Olivier Crasson is President of Al Bawani Construction Company and a senior executive in large-scale infrastructure and Public-Private Partnerships. With over 20 years of experience across the Gulf countries, he has overseen complex projects and corporate transformations.

During his tenure with BESIX Group, the company was involved in major stadium developments including King Abdullah Sports City, Al Janoub Stadium, and Khalifa International Stadium.

He now leads Al Bawani’s role in delivering the Dammam Stadium, combining international expertise with local execution capabilities.

Ashraf Alameria is Chief Executive Officer I CEO at El Seif Engineering Contracting responsible for the overall vision, strategy and performance of the Company. Prior to his recent appointment as the CEO, Ashraf led as COO the organization's (Operations) business transformation and restructuring through COVID-19 into new sectors, business verticals, international partnerships, the award of signifcant new landmark projects, a major M&A equity partnership with PIF, and a company-wide digital transformation.

Ashraf joined ElSeif in 2019 following a 21 year career with Bechtel Corporation where he held (elected) office as Principal Vice President (PVP) of Bechtel Group, board director and alternate chairman on the Riyadh Metro, Chief Executive of Bechtel’s corporate multi-Global Business KSA Execution Org, and Bechtel's General Manager for the National Projects, O&M Management Organization (NPMO now EXPRO), where he led a nationwide reform of the national project delivery & planning of $240bn in capital projects across KSA to align with international best practices.

Prior to his 5 years leading the consortium team on the $12bn BACS Riyadh Metro Program, Ashraf led Bechtel’s multi billion-dollar flagship Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD) program from 2010 to 2013 to successful completion delivering 51 km2 of industrial cities, roads, bridges, utility networks, power stations and sewage plants projects in the UAE. In 2007, he led the project management & construction for Tube Lines’ $9bn, 30-year public-private partnership (PPP) Capital Projects Program for London Underground in the UK to modernize the Jubilee, Northern and Piccadilly lines to improve 250 trains, 100 stations, 190 miles of track, 2400 bridges, and 230 escalators & lifts where he exercised oversight over 91 project managers and senior project managers and 300+ construction management professionals.

Ashraf has worked on some of the world's most significant Infrastructure development projects including the $11.6bn High Speed 1 (HS1) linking the Channel Tunnel to London and the $2.3bn Iraq Infrastructure Reconstruction Program (IIRP) for USAID. He has an exceptionally strong background in a wide range of project structures, including design–build, full EPCM, joint ventures, and public–private partnerships. He has worked across multiple sectors in multiple regions including the US, Europe, GCC and MENA.

Ashraf completed Bechtel's General Management Plan in 2012. He was elected Principal Vice President (PVP) of Bechtel Group in 2018.

Mohamed Amer works as the Managing Director for the MENA region with the International Code Council (ICC). He joined ICC to run the Dubai office by providing strategic direction and on-the-ground support to organizations involved in building safety across the MENA region. His work spans government entities, construction companies, manufacturers, design professionals and other key stakeholders. With over 15 years of experience in oil/gas, project management, and TIC industries, Mohamed leads ICC’s operations and business development aspects in the MENA through existing and new partners, to help deploy/lead/facilitate ICC’s service lines for new business offerings across its family of solutions spectrum.

A distinguished speaker at conferences and workshops, Mohamed reinforces ICC's mission in building safety/innovation/sustainability, showcasing his commitment to advancing the industry's best practices and standards. His contributions underscore his dedication to fostering a safer and more resilient built environment in the MENA region. He obtained his Master’s degree in Engineering Systems Management and Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering with Minor in Applied Mathematics and Computational Methods from the American University of Sharjah.

Abdulelah bin Abdulaziz Alsheikh
Country Director – Jacobs
m: +966.50.545 5912
e: abdulelah.alsheikh@jacobs.com

Executive Summary

Visionary leader and urban strategist with an extensive background spanning over 25 years in the Real Estate Development sectors. My experience was largely acquired in progressive, growth focused leadership roles with government, private sector, and international organizations, including the Public Investment Fund (PIF), Jacobs, and lately BoD member of Kanoo Holding Group.

My value proposition is centered around setting a clear vision and high impact strategies for organizations that enable successful business roll outs, superior financial returns and ultimately, greater value generation for these businesses.

Areas of Expertise

My specialism and expertise include urban economics, real estate development and management, funding, finance and governance organizational models.

