Agenda - REDS Saudi Arabia

Agenda

title

8:30 - 9:30

Registration

Begin the buzz with a quick registration as you receive your welcome kit.

9:30 - 10:00

Inaugural Sessions

Speeches by eminent dignitaries who set the tone for the summit

10:00 - 11:10

Spotlight – Presentation Series

10:00 – 10:10 

Presentation by HH Shaker

10:10 – 10:20

Presentation by OSUS Real Estate

10:20 – 10:30

Presentation by RAK Ceramics

10:30 – 10:40

Presentation by Daamah Trading

11:10 - 11:15

Photo Session

Make a memory of the excitement to follow for the 2 days!

11:15 - 11:30

Coffee Walk

Take a walk across our sponsor booths who are redefining innovation in every sense, while you refuel with a good cup of coffee.

11:30 - 12:00

Fire Side Chat: Residential Luxury – What Saudi Needs for homes of tomorrow?

Luxury living encompasses a number of factors including location, amenities, style, design, access and much more. With Saudi’s ambitious roadmap to be the global hub of opportunities and living, how would a future-ready home look like?

Speaker:
Fabrice Collot, Managing Director – Arabian Homes
Saad Ben Aiban, CEO – Jabal Omar Development Company

12:00 - 12:10

Meetings Brief

A run-through on the format of the meetings and the process of designing the customized agendas

12:10 - 14:00

Meetings 1 – 5

The Signature offering of the summit, experience, customized, targeted business networking so you make the absolute best of your time with us

14:00 - 15:30

Networking Luncheon

15:30 - 16:10

Sustainable Luxury: Breaking myths with real world examples

Sustainability is the core of Vision 2030. Every project being built in the Kingdom is a testament to this fact. Join the experts in-charge and explore how they are able to care for the environment and collective future of humanity while presenting the world with the most exclusive and luxurious spaces.

Speakers:
Nicholas King, Group Chief Development Officer – Red Sea Global
Navdeep Hanjra, Vice President of the Planning and Development – Royal Commission for AlUla
Dr. Francesca Arici, Chief of Planning and Development – Aseer Development Authority

16:10 - 18:00

Meetings 6 – 10

18:00 - 19:00

Relaxed Networking

19:00 - 23:00

Gala Dinner

8:30 - 9:30

Registration & Recap

Embark on another day of business, networking and celebration while enjoying a quick recap and highlights from Day 1

9:30 - 10:15

Defining Luxury of Tomorrow In Saudi

Hotels make a unique statement with each of brands and every project thereof. Learn from the thought leaders of the region as to how they define luxury while integrating local heritage, offering unique features and experiences, exceptional services, sensory immersion and much more.

Moderator:
Bastien Blanc, Co-Founder – TroKadero Management

Speakers: Lee Hallman, Acting Chief Development Officer – AlUla Development Company
Dr. Adel Ezzat, Chief Executive Officer – Elaf Group

10:15 - 11:00

Preservation V/S Modernization – Breaking even with the past and the future. What should be retained? What should be omitted?

The top guns of the design world talk about how to creatively bring out the best of both worlds – modern and vintage, local and global.

Speakers:
Gabriel Gil, Head of Interior Design Department at OMRANIA by EGIS
Ralf Steinhauer, Global Hospitality Director – RSP Tim Martin, Managing Director & Principal at Gensler Middle East

11:00 - 13:45

Meetings 11 – 15

13:45 - 14:00

Closing Remarks

14:00 - 15:30

Networking Luncheon

15:30 - 17:30

GBB Connect Xclusive: Distributor & Manufacturer Workshop

A brand-new session crafted to exclusively connect distributors and manufactures with common interests.

17:30 - 18:30

Pre-RICA Red Carpet

18:30 - 20:00

REDS Industry Choice Awards - RICA 2024

Gear up for the year’s biggest celebration of excellence. Everything that glitters here, is Gold!

