AtkinsRéalis has appointed Ahmed Ghobara as Regional Head of Architecture for the UAE. The appointment marks a strategic step to strengthen the firm’s architectural leadership in a key growth market. Based in Dubai, Ghobara will oversee architectural design operations across the UAE. He will also focus on advancing design innovation and aligning projects with evolving market demand.
Internal Elevation Reflects Strategic Continuity
Ghobara’s elevation comes after a series of leadership roles within AtkinsRéalis. He most recently served as Design Director. Before that, he held the position of Senior Principal. Therefore, the appointment reflects continuity in leadership. It also signals the firm’s focus on strengthening internal talent pipelines.
Experience Across Mixed-Use and Retail-Led Developments
Before joining AtkinsRéalis, Ghobara spent over a decade at CallisonRTKL. During this period, he worked across Kuwait and the UAE. He later led a mixed-use development design studio in Dubai. His work focused on integrating retail, hospitality, residential, and office components into unified design solutions. Moreover, his approach combines architectural design with market insights. This allows projects to align with both user experience and commercial viability.
Focus on Market-Driven and Experiential Design
At AtkinsRéalis, Ghobara has been part of efforts to rebuild the architecture design division. This initiative aligns with the company’s broader strategy to regain leadership in the buildings and design sector. In addition, his design philosophy emphasises experiential destinations. Projects are shaped by cultural context, market trends, and long-term economic value.
Academic Background and Early Career Foundation
Ahmed Ghobara holds a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Tanta University in Egypt. He graduated with honours and began his career in academia. He later transitioned into professional practice, taking on roles in Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Over time, he built expertise across project coordination, design execution, and large-scale developments.
Strengthening Position in a Competitive Market
The appointment comes as the UAE continues to see strong activity in real estate and infrastructure. As a result, demand for integrated and innovative design solutions remains high.
With this leadership move, AtkinsRéalis aims to reinforce its positioning in the region. At the same time, the firm is expected to focus on delivering complex, high-value architectural projects.
