HELLO, I AM

AHMED BALAWI

Design & Digital Engineering Leader

ABOUT ME

KNOW ME

Ahmed Balawi

VISIONARY LEADER

As an engineering and technology leader with 22+ years of experience, I’ve helped deliver landmark mega-projects across the MENA region. I founded one of the region’s first Integrated Virtual Engineering & Construction departments, leading multidisciplinary teams to drive digital transformation, design innovation, and data-powered project outcomes. Through my career, I’ve developed digital governance frameworks, stage-gates, and KPIs that strengthened accountability and improved how organizations use PMIS and other digital platforms.

I’ve also supported teams in adopting digital twins, analytics, and real-time dashboards to enhance visibility, decision-making, and ROI. Today, my mission is personal: to make a meaningful difference in the lives and career journeys of young engineers and university students. Through mentorship, I help early-career professionals avoid the common mistakes many of us made, accelerate their growth, and gain the practical knowledge we wish we had earlier, across engineering practice, leadership, communication, business, and financial thinking.

Expertise

Digital Transformation

BIM & Digital Twin Implementation, driving enterprise-wide digital strategies and innovation frameworks.

Design & Engineering Management

Technical detailing, multi-disciplinary coordination, and comprehensive design development expertise.

Business Excellence

KPI development, analytics reporting, and business intelligence for optimal project delivery.

Career Growth Mentoring

Value engineering, risk management, and process optimization for maximum efficiency.

Career Highlights

YEARS EXPERIENCE

+

MEGA PROJECTS

B+

PROJECT VALUE (USD)

+

CERTIFICATIONS

PROJECTS

Key Projects Portfolio

  • All
  • Museums
  • Airports
  • High Rise
  • Infrastructure
Louvre Museum

The Louvre Museum

Abu Dhabi, UAE - $3.2B

An iconic universal museum featuring the world's largest collection of artworks under a stunning geometric dome that creates a rain of light.

Status: Completed Saadiyat Island
Zayed National Museum

Zayed National Museum

Abu Dhabi, UAE - $2.4B

A cultural landmark celebrating the legacy of Sheikh Zayed featuring five distinctive wing structures inspired by falcon flight.

Status: Under Development Saadiyat Island
Midfield Terminal

Midfield Terminal

Abu Dhabi, UAE - $12B

A state-of-the-art aviation facility featuring an innovative X-shaped design with advanced passenger processing and world-class amenities.

Status: Operational Abu Dhabi International Airport
Bahrain Airport

Bahrain Airport Modernization

Bahrain - $2.8B

A comprehensive expansion and modernization project transforming the airport into a regional aviation hub with enhanced capacity and facilities.

Status: Completed Manama, Bahrain
EXPO 2020

EXPO 2020 UAE Pavilion

Dubai, UAE - $360M

An architectural masterpiece inspired by falcon wings, showcasing UAE's vision and heritage through innovative design and interactive exhibitions.

Status: Completed Expo City Dubai
Al Ain Hospital

New Al Ain Hospital

Al Ain, UAE - $4.5B

A world-class healthcare facility featuring advanced medical technology and patient-centered design with sustainable architecture.

Status: Under Construction Al Ain, Abu Dhabi
Address Downtown

The Address Downtown

Dubai, UAE - $750M

An iconic luxury hotel and residential tower featuring premium amenities, stunning views of Burj Khalifa, and world-class hospitality.

Status: Operational Downtown Dubai
Amaala Yacht Club

Amaala Yacht Club

Saudi Arabia - Luxury Marina

An ultra-luxury coastal destination featuring exclusive yacht facilities, pristine beaches, and world-class amenities in the Red Sea.

Status: Under Development Red Sea Coast, Saudi Arabia
Al Wasl Tower

Al Wasl Tower

Dubai, UAE - Mixed Use Tower

An iconic skyscraper with dynamic LED facade lighting, creating a distinctive presence in Dubai's skyline.

Status: Completed Dubai

RESUME

Professional Experience

Education & Certifications

Education

Bachelor of Science

BSc Architectural Engineering

Specialized in architectural engineering with focus on construction, design, and technical management.