20:00 - 23:00

Gala Dinner

Hicham Hassouni is the Chief Strategy & Business Development Officer at Boutique Group, a hospitality company fully owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. In his current role, Hassouni is dedicated to elevating standards with strategic insights and an innovative approach to drive growth and contribute to the Boutique Group’s continued success. With a sharp understanding of market trends and a customer-focused mindset, he integrates analytical thinking with an unwavering commitment for the hospitality industry. Hassouni has more than two decades of experience in the ultra-luxury hospitality and real estate sectors across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. He previously held leadership positions and advisory roles at top-tier companies, including MEA and Indian Ocean Vice-President at Rosewood Hotel Group and Vice-President of MEA for luxury brands at AccorHotels. Hassouni also served in key roles at Jones Lang LaSalle as the Vice President of Hotels, and Senior Manager and Member of the Executive Committee at Colliers International. Hassouni holds a master’s degree in management from NEOMA Business School, an AMBA-accredited institution in France.
Hicham Hassouni Chief Strategy & Business Development Officer
Hicham Hassouni is the Chief Strategy & Business Development Officer at Boutique Group, a hospitality company fully owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. In his current role, Hassouni is dedicated to elevating standards with strategic insights and an innovative approach to drive growth and contribute to the Boutique Group’s continued success. With a sharp understanding of market trends and a customer-focused mindset, he integrates analytical thinking with an unwavering commitment for the hospitality industry. Hassouni has more than two decades of experience in the ultra-luxury hospitality and real estate sectors across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. He previously held leadership positions and advisory roles at top-tier companies, including MEA and Indian Ocean Vice-President at Rosewood Hotel Group and Vice-President of MEA for luxury brands at AccorHotels. Hassouni also served in key roles at Jones Lang LaSalle as the Vice President of Hotels, and Senior Manager and Member of the Executive Committee at Colliers International. Hassouni holds a master’s degree in management from NEOMA Business School, an AMBA-accredited institution in France.
Hicham Hassouni Chief Strategy & Business Development Officer
Joe Tabet is an innovative visionary architect wearing different hats, with +20 years of professional experience in worldwide architecture and construction industry. Joe founded JT&Partners in 2015, starting with a handful of staff in a +100sqm office in Business Bay, Dubai. The company became an “overnight success”, earning recognition as an acclaimed international multidisciplinary consultant with impressive projects located in global destinations. He creates buildings and communities that transcend design and encompass social and environmental issues. Joe, JT&Partners and its projects received awards and recognitions from Cityscape, MEA, Arabian Property, UAE Business Awards, UAP Dubai. Recent completed projects include hotels in RAK, Seychelles and Egypt. Ongoing and upcoming projects include residential towers and villas, hotels, resorts, golf course, waterpark and hospital in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, RAK, Sharjah, Egypt, Greece and KSA. Always alert to the latest trends and with eyes towards the future, he pushes his staff into looking at innovation, Internet of Things, digital twin, 3D printing, modeler construction and invests in the newest multi-media technology and up-to-date state-of-the-art tools. n the span of seven years, despite economic slumps and pandemic challenges, Joe persevered, formulated vision/ mission, planned everything around the future, from business strategy to financial situation and started exploring for work in different geographies and other sectors like healthcare. Subsequently, JT&Partners grew to more than twice its original size. His initial staff rose to +125, its Dubai office increased to +1000sqm and the company expanded its practice to Abu Dhabi and Beirut. Taking advantage of multi-skilled resources availability in the region, Joe employed people from multi-cultural backgrounds, of +15 different nationalities with diverse professional experiences. Thus, JT&Partners has an energetic, collaborative, creative team of innovative individuals with their fingers on the pulse of global architecture and construction, from latest technologies and trends, to oldest traditions, producing bespoke designs that reflect diversity in culture, experience and understanding. Joe is a firm believer of applying innovation at different levels: design, business, client approach, project approach and good support team. He uses “unconventional” management strategies for JT&Partners to sustain its reputation as a world-renown consultant, delivering iconic, environmental and socially sustainable projects world-wide as well as retaining and expanding his clientele and contacts. A talented, insightful and creative architect, he has the gift of being able to understand, interpret local cultural requirements/ aspirations and reflecting all these into cost-effective building design solutions Proactive in his commitments to CSR, Joe is heavily involved in raising awareness on sociable/sustainable communities, giving his team good health/financial benefits, fostering future generation, conducting business ethically/fairly, supporting worthy causes. Outside of the practice, he attends international industry related exhibits, actively participates in university lectures/ panel discussions and grants interviews to share his knowledge, experiences, viewpoints. Joe is an inspiration to designers and architects. He achieved success through his innovative ideas in design and management, creativity to “think outside of the box” and being a flexible and adaptable visionary. To be ranked amongst the most powerful architects and influencers in the Region is an honour for Joe.
