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MESIF RIYADH 2026
MESIF Riyadh 2026 brought together 350+ top-tier sports stakeholders from around the world for a high-impact forum focused on investment opportunities, long-term growth and transformation in the region’s sports, entertainment and tourism sectors.
Held in partnership with the Ministry of Investment and the Ministry of Sport of Saudi Arabia, the event explored how the region is building a thriving and inclusive sports ecosystem. We heard from giga projects, governments, sports clubs and federations on their latest investment and regional development strategies. Our discussions focused on the future of sports technology, infrastructure and major events in the Middle East.
This in-region meeting was the perfect opportunity for international businesses to connect with local partners and develop meaningful relationships.
SPEAKERS
Ibrahim S. Almoaiqel
Assistant Deputy Minister for Investment & Privatisation, Ministry of Sport, KSA
Abdullah Aldrees
Chief of Staff - Vice Minister of Sport’s Executive Office,
Ministry of Sport, KSA
Ministry of Sport, KSA
Basim K. Ibrahim
Sport Investment Director, Ministry of Investment KSA
Basim K. Ibrahim, CLSS, CIPM, is passionate about the opportunities for sport development in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He is a seasoned Investment Attraction & Development Manager with 20 years of diverse professional experience in Investment, IT, Training, Project Management, and Research.
A former Global Shaper at the World Economic Forum, Basim is a member of various professional organizations. He founded BMA Engineering in 2011 and co-founded BoardMaps in 2015, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit.
His extensive international experience includes roles with INSPUR in China and CONCO in South Africa. Basim was a pivotal member of the joint technical team between SAP and Saudi Aramco from 2000 to 2005. Passionate about volunteering and dedicated to serving his country, Basim is a dynamic leader in the field of Business and Investment Development.
Basim K. Ibrahim, CLSS, CIPM, is passionate about the opportunities for sport development in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He is a seasoned Investment Attraction & Development Manager with 20 years of diverse professional experience in Investment, IT, Training, Project Management, and Research.
A former Global Shaper at the World Economic Forum, Basim is a member of various professional organizations. He founded BMA Engineering in 2011 and co-founded BoardMaps in 2015, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit.
His extensive international experience includes roles with INSPUR in China and CONCO in South Africa. Basim was a pivotal member of the joint technical team between SAP and Saudi Aramco from 2000 to 2005. Passionate about volunteering and dedicated to serving his country, Basim is a dynamic leader in the field of Business and Investment Development.
Suliman B. Hammad
Head of Investment Enablement,
Ministry of Sport of Saudi Arabia
Ministry of Sport of Saudi Arabia
Ahmed Mohtaseb
Chief Strategy & Business Development Officer, SELA
A seasoned executive with a proven track record of driving growth and innovation, Ahmed serves as the Chief Strategy & Business Development Officer at Sela. Since the inception of Sela, he has played a pivotal role in shaping its trajectory and securing strategic partnerships with renowned global brands. Leveraging his deep expertise in international business, Ahmed has successfully positioned Sela as a global market leader.
His unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional value to clients, coupled with his innovative approach to business development, has propelled Sela to the forefront of its industry.
As a strategic visionary, Ahmed is adept at identifying emerging trends and capitalizing on local and international growth opportunities. His ability to navigate complex business environments and execute on ambitious initiatives has been instrumental in Sela's success.
Through his leadership, Sela has consistently exceeded expectations and established itself as a trusted partner to clients worldwide.
A seasoned executive with a proven track record of driving growth and innovation, Ahmed serves as the Chief Strategy & Business Development Officer at Sela. Since the inception of Sela, he has played a pivotal role in shaping its trajectory and securing strategic partnerships with renowned global brands. Leveraging his deep expertise in international business, Ahmed has successfully positioned Sela as a global market leader.
His unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional value to clients, coupled with his innovative approach to business development, has propelled Sela to the forefront of its industry.
As a strategic visionary, Ahmed is adept at identifying emerging trends and capitalizing on local and international growth opportunities. His ability to navigate complex business environments and execute on ambitious initiatives has been instrumental in Sela's success.
