.

Colin Foreman is Editor and a Specialist Construction Journalist for news and analysis on MEED.com and the MEED magazine. He has been reporting on the region since 2003, specialising in the construction sector and its impact on the broader economy. He has reported exclusively on a wide range of projects across the region including schemes such as Dubai Metro, the Burj Khalifa, Jeddah Airport, Doha Metro, Hamad International Airport, and Yas Island. Before joining MEED, Colin reported on the construction sector in the Middle East and Hong Kong. He has a bachelor’s degree from Newcastle University and a master’s degree from the University of Reading.

Varun Kharbanda, Managing Director, Protiviti Member Firm for the Middle East

Varun is Regional Middle East & India Leader for Real Estate, Infrastructure Industry & Capital Projects Advisory Vertical within Protiviti Member Firm. He leads a team of professionals responsible for providing end to end solutions for mega and complex Capital Projects and Programmes from concept to operational stabilization phase across varied range of project portfolios.

He has extensive international experience of 19 years across US, Europe, Middle East, Southeast Asia and India sub-continent in leading Project, Program & Portfolio level engagements with C-suite stakeholders.

Faisal leads and oversees our project governance and compliance, project controls, quality management, reporting, project risk management and project management information systems.

He has undertaken both strategic and operational roles over the last 13 years across several industries focusing on planning and development of large-scale projects in the Middle East and North America.

Prior to joining Red Sea Global, Faisal worked with Arcadis within their business advisory practice where he led business transformation projects in the UAE and Qatar. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a major in Finance and Economics from McGill University, Canada.

Arsanios is a seasoned digital leader with extensive knowledge of all aspects of digital transformation, strategy, and tactical operations. He has special interest in automation research and development to modernize the industry. Arsanios is an expert in building and training digital teams on new methods and enjoys challenging current workflows. He is also a selected speaker for New York Build and other industry forums.

Arsanios founded Singularity AEC to help companies reach their full digital potential. Along with his team at Singularity, Arsanios is pushing technological boundaries by offering unique design technology services and customized tools to the Architecture, Engineering and Construction industry.

Mohammed S. Al Surf, holder of PhD. in Sustainable and Green Construction. Founder & President of the Sustainability Professionals in Saudi Arabia Network (SPSA) reaching 5000 members. First Saudi to become a USGBC® Faculty, an ISSP® Sustainability Associate and a TRUE® Advisor. LEED® Accredited Professional in BD+C, ENV SP credential and a Green Classroom Professional. Author of the books titled “Sustainable Housing in Saudi Arabia: Opportunities & Challenges” and “10 Steps to Become a Sustainability Professional”. Member of several local and international professional entities such as the U.S. Green Building Council, the Saudi Council of Engineers (SCE), the Pacific Rim Real-Estate Society (PRRES), Asian Real-Estate Society (AsRES) and Project Management Institute (PMI). Dedicated to applying a systematic approach to Green Construction and Sustainable methods applied on projects in Saudi Arabia to induce quality of life while preserving the depleting supply of natural resources.

A well-known and respected thought leader in MENA affairs, Edward James has been with MEED for more than 19 years, working as a researcher, consultant and content director. Until September 2008 he was MEED’s Gulf Bureau Chief, after which he moved over to head up the consulting arm of the business. From 2015-2021 he was responsible for content and research at MEED Projects, the region’s leading projects tracking service. Today he heads up all content and research produced by the MEED group. His specific areas of expertise are construction, hydrocarbons, power and water, and the petrochemical market, and is considered one of the world’s foremost experts on the MENA projects market. He is a regular guest commentator on Middle East issues for news channels such as the BBC, CNN and ABC News and is a regular speaker at events in the region. He has an honours degree in Arabic and Middle East Politics.

Nasim Alahmad is the Executive Manager of ARCHIRODON in Saudi Arabia since March 2021 and has more than 35 years of diverse experience in business development, investment, construction and management of different portfolios across the Middle East region. Throughout his career, Nasim has held a succession of executive leadership, operational, and general management positions. His broad experience in project development and EPC execution ranges from smaller-scale projects to mega projects across multiple industries, including mix use, retail, healthcare, education, hospitality, and public facilities.

Paul Pring is Executive Director, Infrastructure at the Diriyah Company, leading the organization’s infrastructure delivery team for its Phase One masterplan development.

Paul has 42 years’ experience managing major international business changes across transportation, power, civil engineering, and construction sectors and successfully delivering major strategic programmes to tight timescales. His work has led him to Africa, Australasia, Canada, East Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Russia, and the US.

Prior to joining Diriyah Company in 2020, Paul was Managing Director of Bittaford Consulting in the UK and Canada, where he led on change and innovation on multiple high profile infrastructure projects. Before that, Paul was Director of Infrastructure, Rail at Babcock International where he was responsible for delivering engineering and telecommunications electrification across railway lines in the UK, including the Southern Region New Trains Program, where construction was completed in 15 months on a live operating railway. He also held various roles over 15 years at Mott McDonald Group, spearheading business growth throughout a variety of sectors.