Core skills

• Visionary
• Strategist
• Investments
• Real Estate Development
• Entrepreneurship
• Governance and Policy
• Mentoring
• Transformations

Career History
2022 to date Board Member of KANOO Holding Group, Independent Director
2020 to date Country Director, Saudi Arabia, Jacobs.
2018 - 2019 Acting Chief Executive Officer, Public Investment Fund (PIF), reporting a board chaired by HRH the crown Prince.
2015 – 2017 Senior Policy Advisor to the Minster of Municipal and Rural Affairs (MoMRA),
2014 – 2017 UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Program), Gulf States Regional Policy Advisor, Advisor to the Saudi Cities Future Program
2008 – 2014 Vice President of Business Development, Maskan Arabia

Board Service, Honors, Special Skills and Education

2018 – 2021 Board Member Bidaya Home Finance, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
2008 – 2017 Maskan Arabia, Founding Board Member,
2008 – 2013 Member of Board of Directors International Urban Strategies
2020 to date Chairperson, Nowarni Charity Org
2018 to date Co-Founder Urban Research Lab

Education

2000 University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia Master’s Degree, Urban Management
1994 King Saud University, Saudi Arabia, Business Administration Degree

Professional development

1997 HIS, Erasmus University, Rotterdam, The Netherlands ICHD Post-Graduate Diploma with Distinction, Housing Finance
1996 Institute of Public Administration, Economic Analysis Cours

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.

Wesley Thomson is a globally recognized leader in ESG and sustainability, with over 20 years of experience driving transformative strategies across both the public and private sectors. As Partner and Head of ESG at Knight Frank MENA, he spearheads the development of cutting-edge, high-impact ESG initiatives that are reshaping the regional real estate and investment landscape.

Throughout his career, Wesley has held senior leadership positions at top-tier organizations including Accenture, JLL, and ADQ, where he was instrumental in embedding sustainability into the core of business operations. His work has consistently delivered long-term value and measurable impact, making him a trusted advisor to governments, global institutions, and Fortune 500 companies alike.

Known for his strategic foresight and results-driven approach, Wesley is at the forefront of advancing ESG innovation in the MENA region—bridging global standards with local relevance to accelerate the transition toward a more sustainable future.”

Dr. Alassafi is an industry leader who specializes in giga projects. He worked in multiple leadership roles in the real estate and construction industries, delivering healthcare, transportation, mass housing, and logistics, and infrastructure types of projects. His expertise covers business management, strategic refinement, and initiative delivery. Plus, he advises on best practices, delivery methods, and new trends in the construction industry. Besides practical experience, Dr. Alassafi has researched and published academic papers on optimizing life cycle cost (LCC).

Dr Fahad Alotaibi Ph.D. is an architect and educator. Fahad studied at King Saud University (BSc Architecture and Building Science) and the University of Sheffield (MArch Architectural Studies). He has a PhD in Environmental Design/ Architecture from University of Calgary- Canada. Fahad joined the college of Architecture and Design at Qassim University, and holds a head of architecture department position. He has been a reviewer and juror for many organizations: Reviewer of King Salman urban charter [2021] (Ministry of Culture- Saudi Arabia), 1st design competition for Saudi architects, jury member [2020] (Ministry of Housing), Abdullatif Al Fowzan Award for Mosque Architecture, technical reviewer [2019]. Council of Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, expert peer reviewer [2018], Riyadh Municipality’s Award for Architectural and Urban Creativity, jury member [2023] (Riyadh Municipality) . Fahad’s research and teaching focus on the social and cultural processes that shape the forms and meanings of built environments, particularly in Gulf region. His research is primarily in the areas of: 1-Tall Building Design. 2- Human Behaviour & Environmental Psychology. 3-Cultural heritage & UNESCO conventions and programmes. 4- Culture, Identity and Place Making. 5- Architecture Theory and Criticism

Muhammad A. Alqahtani is known for his remarkable achievements in project management, arbitration, and driving transformative change. With a solid academic foundation — a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from KFUPM, a master's in Engineering Management from IAU, and an MBA from Liverpool John Moores University — Muhammad has supplemented his education with a Project Management qualification from George Washington University. He is recognized as a registered Professional Civil Engineer and Technical Expert, holding certifications as an Arbitrator, TapRoot Analyst, and Six Sigma Green Belt, alongside a certificate of management excellence from Harvard Business School.

Currently serving as Executive Vice President at Sports Boulevards Foundation (SBF), Muhammad spearheads the development and execution of projects exceeding SAR 5 billion, critical to realizing KSA's Vision 2030. With extensive experience at Qiddiya Investment Company and Saudi Aramco, he has further enriched his expertise through the Executive Education Program at Harvard Business School, specializing in Managing Turbulence.

