Al-Akaria appoints Abdullah Abudawood as CEO

The Saudi Real Estate Company, widely known as Al-Akaria, has appointed Abdullah Abudawood as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 5 April 2026.

Abudawood brings more than 25 years of leadership and executive experience, with a strong track record in driving institutional transformation, improving operational and financial performance, capital allocation, and restructuring operating models. His expertise also spans governance, risk management, organisational capability building, and forging public-private investment and development partnerships.

Abudawood most recently served as CEO of Remat Al Riyadh Development Company, the development arm of the Riyadh Region Municipality. In this role, he enabled long-term private sector partnerships, expanded the company’s development portfolio, strengthened financial sustainability, and launched subsidiary companies supporting digital transformation, smart city ecosystems, and enhanced urban services. Following his exit, Eng. Asim Al-Suhaibani has been named as the new CEO.

Previously, Abudawood held several senior leadership roles across the public and private sectors. These include serving at the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources as Director General and National Industry Strategy Officer, and at the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development as Advisor to H.E. the Minister and Vice Minister. 

He also held leadership positions at Channels by stc as VP of Strategy & Investments, Jazan Economic City as Head of Strategy & Business Development, the Ruwais Urban Regeneration Project as Senior VP of Business Development, Emaar as Director of Business Development (Industrial Valley), and Al Watania Transport & Logistics as VP of Sales & Business Development. His career further includes roles at Agility, Banaja Holding, and Samba Financial Group.

On the academic front, Abudawood holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Business & Technology, an executive program in strategy and organisational culture from The George Washington University, and multiple executive certifications from IMD, including a Board Member Diploma, Digital Transformation, and Stakeholder Management. He has also completed a Culture & Leadership Dynamics Executive Program at INSEAD and a leadership program at London Business School.

His appointment comes as Al-Akaria continues to strengthen its leadership bench to support growth, transformation, and long-term value creation in Saudi Arabia’s evolving real estate landscape.