Makkah deputy emir receives newly appointed Jeddah mayor

JEDDAH — Makkah Deputy Emir Prince Saud bin Mishaal received newly appointed Jeddah Mayor Ehsan Bafaqeeh at the governorate headquarters.Prince Saud congratulated him on the royal trust placed in him and wishing him success in serving the city and meeting the leadership's aspirations.During the meeting, the two reviewed a number of municipal issues and discussed the municipality's future plans.Bafaqeeh expressed his gratitude to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman for the royal appointment, describing it as "a responsibility before it is an honor."He said he would build on the achievements of previous Jeddah mayors and work alongside the municipality's staff to further develop the city and improve municipal services."The next phase requires even greater dedication and achievement to fulfill the aspirations of the leadership and the people of Jeddah," he said.Bafaqeeh praised the progress made under former Mayor Saleh Al-Turki, saying he would continue efforts to advance the city's development.He also highlighted Jeddah's strategic location and acknowledged the support of Makkah Emir Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, Deputy Emir Prince Saud bin Mishaal, and Jeddah Governor Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi."My message to the people of Jeddah is that I will always be there to support them and serve the city, working with all colleagues at the municipality as one team to continue improving Jeddah," he said.Bafaqeeh, born in Jeddah in 1973, is an economist and investment banker with extensive experience in the public and private sectors. He previously served as governor of the General Authority for State Properties from December 2018 to March 2023.His career includes leadership roles as chief executive of Mohammed Alsubeaei (MASIC) Logistics Services, chief financial officer of the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON), and chairman of Al-Fadhili Housing Company.He has also served on the boards of the Real Estate General Authority, Walaa Investment Company, HSBC Saudi Arabia Funds, Abdul Latif Alissa Holding Group, Thakher Real Estate Investment Company, and several investment committees, including those of the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties and the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba).During his tenure at MODON, Bafaqeeh helped expand industrial land capacity by more than 100% through revenue diversification and public-private partnerships. He received the Government Finance Excellence Award in 2010.He holds a bachelor's degree in science from Westminster College in Salt Lake City, Utah, and a Wealth Manager certification from the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority. He has also completed executive training programs at the International Institute for Management Development and other international institutions.