Joe Tabet Managing Director
Joe Tabet is an innovative visionary architect wearing different hats, with +20 years of professional experience in worldwide architecture and construction industry. Joe founded JT&Partners in 2015, starting with a handful of staff in a +100sqm office in Business Bay, Dubai. The company became an “overnight success”, earning recognition as an acclaimed international multidisciplinary consultant with impressive projects located in global destinations. He creates buildings and communities that transcend design and encompass social and environmental issues. Joe, JT&Partners and its projects received awards and recognitions from Cityscape, MEA, Arabian Property, UAE Business Awards, UAP Dubai. Recent completed projects include hotels in RAK, Seychelles and Egypt. Ongoing and upcoming projects include residential towers and villas, hotels, resorts, golf course, waterpark and hospital in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, RAK, Sharjah, Egypt, Greece and KSA. Always alert to the latest trends and with eyes towards the future, he pushes his staff into looking at innovation, Internet of Things, digital twin, 3D printing, modeler construction and invests in the newest multi-media technology and up-to-date state-of-the-art tools. n the span of seven years, despite economic slumps and pandemic challenges, Joe persevered, formulated vision/ mission, planned everything around the future, from business strategy to financial situation and started exploring for work in different geographies and other sectors like healthcare. Subsequently, JT&Partners grew to more than twice its original size. His initial staff rose to +125, its Dubai office increased to +1000sqm and the company expanded its practice to Abu Dhabi and Beirut. Taking advantage of multi-skilled resources availability in the region, Joe employed people from multi-cultural backgrounds, of +15 different nationalities with diverse professional experiences. Thus, JT&Partners has an energetic, collaborative, creative team of innovative individuals with their fingers on the pulse of global architecture and construction, from latest technologies and trends, to oldest traditions, producing bespoke designs that reflect diversity in culture, experience and understanding. Joe is a firm believer of applying innovation at different levels: design, business, client approach, project approach and good support team. He uses “unconventional” management strategies for JT&Partners to sustain its reputation as a world-renown consultant, delivering iconic, environmental and socially sustainable projects world-wide as well as retaining and expanding his clientele and contacts. A talented, insightful and creative architect, he has the gift of being able to understand, interpret local cultural requirements/ aspirations and reflecting all these into cost-effective building design solutions Proactive in his commitments to CSR, Joe is heavily involved in raising awareness on sociable/sustainable communities, giving his team good health/financial benefits, fostering future generation, conducting business ethically/fairly, supporting worthy causes. Outside of the practice, he attends international industry related exhibits, actively participates in university lectures/ panel discussions and grants interviews to share his knowledge, experiences, viewpoints. Joe is an inspiration to designers and architects. He achieved success through his innovative ideas in design and management, creativity to “think outside of the box” and being a flexible and adaptable visionary. To be ranked amongst the most powerful architects and influencers in the Region is an honour for Joe.
Joe Tabet Managing Director
Jacob Rinard is a Vice President and Program Director at Parsons’ Saudi Arabian operations, known in the Kingdom as Saudi Arabian Parsons Limited (SAPL), which operates as a unit of the US-based Parsons Corporation. Jacob is a distinguished leader with over 25 years of experience in delivering complex international projects across private and government sectors. His expertise lies in program and contract management, where he has demonstrated a keen focus on initiation, execution, and completion while ensuring optimum performance. With a remarkable ability to lead diverse teams, both direct and indirect, spanning domestic and international arenas, Jacob has managed teams reaching upwards of 500 individuals. His proficiency in procurement and contracting is evident in his ability to formulate, manage, and ensure compliance throughout the project lifecycle. Noteworthy is his skill in building strong relationships, fostering trust, and promoting collaboration with clients, stakeholders, and partners across various international markets, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, India, Australia, Jamaica, Panama, and the USA. Once an Enlisted Airman in the United States Air Force, from 1998 to 2001, Jacob embodies the values of commitment, service, and leadership. He has contributed significantly to various projects, including currently leading the $26.7 billion Jazan City for Primary and Downstream Industries (JCPDI) mega-project in Saudi Arabia, which has had a substantial impact on job creation and economic growth. Throughout his career, Jacob has managed international projects exceeding $30 billion in value, showcasing his adeptness in handling large-scale initiatives. With a team of more than 500 employees in JCPDI, our professionals bring expertise across multiple disciplines including project management, engineering, construction, port operations, urban planning, sustainability, and landscape architecture for our client in Jazan, KSA.