Through his leadership, Sela has consistently exceeded expectations and established itself as a trusted partner to clients worldwide.
Vanessa Basora
Chief Marketing & Content Officer, Al Hilal
Nader Al Rawahy
Operations Excellence Lead, Oman Vision 2040
Oman’s Nader Nasser Hamood Al Rawahy is seconded to the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth from the Sultanate’s “Oman’s Vision 2040” Ministry where he leads Operational Excellence for Oman’s strategic development roadmap “Oman Vision 2040”.
Since its endorsement in September 2015, Oman has emphasized aligning its national priorities with the UN's sustainable development objectives through Oman Vision 2040. As part of this initiative, there is a focus on real estate such as the waterfront Sports City in the South Al Batinah governorate, The Sustainable City YITI and renewable energy projects, particularly hydrogen and green hydrogen production.
Nader is an expert in inward investment and economic development. His expertise spans audit, advisory, and structuring. Prior to this role, Nader amassed over 20 years of experience at KPMG and EY. He is also the founder and board member of the Association of Chartered Accountants of Oman, a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors and a Certified Fraud Examiner.
Oman’s Nader Nasser Hamood Al Rawahy is seconded to the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth from the Sultanate’s “Oman’s Vision 2040” Ministry where he leads Operational Excellence for Oman’s strategic development roadmap “Oman Vision 2040”.
Since its endorsement in September 2015, Oman has emphasized aligning its national priorities with the UN's sustainable development objectives through Oman Vision 2040. As part of this initiative, there is a focus on real estate such as the waterfront Sports City in the South Al Batinah governorate, The Sustainable City YITI and renewable energy projects, particularly hydrogen and green hydrogen production.
Nader is an expert in inward investment and economic development. His expertise spans audit, advisory, and structuring. Prior to this role, Nader amassed over 20 years of experience at KPMG and EY. He is also the founder and board member of the Association of Chartered Accountants of Oman, a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors and a Certified Fraud Examiner.
Kamel Badawy
Chief of Data & Strategic Alliance
Kamel Badawy is a distinguished business leader with over 20 years of experience across sports operations management, Investments, strategic partnerships, sponsorship, events management, and commercialization. As Chief of Data and Strategic Alliance at Aspire Zone Foundation, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s international reputation as a premier sports destination.
With expertise spanning marketing, business intelligence, procurement, and supply chain management, Kamel combines strategic vision with commercial acumen to deliver sustainable business growth. His leadership has driven high-impact collaborations, advanced data-driven strategies, and created new opportunities for innovation in the global sports industry.
Recognized as a visionary, he continues to champion excellence and inspire innovation, positioning Aspire Zone Foundation at the forefront of sports and business worldwide.
Kamel Badawy is a distinguished business leader with over 20 years of experience across sports operations management, Investments, strategic partnerships, sponsorship, events management, and commercialization. As Chief of Data and Strategic Alliance at Aspire Zone Foundation, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s international reputation as a premier sports destination.
With expertise spanning marketing, business intelligence, procurement, and supply chain management, Kamel combines strategic vision with commercial acumen to deliver sustainable business growth. His leadership has driven high-impact collaborations, advanced data-driven strategies, and created new opportunities for innovation in the global sports industry.
Recognized as a visionary, he continues to champion excellence and inspire innovation, positioning Aspire Zone Foundation at the forefront of sports and business worldwide.
Nasser Majali
General Secretary, Islamic Solidarity Sports Association
Shireen Hamdan
Senior Principal, Global Board Member & Middle East Lead, Populous.
Shireen 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 and is leading major sports and entertainment projects including Aramco Stadium, Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium and King Salman International Stadium - all potential 2034 World Cup venues. Her experience spans global stadium, arena and convention centre design, including work at Wimbledon’s Centre Court and Court 1. Shireen frequently speaks on sports design as a catalyst for urban development, reflecting research she began with the UNHCR on high-density urban resilience.
Shireen 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 and is leading major sports and entertainment projects including Aramco Stadium, Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium and King Salman International Stadium - all potential 2034 World Cup venues. Her experience spans global stadium, arena and convention centre design, including work at Wimbledon’s Centre Court and Court 1. Shireen frequently speaks on sports design as a catalyst for urban development, reflecting research she began with the UNHCR on high-density urban resilience.