Mohammed S. Al Surf, holder of PhD. in Sustainable and Green Construction. Managing Director of Tilad Sustainability Co and Tilad Institute. Founder of the Sustainability Professionals in Saudi Arabia Network (SPSA) reaching more than 15,000 members. Top 100 Sustainability Voices in the Middle East in 2024, and named 10 Most Dynamic Entrepreneurs Diversifying the Economy in Saudi Arabia for 2024. 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 Circular Economy Alliance, 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.

Charles Phillips is an independent consultant specialising in sustainable development in Saudi Arabia. He advises the UN Global Compact in Saudi Arabia and ModeScore, a sustainable transport certification expanding across the region. He is also an Associate at Aeon Collective, a Saudi NGO dedicated to sustainable development. His work focuses on climate change and sustainability policy, the Kingdom’s giga projects, and its growing tourism and heritage sectors. Charles has travelled and worked extensively across the Middle East and holds an MPhil in Modern Middle Eastern Studies from the University of Oxford.

Professional Experience
Dr Mark Smith has provided construction and programme advisory services for over thirty years, serving in key management consulting positions around the globe Mark has led capital project consulting practices across the Americas, Asia Pacific and Africa He currently leads Deloitte Middle East’s Infrastructure Capital Projects team and is based in Dubai, UAE.

Mark is recognised as one of the leading experts in building capabilities and designing organisations to deliver mega projects and large scale programmes Mark has served clients across the entire project ecosystem, including global engineering construction companies, emerging market governments, infrastructure fund investors and large multinational conglomerates H e brings his pioneering vision and approach to the delivery of some of the largest infrastructure projects in the world.

World Class Examples
With his strong foundation in Civil Engineering, Construction and Project Management, Mark has applied his distinguished leadership to large scale projects with a combined value of over one hundred billion dollars Some of his notable career highlights include the development of innovative construction management approaches on one of the first giga projects ever, a twenty year dam and power station construction programme for the China Ministry of Water Resources, which included the Three Gorges Dam The novel approaches he developed were applied to successfully deliver control and management of the many projects Mark also led the initial rollout of the World Bank’s City Resilience Programme Using digital design technology to map financial decision making, over ninety emerging market cities were empowered to design and build infrastructure for greater resilience to climate change Currently, Mark is leading Deloitte’s efforts at NEOM in Saudi Arabia, arguably the largest infrastructure program in the world, for several proponents including The LINE’s governance and PMO setup and as the senior lead executive on the Gulf of Aqaba proponent EPMO.

Education Qualifications

• Doctor of Philosophy in Construction Engineering and Project Management - The University of Texas at Austin
• Master of Science in Civil Engineering - Oklahoma State University
• Licensed Professional Engineer(PE) - State of Texas, USA
• Certified Public Accountant(CPA) - State of California, USA
• Certified Project Management Professional(PMP)

Olivier Crasson is President of Al Bawani Construction Company and a senior executive in large-scale infrastructure and Public-Private Partnerships. With over 20 years of experience across the Gulf countries, he has overseen complex projects and corporate transformations.

During his tenure with BESIX Group, the company was involved in major stadium developments including King Abdullah Sports City, Al Janoub Stadium, and Khalifa International Stadium.

He now leads Al Bawani’s role in delivering the Dammam Stadium, combining international expertise with local execution capabilities.

Josep Forroll is the Chief Development Strategy Officer and acting Chief of Development for Diriyah Phase 3 at Diriyah Company. In his current role, Josep is responsible for defining and overseeing strategies across the Diriyah Development Company. With over 20 years of global experience, Josep brings expertise to the forefront of Diriyah's transformation.

Before his role at Diriyah Company, Josep contributed to defining the vision, concept, organizational setup, and overall strategy for several Real Estate gig and mega projects in Saudi Arabia. His portfolio includes projects such as Red Sea, NEOM, Al Ula, and Jeddah Central, where he worked with senior country leadership to shape the future of these developments.

Josep has extensive experience defining and driving company strategies, transformations, governance, organization models. He has experience across various industries and geographies. Before joining Diriyah Company, his career includes senior positions at strategy consulting firms such as Boston Consulting Group and Oliver Wyman.

His educational journey includes a Master of Science in Telecommunications Engineering, a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering, and an MBA from INSEAD. Presently, he serves as a member of the Executive Committee of the INSEAD alumni association in Saudi Arabia.

Ashraf Alameria is Chief Executive Officer I CEO at El Seif Engineering Contracting responsible for the overall vision, strategy and performance of the Company. Prior to his recent appointment as the CEO, Ashraf led as COO the organization's (Operations) business transformation and restructuring through COVID-19 into new sectors, business verticals, international partnerships, the award of signifcant new landmark projects, a major M&A equity partnership with PIF, and a company-wide digital transformation.

