HELLO, I AM
AHMED BALAWI
Design & Digital Engineering Leader
ABOUT ME
KNOW ME
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Al Wasl Tower
Dubai, UAE - Mixed Use Tower
An iconic skyscraper with dynamic LED facade lighting, creating a distinctive presence in Dubai's skyline.
RESUME
Professional Experience
Education & Certifications
Bachelor of Science
BSc Architectural Engineering
Specialized in architectural engineering with focus on construction, design, and technical management.
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
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.
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.
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
BIM & Digital Twin Implementation
Digital Transformation Strategy
Design Management
Data Analytics & KPI Development
Lean Construction & Value Engineering
Process Optimization & Automation
KNOWLEDGE
Professional Mentoring Services
Early-Career Engineering Pathway Advisory
Career Trajectory Alignment
Structured guidance service focused on aligning early-stage engineers with optimal career trajectories based on competency mapping, industry demand analysis, and developmental psychology principles.
Occupational Personality Profiling
Behavioral Assessment
Service utilizing evidence-based personality frameworks (such as Big Five, MBTI, DISC) to identify behavioral tendencies and recommend optimal professional environments and roles.
Pre-Engineering Aptitude Evaluation
Academic Pathway Mapping
Assessment-driven service for students planning engineering studies, providing insight into cognitive aptitude, domain interest alignment, and future technical specialization routes.
Professional Growth Optimization
Career Advancement Strategy
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.
Competency-Based Resume Engineering
Industry Pathway Analysis
Uses competency analysis, keyword optimization, and industry-matching techniques to craft CVs aligned with market expectations and emerging engineering sectors.
Professional Visibility Enhancement
Personal Brand Strategy
Focused on increasing professional visibility using portfolio optimization, digital footprint enhancement, and network science principles.
Technical Communication Development
Professional Competency Training
Evidence-based training on verbal, written, and interpersonal communication using applied linguistics and behavioral science frameworks.
Applied Engineering Skills Development
Technical Competency Training
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
Industry Panel Discussion
Speaking Engagement
BIM Conference Presentation
Jordan BIM Conference Panel
PMI Theatre Presentation
PMI UAE Chapter Presentation
PMI Theatre Conference
The Big 5 Event Presentation
Professional Networking
GEOBIM 2014 Speaker
Autodesk University Q&A Panel
Conference Panel Discussion
Autodesk BIM Panel
Industry Experts Panel
Autodesk University Dubai 2014
AU Extension Dubai Team
BIM Leadership Forum
GEOBIM 2014 Recognition
Middle East Panel Discussion
Conference Panel Discussion
GEOBIM 2014 Panel Discussion
Professional Networking
GEOBIM 2014 Speaker
GEOBIM 2014 Event Team
The Big 5 - BIM Presentation
The Big 5 Dubai Speaker
Industry Conference
CERTIFICATIONS & RECOGNITIONS
Professional certifications, speaker engagements, and industry recognitions
Dubai International PM Forum
December 2018 • 13 PDUs
Attended the 5th edition of Dubai International Project Management Forum (DIPMF 2018).
ABET Accreditation Support
University of Sharjah • 2016
Recognition for supporting ABET Accreditation visit at the Architectural Engineering Department.
Effective Office Management
Smart Management • November 2017
Certificate of Achievement for Effective Office Management & Administration Skills Programme.
Strategy & Business Planning
The KPI Institute • May-June 2021
Certificate of Completion for Certified Strategy and Business Planning Professional Training Course.
Keynote Speaker - Research Week
University of Sharjah • 2020
Recognition for keynote speaker participation at College of Engineering Research Week.
Green Building & LEED
3FOLD Executive Education • April 2010
Course completion certificate for Green Building & LEED Core Concepts training program.
Certified C-SBP Professional
The KPI Institute • November 2021
Official certification as Certified Strategy and Business Planning Professional (C-SBP).
Introduction to BIM Workshop
buildingSMART • November 2010
Training certificate for Introduction to BIM Workshop at Build Smart 2010 Conference, Abu Dhabi.
CMA Exam Review
IMA - Morgan International • 2017
Certificate of Attendance for IMA's CMA Exam Review covering Financial Reporting and Decision Making.
ISO 9001 & 14001 Management
LRQA Lloyd's Register • January 2018
ISO 9001:2015 & 14001:2015 Management Awareness Training Course completion.
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
Engineering Contracting • May 2025
Certificate of Appreciation for participation in the Future of Engineering Summit.
AIQS International BIM Conference
AIQS • November 2015
Certificate of Participation for AIQS International Conference on Building Information Modeling.
Speaker - Jordan Engineers Association BIM Conference
Jordan Engineers Association • Date unknown
Featured speaker at Jordan Engineers Association BIM Conference on measure of success.
Defining Arabtec's Culture
Arabtec Construction • January 2017
Certificate of Appreciation for workshop participation in Defining Arabtec's Culture, Abu Dhabi.
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
Early-Career Engineering Pathway Advisory
Career Trajectory Alignment
Structured guidance service focused on aligning early-stage engineers with optimal career trajectories based on competency mapping, industry demand analysis, and developmental psychology principles.
Occupational Personality Profiling
Behavioral Assessment
Service utilizing evidence-based personality frameworks (such as Big Five, MBTI, DISC) to identify behavioral tendencies and recommend optimal professional environments and roles.
Pre-Engineering Aptitude Evaluation
Academic Pathway Mapping
Assessment-driven service for students planning engineering studies, providing insight into cognitive aptitude, domain interest alignment, and future technical specialization routes.
Professional Growth Optimization
Career Advancement Strategy
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.
Competency-Based Resume Engineering
Industry Pathway Analysis
Uses competency analysis, keyword optimization, and industry-matching techniques to craft CVs aligned with market expectations and emerging engineering sectors.
Professional Visibility Enhancement
Personal Brand Strategy
Focused on increasing professional visibility using portfolio optimization, digital footprint enhancement, and network science principles.
Technical Communication Development
Professional Competency Training
Evidence-based training on verbal, written, and interpersonal communication using applied linguistics and behavioral science frameworks.
Applied Engineering Skills Development
Technical Competency Training
Structured training programs grounded in engineering standards and competency-based learning models to prepare professionals for technical career advancement.