Certifications

Professional Certifications

Multiple Industry Certifications

PMP, ACP (PMI) | CIOB Member | RICS Member | RIBA | Certified Strategy & Business Planning Professional (KPI Institute) | Data Science Diploma | CMA Management Accounting

Work History

June 2022 - Present

Engineering Contracting Company (ECC)

Group Design & Digital Engineering Dept Head

Established group digital governance and innovation frameworks. Championed business excellence through integrated project delivery controls enabled by digital twins, data analytics, and real-time dashboards. Instituted structured stage-gates, KPIs, and assurance metrics for informed leadership decision-making.

June 2018 - May 2022

Dewan Architects & Engineers

Design & BIM Manager

Led design development and management, driving multi-disciplinary coordination. Standardized design processes & integrated BIM workflows aligned with international standards. Evaluated subconsultants and aligned design outputs with construction methodologies.

April 2013 - May 2018

Arabtec Construction LLC

Engineering & Digital Delivery Dept Head

Led R&D initiatives and established engineering standards. Directed engineering innovation, digital transformation, and digital twin deployment. Developed interactive 3D models integrating cost, time, and facilities management data. Led BIM ISO 19650 certification programs for four consecutive years.

Technical Skills

0

BIM & Digital Twin Implementation

0

Digital Transformation Strategy

0

Design Management

0

Data Analytics & KPI Development

0

Lean Construction & Value Engineering

0

Process Optimization & Automation

KNOWLEDGE

Professional Mentoring Services

Structured guidance service focused on aligning early-stage engineers with optimal career trajectories based on competency mapping, industry demand analysis, and developmental psychology principles.

Service utilizing evidence-based personality frameworks (such as Big Five, MBTI, DISC) to identify behavioral tendencies and recommend optimal professional environments and roles.

Assessment-driven service for students planning engineering studies, providing insight into cognitive aptitude, domain interest alignment, and future technical specialization routes.

Structured coaching that applies established career development models to more effectively guide individuals in their professional growth, support clearer goal setting, and strengthen long-term career progression.

Uses competency analysis, keyword optimization, and industry-matching techniques to craft CVs aligned with market expectations and emerging engineering sectors.

Focused on increasing professional visibility using portfolio optimization, digital footprint enhancement, and network science principles.

Evidence-based training on verbal, written, and interpersonal communication using applied linguistics and behavioral science frameworks.

Structured training programs grounded in engineering standards and competency-based learning models to prepare professionals for technical career advancement.

INSIGHTS

Industry Insights & contribution

  • All
  • Industry Trends
  • Technology
  • Strategy
  • Case Studies
BIM Summit Panel Discussion

BIM Summit Panel Discussion

Panel Discussion

Industry Panel Discussion

Speaking Engagement

Speaking Engagement

BIM Conference Presentation

BIM Conference Presentation

Conference Panel

Jordan BIM Conference Panel

PMI Theatre Presentation

PMI Theatre Presentation

PMI UAE Chapter Presentation

PMI UAE Chapter Presentation

Conference Audience View

PMI Theatre Conference

The Big 5 Event Presentation

The Big 5 Event Presentation

Professional Meeting

Professional Networking

GEOBIM 2014 Speaking

GEOBIM 2014 Speaker

Autodesk University Q&A

Autodesk University Q&A Panel

Conference Panel

Conference Panel Discussion

Autodesk BIM Panel

Autodesk BIM Panel

Industry Experts Panel

Industry Experts Panel

Autodesk University Dubai Team

Autodesk University Dubai 2014

Autodesk University Extension Group

AU Extension Dubai Team

BIM Leadership Forum

BIM Leadership Forum

GEOBIM 2014 Award

GEOBIM 2014 Recognition

Middle East Panel Discussion

Middle East Panel Discussion

Conference Panel Discussion

Conference Panel Discussion

GEOBIM 2014 Panel

GEOBIM 2014 Panel Discussion

Professional Networking

Professional Networking

GEOBIM 2014 Speaking

GEOBIM 2014 Speaker

GEOBIM 2014 Team

GEOBIM 2014 Event Team

The Big 5 BIM Presentation

The Big 5 - BIM Presentation

The Big 5 Dubai Speaker

The Big 5 Dubai Speaker

Conference Attendee

Industry Conference

CERTIFICATIONS & RECOGNITIONS

Professional certifications, speaker engagements, and industry recognitions

Dubai International PM Forum Certificate

Dubai International PM Forum

December 2018 • 13 PDUs

Attended the 5th edition of Dubai International Project Management Forum (DIPMF 2018).