Ashraf joined ElSeif in 2019 following a 21 year career with Bechtel Corporation where he held (elected) office as Principal Vice President (PVP) of Bechtel Group, board director and alternate chairman on the Riyadh Metro, Chief Executive of Bechtel’s corporate multi-Global Business KSA Execution Org, and Bechtel's General Manager for the National Projects, O&M Management Organization (NPMO now EXPRO), where he led a nationwide reform of the national project delivery & planning of $240bn in capital projects across KSA to align with international best practices.

Prior to his 5 years leading the consortium team on the $12bn BACS Riyadh Metro Program, Ashraf led Bechtel’s multi billion-dollar flagship Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD) program from 2010 to 2013 to successful completion delivering 51 km2 of industrial cities, roads, bridges, utility networks, power stations and sewage plants projects in the UAE. In 2007, he led the project management & construction for Tube Lines’ $9bn, 30-year public-private partnership (PPP) Capital Projects Program for London Underground in the UK to modernize the Jubilee, Northern and Piccadilly lines to improve 250 trains, 100 stations, 190 miles of track, 2400 bridges, and 230 escalators & lifts where he exercised oversight over 91 project managers and senior project managers and 300+ construction management professionals.

Ashraf has worked on some of the world's most significant Infrastructure development projects including the $11.6bn High Speed 1 (HS1) linking the Channel Tunnel to London and the $2.3bn Iraq Infrastructure Reconstruction Program (IIRP) for USAID. He has an exceptionally strong background in a wide range of project structures, including design–build, full EPCM, joint ventures, and public–private partnerships. He has worked across multiple sectors in multiple regions including the US, Europe, GCC and MENA.

Ashraf completed Bechtel's General Management Plan in 2012. He was elected Principal Vice President (PVP) of Bechtel Group in 2018.

Mohamed Amer works as the Managing Director for the MENA region with the International Code Council (ICC). He joined ICC to run the Dubai office by providing strategic direction and on-the-ground support to organizations involved in building safety across the MENA region. His work spans government entities, construction companies, manufacturers, design professionals and other key stakeholders. With over 15 years of experience in oil/gas, project management, and TIC industries, Mohamed leads ICC’s operations and business development aspects in the MENA through existing and new partners, to help deploy/lead/facilitate ICC’s service lines for new business offerings across its family of solutions spectrum.

A distinguished speaker at conferences and workshops, Mohamed reinforces ICC's mission in building safety/innovation/sustainability, showcasing his commitment to advancing the industry's best practices and standards. His contributions underscore his dedication to fostering a safer and more resilient built environment in the MENA region. He obtained his Master’s degree in Engineering Systems Management and Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering with Minor in Applied Mathematics and Computational Methods from the American University of Sharjah.

Engineer Sultan Batterjee is a visionary leader and serial entrepreneur in the sectors of Construction, mixed-used real estate and Sustainability Sectors and serves as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of IHCC, President and Founder of Lifestyle Developers and Greener by IHCC, as well as the chairman of Sultan Batterjee Holding, and a board member of Saudi German Hospitals Group, Batterjee Medical Colleges, and the Batterjee Foundation. With a profound commitment to revolutionizing Healthcare Infrastructure and has achieved remarkable milestones throughout his career. He is a graduate of Harvard Business School of Design and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he completed degrees in Real Estate Development and Entrepreneurship.

Through his leadership over the past 20 years, IHCC was established as a world-renowned design and construction (turnkey solution provider) company specialized in Healthcare, Education and mixed-use development projects in the Middle East and North Africa. IHCC has been the recipient of many international awards and accolades that reflect the strength of Sultan’s guidance and successful management of the company.

Under his adept leadership, IHCC has spearheaded groundbreaking projects, pioneering state-of-the-art hospital facilities across the MENA region such as the Center of Excellence Batterjee in Medical City in Dubai and the Makkah Saudi German Hospital . Batterjee's strategic vision has propelled IHCC to the forefront of healthcare construction, earning global recognition for excellence and innovation and listed as top 5 Construction companies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Batterjee's relentless pursuit of excellence has led to the successful completion of numerous prestigious healthcare projects in MENA region, transforming landscapes and enriching communities. His infinite dedication to quality, sustainability, and patient-centric design sets IHCC's projects apart, creating enduring legacies of healing and care.

Driven by a passion for enhancing healthcare accessibility and delivery, Sultan Batterjee remains a beacon of inspiration, empowering IHCC to continue its transformative journey, shaping the future of healthcare for generations to come.