Jacob Rinard Vice President, Program Director
Jacob Rinard is a Vice President and Program Director at Parsons’ Saudi Arabian operations, known in the Kingdom as Saudi Arabian Parsons Limited (SAPL), which operates as a unit of the US-based Parsons Corporation. Jacob is a distinguished leader with over 25 years of experience in delivering complex international projects across private and government sectors. His expertise lies in program and contract management, where he has demonstrated a keen focus on initiation, execution, and completion while ensuring optimum performance. With a remarkable ability to lead diverse teams, both direct and indirect, spanning domestic and international arenas, Jacob has managed teams reaching upwards of 500 individuals. His proficiency in procurement and contracting is evident in his ability to formulate, manage, and ensure compliance throughout the project lifecycle. Noteworthy is his skill in building strong relationships, fostering trust, and promoting collaboration with clients, stakeholders, and partners across various international markets, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, India, Australia, Jamaica, Panama, and the USA. Once an Enlisted Airman in the United States Air Force, from 1998 to 2001, Jacob embodies the values of commitment, service, and leadership. He has contributed significantly to various projects, including currently leading the $26.7 billion Jazan City for Primary and Downstream Industries (JCPDI) mega-project in Saudi Arabia, which has had a substantial impact on job creation and economic growth. Throughout his career, Jacob has managed international projects exceeding $30 billion in value, showcasing his adeptness in handling large-scale initiatives. With a team of more than 500 employees in JCPDI, our professionals bring expertise across multiple disciplines including project management, engineering, construction, port operations, urban planning, sustainability, and landscape architecture for our client in Jazan, KSA.
Jacob Rinard Vice President, Program Director
Maroun leads the Project & Development Services team in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. He has over 21 years of experience in the property and construction industry, having led and delivered many complex PMO, large-scale urban planning and mixed-use development schemes across GCC and the Middle East. His involvement in projects has varied from working with private and Government sector clients, contractors, project management consultants, architecture firms and client-side developers. Maroun is renowned for his collaborative leadership approach, engaging with clients, stakeholders, and project teams to deliver better project outcomes. He is also a trained Architect and a Fellow Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.
Maroun Deeb Head of Project and Development Services
Maroun leads the Project & Development Services team in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. He has over 21 years of experience in the property and construction industry, having led and delivered many complex PMO, large-scale urban planning and mixed-use development schemes across GCC and the Middle East. His involvement in projects has varied from working with private and Government sector clients, contractors, project management consultants, architecture firms and client-side developers. Maroun is renowned for his collaborative leadership approach, engaging with clients, stakeholders, and project teams to deliver better project outcomes. He is also a trained Architect and a Fellow Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.
Maroun Deeb Head of Project and Development Services
Qualifying in 2003 Seif worked in the Middle East, Asia and Europe on several high-profile projects. Joining the practice in 2010 Seif worked on notable projects such as Haramain High Speed Rail Stations, Queen Alia International Airport, Slussen masterplan, Stockholm. In 2016 he was Project Architect for the competition winning design for the Jabal Omar development in Makkah, KSA. Born in London and growing up across Europe, Africa and the Middle East, Seif is a keen traveller with an interest in discovering cultures and places.
Seif Bahaa-El-Din Senior Partner
Qualifying in 2003 Seif worked in the Middle East, Asia and Europe on several high-profile projects. Joining the practice in 2010 Seif worked on notable projects such as Haramain High Speed Rail Stations, Queen Alia International Airport, Slussen masterplan, Stockholm. In 2016 he was Project Architect for the competition winning design for the Jabal Omar development in Makkah, KSA. Born in London and growing up across Europe, Africa and the Middle East, Seif is a keen traveller with an interest in discovering cultures and places.
Seif Bahaa-El-Din Senior Partner
Professor Sir Peter Cook, a pivotal figure in the global architectural world for over half a century. He is the director of Cook Belacevic Haffner and Partners (CBH) and the founder of the world-renowned architectural group Archigram. Notable roles include leading the Institute for Contemporary Art, London, and the Bartlett School of Architecture at University College London; recognized for his innovative contributions, he received an honorary doctorate from Lund University in 2010 and the Royal Gold Medal from the Royal Institute of British Architects in 2002 for his work with Archigram. Knighted in 2007, he holds esteemed positions such as Royal Academician and Commandeur de l’Ordre des Arts et Lettres. Currently a Senior Fellow at the Royal College of Art, London, he also holds professorships at institutions including the Royal Academy and the Hochschule fur Bildende Kunste, Frankfurt-Main. His architectural projects span the globe, including Osaka, Berlin, Frankfurt, Madrid, the Kunsthaus in Graz (with Colin Fournier), and university buildings in Vienna, the Gold Coast Australia, and Bournemouth. Peter’s continuing work as a lecturer of considerable renown makes him a familiar voice within cultural institutions around the world, where many have enjoyed an opportunity to hear Peter expound (among other subjects) upon his love affair with the slithering, the swarming and the spooky.
