17th Real Estate Development Summit Lisbon | GBB Venture B2B Networking Event

17th REDS Lisbon Portugal

GBB Venture’s 17th RED Summit

Bridges Saudi Ambitions with European Excellence

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Lisbon, Portugal | 27th June 2025

The 17th Real Estate Development (RED) Summit – Saudi Arabia | Europe Edition, hosted by GBB Venture, turned the spotlight on Lisbon as it welcomed some of the most influential names from Saudi Arabia’s evolving real estate sector for two days of purpose-riven exchange, global synergy, and fresh perspectives. Held at the iconic Lisbon Congress Centre’s RIO Pavilion, the summit brought together key decision-makers from Saudi Arabia’s rapidly evolving real estate sector and Europe’s leading minds in design, construction, and hospitality, all aligned with the bold ambitions of Vision 2030.

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Curious how the summit sparked real impact? Here’s the breakdown:

  • 158 Buying Companies joined the conversation
  • 108 Solution Providers from across 25+ Countries showcased innovations
  • 1,575+ Pre-scheduled one-on-one meetings filled the agenda
  • 21 International Speakers led impactful sessions
  • 1,800+ Minutes of formal networking unfolded
  • 23 Global Media and Association Partners amplified its reach
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The 17th RED Summit opened with energy and purpose. Ravi Kumar Chandran, Founder & Managing Director – GBB Venture, welcomed the gathering with gratitude and pride, celebrating GBB’s 25th event milestone amidst a time of global uncertainty. Rui Lourenço Pereira, Deputy Director – Commercial Department – AICEP, followed with a message of cross-continental partnership, setting the tone for a summit rooted in collaboration. Click here for full video

What followed was a fast-paced series of spotlight sessions that wasted no time getting bold ideas on the table:

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Ron Bakker, Founding Partner – PLP Architecture, shared insights from “The Edge,” a smart, sustainable office redefining workspaces. Click here for full video
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Pablo Vidare, CEO – BIOO, literally lit up the room with ideas, from soil-powered batteries to bioluminescent plants. Click here for full video
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Tetyana Kovalenko, CEO – Elite Stone Group, introduced green luxury through sustainable marble. Click here for full video
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Dr. Andreas Wieser, Senior Physician, Working Group Leader, Deputy Head of Laboratory Diagnostics of Smart United GmbH brought attention to indoor air quality in real estate. Click here for full video
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Ali Al Ghamdi, Transformation Consultant – OSUS, shared insights into Saudi Arabia’s evolving hospitality landscape. Click here for full video
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Elias Abou Samra, CEO – Rafal Real Estate, explored shifts in development models, shaping the Kingdom. Click here for full video
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After a coffee break and a group photo that brought everyone together (smiles, espresso, and plenty of networking), the spotlight turned to Christos Passas, Director – Zaha Hadid Architects, who shared innovations in sustainable high-rise design. Click here for full video
Then came what RED Summits do best, pre-scheduled one-on-one meetings that transformed interest into introductions and conversations into commercial potential.
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Post-lunch, with tummies full and ideas flowing…  Attendees gathered for a quick wellness boost with Technogym’s energiser session, led by Amâncio Santos, proving that a five-minute fitness fix can do wonders

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This led into one of the day’s highlights, “Simplifying Agility,” a panel on building for adaptability in a fast-changing world. Moderated by Daniel O’Brien, Director – Development at Qiddiya, the session brought together Sanjay Tanwani, Regional Director – AECOM, Paul Fraser, Director of Cities and Communities for KSA – AtkinsRéalis, James Passmore – PIF, and Al. Motasem B. Attiyah, CEO – CLEAR Holding Co. Click here for full video

The conversation centered on how flexibility, responsiveness, and strategic design are becoming must-haves in the Kingdom’s future-ready developments.

The day wrapped with more focused B2B meetings and a sunset drive to Arriba, for a coastal cocktail dinner, where conversations flowed as effortlessly as the sea breeze.

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Day 2 – Insight, Impact, and Interaction

Day 2 opened with a deep dive into Saudi Arabia’s evolving real estate landscape. Harmen De Jong, Regional Partner & Head of Consulting – Knight Frank, unpacked key market trends and demand-supply insights shaping the Kingdom’s future. Click here for full video

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The momentum continued with “Designing the Iconic,” a presentation series where Maximilian Zielinski, Senior Partner – Foster + Partners, Viggo Haremst, Partner & Design Director – Henning Larsen, and Mark Kennedy, Head of Design – MAGNA – NEOM, shared bold visions behind structures designed to last for generations.
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This was followed by a high-level panel: “Market Dynamics & Mega Events Reshaping the Industry,” moderated by Tala Michel Issa, Chief Reporter – Arabian Business, featuring Dr. Bassam Boodai, Board Member & Investment Committee Chairman – AL MOZAINI Real Estate and Eng. Abdulaziz Al Zamil, CBDO – Tatweer. Their discussion spotlighted the economic and cultural shifts influencing Saudi Arabia’s real estate evolution. Click here for full video
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Post-lunch, delegates returned for the final curated experience, GBB’s Delegates-Only Bash, a speed networking session. In just under 100 minutes, over 100 developers, designers, consultants, and operators rotated through high-energy meetings, ending the summit on a strong note of connection and momentum.
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From Dialogue to Direction

As Lisbon drew the curtain on this vibrant edition, the 17th Real Estate Development Summit – Saudi Arabia | Europe Edition left behind more than connections; it built momentum. Conversations have begun, strategies are taking shape, and the next chapter of real estate is already being written.

