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OUR JOURNEY

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EVENTS CALENDAR

21st Real Estate Development Summit Saudi Arabia & UAE

10 December 2026

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5th Edition Hospitality Innovation Summit - Dubai

7 April 2027

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3rd GBB Investment Summit - Morocco

1 June 2027

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7th Edition Hospitality Innovation Summit - Morocco

2 June 2027

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22nd Real Estate Development Summit Saudi Arabia & UAE - Europe Edition

8 July 2027

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23rd Real Estate Development Summit - India

Meet Our Advisory Members

Elias Abou Samra

Elias Abou Samra

Elias Abou Samra

CEO

RAFAL Real Estate Development Company
Ashraf Qasem

Ashraf Qasem

Ashraf Qasem

Chief Hospitality Officer

Al Othaim Investment Company
Elsaeed Albially

Elsaeed Albially

Elsaeed Albially

Executive Director-RUA Al-Madinah Holding

PIF Company
Cyril Piaia

Cyril Piaia

Cyril Piaia

Executive Director

AVED Real Estate
Fredrik Jonsson

Fredrik Jonsson

Fredrik Jonsson

Founder and Managing Partner

Mereha Group
Naji Syriani

Naji Syriani

Naji Syriani

Hospitality Development Director

Diriyah Company
Sanjay Tanwani

Sanjay Tanwani

Sanjay Tanwani

Vice President

AECOM
John Fekete 

John Fekete 

John Fekete 

General Manager – Saudi Arabia

CBRE | Middle East
Harmen De Jong

Harmen De Jong

Harmen De Jong

Regional Partner – Head of Consulting

Knight Frank
Turab Saleem

Turab Saleem

Turab Saleem

CEO

Perfetti Hospitality
Julio Corredor

Julio Corredor

Julio Corredor

CEO

Shaden Hospitality Company
Maximilian Quack

Maximilian Quack

Maximilian Quack

Senior Vice President

JLL's Hotels & Hospitality Group
Ignacio Gomez

Ignacio Gomez

Ignacio Gomez

Global Design Principal

AEDAS
Arjan Pit

Arjan Pit

Arjan Pit

Managing Director MEA

UNStudio Middle East FZ LLC
Mohammed Adib

Mohammed Adib

Mohammed Adib

Chief Design Officer

Dewan Architects + Engineers
Christos Passas

Christos Passas

Christos Passas

Director

Zaha Hadid Architects
Kerem Cengiz

Kerem Cengiz

Kerem Cengiz

Managing Director

LWK + Partners
Henrique Dias

Henrique Dias

Henrique Dias

Principal I Middle East Hospitality & Mixed-Use Design Director

DLR Group
Sanjay Dutt

Sanjay Dutt

Sanjay Dutt

Former MD & CEO

Tata Realty & Infrastructure Ltd and Tata Housing
Ajay Koshy

Ajay Koshy

Ajay Koshy

Chief Design Officer

Embassy Group
Prem Thakur

Prem Thakur

Prem Thakur

Vice President Technical Services

Indian Hotels Company Ltd
Karl Wadia

Karl Wadia

Karl Wadia

Senior Principal

Architect Hafeez Contractor
Andy Fisher

Andy Fisher

Andy Fisher

Managing Director

Andy Fisher Workshop Pte. Ltd.
Abhishek Mathur

Abhishek Mathur

Abhishek Mathur

Partner

HBA Mumbai
Ankur Choksi

Ankur Choksi

Ankur Choksi

Principal and Co-Founder

Studio Lotus
Mandar Zaware

Mandar Zaware

Mandar Zaware

VP Design & Project Management, Global Design APEC

Marriott International
Trusted by

Industry Leaders

OUR CLIENTS

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PAST EVENTS

10 - 11 June 2026

6th Edition Hospitality Innovation Summit - Morocco

Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr

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9 June 2026

GBB Investment Summit - Morocco

Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr

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12-13 November 2025

19th Real Estate Development Summit -Saudi Arabia

The Ritz-Carlton Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

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8-9 October 2025

18th Edition Real Estate Development Summit - Africa

InterContinental Dubai Festival City

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25-26 June 2025

17th Real Estate Development Summit—Saudi Arabia | Europe Edition

CCL - Lisbon Congress Center, Rio Pavilion, Portugal

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26-27 February 2025

4th Edition Hospitality Innovation Summit - Saudi Arabia & UAE

Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City
Dubai, UAE

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4-5 December 2024

3rd Edition Hospitality Innovation Summit - Africa

JW Marriott Marquis Hotel
Dubai, UAE

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20-21 November 2024

16th Real Estate Development Summit—Saudi Arabia

Ritz Carlton Jeddah
Saudi Arabia

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4 - 5 July 2024

15th Real Estate Development Summit—Saudi Arabia | Europe Edition

Palau de Congressos de Palma
Palma de Mallorca, Spain

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22-23 May 2024

2nd Edition - Emerging Tech Summit

Habtoor Grand Resort - Autograph Collection
Saudi Arabia & UAE

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6th & 7th March, 2024

2nd Hospitality Innovation Summit - Saudi Arabia & UAE

Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City
Dubai, UAE

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15th & 16th November, 2023

14th Edition - Real Estate Development Summit

JW Marriott Hotel
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

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08th & 9th November, 2023

1st Editon - Emerging Tech Summit


Dubai, UAE

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20th, 21st & 22nd June, 2023