Sir Peter Cook Director
Professor Sir Peter Cook, a pivotal figure in the global architectural world for over half a century. He is the director of Cook Belacevic Haffner and Partners (CBH) and the founder of the world-renowned architectural group Archigram. Notable roles include leading the Institute for Contemporary Art, London, and the Bartlett School of Architecture at University College London; recognized for his innovative contributions, he received an honorary doctorate from Lund University in 2010 and the Royal Gold Medal from the Royal Institute of British Architects in 2002 for his work with Archigram. Knighted in 2007, he holds esteemed positions such as Royal Academician and Commandeur de l’Ordre des Arts et Lettres. Currently a Senior Fellow at the Royal College of Art, London, he also holds professorships at institutions including the Royal Academy and the Hochschule fur Bildende Kunste, Frankfurt-Main. His architectural projects span the globe, including Osaka, Berlin, Frankfurt, Madrid, the Kunsthaus in Graz (with Colin Fournier), and university buildings in Vienna, the Gold Coast Australia, and Bournemouth. Peter’s continuing work as a lecturer of considerable renown makes him a familiar voice within cultural institutions around the world, where many have enjoyed an opportunity to hear Peter expound (among other subjects) upon his love affair with the slithering, the swarming and the spooky.
Sir Peter Cook Director
Mario Cucinella was born in Palermo in 1960 and graduated in Architecture at the University of Genoa in 1986. In 1992, in Paris, he founded Mario Cucinella Architects, an architecture firm now based in Bologna and Milan, and of which he is also the creative director. In 2015 he founded SOS - School of Sustainability, a postgraduate program focused on sustainable architecture. The importance of his work and continued commitment as an architect and educator on environmental and social issues have been recognized with the International Fellowship of the Royal Institute of British Architects (2016) and with the Honorary Fellowship of the American Institute of Architects (2017). In 2018 he was curator of the Italian Pavilion de La Biennale di Venezia 2018 with the exhibition “Arcipelago Italia”. He is the author of many publications including: “The future is a journey to the past. Ten stories about architecture” (2021, published by Quodlibet), “Architecture of Education” (2021, published by Maggioli), “Building Green Futures” (2020, published by Forma).
Mario Cucinella Founder & Design Director of MCA
Mario Cucinella was born in Palermo in 1960 and graduated in Architecture at the University of Genoa in 1986. In 1992, in Paris, he founded Mario Cucinella Architects, an architecture firm now based in Bologna and Milan, and of which he is also the creative director. In 2015 he founded SOS - School of Sustainability, a postgraduate program focused on sustainable architecture. The importance of his work and continued commitment as an architect and educator on environmental and social issues have been recognized with the International Fellowship of the Royal Institute of British Architects (2016) and with the Honorary Fellowship of the American Institute of Architects (2017). In 2018 he was curator of the Italian Pavilion de La Biennale di Venezia 2018 with the exhibition “Arcipelago Italia”. He is the author of many publications including: “The future is a journey to the past. Ten stories about architecture” (2021, published by Quodlibet), “Architecture of Education” (2021, published by Maggioli), “Building Green Futures” (2020, published by Forma).
Mario Cucinella Founder & Design Director of MCA
Chief of Planning and Development
Aseer Development Authority
Dr. Francesca Arici is an Italian urban planner, urban designer and architect, with over 20 years of professional and academic experience in international working environments, based in KSA since 2018. She is currently Chief of Planning and Development at the Aseer Development Authority (ASDA). Prior to joining ASDA, Francesca held the position of Senior Director of Master Planning & Design at Saudi Downtown Company (SDC), a PIF company whose mandate is to deliver 12 mixed-use masterplans across KSA. Between 2018 and 2021 she was Planning Director and Acting Chief of County Zoning and Planning within the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), where she led the strategic regional planning of the AlUla County and the development of the local Masterplans. During her time in AlUla Francesca grew the CZP department and reported directly to the CEO as the Acting Chief. She holds a PhD in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Palermo, a Master of Architecture in Urban Design from Harvard Graduate School of Design (GSD) and has lectured in a variety of institutions, including IE School of Architecture (Spain), Harvard University’s Career Discovery (US), Palermo and Alghero University (Italy). During her career she obtained several recognitions, such as a Fulbright grant, the IE award for teaching excellence as well as prizes and mentions in different international competitions.
Dr. Francesca Arici
Managing Director
Arabian Homes