Fatema Hayat
Director of International Relations and Cooperation, Islamic Sports Solidarity Association
Fatema Masoud Hayat is a Kuwaiti sports leader and strategist with extensive experience in organizational development, governance, and international relations. She currently serves as the Director of International Relations and Cooperation at the Islamic Solidarity Sports Association (ISSA), where she plays a pivotal role in fostering global sports collaboration among the 57 National Olympic Committees of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states.
Since 2019, Hayat has been an elected board member of the Kuwait Olympic Committee (KOC), where she also leads the Women’s Committee, championing initiatives that have significantly advanced women’s sports in Kuwait. In addition, she serves as the Chair of the GCC Women’s Sports Advisory Committee, promoting regional cooperation and the empowerment of women in sport across the Gulf.
Hayat has represented Kuwait on the international stage as Chef de Mission for national delegations at various major sporting events, including the Olympic Games, GCC Games, Islamic Solidarity Games, and the Asian Games. She is also a board member and Chair of the Women’s Football Committee at the Kuwait Football Association (KFA), where she collaborates with FIFA to develop and promote women’s football and futsal in Kuwait.
She holds a Master’s degree in International Affairs, with a concentration in Governance and Rights, and has long been an advocate for sports as a tool for empowerment. Her activism includes involvement in Kuwait’s women’s suffrage movement.
Hayat has been invited to speak at globally recognized events such as FIFA’s Women’s Football Convention and UEFA’s Women in Football Leadership Programme, further solidifying her reputation as a prominent voice in the global sports community.
Fatema Masoud Hayat is a Kuwaiti sports leader and strategist with extensive experience in organizational development, governance, and international relations. She currently serves as the Director of International Relations and Cooperation at the Islamic Solidarity Sports Association (ISSA), where she plays a pivotal role in fostering global sports collaboration among the 57 National Olympic Committees of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states.
Since 2019, Hayat has been an elected board member of the Kuwait Olympic Committee (KOC), where she also leads the Women’s Committee, championing initiatives that have significantly advanced women’s sports in Kuwait. In addition, she serves as the Chair of the GCC Women’s Sports Advisory Committee, promoting regional cooperation and the empowerment of women in sport across the Gulf.
Hayat has represented Kuwait on the international stage as Chef de Mission for national delegations at various major sporting events, including the Olympic Games, GCC Games, Islamic Solidarity Games, and the Asian Games. She is also a board member and Chair of the Women’s Football Committee at the Kuwait Football Association (KFA), where she collaborates with FIFA to develop and promote women’s football and futsal in Kuwait.
She holds a Master’s degree in International Affairs, with a concentration in Governance and Rights, and has long been an advocate for sports as a tool for empowerment. Her activism includes involvement in Kuwait’s women’s suffrage movement.
Hayat has been invited to speak at globally recognized events such as FIFA’s Women’s Football Convention and UEFA’s Women in Football Leadership Programme, further solidifying her reputation as a prominent voice in the global sports community.
Majid T. Zahid
Group President - Energy, Zahid Group
Majid Talal Zahid holds an MBA from the European Business School in London and brings over two decades of leadership experience within the Zahid Group.
Mr. Zahid began his career with the Group in 2002, joining Zahid Tractor’s Commercial Vehicle Division as a Sales Consultant. He quickly advanced through the organization, and in 2006 was appointed as a Regional Manager within Zahid Tractor’s Automotive Division. In 2012, he transitioned to Altaaqa Alternative Solutions, a Zahid Group company specializing in power generation and rental solutions, where he served as Business Development Manager.
Prior to assuming his current role, Mr. Zahid held the position of Chief Commercial Officer at Altaaqa Global, where he played a pivotal role in expanding the company’s international footprint and commercial strategy.
Today, as Group President – Energy, Mr. Zahid oversees the Group’s energy-sector activities, leading strategic investments in conventional, sustainable and renewable solutions. His leadership continues to support the Group’s long-term vision for innovation, sustainability, and global growth.