13th Edition - Real Estate Development Summit

Sheraton Milan Malpensa Airport Hotel & Conference Centre
Milan, Italy

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15th & 16th March, 2023

1st Edition - Hospitality Innovation Summit

Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City
Dubai, UAE

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2nd & 3rd November, 2022

12th Edition - Real Estate Development Summit

Voco Riyadh
Saudi Arabia

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29th & 30th June, 2022

11th Edition - Real Estate Development Summit

Hotel Barceló Sants
Barcelona, Spain

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29th & 30th March, 2022

10th Edition - Real Estate Development Summit

Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski, Cairo
Egypt

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24th & 25th November, 2021

9th Edition - Real Estate Development Summit

Crowne Plaza
Dubai, UAE

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14th & 15th November, 2019

8th Edition - Real Estate Development Summit

Grand Mercure Bangkok Fortune Hotel Bangkok
Thailand

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28th & 29th October, 2019

7th Edition - Real Estate Development Summit

Eko Hotels & Suites – Lagos
Nigeria

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25th & 26th July, 2019

6th Edition - Real Estate Development Summit

Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg
South Africa

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26th & 27th June, 2019

1st Edtion - Affordable Housing Investment Summit

Radisson Blu
Kenya

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25th & 26th April, 2019

5th Edition - Real Estate Development Summit

Hyatt Regency – Casablanca
Morocco

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21st & 22nd February, 2019

4th Edition - Real Estate Development Summit

Sheraton Milan Malpensa Airport Hotel
Milan, Italy

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29th & 30th Nov, 2018

3rd Edition - Real Estate Development Summit

ITC Maratha
Mumbai, India

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29th & 30th October, 2018

2nd Edition - Real Estate Development Summit

Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City
Ghana

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June 29th, 2018

1st Edition - Real Estate Development Summit

Radisson Blu Hotel - Upper Hills
Nairobi, Kenya

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NEWS & BLOGS

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Elsaeed Albially
Executive Director-RUA Al-Madinah Holding
PIF Company
Elsaeed is leading the Design Development for all Rua Al-Madinah Holding (RUA) projects, the biggest Hospitality Project in the World. RUA is developing and managing portfolios that will deliver various built and infrastructure assets and provide a differentiating factor within Madinah’s real estate sector while contributing towards achieving Vision_2030 goals with 47 thousand keys. In addition to Managing the Masterplan for Dar Al Hijra Mixed-Use project that envisions a culturally rooted, sustainable urban destination in Madina, integrating residential, hospitality, retail, education, healthcare and community- focused uses across one million sqm sitewide. Elsaeed previously led the team of Projects development for Knowledge Economic City Company who is developing a mega Mixed-Use Development across 6.8 M SQM in Al Madinah Al Munawara City with an aggregate investment of SAR 94 billion. Elsaeed managed the development of large-scale Retail/Hospitality/Entertainment Hub, TOD development, Mega Hospitality development for Hajj/Umrah/Visitors to Madinah, Villas Residential Compound, mid/high-rise Residential Apartments, Strip-Mall, Business Park, International School, sub-developers’ plots and all related infrastructure utilities. Throughout his 36 years career span, Elsaeed experience covered all aspects and due diligence of Real Estate development, successful record of forming, and leading teams in developing and managing World Class Real Estate Developments in KSA. Elsaeed has diversified experience in multiple Engineering disciplines and working for different sectors (Master Developers, Project Management, International Consultants, and Governmental entities).
Elsaeed Albially
Executive Director-RUA Al-Madinah Holding
PIF Company
Elsaeed is leading the Design Development for all Rua Al-Madinah Holding (RUA) projects, the biggest Hospitality Project in the World. RUA is developing and managing portfolios that will deliver various built and infrastructure assets and provide a differentiating factor within Madinah’s real estate sector while contributing towards achieving Vision_2030 goals with 47 thousand keys. In addition to Managing the Masterplan for Dar Al Hijra Mixed-Use project that envisions a culturally rooted, sustainable urban destination in Madina, integrating residential, hospitality, retail, education, healthcare and community- focused uses across one million sqm sitewide. Elsaeed previously led the team of Projects development for Knowledge Economic City Company who is developing a mega Mixed-Use Development across 6.8 M SQM in Al Madinah Al Munawara City with an aggregate investment of SAR 94 billion. Elsaeed managed the development of large-scale Retail/Hospitality/Entertainment Hub, TOD development, Mega Hospitality development for Hajj/Umrah/Visitors to Madinah, Villas Residential Compound, mid/high-rise Residential Apartments, Strip-Mall, Business Park, International School, sub-developers’ plots and all related infrastructure utilities. Throughout his 36 years career span, Elsaeed experience covered all aspects and due diligence of Real Estate development, successful record of forming, and leading teams in developing and managing World Class Real Estate Developments in KSA. Elsaeed has diversified experience in multiple Engineering disciplines and working for different sectors (Master Developers, Project Management, International Consultants, and Governmental entities).
Khalid Hassan Al Gahtani
Chairman-HAKA Group Holding-RIKAZ Properties-Radian Oil & Gas Adeem Capital and Natixis Bank Saudi Arabia
Is an entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist. A graduate of Northampton University, UK, with advanced studies from Harvard Business School and Wharton Universities. He is the Chairman of HAKA Group Holding, RIKAZ Properties, Radian Oil & Gas, Adeem Capital and Natixis Bank Saudi Arabia. He held various positions in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Chamber of Commerce including Chairman of the National Real Estate Committee, Eastern Chamber representative in the Council of Chambers. He was a board member in various councils at the Chamber of Commerce & Industry in the Eastern Province including the Saudi-Chinese Friendship Council, the Arabian-American National Chamber Council, the Saudi-Irish Business Council, the Saudi-Japan Business Council and the Saudi-Russian Business Council and a member of the G20 Saudi trade taskforce. Al Gahtani is a strong advocate of corporate social responsibility and is actively involved in many charitable and social activities. As the president of Arabian Salayel Group for Horse Riding, he co-founded Asharqiya International Arabian Horse Festival. He is the chairman of HAKA Charitable Foundation, a founding member of Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Baz Charity Foundation and the Saudi Association for Cancer Fighting. Among many, he received the Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Award for Philanthropy, the International Knight Golden Order, the 3rd Middle East CEO of the Year Award and was honored as the Ambassador for Saudi Companies at the International Leadership Conference in Dubai.
Khalid Hassan Al Gahtani
Chairman-HAKA Group Holding-RIKAZ Properties-Radian Oil & Gas Adeem Capital and Natixis Bank Saudi Arabia
Is an entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist. A graduate of Northampton University, UK, with advanced studies from Harvard Business School and Wharton Universities. He is the Chairman of HAKA Group Holding, RIKAZ Properties, Radian Oil & Gas, Adeem Capital and Natixis Bank Saudi Arabia. He held various positions in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Chamber of Commerce including Chairman of the National Real Estate Committee, Eastern Chamber representative in the Council of Chambers. He was a board member in various councils at the Chamber of Commerce & Industry in the Eastern Province including the Saudi-Chinese Friendship Council, the Arabian-American National Chamber Council, the Saudi-Irish Business Council, the Saudi-Japan Business Council and the Saudi-Russian Business Council and a member of the G20 Saudi trade taskforce. Al Gahtani is a strong advocate of corporate social responsibility and is actively involved in many charitable and social activities. As the president of Arabian Salayel Group for Horse Riding, he co-founded Asharqiya International Arabian Horse Festival. He is the chairman of HAKA Charitable Foundation, a founding member of Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Baz Charity Foundation and the Saudi Association for Cancer Fighting. Among many, he received the Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Award for Philanthropy, the International Knight Golden Order, the 3rd Middle East CEO of the Year Award and was honored as the Ambassador for Saudi Companies at the International Leadership Conference in Dubai.
Mohammed Adib
Chief Design Officer
Dewan Architects + Engineers
Mohammed Adib, Chief Design Officer at Dewan Architects + Engineers and Managing Director of DesignLab, is a leading voice in contemporary design, known for merging cultural nuance with technological innovation. With over two decades of global experience, he has led iconic projects such as Oceano on Al Marjan Island, Layan Verde in Thailand, and the AMAALA Yacht Club Adib is also the force behind Dewan's Al-driven initiatives, induding the development of Quible and the MAD Lab. A mentor and educator, he continues to shape the next generation of designers while advancing a future-focused vision rooted in creativity and context.
