Eng. Moataz Abdulaziz Kurdi: Shaping Saudi Arabia’s Future Through Strategic Development and Transformational Leadership

Today, as Chief Planning & Development Officer at the Royal Commission for Makkah City & Holy Sites, Eng. Kurdi oversees one of the Kingdom’s most strategically significant portfolios. His responsibilities span citywide planning, infrastructure development, urban governance, sustainability frameworks, and integrated development strategies that support long-term growth and enhance quality of life for millions of residents and visitors.

Leading the Future of Makkah

Makkah occupies a unique place globally—not only as a spiritual destination for millions of pilgrims but also as a rapidly evolving urban center requiring visionary leadership and meticulous planning. In his current role, Eng. Kurdi leads efforts to ensure that the city’s growth is balanced, sustainable, and aligned with future demands.

His work encompasses:

• Developing and governing master plans for Makkah and the Holy Sites.
• Establishing urban planning regulations and architectural standards.
• Overseeing giga projects and strategic development zones.
• Directing infrastructure and mobility strategies to improve connectivity.
• Leading cross-sector collaboration to promote sustainable expansion.
• Advancing GIS and spatial intelligence systems to support informed decision-making.

By integrating governance, innovation, and sustainability, he is helping create a future-ready Makkah that preserves its heritage while embracing modernization.

“Great cities are not built by infrastructure alone—they are shaped by vision, governance, and the courage to plan for generations to come.”

Driving National Transformation Across Multiple Sectors

Throughout his career, Eng. Kurdi has built an impressive track record of leading transformational initiatives across both public and private sectors.

As Deputy Minister for Policy & Regulations at the Ministry of Tourism, he played a central role in modernizing regulatory frameworks and introducing policies that strengthened Saudi Arabia’s tourism ecosystem. His leadership contributed to creating an environment that encourages investment, improves service standards, and supports the Kingdom’s ambition to become a leading global tourism destination.

At The Royal Commission for AlUla, he served in multiple leadership capacities, including Chief of Planning & Zoning and Chief County Operations Officer, where he led strategic planning, urban development, and municipal transformation initiatives. His efforts supported sustainable growth while preserving AlUla’s unique historical and cultural identity.

His executive journey also spans leadership positions at Riyad Bank, Riyadh Airports, Bank Albilad, Elm Information Security, and Banque Saudi Fransi, where he successfully drove operational excellence, infrastructure modernization, and organizational transformation.

Governance, Board Leadership, and Strategic Advisory

Beyond executive management, Eng. Kurdi contributes extensively through board and advisory roles that influence strategic growth and institutional maturity.

As a Board Member at RAM International, he provides governance oversight and strategic guidance to support organizational development, compliance enhancement, and IPO readiness across diverse engineering and infrastructure sectors.

He also serves as a Board Member at ESAD Human Resources Solutions, where he advises on workforce trends, business diversification, market expansion, and operational scalability.

Additionally, his role as an Advisor to The Royal Commission for AlUla’s Entities Development Executive Program further demonstrates his commitment to advancing innovation, sustainability, and economic diversification across the Kingdom.

These roles reflect his ability to operate at the intersection of policy, governance, and execution—helping organizations navigate complex challenges while positioning them for long-term success.

Championing Sustainable and Integrated Development

What distinguishes Eng. Kurdi is his holistic approach to development. He understands that successful transformation requires more than infrastructure investments; it demands alignment between policy, stakeholders, communities, and future aspirations.

His expertise spans:

• Urban planning and city development.
• Infrastructure and transportation systems.
• Governance and regulatory modernization.
• Tourism and destination development.
• Organizational transformation.
• Strategic planning and sustainability.
• Executive leadership and board governance.

By combining these disciplines, he has helped create ecosystems where cities thrive, institutions mature, and economic opportunities expand.

“Transformation succeeds when strategy, governance, and execution move together toward a shared national vision.”

Building Saudi Arabia’s Future

Saudi Arabia is undergoing one of the most ambitious transformations in modern history, and leaders like Eng. Moataz Abdulaziz Kurdi are playing a defining role in this journey.

Through his leadership across government entities, major corporations, and strategic boards, he continues to influence how cities evolve, how institutions grow, and how national priorities are translated into measurable impact.

His work demonstrates that sustainable progress is achieved through visionary thinking, collaborative leadership, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Recognition by The CEO Network

The CEO Network proudly recognizes Eng. Moataz Abdulaziz Kurdi as a transformative leader whose contributions continue to shape Saudi Arabia’s urban landscape, governance frameworks, and development ecosystem. Through strategic vision, executive excellence, and dedication to sustainable progress, he stands as a driving force behind initiatives that are building a more connected, competitive, and future-ready Kingdom.