Haitham Aref FCIOB

Haitham Aref FCIOB is the elected Chair of the CIOB Dubai Hub and a client-side design and delivery leader with 20 years’ experience across the GCC. Most recently Group Head of Projects & Logistics at Al Ansari Financial Services, he led design and delivery for a 300+ branch network across the UAE and Kuwait and a 40,000 m² facilities portfolio. Previously, at Kamal Osman Jamjoom Group, he delivered 650+ store fit-outs for international fashion and beauty brands across the GCC and North Africa. In total, his work spans 950+ retail outlets, 70,000 m² of space and around US$9.9M in cost savings. Haitham holds an MSc in Construction Project Management and an MA in Interior Architecture & Design from Heriot-Watt University, and is currently pursuing a PhD at Heriot-Watt on sustainable material selection and occupant response in Dubai’s mixed-use developments.