Mohammed Adib
Chief Design Officer
Dewan Architects + Engineers
Mohammed Adib, Chief Design Officer at Dewan Architects + Engineers and Managing Director of DesignLab, is a leading voice in contemporary design, known for merging cultural nuance with technological innovation. With over two decades of global experience, he has led iconic projects such as Oceano on Al Marjan Island, Layan Verde in Thailand, and the AMAALA Yacht Club Adib is also the force behind Dewan's Al-driven initiatives, induding the development of Quible and the MAD Lab. A mentor and educator, he continues to shape the next generation of designers while advancing a future-focused vision rooted in creativity and context.
Elias Abou Samra
CEO
RAFAL Real Estate Development Company
Elias Abou Samra is a seasoned real estate development executive specialized in mixed-use projects and urban regeneration. He possesses a successful track record in corporate transformations and restructuring. Over the past 15 years, Elias has played a leading role in the conceptualization, structuring and delivery of projects with Gross Development Value (GDV) in excess of USD 12 billion across the region.Elias assumed the position of CEO at Rafal Real Estate Development Company since September 2021. He is leading the transformation of Saudi’s leading private developer to play a pivotal role in the various PPP project under vision 2030. Most recently, Elias has led the repositioning of the Diplomatic Quarter in Riyadh, under RCRC, introducing 16 different projects ranging from lifestyle and culture to education and healthcare. (2020-2021) Elias has played an instrumental role in the inception of some of the most ambitious mega projects under Vision 2030 in his capacity as Executive Advisor for PIF projects under Strategy&. (2018-2019) He brings a solid experience in transactional services, having led the flagship deal involving the restructuring of King Abdullah Financial District and the transfer of its ownership from the Public Pension Agency to PIF. (2016-2017) Other projects under Elias’s portfolio include Wadi Qortuba, a high-end residential compound in Riyadh, and Golden Tower, a luxury residential tower on Jeddah’s corniche, in addition to three executed master plans with total land area of 2.5 million SQM in Riyadh and Jeddah, under Solidere International (2009-2015). Elias worked extensively in investment banking and private equity under regional and multinational firms such Morgan Stanley (2007-2008).He holds a degree in Finance & Economics from the American University in Beirut (2002).
Elias Abou Samra
CEO
RAFAL Real Estate Development Company
Elias Abou Samra is a seasoned real estate development executive specialized in mixed-use projects and urban regeneration. He possesses a successful track record in corporate transformations and restructuring. Over the past 15 years, Elias has played a leading role in the conceptualization, structuring and delivery of projects with Gross Development Value (GDV) in excess of USD 12 billion across the region.Elias assumed the position of CEO at Rafal Real Estate Development Company since September 2021. He is leading the transformation of Saudi’s leading private developer to play a pivotal role in the various PPP project under vision 2030. Most recently, Elias has led the repositioning of the Diplomatic Quarter in Riyadh, under RCRC, introducing 16 different projects ranging from lifestyle and culture to education and healthcare. (2020-2021) Elias has played an instrumental role in the inception of some of the most ambitious mega projects under Vision 2030 in his capacity as Executive Advisor for PIF projects under Strategy&. (2018-2019) He brings a solid experience in transactional services, having led the flagship deal involving the restructuring of King Abdullah Financial District and the transfer of its ownership from the Public Pension Agency to PIF. (2016-2017) Other projects under Elias’s portfolio include Wadi Qortuba, a high-end residential compound in Riyadh, and Golden Tower, a luxury residential tower on Jeddah’s corniche, in addition to three executed master plans with total land area of 2.5 million SQM in Riyadh and Jeddah, under Solidere International (2009-2015). Elias worked extensively in investment banking and private equity under regional and multinational firms such Morgan Stanley (2007-2008).He holds a degree in Finance & Economics from the American University in Beirut (2002).
Naji Syriani
Hospitality Development Director
Diriyah Company
Naji serves as the Hospitality Development Director of the Diriyah Company and works as development lead on the planned 40 hotels within the 14 square kilometer USD 63Bn mixed-use development anchored onto the UNESCO World Heritage site of At-Turaif. His role focuses on ensuring hotels are successfully completed, overseeing the coordination of internal and external stakeholders including hotel operators, consultants and construction firms, and Diriyah Company’s project departments.He is an experienced hospitality design and development professional with 25 years’ experience in mixed-use projects development across the GCC and EMEA working for companies including Rotana Hotels. There he set up the Tech Services & Project Dept delivering the company’s ambitious expansion plans and growing portfolio of hotels, resorts, serviced apartments, and branded residences.Prior to joining Diriyah he was the Corporate Vice President Projects for Rotana, heading a team of architects, interior designers and engineers monitoring the aggressive expansion plans of the company, as well as various renovation projects across the portfolio. During his tenure, the team delivered 80 new hotels across the region. He is the holder of a master’s degree in architecture from the Lebanese university, an Executive MBA from INSEAD, and a Certificate in Commercial Real Estate Analysis & Investment from MIT SA+P.
Naji Syriani
Hospitality Development Director
Diriyah Company
Naji serves as the Hospitality Development Director of the Diriyah Company and works as development lead on the planned 40 hotels within the 14 square kilometer USD 63Bn mixed-use development anchored onto the UNESCO World Heritage site of At-Turaif. His role focuses on ensuring hotels are successfully completed, overseeing the coordination of internal and external stakeholders including hotel operators, consultants and construction firms, and Diriyah Company’s project departments.He is an experienced hospitality design and development professional with 25 years’ experience in mixed-use projects development across the GCC and EMEA working for companies including Rotana Hotels. There he set up the Tech Services & Project Dept delivering the company’s ambitious expansion plans and growing portfolio of hotels, resorts, serviced apartments, and branded residences.Prior to joining Diriyah he was the Corporate Vice President Projects for Rotana, heading a team of architects, interior designers and engineers monitoring the aggressive expansion plans of the company, as well as various renovation projects across the portfolio. During his tenure, the team delivered 80 new hotels across the region. He is the holder of a master’s degree in architecture from the Lebanese university, an Executive MBA from INSEAD, and a Certificate in Commercial Real Estate Analysis & Investment from MIT SA+P.
Arjan Pit
Managing Director MEA
UNStudio Middle East FZ LLC
Arjan Pit is the Managing Director of UNS Dubai, specializing in strategic leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration, and stakeholder engagement. With extensive international experience across Europe, China, and the Middle East, he ensures projects align with client ambitions while driving innovation and sustainable growth. Arjan is an innovator in architecture and urban planning, combining a big-picture mindset with a people-first approach. He has led and contributed to large-scale urban developments, mixed-use complexes, hospitality, residential, and cultural projects, creating impactful environments tailored to diverse cultural and economic contexts. He also works closely with government entities, investors, and private developers, offering advisory services on design excellence, project feasibility, and execution strategies. At UNS Dubai, Arjan focuses on expanding the firm’s presence in the Middle East, cultivating key partnerships, and shaping the built environment through visionary design and strategic business development.
Arjan Pit
Managing Director MEA
UNStudio Middle East FZ LLC
Arjan Pit is the Managing Director of UNS Dubai, specializing in strategic leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration, and stakeholder engagement. With extensive international experience across Europe, China, and the Middle East, he ensures projects align with client ambitions while driving innovation and sustainable growth. Arjan is an innovator in architecture and urban planning, combining a big-picture mindset with a people-first approach. He has led and contributed to large-scale urban developments, mixed-use complexes, hospitality, residential, and cultural projects, creating impactful environments tailored to diverse cultural and economic contexts. He also works closely with government entities, investors, and private developers, offering advisory services on design excellence, project feasibility, and execution strategies. At UNS Dubai, Arjan focuses on expanding the firm’s presence in the Middle East, cultivating key partnerships, and shaping the built environment through visionary design and strategic business development.
Harmen De Jong
Regional Partner – Head of Consulting
Knight Frank