Paul holds a BSc in Quantity Surveying from Thames Polytechnic and an MA in Building Rehabilitation from the University of Greenwich. He is additionally a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, a Fellow of the Association for Project Management and was one of the first 500 individuals globally to be an accredited Chartered Project Professional.

Engr. Hussein Hamdy is an industry professional in Structural Engineering, an alumnus of the Ain Shams University (Cairo-Egypt), with a phenomenal journey of 18 years of experience focused on design management, project management, tenders and proposals management. He is commended for his significant contributions in an array of mega-projects including high-rise buildings and mixed-use developments, also affiliated with the Egyptian Syndicate of Engineers and the Saudi Council of Engineers.

Engr. Hussein transitioned from the multinational consulting sector to construction. With his vast knowledge in business development, he plays a crucial role in achieving business success at the optimum level. His expertise has resulted in him cultivating excellent relationships with new prospects, existing clients, as well as local and international stakeholders. He steers the Group's business growth through his acute comprehension of real estate development projects, competitive analysis, market trends, fundraising initiatives, and his methodical approach in leading a full cycle projects' phase, whilst implementing and introducing the highest level of technical
knowledge.

His exceptional track record in Business Development Management, Proposal Management, and Project Support renders him an instrumental figure at BEC Arabia. He is recognized for his strategic revenue planning, risk management, and the cultivation of robust professional relationships. His proficiency fosters a positive impact on the organization's vision, business objectives, and overall operational success.

Dale Chadwick is the Chief Development Officer (CDO) of the King Salman Park Foundation (KSPF). Building on his extensive expertise in urban planning and project management, he is responsible for managing the masterplan and overseeing the project design and delivery of one of the largest urban parks in the world, King Salman Park.

Chadwick brings with him 25+ years of experience and an outstanding delivery track record in the construction and consulting industries. His successful career in managing large-scale construction projects across Asia includes some of the most iconic integrated resorts in the region. From conception through procurement to final handover and operation, he has delivered in excess of $17 billion of mixed-use resort and developments throughout his career.

Before joining KSPF, Chadwick was the Executive Project Officer at Macetpm where he successfully led teams in winning, managing, and delivering several high-profile projects in the Philippines. These include the largest and most advanced data center in the country, the PLDT Campus Headquarters Development in Makati, the SM-ASH Cebu arena and convention centre development, and the construction of the largest IKEA store at SM's Mall of Asia property. Chadwick also played a key role in The Estate residential and BDO’s banking headquarters towers, both being unique structures.

Prior to that, Chadwick served as Vice President Asia for Venetian Cotai Limited, managing the design and construction of several major integrated resorts in Macau and Singapore, including the Marina Bay Sands, Venetian Macau, Sands Cotai Central, The Parisian and the Four Seasons developments. Chadwick's expertise was also called upon for the design and construction documentation of two further Cotai Development parcels.

Previously, Chadwick oversaw the construction of two Disney-themed hotels in Hong Kong and was a Senior Project Manager for CMInternational overseeing the development of TVB’s Broadcasting Ltd television studio complex.

Chadwick began his career with Ove Arup and Partners HK, where he worked on major projects such as the KCRC West Rail and the Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminal Limited. Chadwick holds a BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Exeter.

Christopher Seymour BSc FRICS Managing Director at MACE Middle East & Africa - Mace

Chris Seymour has more than 30 years’ experience in the industry and over 14 years based in the Middle East working in most of the major cities in the region.

Currently leading the strategy and investment of the Mott MacDonald Group in ME Africa and South Asia, Chris is the former managing director of the company’s 1300 strong Middle East operation and is the current Chair of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) MENA World Regional Board.

Chris is also an independent advisor on the Investment Committee of ENBD Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) and having spent many years in PFI and PPP procurement practising in both UK, Europe and Middle East. He also advises many clients on strategy, risk, commercial and technical advice for large public-sector investments.

A familiar face at conferences and industry events, Chris was awarded Construction Executive of the Year in 2020 by Construction Week magazine.

Prior to joining Mott MacDonald in 2016, Chris worked for Arcadis and was a member of the strategic advisory board to the Group, advising on mergers and acquisitions, divestments, strategy changes and shareholder presentations.

Khaled Alohali is the Executive Chairman at MZ Engineering Consultancy Company, and he works with private sector companies and public sector organisations to provide Business & Industrial Engineering Consultancy Services, Advisory and Solutions.

Previously to this, he held senior positions at Saudi Arabian Mining Company – Ma’aden Holding from 2014 – March 2022, as Senior Vice President – Corporate Strategic Affairs, Vice President – Corporate Affairs and Vice President – Corporate Strategy, Planning and Development.

He has also worked in C-Level suite positions at Charles River Associates International – C.R.A.I, the National Industrial Clusters Development Program – NICDP, National Air Services – NAS Holdings, and the Saudi Arabian Economic Offset Program – EOP.

Since starting his working life, with a BS in Mechanical Engineering - Honors from the University of Petroleum and Minerals, Saudi Arabia (now KFUPM), he has been determined to make a distinctive added-value to every task he executes. At the same time, he is a productive and collaborative member of the society through work and in life.