Majid Talal Zahid holds an MBA from the European Business School in London and brings over two decades of leadership experience within the Zahid Group.
Mr. Zahid began his career with the Group in 2002, joining Zahid Tractor’s Commercial Vehicle Division as a Sales Consultant. He quickly advanced through the organization, and in 2006 was appointed as a Regional Manager within Zahid Tractor’s Automotive Division. In 2012, he transitioned to Altaaqa Alternative Solutions, a Zahid Group company specializing in power generation and rental solutions, where he served as Business Development Manager.
Prior to assuming his current role, Mr. Zahid held the position of Chief Commercial Officer at Altaaqa Global, where he played a pivotal role in expanding the company’s international footprint and commercial strategy.
Today, as Group President – Energy, Mr. Zahid oversees the Group’s energy-sector activities, leading strategic investments in conventional, sustainable and renewable solutions. His leadership continues to support the Group’s long-term vision for innovation, sustainability, and global growth.
Ahmed Akmal
Entrepreneur & Head of Entrepreneurs’ Community, Misk Foundation
Faisal Mohammed Bin Homran
Chief Product Officer Esports World Cup Foundation
Faisal Mohammed Bin Homran is the Chief Product Officer at the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF), a global leader in the development and growth of the esports and gaming industry and host of the annual Esports World Cup (EWC). He plays a key role in shaping the EWC event and festival experience, fan engagement, and driving EWC’s global growth of esports as a global sport.
Previously, he served as Chief Esports Officer at the Saudi Esports Federation (SEF), where he helped position Saudi Arabia as a global esports hub. He oversaw Gamers Without Borders, the world’s largest esports charity event, and led the development of Saudi eLeagues and national esports clubs.
With a background in information systems engineering, Bin Homran entered professional gaming in 2009 before earning a master’s in entrepreneurship and business development from the University of Westminster, UK. With over a decade in business development and esports operations, he remains a driving force in the industry’s global expansion.
Faisal Mohammed Bin Homran is the Chief Product Officer at the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF), a global leader in the development and growth of the esports and gaming industry and host of the annual Esports World Cup (EWC). He plays a key role in shaping the EWC event and festival experience, fan engagement, and driving EWC’s global growth of esports as a global sport.
Previously, he served as Chief Esports Officer at the Saudi Esports Federation (SEF), where he helped position Saudi Arabia as a global esports hub. He oversaw Gamers Without Borders, the world’s largest esports charity event, and led the development of Saudi eLeagues and national esports clubs.
With a background in information systems engineering, Bin Homran entered professional gaming in 2009 before earning a master’s in entrepreneurship and business development from the University of Westminster, UK. With over a decade in business development and esports operations, he remains a driving force in the industry’s global expansion.
Dr. Sakis Batsilas
Deputy CEO, FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Sr. Advisor & Chairman of the Bid Technical Book, Saudi Arabia, FIFA World Cup 2034, Chief Operations Officer and Board Member, 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar Local Organising Committee, Executive Director – Tournament Readiness, Supreme Committee For Delivery &
Legacy
Dr. Batsilas brings a distinguished track record across world-class sporting events,
including the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the AFC Asian Cup, the AFC Champions
League, the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and the Asian Games.
A standout achievement of his career has been leading successful bid campaigns and
delivering major international tournaments. As Bid Director of the FIFA World Cup
2022 and Chairman of the Technical Bid Committee for the FIFA World Cup 2034, he
played a central role in securing hosting rights for both Qatar and the Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia.
Following the successful Qatar 2022 and Saudi Arabia 2034 bids, Dr. Batsilas served as
Deputy CEO of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Organising Committee and as Senior
Advisor to the Executive Committee of the FIFA World Cup 2034 Higher Authority,
contributing to tournament readiness and operations and to long-term governance,
delivery planning, and tournament legacy.
Legacy
Dr. Batsilas brings a distinguished track record across world-class sporting events,
including the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the AFC Asian Cup, the AFC Champions
League, the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and the Asian Games.
A standout achievement of his career has been leading successful bid campaigns and
delivering major international tournaments. As Bid Director of the FIFA World Cup
2022 and Chairman of the Technical Bid Committee for the FIFA World Cup 2034, he
played a central role in securing hosting rights for both Qatar and the Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia.
