Anand Raheja: Steering Dar Al Arkan’s Next Growth Chapter

When Anand Raheja assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer of Dar Al Arkan Real Estate Development Co. in 2019, Saudi Arabia’s property sector was poised on the cusp of transformation. Leveraging a background in finance and internal leadership, Raheja has since steered the company through a period of significant ambition, expansion, and repositioning, aligning the developer’s trajectory with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals.

From CFO to CEO: A Natural Progression

Before his elevation, Raheja served as Chief Financial Officer of Dar Al Arkan beginning in May 2018. His internal promotion to CEO underscored the board’s confidence in his financial discipline, institutional knowledge, and strategic vision. Since then, Raheja has directed Dar Al Arkan’s expansion across residential, commercial, and mixed-use segments, optimizing land-bank utilization and forging partnerships that enhance quality, delivery, and market presence.

Landmark Project: The Manhattan Masterplan & Trump Plaza Jeddah

One of the most significant undertakings under Raheja’s leadership has been the Manhattan masterplan in Jeddah, a transformative, 1-million-sqm mixed-use development along King Abdulaziz Road. Construction Business News ME

At its core is Trump Plaza Jeddah, developed in partnership with Dar Global, the international arm of Dar Al Arkan. This USD 1 billion project will bring together premium residences, serviced apartments, luxury offices, and a townhome district, anchored by a Central Park–style green spine and landmark branding appeal.

This development underscores Raheja’s ability to lead bold, globally aligned ventures that combine scale, ambition, and brand equity, placing Dar Al Arkan in conversations at the international real estate stage.

Strategy, Vision & Market Position

Under Raheja’s guidance, Dar Al Arkan has more deeply embedded corporate strategy within Vision 2030, pursuing economic diversification, urban revitalization, and enhanced housing accessibility. He has emphasized alliances with international design, construction, and branding firms to elevate project standards and appeal. In his words:

“We’ve been able to reach and sustain our current position in the real estate sector through the various collaborations we’ve had with international experts.”

Dar Al Arkan’s track record under his leadership includes delivering high-profile commercial and residential developments, operating with timely delivery and quality, and expanding its presence within Saudi Arabia and beyond.

Execution, Innovation & Legacy

As the region’s real estate sector becomes more competitive, Raheja’s ambition is grounded in execution, market differentiation, and future-readiness. Key priorities include:

• Deepening mixed-use, sustainable, and branded residential projects
• Strengthening global partnerships and investor trust
• Maintaining on-time delivery and quality benchmarks
• Leveraging the company’s land assets for strategic growth

Anand Raheja’s rise from CFO to CEO, combined with his leadership during major projects like the Manhattan masterplan and Trump Plaza Jeddah, illustrate a leadership style defined by vision, execution, and bold ambition. Under his watch, Dar Al Arkan continues to evolve not just as a Saudi giant, but as a global developer with reach, relevance, and resilience.