Sultan’s work fundamentally focuses on driving purpose and delivering sustainable growth, while positively impacting communities and quality of life. He is an integral part of the Batterjee family who are a well-known corporate dynasty in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with business roots going back over a 100 years ago.

Sultan achievements in the engineering, construction and real estate development sectors have gained him the recognition of being among the new faces of young Saudi corporate leaders. He was named as one of Forbes 100 Most Inspiring Leaders in Saudi Arabia in 2015, and was listed as top 100 Middle East CEO's in 2023 and 2024 the by Forbes .

Abdulelah bin Abdulaziz Alsheikh
Country Director – Jacobs
m: +966.50.545 5912
e: abdulelah.alsheikh@jacobs.com

Executive Summary

Visionary leader and urban strategist with an extensive background spanning over 25 years in the Real Estate Development sectors. My experience was largely acquired in progressive, growth focused leadership roles with government, private sector, and international organizations, including the Public Investment Fund (PIF), Jacobs, and lately BoD member of Kanoo Holding Group.

My value proposition is centered around setting a clear vision and high impact strategies for organizations that enable successful business roll outs, superior financial returns and ultimately, greater value generation for these businesses.

Areas of Expertise

My specialism and expertise include urban economics, real estate development and management, funding, finance and governance organizational models.

Core skills

• Visionary
• Strategist
• Investments
• Real Estate Development
• Entrepreneurship
• Governance and Policy
• Mentoring
• Transformations

Career History
2022 to date Board Member of KANOO Holding Group, Independent Director
2020 to date Country Director, Saudi Arabia, Jacobs.
2018 - 2019 Acting Chief Executive Officer, Public Investment Fund (PIF), reporting a board chaired by HRH the crown Prince.
2015 – 2017 Senior Policy Advisor to the Minster of Municipal and Rural Affairs (MoMRA),
2014 – 2017 UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Program), Gulf States Regional Policy Advisor, Advisor to the Saudi Cities Future Program
2008 – 2014 Vice President of Business Development, Maskan Arabia

Board Service, Honors, Special Skills and Education

2018 – 2021 Board Member Bidaya Home Finance, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
2008 – 2017 Maskan Arabia, Founding Board Member,
2008 – 2013 Member of Board of Directors International Urban Strategies
2020 to date Chairperson, Nowarni Charity Org
2018 to date Co-Founder Urban Research Lab

Education

2000 University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia Master’s Degree, Urban Management
1994 King Saud University, Saudi Arabia, Business Administration Degree

Professional development

1997 HIS, Erasmus University, Rotterdam, The Netherlands ICHD Post-Graduate Diploma with Distinction, Housing Finance
1996 Institute of Public Administration, Economic Analysis Cours

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.

Wesley Thomson is a globally recognized leader in ESG and sustainability, with over 20 years of experience driving transformative strategies across both the public and private sectors. As Partner and Head of ESG at Knight Frank MENA, he spearheads the development of cutting-edge, high-impact ESG initiatives that are reshaping the regional real estate and investment landscape.

Throughout his career, Wesley has held senior leadership positions at top-tier organizations including Accenture, JLL, and ADQ, where he was instrumental in embedding sustainability into the core of business operations. His work has consistently delivered long-term value and measurable impact, making him a trusted advisor to governments, global institutions, and Fortune 500 companies alike.

Known for his strategic foresight and results-driven approach, Wesley is at the forefront of advancing ESG innovation in the MENA region—bridging global standards with local relevance to accelerate the transition toward a more sustainable future.”

Chris Seymour has more than 30 years’ experience in the industry and over 15 years based in the Middle East working in most of the major cities in the region.

Currently heading up the Mace business in ME & Africa, Chris is also the former managing director of the Mott MacDonald Middle East operation. Professionally he is a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Governing Council and also an independent advisor on the Investment Committee of ENBD Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT).

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 major programmes & 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 moving to the Middle East 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.

Jennie Bishop is MEED’s Head of Production (Events). Jennie has been with MEED for more than 3 years. Before joining MEED, Jennie worked in senior conference production roles at several large-scale event companies within the UAE and has lived in the Middle East for 20+ years.

Previously before living in the Middle East, Jennie worked in London for 8 years in the Public Relations & Comms industry.

Jennie additionally holds educational qualifications in Business Administration from the UK and is currently studying part time for a BSc in Psychology.