Harmen has been involved in real estate development advisory in the Middle East since 2006 and joined Knight Frank as a Partner in 2014 where he leads the Consulting Solutions Group in the Middle East with a particular focus on Saudi Arabia.Harmen established and/or oversees more than 10 service lines covering specialist areas of expertise ranging from hospitality to retail and from Property Asset Management to ESG. He is a member of the firm’s Saudi Steering Group. Harmen advised Clients on optimum investment strategies pertaining to capital projects with a combined value of over USD 500 bn. in geographic markets such as the Middle East, Asia, CIS and South America on behalf of investment funds, real estate developers and hotel management companies. His strengths include real estate development strategy, feasibility assessments and highest and best use analyses. Relevant Skills / Experience: Development Strategy: Involved in a number of large scale mixed-use projects with leading real estate developers and (semi) government authorities. The size of projects he advised on varied from standalone hotel resorts to new city developments with an anticipated population of more than 100,000 inhabitants.Transactional Support: Financial assessment and bid support to a private sector developer to develop high quality, sustainable housing communities and facilities for the employees of various government entities. Financial Feasibility Assessment: Involved in various engagements including a number of giga projects in Saudi Arabia which required market sizing and in depth financial analysis.
Harmen De Jong
Regional Partner – Head of Consulting
Knight Frank
Harmen has been involved in real estate development advisory in the Middle East since 2006 and joined Knight Frank as a Partner in 2014 where he leads the Consulting Solutions Group in the Middle East with a particular focus on Saudi Arabia.Harmen established and/or oversees more than 10 service lines covering specialist areas of expertise ranging from hospitality to retail and from Property Asset Management to ESG. He is a member of the firm’s Saudi Steering Group. Harmen advised Clients on optimum investment strategies pertaining to capital projects with a combined value of over USD 500 bn. in geographic markets such as the Middle East, Asia, CIS and South America on behalf of investment funds, real estate developers and hotel management companies. His strengths include real estate development strategy, feasibility assessments and highest and best use analyses. Relevant Skills / Experience: Development Strategy: Involved in a number of large scale mixed-use projects with leading real estate developers and (semi) government authorities. The size of projects he advised on varied from standalone hotel resorts to new city developments with an anticipated population of more than 100,000 inhabitants.Transactional Support: Financial assessment and bid support to a private sector developer to develop high quality, sustainable housing communities and facilities for the employees of various government entities. Financial Feasibility Assessment: Involved in various engagements including a number of giga projects in Saudi Arabia which required market sizing and in depth financial analysis.
Henrique Dias
Principal I Middle East Hospitality & Mixed-Use Design Director
DLR Group
Henrique Dias is an award-winning architect and Design Director at DLR Group Middle East with over 20 years of international experience across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. His portfolio spans hospitality, mixed-use, and residential projects for leading clients. Known for blending practical functionality with visionary design, Henrique brings a global perspective to every project with a design ethos centered on human experience environmental stewardship, and timeless architecture that harmonizes with its cultural and physical context.
Henrique Dias
Principal I Middle East Hospitality & Mixed-Use Design Director
DLR Group
Henrique Dias is an award-winning architect and Design Director at DLR Group Middle East with over 20 years of international experience across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. His portfolio spans hospitality, mixed-use, and residential projects for leading clients. Known for blending practical functionality with visionary design, Henrique brings a global perspective to every project with a design ethos centered on human experience environmental stewardship, and timeless architecture that harmonizes with its cultural and physical context.
John Fekete
General Manager – Saudi Arabia
CBRE | Middle East
John joins CBRE from Qiddiya, where he served as the Executive Director of Real Estate Strategy, spearheading the Office, Retail and Residential Strategy of one of Saudi Arabia's most ambitious projects as part of the Vision 2030 initiative. Prior to this, he held senior positions at JLL in Saudi Arabia and Dubai, where he played a crucial role in shaping real estate strategies across the Middle East and North Africa.Throughout his career, John has demonstrated expertise in urban planning, transactions, property management, investment management, and strategic planning. In his previous roles, he managed real estate strategies across multiple countries in the EMEA region including his role at Citigroup as EMEA Head of Real Estate. In his role at CBRE, John will oversee CBRE MENA’s Advisory Operations in the Kingdom, collaborating closely with the local, regional and global teams to ensure the delivery of exceptional service and innovative solutions to our clients.
John Fekete
General Manager – Saudi Arabia
CBRE | Middle East
John joins CBRE from Qiddiya, where he served as the Executive Director of Real Estate Strategy, spearheading the Office, Retail and Residential Strategy of one of Saudi Arabia's most ambitious projects as part of the Vision 2030 initiative. Prior to this, he held senior positions at JLL in Saudi Arabia and Dubai, where he played a crucial role in shaping real estate strategies across the Middle East and North Africa.Throughout his career, John has demonstrated expertise in urban planning, transactions, property management, investment management, and strategic planning. In his previous roles, he managed real estate strategies across multiple countries in the EMEA region including his role at Citigroup as EMEA Head of Real Estate. In his role at CBRE, John will oversee CBRE MENA’s Advisory Operations in the Kingdom, collaborating closely with the local, regional and global teams to ensure the delivery of exceptional service and innovative solutions to our clients.
Sanjay Tanwani
Vice President
AECOM
Sanjay Tanwani is a senior leader with over 20 years of experience advising governments, sovereign wealth funds, and private sector investors on large-scale urban developments, real estate strategy and city transformation programs across the Middle East, Europe, Asia and Latin America. As Vice President, Advisory at AECOM Middle East & Africa, Sanjay works closely with public and private sector decision-makers on mission-critical initiatives at the intersection of urban policy, infrastructure, and real estate investment. His role focuses on shaping development vision, investment strategy, and delivery frameworks for complex, multi-billion-dollar programs supporting clients from early-stage strategic definition through to implementation and long-term value creation. Sanjay has played a key advisory role on several regional giga and mega-projects, helping clients navigate complexity, align stakeholder priorities and translate national ambitions into investable, deliverable urban outcomes. His work integrates urban analytics, sustainability, and human-centric planning with commercial and governance considerations. Having advised on projects across more than 25 countries, Sanjay brings a global perspective with strong regional insight. He is widely recognized for his ability to bridge strategic intent with practical execution making him a trusted advisor on high-impact development programs shaping the next generation of cities.
Sanjay Tanwani
Vice President
AECOM
Sanjay Tanwani is a senior leader with over 20 years of experience advising governments, sovereign wealth funds, and private sector investors on large-scale urban developments, real estate strategy and city transformation programs across the Middle East, Europe, Asia and Latin America. As Vice President, Advisory at AECOM Middle East & Africa, Sanjay works closely with public and private sector decision-makers on mission-critical initiatives at the intersection of urban policy, infrastructure, and real estate investment. His role focuses on shaping development vision, investment strategy, and delivery frameworks for complex, multi-billion-dollar programs supporting clients from early-stage strategic definition through to implementation and long-term value creation. Sanjay has played a key advisory role on several regional giga and mega-projects, helping clients navigate complexity, align stakeholder priorities and translate national ambitions into investable, deliverable urban outcomes. His work integrates urban analytics, sustainability, and human-centric planning with commercial and governance considerations. Having advised on projects across more than 25 countries, Sanjay brings a global perspective with strong regional insight. He is widely recognized for his ability to bridge strategic intent with practical execution making him a trusted advisor on high-impact development programs shaping the next generation of cities.
Ignacio Gomez
Global Design Principal
AEDAS
With over 21 years of experience, and based in the Middle East since 2006, Ignacio is a highly regarded design architect known for shaping landmark projects across the region. His work spans master planning, hospitality, residential, cultural, leisure, and transport developments, and is recognised for its design excellence and innovation. Ignacio has received multiple prestigious accolades, including Young Architect of the Year (2010), Architect of the Year at Design Middle East Awards (2019) and Architecture Leaders Awards (2022), as well as several project-based awards such as Best Residential and Best Hospitality Project. As Aedas’ Global Design Principal, Ignacio has led the design direction for diverse, high-profile developments. He is also an active contributor to the architectural community, serving as a guest critic at the American University of Sharjah and speaking at major regional and international forums. His work has been widely published in leading architecture and construction publications, reinforcing his influence across the Middle East and beyond.
