NEOM Appoints Aiman Al-Mudaifer as CEO Amid Leadership Transition

Staff Writer

May. 16, 2025

NEOM, Saudi Arabia's flagship $500 billion megaproject, has officially appointed Eng. Aiman Al-Mudaifer as its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), as well as a member of its Board of Directors. This announcement marks a significant leadership transition as the project advances into a critical phase of development.

Aiman Al-Mudaifer has held the role of Acting CEO at NEOM since November 2024. (NEOM)

Al-Mudaifer has been serving as Acting CEO since November 2024, following the departure of former CEO Nadhmi Al-Nasr. His permanent appointment reflects NEOM's commitment to ensuring operational continuity and strategic alignment with its overarching vision.

In his previous role, Al-Mudaifer led the Public Investment Fund's (PIF) Local Real Estate Division since 2018 and held board positions in several prominent Saudi companies. His extensive experience in real estate and infrastructure positions him to steer NEOM through its next stages of development.

NEOM's Vision and Challenges

NEOM is a central component of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative, aiming to diversify the kingdom's economy beyond oil by developing new industries and boosting tourism. The project encompasses several ambitious components: Business Insider

The Line: A proposed 170km linear city designed to house up to 9 million residents.
Oxagon: A floating industrial complex aimed at revolutionizing manufacturing and logistics.
Trojena: A mountain resort slated to host the Asian Winter Games in 2029.
Sindalah: A luxury island destination in the Red Sea.

Despite its grand vision, NEOM has faced several challenges, including financial constraints, construction delays, and leadership changes. The project's ambitious scope has led to scrutiny over its feasibility and execution timelines.

A conceptual rendering of The Line, NEOM’s revolutionary 170km linear city designed to house 9 million residents with zero cars, streets, or carbon emissions. (NEOM)

As Managing Director and CEO, Al-Mudaifer is expected to conduct a comprehensive review of NEOM's scope and priorities. This includes reassessing project components to optimize resource allocation and ensure timely delivery. His leadership is anticipated to bring a renewed focus on governance, efficiency, and strategic alignment with Saudi Arabia's broader economic diversification goals.

The appointment of Al-Mudaifer signals a commitment to advancing NEOM's development while addressing past challenges. His expertise in real estate and infrastructure positions him to navigate the complexities of the project and drive it toward successful realization.