Throughout his career, Michael has successfully overseen real estate assets exceeding $5 billion in value, spanning luxury residences, class A office spaces, civic landmarks, hotels, and mixed-use developments. He has held executive roles in companies ranging from startups to major enterprises, leading teams and projects across the United States, Europe, and the Middle East.

Prior to joining Mered Development, Michael served as Head of Development for the Qiddiya Performing Arts Center in Saudi Arabia, a key part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative. In this role, he led a world-class team to deliver an iconic property in Qiddiya City, envisioned as Saudi Arabia’s future entertainment hub.

Michael also held the position of CEO at Wainbridge Capital, where he managed operations across four countries and restructured the company’s board during a major merger.

Michael’s deep understanding of the real estate landscape, coupled with his proven ability to drive innovative, large-scale developments, makes him the perfect choice to lead Mered Development into its next phase of growth. We are confident that his leadership will further strengthen our company’s position as a market leader and accelerate our ambitious development plans.

In his new role, Michael will focus on expanding Mered Development’s portfolio in the United Arab Emirates consisting of Iconic Tower, the tallest building in Dubai Internet City and Abu Dhabi project. Michael has been charged to grow Mered’s team for future growth in the UAE and wider GCC. He will continue to foster strong investor relations, increase Mered’s marketing visibility and driving innovative projects that set new standards in real estate development.

Dr Fahad Alotaibi Ph.D. is an architect and educator. Fahad studied at King Saud University (BSc Architecture and Building Science) and the University of Sheffield (MArch Architectural Studies). He has a PhD in Environmental Design/ Architecture from University of Calgary- Canada. Fahad joined the college of Architecture and Design at Qassim University, and holds a head of architecture department position. He has been a reviewer and juror for many organizations: Reviewer of King Salman urban charter [2021] (Ministry of Culture- Saudi Arabia), 1st design competition for Saudi architects, jury member [2020] (Ministry of Housing), Abdullatif Al Fowzan Award for Mosque Architecture, technical reviewer [2019]. Council of Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, expert peer reviewer [2018], Riyadh Municipality’s Award for Architectural and Urban Creativity, jury member [2023] (Riyadh Municipality) . Fahad’s research and teaching focus on the social and cultural processes that shape the forms and meanings of built environments, particularly in Gulf region. His research is primarily in the areas of: 1-Tall Building Design. 2- Human Behaviour & Environmental Psychology. 3-Cultural heritage & UNESCO conventions and programmes. 4- Culture, Identity and Place Making. 5- Architecture Theory and Criticism

Nasser is Construction Director at the Ministry of Investment He provides the support to in the fields of construction, Building material, ICO Contracting services that enables global contractors to enter the Saudi market seamlessly, building
strategic partnerships that drive growth and contribute to a more advanced and sustainable future He
holds two m aster’s degrees in Engineering from University of Technology Sydney

Dr. Waleed Sultan is an Innovative and Forward-Thinking Leader, visionary C-Suite executive, strategic architect, and transformational leader with a proven track record of driving multibillion-dollar projects and achieving exceptional results across portfolio, program, and project management. With over 20 years of expertise, he excels in business transformation, organizational strategy, and governance frameworks, positioning himself as a catalyst for achieving Vision 2030 objectives and beyond. As a thought leader and author, Dr. Waleed combines cutting-edge technologies such as AI, Big Data Analytics, and digital transformation with elite certifications from top global institutions, including Harvard, IBM, and PMI. His mastery in Benefits Realization Management (BRM), Business Continuity Management (BCM), and VRIO frameworks empowers organizations to unlock value, drive innovation, and sustain competitive advantage. Dr. Waleed's strategic foresight, risk management expertise, and stakeholder engagement skills have positioned him as a trusted advisor to government and private-sector leaders. His ability to design and execute governance frameworks, ESG strategies, and smart city solutions underscores his role as a pioneer of transformation and impact.

Dr. Alassafi is an industry leader who specializes in giga projects. He worked in multiple leadership roles in the real estate and construction industries, delivering healthcare, transportation, mass housing, and logistics, and infrastructure types of projects. His expertise covers business management, strategic refinement, and initiative delivery. Plus, he advises on best practices, delivery methods, and new trends in the construction industry. Besides practical experience, Dr. Alassafi has researched and published academic papers on optimizing life cycle cost (LCC).

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.

David is a Builder, Civil Engineer, Project Management and Development professional who has worked in real estate for more than 30 years. In his career, he has been fortunate to work in a variety of organisations across a range of global locations.