Ignacio Gomez
Global Design Principal
AEDAS
With over 21 years of experience, and based in the Middle East since 2006, Ignacio is a highly regarded design architect known for shaping landmark projects across the region. His work spans master planning, hospitality, residential, cultural, leisure, and transport developments, and is recognised for its design excellence and innovation. Ignacio has received multiple prestigious accolades, including Young Architect of the Year (2010), Architect of the Year at Design Middle East Awards (2019) and Architecture Leaders Awards (2022), as well as several project-based awards such as Best Residential and Best Hospitality Project. As Aedas’ Global Design Principal, Ignacio has led the design direction for diverse, high-profile developments. He is also an active contributor to the architectural community, serving as a guest critic at the American University of Sharjah and speaking at major regional and international forums. His work has been widely published in leading architecture and construction publications, reinforcing his influence across the Middle East and beyond.
Turab Saleem
CEO
Perfetti Hospitality
An accomplished executive leader with over 25 years of influence across the MENA region, he has delivered landmark, high‑value projects and led more than 160 major ventures worth $206B, steering developments from greenfield vision to full-scale realization. He holds a Master’s in Hospitality from NYU, a Bachelor’s in Hotel Management from the Swiss Hotel Institute, and is currently completing his PhD in Hospitality. His career spans Europe, North America, the USA, and the Middle East, where he has held senior positions with renowned hotel groups, consulting firms, and investment houses. He has developed, managed, and operated successful tourism, real estate, and hospitality assets in Paris, Miami, New York, London, Hong Kong, Dubai, Riyadh, and Doha. A strategic thinker with a forward‑looking innovation mindset, he is widely regarded as a thought leader and public speaker on emerging trends in urban development and hospitality transformation.Turab Saleem I CEO Perfetti Hospitality,.
Turab Saleem
CEO
Perfetti Hospitality
An accomplished executive leader with over 25 years of influence across the MENA region, he has delivered landmark, high‑value projects and led more than 160 major ventures worth $206B, steering developments from greenfield vision to full-scale realization. He holds a Master’s in Hospitality from NYU, a Bachelor’s in Hotel Management from the Swiss Hotel Institute, and is currently completing his PhD in Hospitality. His career spans Europe, North America, the USA, and the Middle East, where he has held senior positions with renowned hotel groups, consulting firms, and investment houses. He has developed, managed, and operated successful tourism, real estate, and hospitality assets in Paris, Miami, New York, London, Hong Kong, Dubai, Riyadh, and Doha. A strategic thinker with a forward‑looking innovation mindset, he is widely regarded as a thought leader and public speaker on emerging trends in urban development and hospitality transformation.Turab Saleem I CEO Perfetti Hospitality.
Christos Passas
Director
Zaha Hadid Architects
Christos Passas is a Director at Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA), where he has been instrumental in shaping the studio’s creative evolution, culture, and business strategy since 1998. As a Design Leader, he has co-authored many of ZHA’s landmark projects, working closely with Zaha Hadid on seminal works like the Phaeno Science Center in Wolfsburg, shortlisted for the Stirling Prize and awarded the RIBA European Award. His portfolio includes transformative designs such as the Dominion Tower in Moscow, the iconic OPUS and ME Hotel in Dubai, the sustainable urban redevelopment of Eleftheria Square in Cyprus, the Sberbank Technopark HQ in Moscow, the Discovery Tower for Trojena in Saudi Arabia, and the winning OPPO HQ in Shenzhen. Christos's work spans cultural, commercial, residential, and large-scale urban regeneration projects across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. He continues to drive design experimentation and excellence, advancing sustainability and innovation to meet the challenges of future urban habitats. Education & Teaching Christos holds a BArch (Hons) from Pratt Institute, New York, as a Fulbright Scholar, and an AA Diploma in Advanced Architectural Design from the Architectural Association, London. He is a registered architect with the Technical Chamber of Cyprus (ETEK), the UK’s ARB, and a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). His academic roles include teaching Parametric Design at the Architectural Association with Patrik Schumacher and serving as Guest Professor at the Dessau Institute of Architecture (Bauhaus, Dessau). He has lectured at Harvard GSD and held an Honorary Professorship at Qingdao University of Technology, China. Christos is an active juror and speaker in leading universities across Europe, championing parametric design, sustainability, and the evolving role of architecture. Key Skills • Architectural Design & Complex Geometries • Masterplanning & Urban Design • Sustainable Habitat and Micro-District Design • Design Thinking & Visioneering • Mentoring & Teaching • Strategic Research in Ecology & Technology Integration
Christos Passas
Director
Zaha Hadid Architects
Christos Passas is a Director at Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA), where he has been instrumental in shaping the studio’s creative evolution, culture, and business strategy since 1998. As a Design Leader, he has co-authored many of ZHA’s landmark projects, working closely with Zaha Hadid on seminal works like the Phaeno Science Center in Wolfsburg, shortlisted for the Stirling Prize and awarded the RIBA European Award. His portfolio includes transformative designs such as the Dominion Tower in Moscow, the iconic OPUS and ME Hotel in Dubai, the sustainable urban redevelopment of Eleftheria Square in Cyprus, the Sberbank Technopark HQ in Moscow, the Discovery Tower for Trojena in Saudi Arabia, and the winning OPPO HQ in Shenzhen. Christos's work spans cultural, commercial, residential, and large-scale urban regeneration projects across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. He continues to drive design experimentation and excellence, advancing sustainability and innovation to meet the challenges of future urban habitats. Education & Teaching Christos holds a BArch (Hons) from Pratt Institute, New York, as a Fulbright Scholar, and an AA Diploma in Advanced Architectural Design from the Architectural Association, London. He is a registered architect with the Technical Chamber of Cyprus (ETEK), the UK’s ARB, and a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). His academic roles include teaching Parametric Design at the Architectural Association with Patrik Schumacher and serving as Guest Professor at the Dessau Institute of Architecture (Bauhaus, Dessau). He has lectured at Harvard GSD and held an Honorary Professorship at Qingdao University of Technology, China. Christos is an active juror and speaker in leading universities across Europe, championing parametric design, sustainability, and the evolving role of architecture. Key Skills • Architectural Design & Complex Geometries • Masterplanning & Urban Design • Sustainable Habitat and Micro-District Design • Design Thinking & Visioneering • Mentoring & Teaching • Strategic Research in Ecology & Technology Integration
Kerem Cengiz
Managing Director
LWK + Partners
Kerem Cengiz is the Managing Director of LWK + PARTNERS in the Middle East, where he plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of urbanism across the region. With over 25 years of experience spanning Europe, Asia, and the GCC, Kerem brings a refined, context-driven approach to architecture, master planning, and placemaking. His work focuses on aligning commercial objectives with cultural depth and spatial intelligence to create environments that are not only functional, but enduring and meaningful.Rather than approaching projects solely through design, Kerem operates at the intersection of strategy, stakeholder alignment, and urban foresight. He translates complex ambitions whether from investors, civic leaders, or developers into frameworks that empower creative teams to deliver lasting impact. His leadership style is collaborative and systems-oriented, fostering multidisciplinary teams that integrate architecture, interior design, landscape, and urban strategy into a cohesive ecosystem.A respected voice in regional discourse, Kerem regularly contributes to panels, conferences, and publications, championing a holistic and value-driven understanding of architecture. He believes that great places are not just built they are understood, nurtured, and shaped by purpose. In a region defined by rapid transformation, Kerem offers a steady, thoughtful perspective on what makes cities truly thrive.
Kerem Cengiz
Managing Director
LWK + Partners
Kerem Cengiz is the Managing Director of LWK + PARTNERS in the Middle East, where he plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of urbanism across the region. With over 25 years of experience spanning Europe, Asia, and the GCC, Kerem brings a refined, context-driven approach to architecture, master planning, and placemaking. His work focuses on aligning commercial objectives with cultural depth and spatial intelligence to create environments that are not only functional, but enduring and meaningful.Rather than approaching projects solely through design, Kerem operates at the intersection of strategy, stakeholder alignment, and urban foresight. He translates complex ambitions whether from investors, civic leaders, or developers into frameworks that empower creative teams to deliver lasting impact. His leadership style is collaborative and systems-oriented, fostering multidisciplinary teams that integrate architecture, interior design, landscape, and urban strategy into a cohesive ecosystem.A respected voice in regional discourse, Kerem regularly contributes to panels, conferences, and publications, championing a holistic and value-driven understanding of architecture. He believes that great places are not just built they are understood, nurtured, and shaped by purpose. In a region defined by rapid transformation, Kerem offers a steady, thoughtful perspective on what makes cities truly thrive.