Through the past 28 years, he has been involved with extraordinary leadership, advisory and analytical tasks including; leading two start-up companies, several organisational structuring, strategies planning and implementation (national and corporate), investments evaluation, dealing with multinational companies, local firms and government agencies, promoting Saudi Arabia with global investors, calculating the impact of the Kingdom’s hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon incentives, planning for industrial infrastructure development, assessing economic impact of future mega industrial projects, measuring national economic progress using metrics other than GDP, and articulating several cases-for-change aimed at adjusting some public policies or proposing new ones.

Colin Foreman is Editor and a Specialist Construction Journalist for news and analysis on MEED.com and the MEED magazine. He has been reporting on the region since 2003, specialising in the construction sector and its impact on the broader economy. He has reported exclusively on a wide range of projects across the region including schemes such as Dubai Metro, the Burj Khalifa, Jeddah Airport, Doha Metro, Hamad International Airport, and Yas Island. Before joining MEED, Colin reported on the construction sector in the Middle East and Hong Kong. He has a bachelor’s degree from Newcastle University and a master’s degree from the University of Reading.

Richard Kupisz is an Executive Advisor at the National Center for Privatization & PPP (NCP), where his responsibilities encompass development of the policy framework for Private Sector Participation, capacity building across the public sector, economic analysis and research. He has more than 30 years’ experience as an advisor to governments and private sector clients on infrastructure strategy, planning and transactions in a wide range of sectors, including energy, water, transport, tourism and telecoms. Richard has been based in the MENA region since 2004.

Andy is Head of Construction at Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind The Red Sea and Amaala, two ambitious tourism projects set along the western coast of Saudi Arabia. These destinations will play key roles in the realization of Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s blueprint for economic diversification and sustainable development.

Since joining RSG in July 2018, he has been responsible for leading the Project and Construction Management team’s on-site delivery of The Red Sea.

Andrew has over 40 years of international experience in project and construction management, across hospitality, leisure, retail, infrastructure, commercial, and industrial developments, including several major building and infrastructure projects.

After initially working for main contractors in the UK, Andrew relocated to Hong Kong where he worked as a Project Manager for a large management contractor for eight years.

Since moving to the Middle East in 2004, he has held senior leadership roles for the project delivery of prestigious ventures, such as Ski Dubai and Etihad Rail Phase 1. He also led the 175-strong Construction Management team developing Atlantis The Palm.

He was previously the Vice President of Construction at MGM Hospitality. When he joined AECOM in 2011, he led a team of 500 project and construction management and supervision resources across the UAE and Oman.

Andrew holds a Bachelor's Degree in Building and Construction Management from the University of Reading, UK.

Abdul-Rahman Al Ghabban is a dynamic, highly engaging Senior Strategy and Business Development Professional with proven executive-level experience in developing and driving strategic planning, project development, team development, and business growth within the energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing markets, nationally and internationally.

Abdul-Rahman has worked for several government agencies, including the King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority, among other private-sector companies.

In 2013, he joined Bechtel as the business development manager for Bechtel’s Power Global Business Unit. After two years, he was appointed deputy country manager for Saudi Arabia in 2015. In recognition of Abdul-Rahman’s strong in-country experience and effective leadership, Abdul-Rahman was promoted to Country Manager Saudi Arabian Bechtel Company in 2017 where he spearheaded the company’s growth and expansion in the region.

He moved to Houston, USA in January 2019 to support Bechtel’s Oil, Gas and Chemicals’ downstream and chemical business development. In early 2020, he moved on to be the Deputy Manager of Corporate Business Development. Abdul-Rahman became the Marketing and Business Development Manager for Bechtel’s Manufacturing & Technology in 2022.

Abdul-Rahman returned to the Kingdom in mid-2013 as Vice President of Bechtel’s KSA Infrastructure. In this role, he led the company’s regional business strategy, stakeholder and customer engagement, talent management, and project operations for the company’s Public Infrastructure business line.
Most recently, Abdul-Rahman was appointed president of Saudi Arabian Bechtel Company and regional manager for the Middle East Region. In this role, he will support the Bechtel’s business development and project execution in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.

Abdul-Rahman is a registered professional engineer, he holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Executive Education Emerging Leaders from London Business School, and an Executive Masters in Energy Management from BI Norwegian School of Business Management.

Mohammed S. Al Surf, holder of PhD. in Sustainable and Green Construction. Founder & President of the Sustainability Professionals in Saudi Arabia Network (SPSA) reaching 5000 members. First Saudi to become a USGBC® Faculty, an ISSP® Sustainability Associate and a TRUE® Advisor. LEED® Accredited Professional in BD+C, ENV SP credential and a Green Classroom Professional. Author of the books titled “Sustainable Housing in Saudi Arabia: Opportunities & Challenges” and “10 Steps to Become a Sustainability Professional”. Member of several local and international professional entities such as the U.S. Green Building Council, the Saudi Council of Engineers (SCE), the Pacific Rim Real-Estate Society (PRRES), Asian Real-Estate Society (AsRES) and Project Management Institute (PMI). Dedicated to applying a systematic approach to Green Construction and Sustainable methods applied on projects in Saudi Arabia to induce quality of life while preserving the depleting supply of natural resources.