He has been working in KSA since 2019 where he has worked on a number of Giga projects including Red Sea Global’s Amaala project and as well as Diriyah as the Chief Project Delivery Officer leading large teams of construction professionals to execute theses complex projects in line with Vision 2030. David is currently the Chief Projects Development Officer at Osool Real Estate Company a semi government organization managing the real estate development pipeline for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s pension fund, the General Office of Social Insurance (GOSI).

Prior to joining Amaala in 2019, David was the Chief Development officer at VinaCapital, managing the development of their portfolio of hotels and resorts, residential communities and commercial developments throughout Vietnam.

David is also a McKinsey & Company Alumni, where he was the Infrastructure Vice President for Asia Pacific which included working in client teams on a number of projects across the GCC.

He joined Mckinsey from Mace Group where he spent more than 10 years in a variety of roles including Project Director on a number of large casino projects in Macau SAR, China as well as the Regional Director of Mace’s Asia Pacific business.

From 1997 to 2005, David worked for Multiplex Constructions completing several iconic projects in Australia, South East Asia and the UK, including as the Construction Director on the iconic Wembley Stadium.

Evgeny Boldyrev is the Chief Executive Officer and Board Member at RAFA Contracting, a dynamic construction company based in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia. With over 20 years of leadership experience across the energy and industrial sectors, he now spearheads the strategic transformation and operational excellence of RAFA Contracting as it positions itself as a key contributor to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

In his current role, he is responsible for setting and executing the company’s long-term strategy, overseeing all operational and business processes, and building a high-performing leadership team capable of delivering complex infrastructure and construction projects. His work focuses on driving innovation, efficiency, and sustainable growth, aligning the company’s goals with national priorities in urban development, housing, logistics, and industrial diversification.

Under his leadership, Rafa Contracting is expanding its footprint in the Kingdom’s rapidly evolving construction sector — participating in projects that support Vision 2030’s core pillars: economic diversification, private sector empowerment, and sustainable infrastructure development.

Before transitioning into construction, Evgeny Boldyrev held senior executive roles in the oil and gas industry, including Deputy CEO for Strategic Development at Gazprom Shelfproject and Executive Vice President at NewTech Services, where he led global sales, manufacturing operations, and strategic planning. He began his career at Schlumberger, progressing through engineering, operations, and business development roles across Russia, the UAE, and other global locations.

He holds a Master’s degree in Petrophysics from Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas.

Lucien Zeigler is a venture capitalist, strategic advisor, podcast host, and public speaker with over 15 years of experience working with and living in Saudi Arabia. Lucien is Managing Director at RedSalt Advisory Company, a boutique business development and strategic advisory firm with clients in the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East, principal and director for the MENA region at Pilatus Capital, a deeptech venture capital fund based in Silicon Valley, California, and Vice President of the non-profit Saudi-US Trade Group based in Washington, D.C.

Lucien is founder and co-host of The TWENTY30 Podcast, the number one bi-weekly podcast show and Youtube channel in English covering Saudi Arabia featuring interviews with changemakers leading Saudi Arabia’s transformation, topical deep dives into the news driving the day, and more.

Previously, Lucien was co-founder and CEO of the media startup Outlit, the venture-backed social publishing network and micropayments platform.

He is a frequent public speaker and event moderator. Among Lucien’s recent Saudi Arabia public speaking engagements include the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) Private Sector Forum in 2023 and 2024, the Human Capability Initiative launched by the Saudi Ministry of Education, events at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, and others.

Lucien splits his time between Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and Washington, D.C., USA.

Ben Edwards is the Group Head of Cost, Commercial and Procurement of Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind The Red Sea and Amaala, two ambitious tourism projects set along the northwestern 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.

Ben was appointed in August 2022, with over 25 years of experience gained with major contractors in the UK, Europe, Caribbean, Middle East and Far East. He has a proven record of delivering complex building and civil engineering projects across the globe prior to joining RSG.

Previously he was a Main Board Director of Tilbury Douglas in London, UK. He was responsible for the development and implementation of the business’ commercial strategy to undertake a greater proportion of lower risk projects blending the strengths of a strong regional business with public sector building and infrastructure frameworks, fit out and a selective presence in the commercial development market.

Ben has a bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying from the University of Northumbria at Newcastle, UK.

Described as a pragmatic futurist, Dale is driven to transform project delivery through innovative use of digital technologies and offsite manufacturing, collaborating with clients and contractors to harness the advantages of new manufacturing methods through kit-of-parts approaches. By integrating artificial intelligence into interdisciplinary workflows, he aims to revolutionise the approach to design complexity and future challenges including net zero. His global team is actively engaged in delivering cutting-edge projects. Dale is involved in many forums, helping stimulate and drive change in the built environment industry and he regularly talks at round table events, gives keynote addresses and publishes industry guidance.

