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Ahmed Alashwal
Chief Financial Officer
In today's real estate landscape, financial leadership has become inseparable from business strategy. The scale of modern developments, increasingly sophisticated investment structures, evolving regulatory frameworks, and heightened investor expectations demand far more than conventional financial oversight. Ahmed Alashwal, Chief Financial Officer at Alawaly Real Estate, represents this new generation of finance leadership.
Over the course of a 15-year career, he has built extensive expertise across banking, manufacturing, diversified holding groups, and real estate, giving him a broad understanding of how finance can influence enterprise-wide performance.
Rather than limiting his role to accounting and financial reporting, he has consistently expanded his responsibilities into investment evaluation, treasury strategy, business transformation, corporate governance, capital structuring, and executive leadership - developing a perspective where finance serves as a catalyst for strategic decision-making rather than a function of financial control.
His appointment at Alawaly Real Estate coincided with one of the most transformative periods in Saudi Arabia's history. As the Kingdom accelerates its Vision 2030 agenda, Ahmed works closely with the company's CEO, Board of Directors, financial institutions, investment partners, and fund managers to shape strategic priorities, optimise capital allocation, strengthen governance, and position the organisation for long-term growth and future capital market opportunities.
His philosophy reflects the changing expectations of the CFO's office - that finance should not simply measure business performance but actively shape it. By combining financial discipline with strategic foresight, Ahmed continues to help build an institution equipped to thrive in an increasingly competitive and investment-driven real estate market.
My vision has always been to position finance as a strategic value creator rather than a traditional support function
As CFO, what has been your vision for strengthening Alawaly Real Estate's financial foundation and supporting its long-term growth?
My vision has always been to position finance as a strategic value creator rather than a traditional support function. At Alawaly Real Estate, we have strengthened corporate governance, enhanced financial transparency, optimised our capital structure, improved treasury management, and implemented performance-driven financial systems.
Alongside these initiatives, I have focused on evaluating major investment opportunities, structuring real estate investment funds, and building strong relationships with financial institutions. For me, true financial strength goes beyond profitability - it is reflected in resilience, sound governance, liquidity, and the ability to finance sustainable growth under changing market conditions.
Which professional achievements have been most significant in shaping your journey as a finance leader in the real estate sector?
I measure success by the institutions we build rather than individual accomplishments. Throughout my career, I have transformed finance into a strategic business partner by leading financial transformation initiatives, structuring multi-billion-riyal investment funds, managing complex financing arrangements, and supporting strategic investments across diverse real estate developments.
I have also contributed extensively to governance frameworks, organisational transformation, and IPO readiness. Above all, I value the trust I have earned from boards, CEOs, banks, investors, and business partners, as credibility remains the most important asset any finance leader can build.
What major trends do you believe will shape Saudi Arabia's real estate sector, and how is Alawaly Real Estate preparing for them?
Saudi Arabia's real estate sector is entering an exciting phase of growth under Vision 2030. I believe institutional investments, stronger governance standards, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and greater foreign participation will define the industry's future. Regulatory reforms are already attracting international capital and improving market confidence.
While the sector continues to face challenges such as higher financing costs and evolving regulations, I remain optimistic. Organisations with disciplined financial management, strong governance, and a long-term strategic vision will be best positioned to capture the tremendous opportunities emerging across the Kingdom.
What principles guide your approach to investment evaluation, capital allocation, and financial risk management?
My philosophy is simple: capital is limited, while opportunities are unlimited. Every investment decision must therefore create sustainable long-term value rather than deliver only short-term returns. I evaluate opportunities based on strategic alignment, financial feasibility, risk-adjusted returns, cash flow resilience, funding capacity, and long-term economic impact.
Equally important is maintaining financial flexibility through an optimised capital structure and strong relationships with banks and institutional investors. Successful investments are rarely those with the highest returns - they are those that achieve the right balance between return, risk, liquidity, and strategic value.
How are digital technologies helping you strengthen finance and decision-making at Alawaly Real Estate?
Technology is fundamentally reshaping the finance function. Today, our goal is not simply to produce financial reports but to enable better business decisions. At Alawaly Real Estate, we continue investing in ERP systems, business intelligence platforms, automation, digital workflows, and advanced financial analytics. These capabilities improve reporting speed, forecasting accuracy, internal controls, transparency, and executive decision-making.
I firmly believe artificial intelligence will not replace finance professionals; instead, those who effectively leverage AI and advanced analytics will define the next generation of corporate finance leadership.
What is your long-term vision for Alawaly Real Estate, and what legacy do you hope to leave as a finance leader?
My vision goes beyond achieving strong financial performance. I want to help build one of Saudi Arabia's most respected real estate organisations, recognised for excellence in governance, financial discipline, investment management, and sustainable value creation. Personally, I hope to mentor a new generation of finance leaders who think strategically and lead with confidence.
If my legacy is remembered for transforming finance into a true strategic partner that enabled growth, strengthened governance, supported investment, and created lasting value for stakeholders, I would consider that my greatest achievement.
Ahmed Alashwal, Chief Financial Officer, Alawaly Real Estate
Ahmed Alashwal is the Chief Financial Officer of Alawaly Real Estate, with over 15 years of experience across banking, manufacturing, diversified holding groups, and real estate. He specializes in strategic finance, capital structuring, investment management, corporate governance, and business transformation, driving sustainable growth and long-term value creation in Saudi Arabia's evolving real estate sector.