Cyril Piaia
Executive Director
AVED Real Estate
A seasoned senior executive with more than two decades of leadership experience in engineering, strategy, corporate finance, real estate, master-development and business management in Europe and Middle East, Cyril Piaia currently serves as Director at AVED Real Estate. Previously, Mr. Piaia leveraged his deep knowledge of the region’s hospitality and real estate sectors to steer the successful development of King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), one of Saudi Arabia’s significant megaprojects (185 million m2), as CEO of listed company EMAAR, The Economic City (EEC). His visionary stewardship was central to KAEC’s ongoing transformation into a leading city focused on high-end tourism and leisure, along with a world-class manufacturing and logistics hub that will help drive the Kingdom’s economic diversification in line with the goals of Vision 2030. Prior to joining EMAAR, The Economic City, Mr. Piaia was a Managing Partner at Stratford & Russell, an independent network of real estate, finance, and hospitality industry professionals with multi-disciplinary expertise across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Previously, Mr. Piaia was Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MUSSTIR Group for 7 years in the Sultanate of Oman, a leading international property & real estate developer operating in more than 20 countries across Middle East, East Europe and East Africa, and focused on high-end real estate mix-use development and mid-scale to ultra-luxury hospitality assets. Mr. Piaia has also served as Chief Executive Officer of ORASCOM Development (Egyptian multi-national real estate and hospitality development group) in Oman, developing the four largest ITC mix-use projects in Oman with residential, commercial, marinas, golf course, hotels, aiming at becoming the top tourism and residential lifestyle destination in the Sultanate. Prior to that, Mr. Piaia was Senior Manager for leading “Big Five” Arthur Andersen in Paris, specialized in Strategy and Corporate Finance, a role that saw him lead the firm’s European practice for hospitality, real estate, travel, and tourism. He holds a Master’s degree in Engineering from École Centrale in Lille, graduated with honors.
Cyril Piaia
Executive Director
AVED Real Estate
A seasoned senior executive with more than two decades of leadership experience in engineering, strategy, corporate finance, real estate, master-development and business management in Europe and Middle East, Cyril Piaia currently serves as Director at AVED Real Estate. Previously, Mr. Piaia leveraged his deep knowledge of the region’s hospitality and real estate sectors to steer the successful development of King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), one of Saudi Arabia’s significant megaprojects (185 million m2), as CEO of listed company EMAAR, The Economic City (EEC). His visionary stewardship was central to KAEC’s ongoing transformation into a leading city focused on high-end tourism and leisure, along with a world-class manufacturing and logistics hub that will help drive the Kingdom’s economic diversification in line with the goals of Vision 2030. Prior to joining EMAAR, The Economic City, Mr. Piaia was a Managing Partner at Stratford & Russell, an independent network of real estate, finance, and hospitality industry professionals with multi-disciplinary expertise across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Previously, Mr. Piaia was Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MUSSTIR Group for 7 years in the Sultanate of Oman, a leading international property & real estate developer operating in more than 20 countries across Middle East, East Europe and East Africa, and focused on high-end real estate mix-use development and mid-scale to ultra-luxury hospitality assets. Mr. Piaia has also served as Chief Executive Officer of ORASCOM Development (Egyptian multi-national real estate and hospitality development group) in Oman, developing the four largest ITC mix-use projects in Oman with residential, commercial, marinas, golf course, hotels, aiming at becoming the top tourism and residential lifestyle destination in the Sultanate. Prior to that, Mr. Piaia was Senior Manager for leading “Big Five” Arthur Andersen in Paris, specialized in Strategy and Corporate Finance, a role that saw him lead the firm’s European practice for hospitality, real estate, travel, and tourism. He holds a Master’s degree in Engineering from École Centrale in Lille, graduated with honors.
Imad Barrakad
CEO
THE MOROCCAN AGENCY FOR TOURISM DEVELOPMENT - SMIT
Mr. Imad BARRAKAD serves as CEO of the Moroccan Agency for Tourism Development – SMIT Since 2011. Mr. BARRAKAD has worked actively during this period on the development of the tourism product in Morocco both by raising investment capital as well as conducting strategic studies to launch several large scale tourism development projects. Mr. BARRAKAD coordinates with various stakeholders involved in these developments and attends several high profile international events dedicated to the promotion of tourism investment with the aim to boost and maintain attractiveness of Morocco. Mr. BARRAKAD also holds several positions as Director and Board Member of various development entities involved in tourism projects around the country. Prior to joining SMIT, Mr. BARRAKAD held several key positions in different government entities. Mr. BARRAKAD is an Industrial Engineer and holds a Master’s Degree in Project Management. Mr. BARRAKAD is married and has two daughters.
Imad Barrakad
CEO
THE MOROCCAN AGENCY FOR TOURISM DEVELOPMENT - SMIT
Mr. Imad BARRAKAD serves as CEO of the Moroccan Agency for Tourism Development – SMIT Since 2011. Mr. BARRAKAD has worked actively during this period on the development of the tourism product in Morocco both by raising investment capital as well as conducting strategic studies to launch several large scale tourism development projects. Mr. BARRAKAD coordinates with various stakeholders involved in these developments and attends several high profile international events dedicated to the promotion of tourism investment with the aim to boost and maintain attractiveness of Morocco. Mr. BARRAKAD also holds several positions as Director and Board Member of various development entities involved in tourism projects around the country. Prior to joining SMIT, Mr. BARRAKAD held several key positions in different government entities. Mr. BARRAKAD is an Industrial Engineer and holds a Master’s Degree in Project Management. Mr. BARRAKAD is married and has two daughters.
Sanjay Dutt
Former MD & CEO
Tata Realty & Infrastructure Ltd and Tata Housing
Mr. Sanjay Dutt is the MD & CEO of Tata Realty & Infrastructure Ltd and Tata Housing Development Company Ltd. (TRIL). He has over 30 years of experience in the Real Estate Consulting, Development and Investment. At TRIL our purpose is to be a Sanjay has successfully built Smart, Secure, Social & Sustainable spaces that contribute to the environment and the society. In TRIL he has completed 27 projects, handed over 20,000 possessions and is now executing 40 million sq. ft. of Development across 13 cities and 21 projects in India, Sri Lanka & Maldives, which comprises sectors in Commercial, Retail, Hospitality and Residential (Luxury/Premier, Affordable, Second Home & Mixed-Use Township). He is also involved in the management of the infrastructure projects, which includes rope ways, roadways & 23 KM Metro project in Pune. Likely to be launched next month. Real Estate ecosystem is very dynamic and is witnessing regulatory changes. It is imperative to participate and proactively mitigate potential risks and challenges. Sanjay has taken leadership positions across various Industry Bodies:  Chairman - South Asia Board, RICS  Chairman - APREA Advocacy Committee,Asia  Founding Member - ULI  Executive Managing Committee - Naredco  Board Member - RICS APAC World Regional Board  Board Member - Bombay Chamber of Commerce He served as Chairman of FICCI Real Estate Committee for 4 years. In his previous role, he was the CEO India Operations & Private Funds with CapitaLand,a multinational Alternative Asset Management Company focusing on Real Estate Infrastructure and Private Equity. Sanjay spent 23 years with top 3 Global Real Estate Consulting companies. He was MD South Asia at Cushman & Wakefield (2001-2008 and 2012-2016) where he also implemented the successful merger and integration for DTZ & C& W. He was CEO Business with JLL (2008 – 2012) founding member of CBRE, India (1996 - 2001) Sanjay holds a Post-Graduate in Marketing & HR from the International Management Institute.
Sanjay Dutt
Former MD & CEO
Tata Realty & Infrastructure Ltd and Tata Housing
Mr. Sanjay Dutt is the MD & CEO of Tata Realty & Infrastructure Ltd and Tata Housing Development Company Ltd. (TRIL). He has over 30 years of experience in the Real Estate Consulting, Development and Investment. At TRIL our purpose is to be a Sanjay has successfully built Smart, Secure, Social & Sustainable spaces that contribute to the environment and the society. In TRIL he has completed 27 projects, handed over 20,000 possessions and is now executing 40 million sq. ft. of Development across 13 cities and 21 projects in India, Sri Lanka & Maldives, which comprises sectors in Commercial, Retail, Hospitality and Residential (Luxury/Premier, Affordable, Second Home & Mixed-Use Township). He is also involved in the management of the infrastructure projects, which includes rope ways, roadways & 23 KM Metro project in Pune. Likely to be launched next month. Real Estate ecosystem is very dynamic and is witnessing regulatory changes. It is imperative to participate and proactively mitigate potential risks and challenges. Sanjay has taken leadership positions across various Industry Bodies:  Chairman - South Asia Board, RICS  Chairman - APREA Advocacy Committee,Asia  Founding Member - ULI  Executive Managing Committee - Naredco  Board Member - RICS APAC World Regional Board  Board Member - Bombay Chamber of Commerce He served as Chairman of FICCI Real Estate Committee for 4 years. In his previous role, he was the CEO India Operations & Private Funds with CapitaLand,a multinational Alternative Asset Management Company focusing on Real Estate Infrastructure and Private Equity. Sanjay spent 23 years with top 3 Global Real Estate Consulting companies. He was MD South Asia at Cushman & Wakefield (2001-2008 and 2012-2016) where he also implemented the successful merger and integration for DTZ & C& W. He was CEO Business with JLL (2008 – 2012) founding member of CBRE, India (1996 - 2001) Sanjay holds a Post-Graduate in Marketing & HR from the International Management Institute.