Following the successful Qatar 2022 and Saudi Arabia 2034 bids, Dr. Batsilas served as
Deputy CEO of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Organising Committee and as Senior
Advisor to the Executive Committee of the FIFA World Cup 2034 Higher Authority,
contributing to tournament readiness and operations and to long-term governance,
delivery planning, and tournament legacy.
Omar Batterjee
Senior Director of Communications And Public Relations, Saudi Pro League
Amir Tawfik
Chief Commercial Officer, Al Ahli
Amir Tawfik is currently the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of Al Ahli Saudi, an esteemed position within one of the most dynamic football environments in Saudi Arabia. As part of a Club with a passionate and extensive fan base, Amir plays a key role in harnessing the excitement surrounding the sport in the region. Previously, he held positions as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Al Ahly FC (Egypt), the largest Football Club in Africa.
Amir is currently enrolled in the FIFA Diploma in Club Management, one of the most distinguished programs in the industry, where only 40 executives are selected for each round. His professional journey began with the successful completion of the FIFA CIES Diploma in March 2015, transitioning from a standout career as a professional goalkeeper in the Egyptian Premier League and National Teams to a leader in sports management. His experiences have instilled in him a strong sense of discipline, teamwork, and determination—qualities essential in both sports and business. Driven by his passion for the game and a deep admiration for its impact, Amir is dedicated to leveraging the transformative power of sports. He believes in its potential to positively shape nations.
Amir Tawfik is currently the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of Al Ahli Saudi, an esteemed position within one of the most dynamic football environments in Saudi Arabia. As part of a Club with a passionate and extensive fan base, Amir plays a key role in harnessing the excitement surrounding the sport in the region. Previously, he held positions as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Al Ahly FC (Egypt), the largest Football Club in Africa.
Amir is currently enrolled in the FIFA Diploma in Club Management, one of the most distinguished programs in the industry, where only 40 executives are selected for each round. His professional journey began with the successful completion of the FIFA CIES Diploma in March 2015, transitioning from a standout career as a professional goalkeeper in the Egyptian Premier League and National Teams to a leader in sports management. His experiences have instilled in him a strong sense of discipline, teamwork, and determination—qualities essential in both sports and business. Driven by his passion for the game and a deep admiration for its impact, Amir is dedicated to leveraging the transformative power of sports. He believes in its potential to positively shape nations.
Mark Alexander
CEO, Living Lab
Rasha Al Khamis
Chairwomen Saudi MMA Federation, Board of Directors, Asian Boxing Federation
Rasha Alkhamis is the Chairwoman of the Saudi Mixed Martial Arts Federation and a Board Member of the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF), where she also serves as Chair of the Women’s Committee. A recognized leader and trailblazer in Saudi Arabia’s evolving sports ecosystem, Rasha brings over a decade of experience in strategy, transformation, and performance management across the Sports, Culture, Media, and Entertainment sectors.
Her work spans sector strategy, operating model design, business re-engineering, performance frameworks, and cost optimization, contributing to large-scale national initiatives and institutional transformation within the Kingdom. She also brings an international perspective through her involvement in major metropolitan and urban development projects in the United States, enriching her approach to sports and cultural development with global best practices .
Rasha has played an active role in sports governance for over five years, serving on multiple boards at national, regional, and international levels. She has held leadership roles advancing women’s participation in combat sports and continues to champion inclusive pathways for youth, elite athletes, and emerging talent across the region.
She holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy and Management from the University of Southern California, is a Guinness World Record holder, and is the first certified female boxing coach in Saudi Arabia. Passionate about wellness and community impact, Rasha remains deeply committed to empowering women, developing future sports leaders, and shaping sustainable sports ecosystems at both national and international levels.
Rasha Alkhamis is the Chairwoman of the Saudi Mixed Martial Arts Federation and a Board Member of the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF), where she also serves as Chair of the Women’s Committee. A recognized leader and trailblazer in Saudi Arabia’s evolving sports ecosystem, Rasha brings over a decade of experience in strategy, transformation, and performance management across the Sports, Culture, Media, and Entertainment sectors.