University of Sharjah Certificate

ABET Accreditation Support

University of Sharjah • 2016

Recognition for supporting ABET Accreditation visit at the Architectural Engineering Department.

Effective Office Management Certificate

Effective Office Management

Smart Management • November 2017

Certificate of Achievement for Effective Office Management & Administration Skills Programme.

KPI Institute Completion Certificate

Strategy & Business Planning

The KPI Institute • May-June 2021

Certificate of Completion for Certified Strategy and Business Planning Professional Training Course.

University of Sharjah Keynote Speaker Certificate

Keynote Speaker - Research Week

University of Sharjah • 2020

Recognition for keynote speaker participation at College of Engineering Research Week.

Green Building LEED Certificate

Green Building & LEED

3FOLD Executive Education • April 2010

Course completion certificate for Green Building & LEED Core Concepts training program.

KPI Institute Certified Certificate

Certified C-SBP Professional

The KPI Institute • November 2021

Official certification as Certified Strategy and Business Planning Professional (C-SBP).

Building Smart Certificate

Introduction to BIM Workshop

buildingSMART • November 2010

Training certificate for Introduction to BIM Workshop at Build Smart 2010 Conference, Abu Dhabi.

CMA Certificate

CMA Exam Review

IMA - Morgan International • 2017

Certificate of Attendance for IMA's CMA Exam Review covering Financial Reporting and Decision Making.

LRQA Certificate

ISO 9001 & 14001 Management

LRQA Lloyd's Register • January 2018

ISO 9001:2015 & 14001:2015 Management Awareness Training Course completion.

Infrastructure Awards Nominee Certificate

Year in Infrastructure Nominee

Bentley Systems • 2019

Certificate of Excellence for outstanding achievement as nominee in 2019 Year in Infrastructure Awards.

Future of Engineering Summit Certificate

Future of Engineering Summit

Engineering Contracting • May 2025

Certificate of Appreciation for participation in the Future of Engineering Summit.

AIQS BIM Conference Certificate

AIQS International BIM Conference

AIQS • November 2015

Certificate of Participation for AIQS International Conference on Building Information Modeling.

Jordan Engineers Association Speaker Certificate

Speaker - Jordan Engineers Association BIM Conference

Jordan Engineers Association • Date unknown

Featured speaker at Jordan Engineers Association BIM Conference on measure of success.

Arabtec Culture Workshop Certificate

Defining Arabtec's Culture

Arabtec Construction • January 2017

Certificate of Appreciation for workshop participation in Defining Arabtec's Culture, Abu Dhabi.

PMI Big 5 Dubai Speaker Certificate

PMI Speaker - Big 5 Dubai

PMI UAE Khaleeji Chapter • November 2015

Certificate of appreciation for excellence in speaker engagement at Big 5 Dubai 2015.

KNOWLEDGE

Professional Mentoring Services

Structured guidance service focused on aligning early-stage engineers with optimal career trajectories based on competency mapping, industry demand analysis, and developmental psychology principles.

Service utilizing evidence-based personality frameworks (such as Big Five, MBTI, DISC) to identify behavioral tendencies and recommend optimal professional environments and roles.

Assessment-driven service for students planning engineering studies, providing insight into cognitive aptitude, domain interest alignment, and future technical specialization routes.

Structured coaching that applies established career development models to more effectively guide individuals in their professional growth, support clearer goal setting, and strengthen long-term career progression.

Uses competency analysis, keyword optimization, and industry-matching techniques to craft CVs aligned with market expectations and emerging engineering sectors.

Focused on increasing professional visibility using portfolio optimization, digital footprint enhancement, and network science principles.

Evidence-based training on verbal, written, and interpersonal communication using applied linguistics and behavioral science frameworks.

Structured training programs grounded in engineering standards and competency-based learning models to prepare professionals for technical career advancement.