Saleh Al-Rasheed, CEO of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites

Saleh Al-Rasheed, CEO of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites

Saleh bin Ibrahim Al-Rasheed is a distinguished Saudi businessman and one of the Kingdom’s most prominent leadership figures.

Throughout his career, he has successfully combined institutional government work with pioneering contributions in development and organizational transformation,

holding several senior executive roles and leading strategic projects aligned with the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030.

 

Saleh Al-Rasheed, CEO of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites
Saleh Al-Rasheed, CEO of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites

 

Early Life and Education

Born in Riyadh in 1978, Al-Rasheed obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Information Technology from King Saud University.

He later pursued his postgraduate studies and earned an Executive MBA (EMBA) from the IMD Business School in Switzerland.

He also attended several leadership and specialized programs, including Innovation and Organizational Transformation at MIT,

Government Leadership at Harvard University, and advanced Strategy programs at IMD.

 

Saleh Al-Rasheed, CEO of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites
Saleh Al-Rasheed, CEO of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites

 

Achievements

Al-Rasheed began his professional journey at the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON),

where he held various positions, including Director of Information and Communications Technology in 2007.

He was later appointed Director General of MODON (2012–2017), during which he spearheaded major projects such as developing advanced GIS systems,

the “Rased” monitoring platform, and integrated e-services—achievements that earned the authority multiple awards in services and technology.

He then transitioned to the aviation sector, serving as CEO of Riyadh Airports Company (2017–2018),

where he led the privatization of King Khalid International Airport, enhanced the passenger experience, and implemented institutional transformation initiatives.

He also launched three major initiatives with a combined capital exceeding SAR 5.6 billion,

including Indirect Lending (SAR 1.6 billion), the Saudi Venture Capital Company (SAR 2.8 billion), and capital expansion for the Kafalah program (SAR 1.6 billion).

On July 24, 2022, Al-Rasheed was appointed CEO of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, where he now leads efforts in urban transformation,

master planning, infrastructure development, and the integration of digital technologies to enhance services in Makkah and the holy sites.

His vision focuses on making Makkah a global model of urban and human development, ensuring sustainable growth and innovative investment ecosystems.

Al-Rasheed also served as Governor of the Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority (Monsha’at),

leaving a remarkable imprint through the launch of strategic initiatives to support and finance entrepreneurs and SMEs.

He established the SME Bank as a primary financing platform for this sector and introduced initiatives exceeding SAR 5 billion,

including indirect lending, the Saudi Venture Capital Company, and the expansion of the Kafalah program—contributing to a major transformation in the Kingdom’s business ecosystem and opening new avenues for economic growth and diversification.

 

Saleh Al-Rasheed, CEO of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites

 

A Visionary Leader

Al-Rasheed’s contributions go beyond administrative roles; they represent transformative projects that made tangible impacts on the sectors he led while advancing the national economy and enhancing Saudi Arabia’s global standing.

In essence, Engineer Saleh bin Ibrahim Al-Rasheed embodies the model of a professional government leader capable of driving institutional transformation and strategic development at the heart of the Kingdom’s vision.

From industrial cities to aviation, SME empowerment, and now overseeing the most sacred places in the Kingdom—Makkah and the holy sites—his journey reflects dedication, foresight, and an unwavering commitment to national progress.

 

See More: Abdullah Al Nahdi – Chairman of Al Nahdi Medical Company