For the fourth consecutive year, Nawfal Al Khudhairy has been recognised among the most influential figures shaping the built environment in the Middle East, securing a top 10 position in Construction Week Middle East’s Power 150.  While the ranking itself is significant, it is what sits behind this consistency that provides a more meaningful signal to the market.

The Construction Week Power 150, now in its 17th edition, has become a benchmark for identifying the individuals directing the region’s most ambitious and complex programmes.  At a time when the Middle East is entering a defining phase - characterised by mega-projects, new city developments, and unprecedented infrastructure investment - the list reflects those who are not only participating in this growth, but actively shaping how it is delivered.

Against this backdrop, Nawfal’s continued presence at the top end of the rankings reflects a delivery philosophy closely aligned with what clients now expect. The scale of programmes across Saudi Arabia and the UAE has raised the bar, bringing greater focus to clarity, coordination, and consistency from concept through to completion. In this environment, strategy and execution work in tandem, with outcomes defined through disciplined delivery.

As Chairman, Nawfal has shaped Compass around a delivery-focused model that keeps teams close to projects, prioritises early engagement, and ensures direct access between decision-makers and those responsible for execution. This approach moves beyond traditional, layered consultancy structures towards a more integrated model, where opportunities are identified early and addressed with speed and precision.

This philosophy is reflected across our portfolio. In Saudi Arabia, we have supported major programmes such as Qiddiya, alongside other institutional developments that require a high level of coordination and technical depth. In the UAE, our work spans residential, hospitality, and retail sectors, including PMC roles on the RAK Italian Designer Branded Residences and villas. Completed projects such as Emirates NBD’s KSA headquarters, Palm Jumeirah Mall East Wing, and Nad Al Sheba Mall demonstrate the breadth of our experience, while Tattu Sky Pool - recognised as the world’s highest infinity pool - highlights the level of technical sophistication we bring to delivery.

What defines this portfolio is not only its scale, but the consistency we maintain across sectors and geographies. This is supported by a structured and transparent approach to planning and execution, where advisory insight remains closely aligned with on-the-ground delivery.

A key part of this model is our focus on clarity in planning and informed decision-making. We have embedded RICS-aligned benchmarking and independent validation tools into our processes, giving clients clear reference points throughout the lifecycle of a project. This supports confident investment decisions and strengthens alignment between stakeholders from the earliest stages.

We are also seeing a clear shift in how clients define value. While early-stage advisory remains important, there is increasing emphasis on maintaining the same level of control through construction. This is reflected in the growth of our construction supervision service, now our fastest-expanding offering. It highlights a wider recognition that the execution phase provides a powerful opportunity to uphold quality, enhance coordination, and ensure strong outcomes.

This shift is influencing how projects are structured from the outset. Early involvement is becoming a defining factor, enabling design intent and delivery strategy to align from day one. Nawfal’s approach has consistently reinforced this, positioning Compass as an integrated partner across the full project lifecycle.

Our performance over the past year reflects the strength of this model, supported by continued expansion across sectors including food industry infrastructure and transport advisory.

Alongside this growth, we remain focused on capability building and responsible practice. Through Compass Academy, we are investing in the development of Saudi and Emirati consultants, supporting nationalisation goals while strengthening long-term delivery capability. Our fourth consecutive ISO 26000 recertification reinforces our commitment to governance and sustainability, both of which are increasingly shaping project requirements and investment decisions. Recent advisory work has included ESG-aligned frameworks and support for clients navigating international funding criteria.

Looking ahead, many of the approaches shaping our model are gaining wider momentum across the industry. More structured programme planning, greater visibility over cost, and the continued adoption of benchmarking standards are contributing to a more disciplined project environment. At the same time, closer integration between advisory and on-site supervision is strengthening delivery frameworks across the board.

In this context, Nawfal’s continued recognition in the Power 150 reflects more than individual achievement. It signals a broader shift towards a delivery model built on clarity, alignment, and confidence. For project owners, investors, and developers, selecting the right partner remains central to achieving successful outcomes.

Read Nawfal's full Power 150 profile here.

Congratulations to Nawfal and our entire Team!