Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
A dedicated professional in Cultural Preservation, Architectural Consulting, and Academic Leadership, with extensive experience since 2007 at the intersection of heritage conservation, urban planning, and education. The focus has been on integrating traditional architectural values with modern innovations to ensure sustainable development and the preservation of cultural identity. The work emphasizes fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of cultural heritage. By merging advanced technologies such as laser scanning and photogrammetry with traditional practices, impactful and sustainable solutions are developed for heritage preservation and urban regeneration. Core Expertise - Heritage Site Evaluation: Extensive evaluations of over 30 architectural heritage sites across Saudi Arabia, identifying key opportunities for tourism and investment. - Architectural Heritage Research: Collaboration with leading international firms, including Zaha Hadid Architects, to integrate Saudi vernacular architecture into modern design. - Curriculum Development: Leadership in academic programs such as the Higher Diploma in Digital Heritage at the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts, equipping future leaders with innovative tools and knowledge. - Leadership in Research: Direction of academic summits, research centers, and cross-disciplinary collaborations to advance heritage conservation and architectural innovation. - Consulting Excellence: Advisory roles for globally renowned institutions on projects spanning urban regeneration, restoration of heritage sites, and museum digitalization. Notable Roles - Digital Heritage Program Director: Creation of an advanced curriculum in Digital Heritage at the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts, aligning it with international standards and industry needs. - Consultant to Zaha Hadid Architects: Provided insights into Najdi architecture, influencing the design of the EIF headquarters in Riyadh. - Research Summit Leader: Organization and leadership of an event at King Saud University that showcased innovations in heritage and urban studies, engaging scholars and industry professionals worldwide. Academic Contributions With a strong foundation in academia, courses have been developed and taught on heritage management, architectural heritage, and urban regeneration. Supervision of student research projects has contributed to shaping the next generation of cultural preservationists.
• Directed the implementation and operation of the institute’s first Higher Diploma Program in Digital Heritage, ensuring its effective delivery and alignment with institutional and national academic goals; • Teaching Leadership: Actively taught key modules in the program, focusing on digital heritage technologies, heritage site management, and community-driven conservation practices, blending theoretical knowledge with hands-on applications; • Supervised faculty members, ensuring academic consistency and delivery of high-quality instruction across modules, while mentoring students on capstone projects and research initiatives; • Led curriculum revisions and updates based on student feedback, industry trends, and technological advancements, ensuring the program remains cutting-edge and globally relevant; • Oversaw program operations, including enrolment strategies, student engagement, and collaboration with industry partners, fostering a rich academic environment and creating career opportunities for graduates.
• Transitioned the Higher Diploma Program in Digital Heritage from its initial planning stages to a fully operational academic offering, establishing workflows and processes to ensure its smooth delivery; • Delivered courses across multiple modules, including advanced digital tools for heritage conservation, vernacular architecture documentation, and urban regeneration, integrating field-based learning and practical applications; • Supervised student research projects, particularly in areas such as photogrammetry, 3D modelling, and GIS for heritage applications, helping students develop impactful and industry-ready solutions; • Collaborated with administrative teams to manage program logistics, ensuring adherence to accreditation requirements and operational benchmarks; • Strengthened student engagement through community outreach projects, internships, and collaborative partnerships with non-profit organizations and cultural heritage bodies.
• Conceptualized and designed the Higher Diploma Program in Digital Heritage, focusing on creating a comprehensive curriculum that integrates traditional heritage principles with advanced digital technologies; • Collaborated with international academic experts and industry leaders to develop a strategic program framework, aligning with global academic standards and local cultural needs; • Developed innovative modules covering topics such as digital archiving, heritage documentation using GIS, and community-centered heritage management, emphasizing both theoretical depth and practical application; • Designed learning experiences by incorporating state-of-the-art tools and methods, including 3D scanning, photogrammetry, and digital storytelling, ensuring students gain hands-on expertise; • Managed the program's approval and accreditation process, liaising with academic councils, national education bodies, and key stakeholders to establish the program as a benchmark for excellence.
Lead the Master’s Programme in Digital Heritage, following earlier delivery of the Higher Diploma, within the Faculty of Cultural Heritage and Museology.
Joined Wrth as a Faculty Member on 3 March 2024 and supported the transition from programme planning to academic delivery.
- Conducted primary on-site data collection and documentation for various architectural heritage sites across Saudi Arabia, contributing to the development of comprehensive site inventories. - Evaluated sites for tourism and investment potential, identifying key opportunities to integrate cultural heritage preservation with sustainable economic growth. - Employed a bottom-up approach to prioritize old towns and heritage sites, ensuring alignment with cultural significance and development goals. - Contributed to the preparation and review of UNESCO World Heritage nomination files, focusing on ensuring compliance with global standards and emphasizing the cultural and historical value of the sites. - Delivered detailed reports, including site evaluations, historical analyses, and investment feasibility studies, to stakeholders, policymakers, and cultural organizations.
Department of Heritage Resources Management Faculty of Archaeology and Tourism • Creating & implementing instructional plan for university bachelor students for areas of focus including the management of historical areas, regional differences of vernacular architecture in Saudi Arabia & rehabilitation programs for historical & urban areas; • Increasing engagement with nonprofit & governmental leadership (Ex. Turquoise Mountain Foundation & the Development of Madinah Authority & Ministry of Culture & Tourism); • Improving & expanding architectural documentation by inventorying, categorizing & evaluating heritage & cultural assets, spanning over 13 regions that feature 100 cities & villages.
• Actively participated in committee discussions, deliberations, and decision-making processes for academic accreditation; • Led critical action research in response to committee recommendations, ensuring effective addressal of identified areas of improvement; • Collaborated with various academic and administrative departments to gather relevant data and insights for the research;
• Entrusted with the overarching responsibility of leading and coordinating the annual Research Summit, a hallmark event for showcasing academic excellence and research prowess. • Led a diverse team of academics, administrators, and students, ensuring smooth planning, organization, and execution of the summit's activities. • Collaborated with prominent researchers, industry professionals, and guest speakers to enrich the event's content and offerings.
• Overseeing strategic planning & coordinated implementation of faculty research initiatives in support of overall university goals & objectives. Conceptualized net new research initiatives as the interface between the faculty & general academic community; • Increasing overall levels of collaborative & interdisciplinary research through strategic & programmatic planning; • Strengthening support & raised awareness of key wins from the research community to generate new internal & external research opportunities.
• Designing & managed department events in alignment with the university’s core priorities, business & academic objectives; • Financial performance managing responsible for advising the department on available funds & operational processes for distributing & administrating funds; • Increasing community awareness & engagement in university research efforts by generating new & strengthening existing corporate partnerships;
Reviewed international practices and developed evaluations, reports and digital-platform concepts for university museums and galleries.
• Developed educational plans & curriculum for university students that promoted awareness & appreciation of cultural history, archaeology & international tourism.
• Received an international mobility scholarship award for academic merits.