Adel Bakheet Al-Zahrani was appointed as the deputy minister for urban planning and lands, and strategic adviser of urban design and livable cities, in March 2022. He has played a pivotal role in shaping national policies related to urban development.
His responsibilities encompass policy formulation, monitoring policy implementation across urban development sub-sectors, and fostering coordination between multilateral agencies and urban development stakeholders.
One of his key initiatives has been the formulation of a vision for the quality of life within the real estate sector and national housing projects. Al-Zahrani has been instrumental in setting and monitoring national standards and policies for urban and regional planning and development, aligning them with the ambitious goals of Saudi Arabia’s national transformation plan, Vision 2030.
Before taking on his current role, Al-Zahrani held influential positions in academia, serving as the vice dean for quality and development at the Faculty of Architecture and Planning at King Abdulaziz University, followed by his appointment as the department’s dean. These positions not only showcased his leadership capabilities but also laid the foundation for his subsequent impactful roles in urban development.
From 2020 to 2022, Al-Zahrani served as the strategic adviser of urban transformation and initiator of the National Urban Design Studio, a testament to his commitment to advancing urban planning in Saudi Arabia. During this time he was entrusted with the deputyship of city planning at the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing.
He embarked on his global career in 2007, working as a senior architect and urban designer at renowned firms in the US. His expertise extended to North Africa and the Middle East, where he contributed to notable projects such as the Shams Central Park and Public Landscape in Abu Dhabi. His portfolio includes diverse projects, from co-housing neighborhoods to town master planning and institutional buildings.
Al-Zahrani has been a delegate both internationally and regionally, advocating for urban planning and development. He has represented Saudi Arabia in various capacities, including in the Saudi-Bahraini Coordination Council, Senior Municipal Leaders Committee for GCC, and Joint Municipal Action in Kuwait. Notably, he addressed the UN in New York in 2022, underlining his commitment to global urban sustainability.
Al-Zahrani’s extensive participation in international summits and conferences, including the World Urban Forum in Poland, reflects his dedication to promoting sustainable urban development and combating climate change.
His experiences and contributions have not only advanced his career but also positively impacted communities, aligning with the transformative goals of Vision 2030 and exemplifying his mission to enhance livability and improve people’s quality of life through urban architecture, planning, and design.
Al-Zahrani holds a bachelor’s degree in architecture from King Abdulaziz University, a master’s degree in city planning from Boston University, and a Ph.D. in architecture and urban design research from Virginia Tech.