Ajay Koshy
Chief Design Officer
Embassy Group
Ajay Koshy is the Chief Design Officer at Embassy Group, a leading Real Estate developer in India. He leads the Design Management of the Group’s residential, commercial, retail, hospitality, and mixed-use developments across multiple geographies. With more than 25 years of experience in architecture, design, and real estate, Ajay has played a key role in the design and delivery of more than 100 projects. He has extensive experience collaborating with leading architects, designers, hotel operators, and specialist consultants from India and around the world. An architect by profession, Ajay holds a Master’s degree from the Architectural Association School of Architecture (AA), London. Working closely with leading architectural practices in the real estate development sector gives him a distinctive perspective of bridging design ambition with commercial objectives, constructability, sustainability and market relevance. He is passionate about fostering meaningful collaboration between developers and design professionals to create innovative, sustainable, and enduring built environments.
Ajay Koshy
Chief Design Officer
Embassy Group
Ajay Koshy is the Chief Design Officer at Embassy Group, a leading Real Estate developer in India. He leads the Design Management of the Group’s residential, commercial, retail, hospitality, and mixed-use developments across multiple geographies. With more than 25 years of experience in architecture, design, and real estate, Ajay has played a key role in the design and delivery of more than 100 projects. He has extensive experience collaborating with leading architects, designers, hotel operators, and specialist consultants from India and around the world. An architect by profession, Ajay holds a Master’s degree from the Architectural Association School of Architecture (AA), London. Working closely with leading architectural practices in the real estate development sector gives him a distinctive perspective of bridging design ambition with commercial objectives, constructability, sustainability and market relevance. He is passionate about fostering meaningful collaboration between developers and design professionals to create innovative, sustainable, and enduring built environments.
Karl Wadia
Senior Principal
Architect Hafeez Contractor
An architect and urbanist, Karl Wadia joined Architect Hafeez Contractor (AHC) in 1999. At AHC, he has designed projects across various sectors, including master planning, townships, museums, hotels, public buildings, educational campuses, office complexes, convention and exhibition centres, auditoriums, healthcare facilities, residential developments, retail projects, and super high-rise buildings. His notable achievements include winning the international design competition for the National Maritime Museum of India at Lothal, Gujarat, a project set to be the world’s largest net-zero museum, integrated with amusement parks, hotels, resorts, and an educational institute. Some of his other significant projects include Minerva Towers, Mumbai (India’s tallest residential building), Prestige Trade Centre, New Delhi (India’s largest hospitality project), Manipal University, Jaipur (world’s third-largest net-zero energy building), the 135-acre IIM Calcutta Campus with a 2036 Zero Carbon Roadmap, Island City Centre Towers, Mumbai, multiple BITS Pilani campuses, and the Dharavi Redevelopment Project, among others. Karl’s design philosophy emphasises the fundamental elements of light, air, and water, aiming to create buildings that bring people closer to nature, enhance transparency, and foster connectivity between interior and exterior spaces. He has also contributed as a speaker and panelist at numerous architectural forums and conferences across India.
Karl Wadia
Senior Principal
Architect Hafeez Contractor
An architect and urbanist, Karl Wadia joined Architect Hafeez Contractor (AHC) in 1999. At AHC, he has designed projects across various sectors, including master planning, townships, museums, hotels, public buildings, educational campuses, office complexes, convention and exhibition centres, auditoriums, healthcare facilities, residential developments, retail projects, and super high-rise buildings. His notable achievements include winning the international design competition for the National Maritime Museum of India at Lothal, Gujarat, a project set to be the world’s largest net-zero museum, integrated with amusement parks, hotels, resorts, and an educational institute. Some of his other significant projects include Minerva Towers, Mumbai (India’s tallest residential building), Prestige Trade Centre, New Delhi (India’s largest hospitality project), Manipal University, Jaipur (world’s third-largest net-zero energy building), the 135-acre IIM Calcutta Campus with a 2036 Zero Carbon Roadmap, Island City Centre Towers, Mumbai, multiple BITS Pilani campuses, and the Dharavi Redevelopment Project, among others. Karl’s design philosophy emphasises the fundamental elements of light, air, and water, aiming to create buildings that bring people closer to nature, enhance transparency, and foster connectivity between interior and exterior spaces. He has also contributed as a speaker and panelist at numerous architectural forums and conferences across India.
Andy Fisher
Managing Director
Andy Fisher Workshop Pte. Ltd.
As the founder and creative visionary behind AFW, Andy Fisher brings over 30 years of international design experience across Europe, Asia and beyond. Since establishing the practice in Singapore in 2004, he has guided AFW's growth into a respected multidisciplinary design consultancy, delivering award winning projects across hospitality, residential, commercial, mixed-use and retail sectors. With a particular passion for hospitality design, Andy has led the design of hotels and resorts for some of the world's leading international hospitality brands, including Marriott, Hilton, IHG, Accor and Ascott. His approach goes beyond creating memorable architectural experiences, recognising the importance of seamlessly integrating architecture, interiors and landscape while balancing guest experience, operational efficiency and commercial considerations. From urban business hotels to luxury resorts in remote destinations, his work reflects a deep understanding of how hospitality environments should respond to their surroundings, local culture and the evolving expectations of guests and operators. Andy believes that successful architecture should be rooted in its context, responding sensitively to the environment, climate and cultural identity of each location. Sustainability is an integral part of his design philosophy, shaping decisions from the earliest stages of planning through to material selection and building performance. His ability to navigate complex sites, diverse cultures and challenging project requirements has been instrumental in establishing AFW's reputation for thoughtful, innovative and commercially viable design solutions. Under his leadership, AFW continues to champion a collaborative and hands-on approach, working closely with clients, international hotel operators, local architects and specialist consultants to maintain design integrity from concept through to realisation. Andy's commitment to design excellence, creativity and meaningful collaboration remains central to the practice's philosophy, creating distinctive places that enhance people's experiences and stand the test of time.
Andy Fisher
Managing Director
Andy Fisher Workshop Pte. Ltd.
As the founder and creative visionary behind AFW, Andy Fisher brings over 30 years of international design experience across Europe, Asia and beyond. Since establishing the practice in Singapore in 2004, he has guided AFW's growth into a respected multidisciplinary design consultancy, delivering award winning projects across hospitality, residential, commercial, mixed-use and retail sectors. With a particular passion for hospitality design, Andy has led the design of hotels and resorts for some of the world's leading international hospitality brands, including Marriott, Hilton, IHG, Accor and Ascott. His approach goes beyond creating memorable architectural experiences, recognising the importance of seamlessly integrating architecture, interiors and landscape while balancing guest experience, operational efficiency and commercial considerations. From urban business hotels to luxury resorts in remote destinations, his work reflects a deep understanding of how hospitality environments should respond to their surroundings, local culture and the evolving expectations of guests and operators. Andy believes that successful architecture should be rooted in its context, responding sensitively to the environment, climate and cultural identity of each location. Sustainability is an integral part of his design philosophy, shaping decisions from the earliest stages of planning through to material selection and building performance. His ability to navigate complex sites, diverse cultures and challenging project requirements has been instrumental in establishing AFW's reputation for thoughtful, innovative and commercially viable design solutions. Under his leadership, AFW continues to champion a collaborative and hands-on approach, working closely with clients, international hotel operators, local architects and specialist consultants to maintain design integrity from concept through to realisation. Andy's commitment to design excellence, creativity and meaningful collaboration remains central to the practice's philosophy, creating distinctive places that enhance people's experiences and stand the test of time.