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.

Muhammad A. Alqahtani is known for his remarkable achievements in project management, arbitration, and driving transformative change. With a solid academic foundation — a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from KFUPM, a master's in Engineering Management from IAU, and an MBA from Liverpool John Moores University — Muhammad has supplemented his education with a Project Management qualification from George Washington University. He is recognized as a registered Professional Civil Engineer and Technical Expert, holding certifications as an Arbitrator, TapRoot Analyst, and Six Sigma Green Belt, alongside a certificate of management excellence from Harvard Business School.

Currently serving as Executive Vice President at Sports Boulevards Foundation (SBF), Muhammad spearheads the development and execution of projects exceeding SAR 5 billion, critical to realizing KSA's Vision 2030. With extensive experience at Qiddiya Investment Company and Saudi Aramco, he has further enriched his expertise through the Executive Education Program at Harvard Business School, specializing in Managing Turbulence.

Sulaiman Rafat S. Turki is the Chief Strategy & Development Officer at Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC), bringing over a decade of extensive leadership experience across multiple sectors. He specializes in strategic planning, risk management, and corporate governance. Sulaiman began his career in real estate development and mining before joining Saudi Aramco, where he held various roles in finance and project management. His responsibilities include implementing corporate strategies, developing strategic and operational KPIs, and driving new business initiatives. He has played a key role in shaping SWPC’s strategic direction. He is also committed to mentoring young professionals and fostering industry innovation. He holds an MBA and a bachelor’s in business administration specializing in corporate finance.

Fadi Aristo Hatoum is a highly accomplished business executive and visionary leader, currently serving as the CEO and partner of UNIMAC, a company specializing in heavy civil contracting, of infrastructure and road. Born on May 4, 1977, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Fadi grew up in the Kingdom and gained a strong academic foundation. He successfully completed a bachelor's degree in business administration from the American University of Beirut in Lebanon, followed by a master's degree in finance from London. He further pursued an MS in Information Systems and an MBA from Boston University.

Fadi has built an impressive career through his unwavering dedication and expertise in the industry for over 25 years. Armed with extensive knowledge and a passion for innovation, he embarked on a path of professional growth that would ultimately lead him to the helm of a greatly successful company in Saudi Arabia.

Under Fadi's leadership, UNIMAC has experienced exceptional growth and expanded its activities into new sectors and scopes, solidifying its position as an industry front-runner. His strategic thinking, combined with a relentless pursuit of growth and excellence, has fostered a culture of innovation within the organization, resulting in tailor-made solutions that consistently exceed client expectations.

With his noteworthy forward-thinking approach, and unwavering commitment to excellence, Fadi Aristo Hatoum continues to inspire and shape the future of UNIMAC, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

Professional Experience
Dr Mark Smith has provided construction and programme advisory services for over thirty years, serving in key management consulting positions around the globe Mark has led capital project consulting practices across the Americas, Asia Pacific and Africa He currently leads Deloitte Middle East’s Infrastructure Capital Projects team and is based in Dubai, UAE.

Mark is recognised as one of the leading experts in building capabilities and designing organisations to deliver mega projects and large scale programmes Mark has served clients across the entire project ecosystem, including global engineering construction companies, emerging market governments, infrastructure fund investors and large multinational conglomerates H e brings his pioneering vision and approach to the delivery of some of the largest infrastructure projects in the world.

World Class Examples
With his strong foundation in Civil Engineering, Construction and Project Management, Mark has applied his distinguished leadership to large scale projects with a combined value of over one hundred billion dollars Some of his notable career highlights include the development of innovative construction management approaches on one of the first giga projects ever, a twenty year dam and power station construction programme for the China Ministry of Water Resources, which included the Three Gorges Dam The novel approaches he developed were applied to successfully deliver control and management of the many projects Mark also led the initial rollout of the World Bank’s City Resilience Programme Using digital design technology to map financial decision making, over ninety emerging market cities were empowered to design and build infrastructure for greater resilience to climate change Currently, Mark is leading Deloitte’s efforts at NEOM in Saudi Arabia, arguably the largest infrastructure program in the world, for several proponents including The LINE’s governance and PMO setup and as the senior lead executive on the Gulf of Aqaba proponent EPMO.

Education Qualifications

• Doctor of Philosophy in Construction Engineering and Project Management - The University of Texas at Austin
• Master of Science in Civil Engineering - Oklahoma State University
• Licensed Professional Engineer(PE) - State of Texas, USA
• Certified Public Accountant(CPA) - State of California, USA
• Certified Project Management Professional(PMP)