Aqeel Bafadel

Mr. Aqeel Bafadel is the Vice President of Smart City and Innovation at King Abdullah Financial District Development and Management Company (KAFD DMC), where he has worked for four years. He leads the team focused on driving the digital transformation of the district, one of the most ambitious urban projects in the region. In his role, he has played a key part in developing and implementing smart city frameworks, forming partnerships, and launching innovation programs that have established KAFD as a global business and lifestyle destination. He is dedicated to using data, technology, and cross-sector collaboration to shape the future of smart cities and urban communities.

Previously, Mr. Bafadel held several high-profile leadership roles focused on technology and transformation including at Riyadh Airports, SAVIT and the General Authority of Civil Aviation. Mr. Bafadel has an Executive MBA from IE Business School in Spain and bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Electronics & Communications from King AbdulAziz University.