Abhishek Mathur
Partner
HBA Mumbai
Abhishek is an accomplished architect and interior designer with over 20 years of international experience in hospitality design. He holds a Master’s degree in architecture from the University at Buffalo, State University of New York (SUNY), and is a registered architect in India. Before joining Studio HBA, he worked with leading firms across New York, New Delhi, and Singapore. Over the past decade, he has led multidisciplinary teams across Singapore, India, and Indonesia, delivering complex, multi-scale projects. Abhishek’s work has been featured in prominent publications, including Forbes, where he was named among the Top 30 Architects and Designers in India. His portfolio reflects a commitment to thoughtful innovation, operational excellence, and meaningful guest experiences. His design philosophy centers on creating emotionally resonant, deeply contextual spaces. He believes design should move beyond aesthetics to shape how people feel and remember a place. His approach balances global benchmarks and rigorous discipline with local narratives, craft traditions, and material authenticity. Collaboration remains central to his process, with the goal of creating timeless environments that are commercially astute, experientially rich, and enduring in relevance. He established HBA in Mumbai in 2015.
Abhishek Mathur
Partner
HBA Mumbai
Abhishek is an accomplished architect and interior designer with over 20 years of international experience in hospitality design. He holds a Master’s degree in architecture from the University at Buffalo, State University of New York (SUNY), and is a registered architect in India. Before joining Studio HBA, he worked with leading firms across New York, New Delhi, and Singapore. Over the past decade, he has led multidisciplinary teams across Singapore, India, and Indonesia, delivering complex, multi-scale projects. Abhishek’s work has been featured in prominent publications, including Forbes, where he was named among the Top 30 Architects and Designers in India. His portfolio reflects a commitment to thoughtful innovation, operational excellence, and meaningful guest experiences. His design philosophy centers on creating emotionally resonant, deeply contextual spaces. He believes design should move beyond aesthetics to shape how people feel and remember a place. His approach balances global benchmarks and rigorous discipline with local narratives, craft traditions, and material authenticity. Collaboration remains central to his process, with the goal of creating timeless environments that are commercially astute, experientially rich, and enduring in relevance. He established HBA in Mumbai in 2015.
Ankur Choksi
Principal and Co-Founder
Studio Lotus
Ankur Choksi is Co-Founding Principal at Studio Lotus, a globally recognised, multi-disciplinary design practice founded in 2002. Spanning the domains of Master Planning, Architecture, and Interior Design, the work of the studio is grounded on the principles of Conscious Design—an approach that celebrates local resources, cultural influences, an inclusive process, and keen attention to detail. Presently, Ankur heads large-scale Integrated Hospitality and Adaptive Reuse interventions, and Private Residences for a select few clients. Deeply invested in the nature of the practice, he works closely with the leadership group to hold the values & culture, the design process, leadership development & training, integration of technology, and strategic organizational structuring. Ankur believes in and is excited by the idea of storytelling through the studio’s work. His design approach draws from regional context and culture, and in the integration of the hand-built, to highlight the tactility and grace of local material and artisanal skills. He advocates adaptive reuse of the already-built as a starting point for sustainability in architecture. Some of the Studio’s significant projects in his domain include the Godrej Trees Project in Vikhroli—all adaptive reuse interventions within the legacy of an industrial site, the Anant Art Gallery in New Delhi, the Taj Guras Kutir in Sikkim, The Oberoi Vindhyavilas at Bandhavgarh, and an upcoming boutique 15-key resort at Havelock Island in the Andamans. Keen to share the learnings of the practice Ankur actively engages with academia and the design community. He has served as a visiting faculty member, guest lecturer and juror at institutions such as NID, CEPT Ahmedabad, NIFT Delhi, and other schools. Industry platforms where Ankur has spoken on the studio’s work and ethos include FIND Global Summit 2024 in Singapore, India-NOW, organized by AIA New York in 2022. He was also on the international jury at WAF in 2021 and the WAF China Awards in 2020. Ankur is driven by learning. Apart from physical adventures, he enjoys the exploration of new experiences. He loves to engage with technology and is deeply interested in the art of making music, and the language of music, especially Indian classical and Jazz. He loves building with his hands, and the satisfaction that the process of creation brings. In a different life, Ankur would have chosen to be a carpenter or a sculptor.
Ankur Choksi
Principal and Co-Founder
Studio Lotus
Ankur Choksi is Co-Founding Principal at Studio Lotus, a globally recognised, multi-disciplinary design practice founded in 2002. Spanning the domains of Master Planning, Architecture, and Interior Design, the work of the studio is grounded on the principles of Conscious Design—an approach that celebrates local resources, cultural influences, an inclusive process, and keen attention to detail. Presently, Ankur heads large-scale Integrated Hospitality and Adaptive Reuse interventions, and Private Residences for a select few clients. Deeply invested in the nature of the practice, he works closely with the leadership group to hold the values & culture, the design process, leadership development & training, integration of technology, and strategic organizational structuring. Ankur believes in and is excited by the idea of storytelling through the studio’s work. His design approach draws from regional context and culture, and in the integration of the hand-built, to highlight the tactility and grace of local material and artisanal skills. He advocates adaptive reuse of the already-built as a starting point for sustainability in architecture. Some of the Studio’s significant projects in his domain include the Godrej Trees Project in Vikhroli—all adaptive reuse interventions within the legacy of an industrial site, the Anant Art Gallery in New Delhi, the Taj Guras Kutir in Sikkim, The Oberoi Vindhyavilas at Bandhavgarh, and an upcoming boutique 15-key resort at Havelock Island in the Andamans. Keen to share the learnings of the practice Ankur actively engages with academia and the design community. He has served as a visiting faculty member, guest lecturer and juror at institutions such as NID, CEPT Ahmedabad, NIFT Delhi, and other schools. Industry platforms where Ankur has spoken on the studio’s work and ethos include FIND Global Summit 2024 in Singapore, India-NOW, organized by AIA New York in 2022. He was also on the international jury at WAF in 2021 and the WAF China Awards in 2020. Ankur is driven by learning. Apart from physical adventures, he enjoys the exploration of new experiences. He loves to engage with technology and is deeply interested in the art of making music, and the language of music, especially Indian classical and Jazz. He loves building with his hands, and the satisfaction that the process of creation brings. In a different life, Ankur would have chosen to be a carpenter or a sculptor.
Mandar Zaware
VP Design & Project Management, Global Design APEC
Marriott International
Mandar Zaware is the Vice President - Project Management of Global Design Asia Pacific excluding China at Marriott International. Mandar is leading GDAPEC Mumbai team as well as GDAPEC consultants based in India and continuously oversee the markets he is currently managing in South Asia countries. Mandar has 18 years of experience with GDAPEC, successfully managing his projects and has become respective professional in the industry. As a Vice President of Project Management, Mandar has been leading GDAPEC India team over 18 years, shown a great leadership among team members. Mandar is passionate about supporting growth of company and has strong focus on quality working closely with internal departments and with external owners and clients. Mandar is the man spearheading the design team of the fastest growing hotel chain in APEC region. He is the one who delivers profit-by-design hotels and not just adheres to Marriott International’s design standard’s but also meets the owner’s expectations.
Mandar Zaware
VP Design & Project Management, Global Design APEC
Marriott International
Mandar Zaware is the Vice President - Project Management of Global Design Asia Pacific excluding China at Marriott International. Mandar is leading GDAPEC Mumbai team as well as GDAPEC consultants based in India and continuously oversee the markets he is currently managing in South Asia countries. Mandar has 18 years of experience with GDAPEC, successfully managing his projects and has become respective professional in the industry. As a Vice President of Project Management, Mandar has been leading GDAPEC India team over 18 years, shown a great leadership among team members. Mandar is passionate about supporting growth of company and has strong focus on quality working closely with internal departments and with external owners and clients. Mandar is the man spearheading the design team of the fastest growing hotel chain in APEC region. He is the one who delivers profit-by-design hotels and not just adheres to Marriott International’s design standard’s but also meets the owner’s expectations.