Industry Icons: Leadership Spotlight Series - Khalid Al Gahtani - GBB

Industry Icons: Leadership Spotlight Series – Khalid Al Gahtani

Industry Icons: Leadership Spotlight Series

Khalid Al Gahtani on Rethinking Development in Saudi Arabia

Vision sets direction. Leadership builds legacy.

 March 12th 2026

In a Kingdom undergoing one of the most ambitious transformations in the world, few leaders embody that principle as clearly as Khalid Al Gahtani.

 

As Chairman of RIKAZ Properties and HAKA Group Holding, he is redefining what development means in Saudi Arabia, not as a collection of isolated projects, but as integrated, lifestyle-driven ecosystem aligned with the ambitions of Vision 2030.

 

In this exclusive conversation, Al Gahtani reflects on capital strategy, institutional positioning, and the structural shift transforming the Kingdom’s development model.

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Building Platforms, Not Projects

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Khalid’s leadership philosophy is rooted in long-term thinking.

“My focus is on long-term development and strategic investment platforms across Saudi Arabia.”

 

At RIKAZ, development is not simply about constructing assets, it is about shaping integrated communities designed around quality of life, hospitality principles, and sustained value creation.

 

His role today centers on:

  • Development strategy
  • Capital structuring
  • Strategic partnerships
  • Governance discipline
  • Alignment with Vision 2030 objectives

Much of his time is now dedicated to evaluating destination-led opportunities in the Eastern Province, a region poised for scalable, sustainable growth over the next decade.

The Shift from Transactions to Platforms

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Two defining shifts shaped Khalid’s journey.

 

The first was moving from transactional real estate thinking to platform-driven development.

“Real estate is not about individual projects, it is about creating systems, brand equity, and institutional credibility.”

That mindset transformation influenced how capital is structured, partnerships are built, and assets are managed long-term.

 

The second defining shift came through his involvement in chamber and board-level roles. Exposure to policy evolution and economic reform gave him a broader view of the Kingdom’s transformation. “It taught me that successful developers must think beyond land, they must understand infrastructure, trade, tourism, and capital markets.”

 

For Khalid, leadership in development demands:

  • Strategic patience
  • Governance discipline
  • The ability to anticipate where cities are heading, not where they stand today

Vision 2030: Expanding the Definition of Real Estate

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According to Khalid, Vision 2030 fundamentally reshaped Saudi Arabia’s development model.
“It expanded the definition of real estate from housing supply to destination creation, tourism integration, and quality-of-life infrastructure.”

 

In the Eastern Province, this shift opens the door to mixed-use environments that integrate:

  • Hospitality
  • Retail
  • Wellness
  • Community services

His strategy reflects this evolution.
“We focus on developments that support livability, walkability, and curated amenities, projects that contribute to regional competitiveness and economic diversification.”

 

Importantly, Vision 2030 also strengthened public-private collaboration.
“Developers today must align with national transformation priorities, not operate independently of them.”

From Buildings to Curated Living Environments

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Projects such as UPVIDA represent his development philosophy.

 

“It is not just a residential development, it is a community ecosystem designed around shared amenities, activated public spaces, and hospitality-level service integration.”

 

For Khalid, lifestyle-centric development is defined by:

  • Thoughtful master planning
  • Integrated shared services
  • Strong brand positioning
  • Institutional governance
  • Long-term asset management discipline

 

“Urban development must evolve from isolated buildings to curated living environments.”

The Next Decade of Leadership

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Looking ahead, Khalid believes three attributes will define successful leaders in real estate and infrastructure:

  • Capital Intelligence
    Understanding structured finance, institutional partnerships, and sustainable leverage models.
  • Ecosystem Thinking
    Moving beyond plots and towers toward destination logic, mobility integration, and service platforms.
  • Governance & ESG Discipline
    Transparency, sustainability, and operational excellence will increasingly determine access to capital and credibility.

“The future belongs to developers who think like operators and investors, not just builders.”

Advice to the Next Generation

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His advice to emerging leaders is clear and uncompromising:
“Think long-term. Build credibility before scale.”

 

Focus on governance.


Prioritize execution.


Understand capital as deeply as construction.

 

Most importantly: “Design with purpose.”

 

Saudi Arabia is undergoing one of the most ambitious transformations globally. The built environment must reflect culture, ambition, and global positioning.

 

“If we develop with integrity, discipline, and vision, we will not just build projects, we will shape cities for generations.”

This feature is part of GBB Venture’s Leadership Spotlight Series, highlighting Industry Icons  shaping the future of real estate and hospitality through vision, strategy, and execution.
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
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
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.