Abdulrahman Bawarith: Shaping the Future of Urban Design and Architecture in Saudi Arabia

Abdulrahman Bawarith is an accomplished urban design and planning specialist with a strong foundation in architecture and a passion for transforming urban spaces in Saudi Arabia. With experience working on significant urban projects, including the Masterplan of Makkah City, Abdulrahman brings expertise in strategic planning, data management, and cross-sector coordination. His diverse background in architecture, project management, and entrepreneurship positions him as a key figure in the ongoing development of Saudi Arabia’s cities in alignment with Vision 2030.

Driving Urban Innovation with the UNDP

Abdulrahman’s current role as an Urban Design/Planning Specialist with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) involves working closely with the Royal Commission of Makkah City and Holy Sites. In this position, Abdulrahman plays a crucial role in master planning Makkah, ensuring that the city’s urban development aligns with the needs of its residents and the millions of pilgrims who visit each year. His work spans multiple areas, including strategic urban planning, data management, and coordination across key sectors to deliver a comprehensive review of development initiatives.

Through his work on the Masterplan of Makkah City, Abdulrahman is helping to shape the future of one of the most significant cities in the Islamic world, ensuring that it is well-equipped to handle growth while preserving its cultural and religious heritage. His contributions to data-driven decision-making and collaborative planning are critical to the success of these large-scale urban projects.

Experience in Urban Architecture and Design

Before joining the UNDP, Abdulrahman honed his architectural and urban planning skills at the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing, where he worked as an Architect-Urbanist. In this role, he contributed to the urban development of Saudi cities, handling various architectural aspects such as mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems, as well as overseeing construction documentation. His ability to manage projects across different phases of construction, from working drawings to site oversight, has given him a well-rounded understanding of how urban spaces are brought to life.

His earlier work with MAJ as an Architect further solidified his skills in project management and the ability to handle complex urban projects. He was responsible for managing a variety of construction projects, ensuring that they adhered to quality standards and delivered on time.

In addition to his architectural roles, Abdulrahman contributed to AlUla’s Master Plan documentation through his work with the Royal Commission for AlUla. His expertise in creating detailed master plans for such a historically significant location showcases his ability to balance heritage preservation with modern urban design principles.

Entrepreneurship and Leadership in the Creative Industry

Abdulrahman’s entrepreneurial spirit is evident in his role as Co-Founder and CEO of Botolati, a creative venture in Jeddah that spanned two years, focusing on delivering innovative solutions in the marketing and entertainment industries. He also co-founded Blue Design, a marketing start-up that organized festivals and marketing events, blending his architectural knowledge with creative marketing strategies. These ventures allowed him to apply his strategic planning and business development skills in the entertainment industry, diversifying his professional experience.

As the Executive General Manager at Hypnotizing Sound, a record label based in Makkah, Abdulrahman led the organization through a successful period of growth. His leadership and project management skills in this role reflect his ability to adapt to various industries while maintaining a focus on innovation and excellence.

A Visionary for the Future of Urban Development

Abdulrahman’s contributions to urban planning and architecture are closely aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to modernize the Kingdom’s cities while preserving its rich cultural heritage. Through his work on Makkah’s Masterplan and other significant urban projects, Abdulrahman is playing a key role in realizing this vision, ensuring that Saudi cities are sustainable, well-planned, and capable of supporting economic and population growth.

His ability to strategically plan urban spaces, manage complex data systems, and coordinate with various sectors makes him a key player in the future development of Saudi Arabia’s urban infrastructure. As cities across the Kingdom continue to grow and evolve, Abdulrahman’s expertise will be vital in ensuring that they are both functional and culturally respectful, balancing the needs of modern society with the traditions and values of the region.

Commitment to Continuous Learning and Professional Development

Abdulrahman’s academic background in architecture, coupled with his certifications in ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems and Ignited Voices, demonstrates his commitment to continuous learning and professional development. His ability to speak multiple languages, including English, Arabic, French, and German, further enhances his capacity to work in international settings and collaborate with diverse teams.

Abdulrahman’s well-rounded skill set, combined with his dedication to urban innovation and sustainability, makes him a visionary leader in the field of urban planning and design. His future contributions are sure to leave a lasting impact on the cities of Saudi Arabia and beyond.