Her work spans sector strategy, operating model design, business re-engineering, performance frameworks, and cost optimization, contributing to large-scale national initiatives and institutional transformation within the Kingdom. She also brings an international perspective through her involvement in major metropolitan and urban development projects in the United States, enriching her approach to sports and cultural development with global best practices .
Rasha has played an active role in sports governance for over five years, serving on multiple boards at national, regional, and international levels. She has held leadership roles advancing women’s participation in combat sports and continues to champion inclusive pathways for youth, elite athletes, and emerging talent across the region.
She holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy and Management from the University of Southern California, is a Guinness World Record holder, and is the first certified female boxing coach in Saudi Arabia. Passionate about wellness and community impact, Rasha remains deeply committed to empowering women, developing future sports leaders, and shaping sustainable sports ecosystems at both national and international levels.
Trevor Watkins
Head of Sports and Entertainment, Pinsent Masons
Dr. Kam Al-Mazrui
Director, Sports and Events, Mott MacDonald
Dr. Kam Al-Mazrui leads Mott MacDonald’s sport and event infrastructure initiatives across the Middle East, driving Saudi Vision 2030’s goal to make the Kingdom a global centre for world class sports and large-scale events. He brings together government bodies, private developers and local communities to offer strategic advice, master plans and seamless delivery of complex programmes that uplift communities.
His multidisciplinary experience spans urban mega-projects and premier sports destinations across the region, including stadiums, arenas and sports parks designed to inspire healthier lifestyles. His proven ability to forge high-performing partnerships and plan for long-term use so that every facility meets international standards while promoting social inclusion, attracting visitors and driving economic growth.
Driven by a passion for transforming bold ideas into landmark destinations, Dr. Kam is committed to shaping the future of sports and events in Saudi Arabia and beyond, creating lasting legacies that align with the long-term visions of the region.
Dr. Kam Al-Mazrui leads Mott MacDonald’s sport and event infrastructure initiatives across the Middle East, driving Saudi Vision 2030’s goal to make the Kingdom a global centre for world class sports and large-scale events. He brings together government bodies, private developers and local communities to offer strategic advice, master plans and seamless delivery of complex programmes that uplift communities.
His multidisciplinary experience spans urban mega-projects and premier sports destinations across the region, including stadiums, arenas and sports parks designed to inspire healthier lifestyles. His proven ability to forge high-performing partnerships and plan for long-term use so that every facility meets international standards while promoting social inclusion, attracting visitors and driving economic growth.
Driven by a passion for transforming bold ideas into landmark destinations, Dr. Kam is committed to shaping the future of sports and events in Saudi Arabia and beyond, creating lasting legacies that align with the long-term visions of the region.
James Middling
Major projects director, buildings
James is one of Mott MacDonald’s most senior global buildings leaders. James joined Mott MacDonald in 1999 and has previously held both global sector leader and specialist practice leader roles in Mott MacDonald and combines both strategic vision with a deep understanding of practical delivery. He has extensive knowledge of the full range of engineering, specialist, and advisory services of the Mott MacDonald Group in the buildings sector.
James has a passion for helping clients to deliver successful projects that are technically viable, deliverable, and affordable. Often working with clients, investors, and authorities to develop innovative outcome focused design and financing solutions that create business outcomes, enhance user experience, delivering building performance and the value to the community.
James brings a wealth of global experience in leading the integrated delivery of major buildings projects including sports venues, major games, transport, commercial and iconic buildings across their entire asset lifecycle from project initiation, development, through design, procurement, delivery, and operation stages.
James is one of Mott MacDonald’s most senior global buildings leaders. James joined Mott MacDonald in 1999 and has previously held both global sector leader and specialist practice leader roles in Mott MacDonald and combines both strategic vision with a deep understanding of practical delivery. He has extensive knowledge of the full range of engineering, specialist, and advisory services of the Mott MacDonald Group in the buildings sector.
James has a passion for helping clients to deliver successful projects that are technically viable, deliverable, and affordable. Often working with clients, investors, and authorities to develop innovative outcome focused design and financing solutions that create business outcomes, enhance user experience, delivering building performance and the value to the community.