Fabrice Collot is the Managing Director of Arabian Homes, a prominent real estate company based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. His focus is on diversifying the company’s portfolio and preparing it for an initial public offering (IPO) within the next four years. Under his leadership, Arabian Homes has started a transition to asset light model with the management of luxury properties in Jeddah but also the development of 10 internationally branded hotels in KSA. Prior to his transition to real estate industry Fabrice was managing Luxury 5-star hotels on 4 continents.
Fabrice Collot
Vice President of the Planning and Development
Royal Commission for AlUla
• Vice President of the Planning and Development General Department of AlUla County, accountable for strategic direction and leadership for the Strategic Planning, Development Approvals, the Land and Real Estate Departments and the GIS Departments. Part of the senior leadership team responsible for developing local government, policies and strategies, delivering sound governance and sustainability in support of the AlUla Vision. • Professional Expert in Master Planning and City Development with 25 years’ experience in public and private sectors in four different countries including currently leading the Master Plans for the Royal Commission of AlUla, Saudi Arabia, to help preserve and sustainably develop the world’s largest cultural oasis with 200,000 years of heritage. • Successful delivery of large-scale key projects with diverse mandates, financial outcomes and attracting investors and partners while delivering quality of life to the community. This includes the Western Sydney's Aerotropolis project, a multi-billion-dollar that leveraged the Australian Government’s $5.3 billion investment in the new Western Sydney International (Nancy Bird-Walton) Airport and the Aerotropolis City, ICT projects entailing tendering, planning, implementation and commissioning such as the multi-billion-dollar Street Addressing project for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Planning and execution of Abu Dhabi’s Vision, including multibillion dollar Yas & Saadiyat Island development projects. • Extensive range of direct experience in core City delivery areas including organizational transformation & Business Process reengineering, Transport Infrastructure, Land and Real Estate Management and initiating creative digital and geospatial improvements and dashboards. Incorporating the interests of the community in the development and design process by providing a service through the AlUla design process & comprehensive service centre that allows residents to be active participants in the development of AlUla. • Thought leader and public speaker with extensive networks in her subject matter. Presented as a panel member at various prestigious events like World economic forum (WEF) at Davos, Switzerland and Detroit, Michigan. Also been a leader in initiation of real estate development sectors, real estate indices & governance in various organizations and presented as a panel member in Cityscape events multiple times. Also led the delivery & implementation of the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Law to enable international property investment in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Education • Masters of Urban & Regional Planning 2004 - 2007 - University of Sydney, NSW, Australia • Executive Leadership programs at Insead Business School and HEC Paris.
Navdeep Hanjra
Global Hospitality Director
RSP
Ralf has over 20 years of professional experience in Asia, Australia, Middle East and Europe.  He is currently Director at RSP Dubai studio overlooking projects from conceptual design through to project delivery. Ralf was appointed Global Hospitality Director focusing on delivering high quality hospitality projects ranging in type, scale, budget and geography to both international and domestic clients in the region and internationally. He is currently leading high profile projects such as Armani Hotel in Diriyah Gate and Nobu Hotel & Branded Residences in Abu Dhabi. His vision is to continue to produce well-considered architecture and interiors that answer to the region’s new forward-thinking vision, whilst setting exceptional project delivery standards. His continual dedication to ongoing knowledge, research and challenge of design methodologies is channelled via his commitment to lecturing at the departments of architecture at Canadian University in Dubai. Ralf has been recognized several times as the Top 40 Most Powerful Architects of the Middle East.
Ralf Steinhauer
Head of Interior Design Department
OMRANIA by EGIS
Head of Interior Design Department at OMRANIA by EGIS, Riyadh. KSA. 2022 - Present Over 30 years of dynamic and driven leadership across all design, development, and delivery phases. Gabriel is an architect with a solid record of full lifecycle project management success in directing high-profile major design projects all over the world. Graduated in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he worked based in Madrid Spain for more than 20 years and since 2010 has an international experience leading design teams in big Companies in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and India. Since 2022 he is based in Riyadh, KSA, working as Head of the Interior design department at Omrania by Egis managing big scale Projects in Corporate, Hospitality, Mix use and Governmental Projects. Gabriel has demonstrated expertise in all facets of interior design, operational management, construction administration, financial stewardship, business development, and client relations management. Among his projects, we can mention: CMA Tower – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Four Seasons Hotel – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Hilton Hotel & Apartments – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Residential Complex (confidential). Dammam, Saudi Arabia Hotel Sandals Royal Hicacos Resort & Spa. 5 Star. Varadero, Cuba Grand Hotel La Florida 5 Star. Barcelona, Spain Hotel Ritz Madrid 5 Star Plus. Madrid, Spain
