Tarek Almohanna: Architect of Saudi Arabia’s Urban Transformation

Shaping the Future of Cities

Across the globe, cities are redefining themselves to meet the demands of rapid urbanization, sustainability goals, and technological innovation. In Saudi Arabia, this transformation is unfolding at an unprecedented scale—guided by visionary planners and strategic leaders who are designing the cities of tomorrow.

Among these influential figures is Tarek Almohanna, an accomplished urban planning strategist whose career spans more than 19 years of experience delivering residential, mixed-use, hospitality, and mega-scale development projects.

With expertise that bridges government leadership and private consulting innovation, Almohanna has played a key role in shaping some of the Kingdom’s most ambitious urban initiatives. His work extends from strategic master planning and concept development to execution and operational delivery, ensuring projects move seamlessly from vision to reality.

“Great cities are not built overnight—they are designed through vision, collaboration, and a commitment to people-centered progress.”

A Leader in Strategic Urban Planning

Currently serving as Senior Director of Urban Planning within a confidential government entity, Almohanna brings together technical expertise, strategic foresight, and cross-sector leadership.

His professional capabilities span a wide spectrum of urban development disciplines, including:

• Strategic master planning and urban design
• Statutory planning and urban code development
• Project and program management
• Real estate and infrastructure integration
• GIS-driven urban analytics
• Stakeholder engagement and regulatory compliance

By combining these competencies, Almohanna has successfully guided projects through every stage of the planning lifecycle—from research and concept development to implementation, monitoring, and long-term strategic updates.

His leadership reflects a rare ability to integrate creative urban design thinking with rigorous regulatory frameworks, ensuring that development initiatives achieve both design excellence and operational feasibility.Transforming Saudi Arabia’s Mega-Projects

Throughout his career, Almohanna has contributed to the planning and delivery of some of the most influential urban initiatives associated with Saudi Vision 2030.

His involvement in high-impact developments includes projects connected with:

• King Salman Park
• Riyadh Art
• Diriyah Gate
• Green Riyadh
• Riyadh Metro
• Sports Boulevard

These projects are not simply infrastructure developments—they represent a comprehensive reimagining of urban life in Riyadh. Through strategic planning, Almohanna has contributed to initiatives designed to support a projected population of 15 million residents in the city by 2030, while enhancing mobility, sustainability, and public space accessibility.

Bridging Consulting Innovation and Government Execution

One of the defining characteristics of Almohanna’s career is his dual experience across consulting firms and government institutions.

He has held leadership roles within organizations such as:

• Amaala
• Public Investment Fund
• Parsons Corporation
• Diriyah Company
• Saudi Downtown Company
• Seera Group

This experience has enabled him to combine consulting-level design innovation with the practical governance frameworks required for large-scale national projects.

His role in projects such as the AMAALA further demonstrates his ability to deliver integrated development strategies that align environmental sustainability, tourism growth, and cultural heritage preservation.

Data-Driven Cities for a Sustainable Future

A core element of Almohanna’s approach is the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and data-driven insights to guide urban planning decisions.

Through these tools, he helps transform complex datasets into actionable planning strategies that support:

• Sustainable land-use development
• Mobility optimization
• Environmental protection
• Population growth planning
• Smart city integration

This methodology enables cities to evolve into resilient, future-ready ecosystems where infrastructure, communities, and natural landscapes coexist in balance.

“Urban planning is both science and art—where data guides decisions and creativity shapes the spaces people call home.”

Leadership Through Global Knowledge

Almohanna’s academic foundation reflects a strong commitment to global learning and professional development.

He holds:

• Master’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Eastern Michigan University
• Master’s Degree in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) from Eastern Michigan University
• Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning and Design from King Saud University

He has also completed executive leadership training through the Leadership Program at London Business School, strengthening his ability to lead complex urban initiatives in rapidly evolving global environments.

Additionally, Almohanna holds globally recognized project leadership certifications including:

• PMP® (Project Management Professional)
• RMP® (Risk Management Professional)

These credentials reinforce his ability to guide complex projects with discipline, governance, and strategic risk management.

A Commitment to Community and Mentorship

Beyond professional achievements, Almohanna actively contributes to community and social initiatives.

His involvement includes:

• Volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, supporting housing development initiatives worldwide
• Mentoring emerging professionals through Centennial Fund

These activities reflect his belief that urban development should ultimately serve people and communities, ensuring that progress translates into improved quality of life.Designing the Cities of Tomorrow

As Saudi Arabia continues its journey toward economic diversification and global urban leadership, planners who can bridge vision, technology, sustainability, and governance will play a defining role.

Through his extensive experience in urban planning, project management, regulatory frameworks, and strategic design, Tarek Almohanna stands among the professionals shaping the Kingdom’s next generation of cities.

His work demonstrates that successful urban transformation requires not only technical expertise, but also visionary leadership capable of translating national ambitions into vibrant, livable environments.

CEO Network Recognition

The CEO Network proudly recognizes Tarek Almohanna as a leading architect of urban transformation whose strategic vision, planning expertise, and dedication to sustainable development continue to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s cities.