James brings a wealth of global experience in leading the integrated delivery of major buildings projects including sports venues, major games, transport, commercial and iconic buildings across their entire asset lifecycle from project initiation, development, through design, procurement, delivery, and operation stages.
Albaraa Dahlawi
Client Relations Executive Director, Sela
Albaraa Dahlawi is a sports business leader focused on developing and scaling impactful sports programs in Saudi Arabia. As Executive Director – Client Relations for the sports sector, he leads the planning and execution of major sporting initiatives, ensuring alignment with international benchmarks and global sports governance standards. With a strong finance background, he applies strategic, performance-driven thinking to deliver sustainable growth across the sport industry.
Albaraa Dahlawi is a sports business leader focused on developing and scaling impactful sports programs in Saudi Arabia. As Executive Director – Client Relations for the sports sector, he leads the planning and execution of major sporting initiatives, ensuring alignment with international benchmarks and global sports governance standards. With a strong finance background, he applies strategic, performance-driven thinking to deliver sustainable growth across the sport industry.
Tatiana Fasolari
CEO, Fast Group
Tatiana Fasolari is a seasoned executive with a degree in Business Administration and a master’s degree from the London School of Economics. She brings over 20 years of experience in the temporary infrastructure market for major global events.
Throughout her career, Tatiana has led some of the world’s most high-profile projects, including the Olympic Games (Summer and Winter), FIFA World Cups, Pan American Games, NFL games, ATP Tours, and Formula 1 events, among others.
Known for her collaborative approach and culturally grounded leadership style, Tatiana is committed to building strong teams and delivering excellence at scale. She believes that true success is driven by purpose, collaboration, and an unwavering passion for what you do.
Tatiana Fasolari is a seasoned executive with a degree in Business Administration and a master’s degree from the London School of Economics. She brings over 20 years of experience in the temporary infrastructure market for major global events.
Throughout her career, Tatiana has led some of the world’s most high-profile projects, including the Olympic Games (Summer and Winter), FIFA World Cups, Pan American Games, NFL games, ATP Tours, and Formula 1 events, among others.
Known for her collaborative approach and culturally grounded leadership style, Tatiana is committed to building strong teams and delivering excellence at scale. She believes that true success is driven by purpose, collaboration, and an unwavering passion for what you do.
Ahmed Abas
Regional Head of Sports & Entertainment - Middle East & Africa, Jones Lang Lasalle (JLL)
Ahmed currently is Regional Head of Sports & Entertainment - Middle East & Africa at Jones Lang Lasalle.
Prior Ahmed served as Director within the Strategy & Transactions division at EY MENA based in Riyadh with more than 14 years of regional experience with focus on social infrastructure and sports business.
Ahmed also previously worked at Mott MacDonald as the Territory Manager and advisory projects lead in Saudi Arabia, and also as a public sector strategy advisor at Arthur D. Little.
Ahmed has advised leading football clubs, private and public organizations in the region on their growth, revenue and privatization strategies, as well as sports facilities development and finance. Ahmed is a regular speaker on sports investments and public private partnerships.
Ahmed has a Business Masters from Heriot Watt University, and is an accredited professional in multiple professional areas including Public Private Partnerships, Sustainable Planning and Finance.
Ahmed currently is Regional Head of Sports & Entertainment - Middle East & Africa at Jones Lang Lasalle.
Prior Ahmed served as Director within the Strategy & Transactions division at EY MENA based in Riyadh with more than 14 years of regional experience with focus on social infrastructure and sports business.
Ahmed also previously worked at Mott MacDonald as the Territory Manager and advisory projects lead in Saudi Arabia, and also as a public sector strategy advisor at Arthur D. Little.
Ahmed has advised leading football clubs, private and public organizations in the region on their growth, revenue and privatization strategies, as well as sports facilities development and finance. Ahmed is a regular speaker on sports investments and public private partnerships.
Ahmed has a Business Masters from Heriot Watt University, and is an accredited professional in multiple professional areas including Public Private Partnerships, Sustainable Planning and Finance.
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