Who’s Who: Mohanad Al-Shaikh, CEO of Johnson Controls Arabia

Mohanad Al-Shaikh
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Updated 24 November 2022
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Who’s Who: Mohanad Al-Shaikh, CEO of Johnson Controls Arabia

Mohanad Al-Shaikh has been CEO of Johnson Controls Arabia since 2014, and has been driving the company’s expansion to include Egypt, Lebanon and Yemen.

As CEO of a leading company in building sustainability, Al-Shaikh has enacted programs to recruit Saudi women in production lines, and bridge the gap between colleges and universities and the private sector.

He also launched a “Serve Your Community” initiative that allows employees to serve the community during one paid day a month.

Al-Shaikh has expanded product offerings to include not only HVAC products, but also fire and security systems, building management systems and energy solutions.

Under his leadership JCI Arabia has expanded to countries such as Egypt, Lebanon, Bahrain and Yemen, with exports increasing to 30 percent of total production. New key business lines have been launched, including navy and marine, energy audit and fire systems.

Al-Shaikh led the company’s manufacturing transformation by opening York’s largest manufacturing complex in the MENA region in King Abdullah Economic City. It is the only factory among Johnson Controls’ 50-plus factories worldwide to have manufacturing and R&D labs in one location. 

Previously, Al-Shaikh held the role of director of operations in the company in 2010, where he was responsible for its day-to-day operations, including recruitment, IT, strategy, marketing and customer relationships.

Al-Shaikh holds a bachelor’s degree in international finance, a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in information systems, and a doctorate in engineering in information technology. He completed executive education programs in science and technology, innovation, and international business.

He currently serves as a board member in various companies and NGOs, including on the manufacturing committee at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce, the Saudi Company for District Cooling, the Saudi-American Business Committee, Jeddah’s Outstanding Teachersِ Association, and the Advisory Council for College of Engineering at the University of Business Technology.

Al-Shaikh is also a board member of the Association for Distinguished Initiatives in Social Responsibility, as well as the executive committee of the Association of Neighborhood Centers. 

He is the co-founder of Sand, a charity for children with cancer, and is the deputy chairman of the Tarmeem Charitable Foundation.


Taif festival celebrates Saudi Arabia’s literary icons

Updated 11 January 2026
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Taif festival celebrates Saudi Arabia’s literary icons

  • It introduces visitors to the contributions of literary pioneers through accessible visual and narrative content

TAIF: A special section highlighting key Saudi literary figures forms part of the Writers and Readers Festival in Taif.

The area explores the lives of distinguished writers, poets, and authors who have shaped the Kingdom’s creative landscape, influencing literature, journalism, theater and intellectual thought.

It introduces visitors to the contributions of literary pioneers through accessible visual and narrative content, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Organized by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, the festival runs until Jan. 15 and features 42 prominent publishing houses from Saudi Arabia and overseas, offering visitors the chance to explore the latest works in literature, philosophy and general knowledge.

Meanwhile, the festival’s interactive murals section engages visitors with openwork art panels, allowing them to contribute to the city’s features and identity.

The murals depict Taif’s natural and historical landmarks, including Al-Hada Mountain, the Taif rose gardens, and traditional Hijazi palaces. Others are inspired by Souq Okaz, a historic literary and commercial center linked to the region’s poetic heritage.

Designed by a visual artist, they blend folk-inspired elements with imaginative expression, creating a collaborative experience that celebrates the city’s beauty and brings art closer to the public.