Gabriel Gil
CEO
Jabal Omar Development Company
Mr. Saad, Chief Executive Officer of Jabal Omar Development Company (JODC), possesses a proven track record of more than 20 years in executive positions, driving development and growth. He is transforming JODC into a multi-dimensional company focusing on mixed utilization of urban development. He presently leads a team which attracts and retains international hospitality symbolic to Makkah. Prior to being promoted as CEO of JODC, he was C-Suite executive of JODC and various development companies in Saudi Arabia namely, Ma’aden, SABIC, SADAF and Petrocon, etc.; where he served as key individual in development of these firms in Saudi Arabia. Saad leads with an example, risk management, collaborating and enhancing the relationship with its stakeholders. Passionate about project management with extensive experience in nurturing the team, planning and leadership. Saad has a Ph.D from European International University and other degrees from both local and international institutions.
Saad Ben Aiban
Managing Director & Principal
Gensler Middle East
With more than 20 years’ experience across multi-disciplinary practices around the world, Tim has managed a variety of projects from large-scale to boutique designs. He has a wealth of experience in design and construction in a number of sectors throughout the region and beyond, including tall buildings,aviation, retail centers, leisure and hospitality. He has an established set of technical and business skills including overall business management, marketing, human resources, financial planning, business planning and oversight of multi-disciplinary projects. With experience throughout Asia, Europe, Australia, North America, Africa, the Middle East and the U.S., Tim’s international expertise is wide-ranging in discipline, complexity, sector, and size. Tim is a designer, mentor, and industry leader. With an established set of technical and business skills, Tim focuses on oversight of multi-disciplinary design projects across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. With 94 staff members, six studios and three offices within the GCC, Tim’s unique set of skills enables him to develop, lead and drive a client’s strategic business goals through the power of integrated design. Harnessing his portfolio of projects and clients across the globe, Tim’s goal is to deliver projects to his clients in a tailored way and with a personal touch. Tim’s goals and commitment to clients align with Gensler’s vision of creating a better world through the power of design. He brings his team and clients a unique combination of experience and expertise, believing in the power of design to positively impact the lives of the individual. Tim exercises the opportunity the region offers to collaborate with clients and deliver projects with them, rather than to them. Collaborating at the outset and throughout the process is something Tim enforces to ensure the resulting design is a synthesis of multiple perspectives. Tim’s practical planning dealt with hybrids long before the epidemic. The foundations and values of Tim’s leadership include, among other things, tools for diverse planning, tools for planning that connect people and the use of innovative solutions that release the reins. A distinct fusion of cultures between ethnic design and Western influences, has led to magnificent projects that respect locality and serve as evidence of the desire and determination of these countries to participate in the globalization of the 21st century. In his role at Gensler, Tim was behind the highest performing region throughout the pandemic. Staff has tripled since his appointment as well as driving the opening of offices in an additional two cities. Tim has created an international community of designers and architects, acting as an extension of one global office, with one goal - to design the most inviting, healthiest, and most suitable environment in the fields of architecture and interior design in the third decade of the 21st century
Tim Martin
Group Chief Development Officer
Red Sea Global
Nicholas King is the Group Chief Development Officer of Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind The Red Sea and Amaala, two ambitious tourism projects set along the northwestern coast of Saudi Arabia. These destinations will play key roles in the realization of Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s economic roadmap for the future. Nicholas joined the organization in September 2020, bringing with him more than three decades of experience in successful International real estate development. Prior to joining RSG, Nick was principal of SunCal, one of the largest private land developers in the United States. In that role he led urban development activity, as well as having a guiding hand across all projects including land developments on both coasts ranging from 2,000 to 55,000 acres. Nick had direct responsibility for the acquisition and development of numerous award-winning projects including, most recently, a three million square foot mixed-use development in the Arts District of Los Angeles designed by Herzog & De Meuron. Before SunCal, Nick operated throughout the Asia Pacific region, developing and investing in luxury residential, integrated resort, and complex mixed-use urban projects, both through his own business as well as in a leadership capacity for organizations such as ING Real Estate, Shell Real Estate and Hillwood Asia. He received his Master’s Degree in Urban Design, specializing in Real Estate Development, from Harvard University. He was awarded an MBA from the University of Chicago and completed the Global Leadership Program at IMD in Lausanne. Nick brings with him a wealth of experience in global cutting-edge development and thinking and is responsible for all Red Sea Global developments.