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A special thank you to our supporting associations:  AICEP, APIMA, Ghorfa (Arab-German Chamber of Commerce), Saudi Portuguese Business Council, G-Kreations, Saudi Business Council, and AstroLabs, for their valuable presence and support in making the 17th RED Summit a success.
Throughout the Lisbon edition, GBB’s tech-forward tools, from the  AI-powered GBB Connect chatbot to real-time photo delivery, kept the experience seamless and memorable.
Connecting Beyond Boundaries was more than a theme, it came to life. This wasn’t just a summit, it was a movement. Where Europe met Saudi Arabia to co-author the future of real estate.

As attendees head home with fresh ideas and future plans, one truth stands tall: The future of real estate is collaborative, sustainable, and without borders.

Continuing the Momentum

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To know more write to [email protected] | Call us on +44 20 3868 2202

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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.
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.
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
Designing the Future: How AI Is Transforming Interior Architecture Mohammed discusses tools like Quible and how AI is reshaping design workflows, creativity, and sustainability in commercial interiors. Crafting Culturally Rooted Luxury Insights into projects like La Mer by Elie Saab and Oceano, and how to balance high-end aesthetics with local identity and context. From the Red Sea to Thailand: Leading Global Hospitality Design Behind the scenes of designing for AMAALA, Qiddiya, and Layan Verde—and the role of storytelling in destination architecture. Mentoring the Next Generation of Designers The importance of leadership, inclusivity, and Dewan’s Young Leaders program in shaping the industry’s future talent. Building in the Metaverse and Beyond Why Mohammed launched Dewan’s MAD Lab, and how architects can prepare for hybrid digital-physical environments in commercial design.
Mohammed Adib
Chief Design Officer
Dewan Architects + Engineers
Designing the Future: How AI Is Transforming Interior Architecture Mohammed discusses tools like Quible and how AI is reshaping design workflows, creativity, and sustainability in commercial interiors. Crafting Culturally Rooted Luxury Insights into projects like La Mer by Elie Saab and Oceano, and how to balance high-end aesthetics with local identity and context. From the Red Sea to Thailand: Leading Global Hospitality Design Behind the scenes of designing for AMAALA, Qiddiya, and Layan Verde—and the role of storytelling in destination architecture. Mentoring the Next Generation of Designers The importance of leadership, inclusivity, and Dewan’s Young Leaders program in shaping the industry’s future talent. Building in the Metaverse and Beyond Why Mohammed launched Dewan’s MAD Lab, and how architects can prepare for hybrid digital-physical environments in commercial design.
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
Professional Experience 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
Professional Experience 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
Regional Director
AECOM
Sanjay leads the Urbanism + Planning studio at AECOM for the Middle East and Africa, steering large-scale development strategies across dynamic and rapidly evolving markets. A masterplanner and urban designer by training, he is also instrumental in shaping AECOM’s entry and positioning in emerging international markets. With over two decades of experience across 25 countries—including key projects in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Latin America—Sanjay specializes in unlocking value through integrated planning, urban regeneration, and destination development. His portfolio spans strategic masterplans, transport-oriented development, and heritage-led urban renewal—often at the intersection of public ambition and private capital. Recognized as a trusted advisor to sovereign wealth funds, REITs, multinational developers, and venture capital-backed platforms, Sanjay brings both design vision and commercial insight to complex, high-stakes urban initiatives. Before joining AECOM, Sanjay led the international planning portfolio at Atkins UK, where he oversaw the London studio's global operations. Beyond his professional commitments, he has served as a Governor of Goodenough College (a Royal Charity) and as Chair of its International Relations Society—reflecting a longstanding commitment to cross-cultural dialogue and leadership.
Sanjay Tanwani
Regional Director
AECOM
Sanjay leads the Urbanism + Planning studio at AECOM for the Middle East and Africa, steering large-scale development strategies across dynamic and rapidly evolving markets. A masterplanner and urban designer by training, he is also instrumental in shaping AECOM’s entry and positioning in emerging international markets. With over two decades of experience across 25 countries—including key projects in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Latin America—Sanjay specializes in unlocking value through integrated planning, urban regeneration, and destination development. His portfolio spans strategic masterplans, transport-oriented development, and heritage-led urban renewal—often at the intersection of public ambition and private capital. Recognized as a trusted advisor to sovereign wealth funds, REITs, multinational developers, and venture capital-backed platforms, Sanjay brings both design vision and commercial insight to complex, high-stakes urban initiatives. Before joining AECOM, Sanjay led the international planning portfolio at Atkins UK, where he oversaw the London studio's global operations. Beyond his professional commitments, he has served as a Governor of Goodenough College (a Royal Charity) and as Chair of its International Relations Society—reflecting a longstanding commitment to cross-cultural dialogue and leadership.