Speakers

Ben Harburg is a Founder and Chairman of Novo Capital a global, multi-stage investment firm with over $2b under management. He is the Chairman of Harburg Group, a multi-club ownership group that owns Al Kholood Club of the Saudi Pro League and co-owner of Cádiz Club de Fútbol of LaLiga Hypermotion. He is a board director of various private companies, as well as those of several foundations in the arts, geopolitical and academic arenas.

Sherif Bialy is a senior infrastructure and mobility executive with more than 22 years of experience leading complex, multi-billion-dollar capital programs across transportation, transit, aviation, marine, and urban development sectors. He is recognized for providing strategic leadership on national-scale infrastructure initiatives while building high-performing, safety-driven organizations that consistently deliver results.

Shireen Hamdan is a Senior Principal at Populous and a member of the firm’s Global Board of Directors. Fluent in Arabic, she oversees Populous’ Middle East operations, leading major sports and entertainment projects, including Aramco Stadium, Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium, and King Salman International Stadium. Her portfolio spans global stadium, arena, and convention centre design, including work at Wimbledon’s Centre Court and Court 1 and the London 2012 Olympic Stadium.

Michael (Mike) is a seasoned motorsport executive with experience in major event delivery, motorsport championship & category management, grassroots motorsport programs and elite driver development programs.

Throughout his motorsport career Mike has been involved in the training and development of marshals as an FIA Global Training Expert, a member of the Organising Committee and senior official for the Australian, Korean, Russian, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabian and Vietnam Grands Prix, a Race Director and the Director of the Ferrari Driver Selection Academy, Asia Pacific. More recent roles include the Vice President of the FIA Volunteer & Officials Commission and the Director of Motorsport & Commercial Operations with Motorsport Australia where amongst other things, Mike oversaw Motorsport Australia’s FIA Girls on Track initiative.

Fawaz Al Ayban is A seasoned Procurement Manager with a demonstrated history of success across diverse industries. Skilled in Negotiation, Analytical Skills, Risk Management, and Governance. Bringing over 10 years of expertise in procurement practices.

Eng. Meshal Aldeaijy is a strategic leader with extensive experience in crafting and executing business strategies that drive sustainable growth aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.Meshal combines analytical insight with practical leadership to deliver measurable results With experience across both public and private, Known for bridging the gap between vision and operational execution. Meshal has empowered diverse organizations to optimize strategy planning, execution, and achieve long term objectives in competitive market.

John has 35 years’ experience of providing building and infrastructure advisory services to public and private sector clients across multiple sectors and geographies. He is an expert in project finance, public private partnerships, digitalization, FM & asset management and ESG/sustainability. Originally, a graduate in civil engineering with master’s degrees in both engineering management and business administration.

John supports Dar Al Riyadh Group joint ventures and Dar Al Riyadh Consultancy with strategy and growth planning and also leads the Dar Al Riyadh Consultancy Advisory service line.

He worked for ERM where he was the Lead Partner for their Northern Europe Mergers & Acquisitions Advisory team. Prior to that he was the head of the Sustainable Infrastructure Group Policy and Project Preparation Units at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

Senior technology leader with 24 years’ experience leading football technology and digital transformation across global sports. Proven track record in delivering end-to-end ICT strategies and innovation that enhance operations, elevate fan engagement, and modernise competition management. Career highlights include technology leadership roles at the FIFA World Cup, UEFA Euro, Olympic Games, Manchester United, Arsenal FC, and the Saudi Pro League. Drive large-scale digital programmes and infrastructure modernisation. A proud FIFA/CIES Sports Management alumnus, combining global sports expertise with deep technology leadership to deliver sustainable impact in complex, high-profile environments.

Business Excellence Project and Program Manager at the Public Investment Fund (PIF), recognized as a Business Catalyst with a proven ability to drive high-impact initiatives for H.E. the Governor's Office. Leveraging expertise in strategic planning, project execution, and collaborative leadership, dedicated to advancing business excellence and delivering innovative solutions. Skilled in building strong stakeholder relationships across all levels, I lead projects that exceed expectations and create measurable value.

Hichem is an accomplished and multi-award winning digital leader in the AECO industry, known for driving large-scale innovation and transformation across the Middle East’s design and construction sectors. He has held numerous high-impact leadership roles including Digital Practice Director, Regional Digital Practice Leader, Regional BIM Strategy Leader, Regional BIM Manager, and Head of BIM-Controls.

As a visionary in digital innovation and delivery, his drive to excellence has been recognized with prestigious awards such as the Digital Visionary of the Year 2025, double awarded the Digital Construction Innovator of the Year award in 2025 and 2024, received the Digital Transformation of the Year Award and has been featured among the Top 10 ConTech Leaders in the Middle East as part of ConFex 2025.

With a strong foundation in engineering research and academia, Hichem brings extensive hands-on experience delivering iconic mega and giga projects across diverse sectors: civil infrastructure, buildings, mechanical systems, and energy. His deep expertise spans a broad array of AECO practice areas such ad Digital Design consultancy & Digital Construction management.

Hichem has successfully led digital transformation initiatives at the project, departmental, and organizational levels. He is recognized for building and executing strategic roadmaps that integrate Digital Innovation, BIM & VDC, automation, project controls, engineering intelligence, ERP management, organizational change management, supply chain digitalization, and IT systems governance set up backed by direct collaboration with top-tier technology providers.

He has additionally been at the forefront of integrating Spatial AI and Data Visualization services into digital delivery and operational platforms, positioning this initiative as a global benchmark for how advanced technologies can redefine decision-making and project intelligence across the built environment.

Hichem has authored and implemented innovative processes such as intuitive BIM-Project Controls integration, unmodeled BIM, Automated IPA, BIM 5.5D. His unique blend of technical acumen, software development skills, and systems thinking enables him to create scalable, high-impact digital solutions.

Beyond his technical leadership, Hichem is a dedicated mentor and instructor, actively supporting the professional development of AECO talent through mentoring and training programs in relation to AECO industry digitalization. His ongoing contributions continue to shape the future of digital transformation in the built environment.

Alwaleed Alkeaid is a sports management and leadership expert with 15+ years in sports innovation, wellness, and strategic planning. Founder of Saudi Sports Professionals Network, he advises sports federations and aligns initiatives with Vision 2030. Recognized by Forbes Middle East and recipient of the Health Award from Saudi Ministry of Health, he regularly speaks at international events on sports leadership.

Mansoor has over 25 years’ experience in real estate, infrastructure, healthcare, education and PPP in the MENA region including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He has worked for Ernst & Young (EY), Andersen Consultancy, Colliers and presenting working as an Independent Advisor to a vast number of Public and Private Entities, Investors, Developers and Operators. He has conducted many strategic and advisory level projects in sports sector across the MENA region, with a focus on football, golf, equestrian, polo, tennis, cricket and many other outdoor and indoor sports.

Mansoor has advised number clients in both public and private sector on several Sports, Entertainment and Social Infrastructure projects across the middle east region. As most of the Sports, Entertainment and Social Infrastructure projects can be classified as “public goods” and are not economically viable at standalone level, Mansoor main area of expertise is to optimise the financial and operational efficiencies and support Sports,  Entertainment and Social Infrastructure projects by developing innovative real estate projects around the projects to make a project at macro level feasible or at least revenue neutral and/or evaluate their benefits for overall economy and society by conducting economic and social impact studies, in terms of contribution to GDP, increasing tourism, enhancing city / country attractiveness and overall impact on Quality of Life.