Nicholas King
Acting Chief Development Officer
AlUla Development Company
Lee Hallman is an industry expert with 30+ years of experience in designing and delivering complex residential, hospitality, cultural, commercial, and infrastructure projects across the globe. Prior to AlUla Development Company, Hallman held the role of Director at Grafton London as well as Thornham Management where he led the development of two 1,000ha sustainable residential & hospitality resorts in Greece, a 10,000ha sustainable mountain reserve in Argentina, and a 3,000sqm grade 2 listed townhouse in London. During his career trajectory, he held several roles including Head of Design & Development Manager at Qatari Diar Europe where he contributed to the design and development of the Four Seasons Montenegro Resort & Residences, The Chancery Hotel, Chelsea Barracks, and others. He was also Senior Partner & Head of Interiors at Foster + Partners, where he spent 16 years, and Head of Design at Candy & Candy. Hallman holds a Bachelor of Architecture from University of Auckland and is a member of the Board of Trustees at Woodfield.
Lee Hallman
Group CEO
Alhokair Group
Alhokair group is pleased to announce the appointment of Fahad Al Obailan as its new Chief Executive Officer. With over 20 years of experience and expertise to his role, Fahad is driven by a passion for customer experience and innovation, which has resulted in the successful implementation of several initiatives and projects. Fahad was previously Chief Tourism Officer of Almosafer (part of Seera Group) for over 5 years and has been instrumental in the transformation of Almosafer’s from an online travel agency into a holistic omnichannel travel brand that becomes as a full platform of travel. As a leader in the travel and tourism industry & as vice chairman of the Riyadh chamber of commerce & industry's tourism committee, Fahad was spearheading Almosafer’s tourism vertical that encompasses leisure, religious and MICE activities across the company. Fahad was the business lead for Discover Saudi, Almosafer’s Destination Management Company, as well as Mawasim, Almosafer’s Hajj & Umrah tour operator, and created synergies across the company’s tourism portfolio. Fahad is an active member of the business community and serves on several boards and committees, including Menalac, Tatweer Industries Development Company Lumi car rental and Al Mosafer Fahad holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from King Saud University, and Master’s - Business Administration from Thunderbird College of Global Management, Arizona, USA. He also completed courses at prestigious institutions such as London Business School. He is a true leader and advocate for growth and innovation in the tourism industry and is poised to make an even greater impact in the years to come.
Fahad Alobailan
Co-Founder
TroKadero Management
Bastien Blanc, the quintessential hotelier is the Co-Founder of the international hospitality group TroKadero Management. The group operates in Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Australia. Bastien’s distinguished hospitality career spans 30 years over 4 continents. He has trailblazed new markets, globally. His leadership and directorial positions have seen him previously working with some of the world’s leading hotel operators including Interstate, FRHI, ACCOR, and IHG, with him driving luxury led portfolios.   His expertise in operations, commercial performance as well as property and product development has been recognized through international awards. Bastien is passionate about the hospitality industry, its development, quality of offering and advancing the talent of tomorrow. His leadership and performance in the hospitality industry has seen him recognized as one of the Top 100 Most Inspirational Leaders in the Global Hospitality and Travel Awards in 2023. Bastien also judges awards competitions and is invited to deliver keynotes at hospitality conferences around the world.
Bastien Blanc
Chief Executive Officer
Elaf Group
A visionary leader with a distinguished career spanning more than 25 years, Dr. Adel Ezzat currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Elaf Group. Dr. Ezzat leverages his extensive experience in operations, marketing management, and sustainable organizational growth to steer the group’s strategic direction, which is closely aligned with Vision 2030’s roadmap for economic diversification and the development of the travel and tourism sector. Prior to joining Elaf Group, Dr. Ezzat served as President & Chairman of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation. He has also held a number of senior positions with leading organizations including Chief Executive Officer of Saudi Paper Group, Managing Director of Hyundai & Genesis at Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors Hyundai, and Managing Director of the Toyota at Abdul Latif Jameel Group. Earlier in his career, he worked at Procter & Gamble for Nine years where he honed his skills in the areas of operations management, human resources, supply chain management, and marketing. Dr. Ezzat’s remarkable progression throughout his working life demonstrates a strong commitment to professional and personal growth that has enabled him to successfully increase profitability, oversee multiple projects to the highest standards, and lead teams towards exceptional performance. He holds a PhD in Marketing from Paris University, a master’s degree in business administration from Manchester University, and a master’s degree in marketing from Nottingham Trent University, together with a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from King Abdulaziz University.
Dr. Adel Ezzat