Ihsan Bafakih, governor of the Saudi Real Estate General Authority

Ihsan Bafakih
Updated 09 July 2019
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Ihsan Bafakih, governor of the Saudi Real Estate General Authority

Ihsan Bafakih serves as governor of the Real Estate General Authority. He was appointed following a royal decree in December 2018.

He is also a board member of the Real Estate General Authority. Bafakih has more than 17 years’ experience in investment banking in the Kingdom.

He had been the CEO of Mohammed Al-Subeaei and Sons Investments Co. (MASIC) since August 2011. He was the first non-family member CEO in the Riyadh-based holding company.

Bafakih represented NCB, SABB, and HSBC at the SAMA Investment Product Committee between 1997 and 2006. As the chief financial officer, he developed self-sustainable financial modeling for the Saudi Industrial Property Authority (MODON).

He was a member of several boards and councils, including the US-Saudi Arabian Business Council from 2012 to 2016, and Albilad Capital from 2012 to 2014 and of Thakher Real Estate Investment in 2012.

Bafakih holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Westminster College in Salt Lake City, US. He is also a wealth manager certified by the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA).

Makkah Gov. Prince Khalid Al-Faisal announced on Monday that a piece of land of the state-owned Al-Faisaliah project area will be allocated to establish an airport for Hajj and Umrah.

The new pilgrims’ airport will be connected with King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah.

Bafakih, and the executive chairman of Saudi Electricity Co., Fahd Al-Sudairy, signed an agreement to allow a new solar energy project for the Al-Faisaliah Project area.


Citrus festival highlights AlUla’s heritage, economy

Updated 10 January 2026
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Citrus festival highlights AlUla’s heritage, economy

  • The rise in visitor numbers reflects the festival’s prominence as a major agricultural and community event. It runs until Jan. 16

ALULA: The AlUla Citrus Festival has seen a remarkable turnout of residents and visitors as it has coincided with the mid-year school break, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The festival is being held at the farmers’ market in the cultural oasis, amid an environment that blends stunning natural beauty with the governorate's rich agricultural heritage.

The rise in visitor numbers reflects the festival’s prominence as a major agricultural and community event. It runs until Jan. 16.

It allows visitors to explore local products and purchase citrus fruits directly from farmers, highlighting the deep connection between the people, their land, and agricultural legacy.

The festival showcases a diverse selection of AlUla’s finest citrus fruits, alongside platforms for local producers, the SPA added.

The event also features interactive family-friendly activities and live cooking demonstrations.

It contributes to revitalizing agricultural economic activity and reinforces agricultural seasons as a pillar of sustainable development in the governorate.

The AlUla Citrus Festival is a key social and economic event and gives local farmers a vital platform to showcase and sell their produce, supporting the agricultural economy of a governorate home to nearly 5,000 productive farms.