Fayez Ali Alsayil
Summary
Urban Data & Geospatial Executive with over 15 years of senior experience driving data-driven governance, urban intelligence, and sustainable city development. Proven track record in establishing and governing urban data ecosystems, including spatial data infrastructures, urban observatories, and smart city platforms, to support evidence-based policymaking and executive decision-making. Specializes in integrating geospatial intelligence, urban analytics, and performance indicators to inform strategic urban planning, infrastructure investment, climate resilience, and sustainability initiatives. Extensive experience aligning city data programs with international frameworks and standards (SDGs, ISO 37120/37122/37123), enabling cities to benchmark performance and gain global recognition. Recognized for leading multidisciplinary teams, managing complex stakeholder environments, and translating technical data into executive insights, dashboards, and policy intelligence. Positioned for progression into Chief Data Officer / Urban Intelligence leadership roles, with a strong focus on building resilient, inclusive, and future-ready cities.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of the Geospatial Information Center and the Urban Observatory
Madinah Region Development Authority
11.2017 - Current
- Led the establishment of a Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) in collaboration with 40+ government and semi-government agencies, strengthening urban data governance, interoperability, and cross-sector coordination.
- Designed and delivered the Manarah Urban Data Platform, integrating mobile mapping, 3D city modeling, flood risk modeling, and automated change detection to enable data-driven urban planning and smart city operations.
- Produced executive dashboards and analytical reports to support evidence-based decision-making and advance sustainable urban development initiatives.
- Achieved triple international certification from the World Council on City Data (WCCD) for ISO 37120, ISO 37122, and ISO 37123, positioning Al Madinah among a globally recognized group of smart and sustainable cities.
- Earned multiple international and regional awards for the Manarah platform, including the Application Excellence Award from the Geospatial World Forum, recognizing excellence in geospatial innovation.
- Recognized as Winner of 'Going Digital – The Year in Infrastructure' by Bentley Systems (2025) for outstanding digital transformation and infrastructure intelligence.
- Awarded the GEOSA Award (2024) for leading innovative urban and geospatial solutions.
- Led Al Madinah’s achievement of international sustainability recognition, securing the UN-Habitat SDGs Gold Certificate and the Shanghai Award for Sustainable Cities, reinforcing the city’s global standing in sustainable urban development.
Surveying Engineer
General Directorate of Military Survey
02.2010 - 10.2017
- Since the start of the Decisive Storm I was assigned to work in the National Defense Operation Centre as a supervisor for building a geodatabase for the Area of Interest using ArcGIS.
- Photogrammetry section: Aerial triangulation specialist.
- Building Geodatabase for some GIS projects using ArcGIS from ESRI.
- Data capture and DTM operator and QC.
Surveying Engineer
Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs
11.2008 - 02.2010
- Map Production Quality Control.
- Procedures for sorting housing units in an independent ownership document.
Education
Master of Science - Geoinformation Technology and Cartography
University of Glasgow
12.2013
Advanced photogrammetry and remote sensing and GIS -
LEIBNIZ UNIVERSITY HANNOVER Institute for Photogrammetry and Geoinformation
01.2009
Surveying Engineering -
King Saud University
08.2008
Skills
- Geospatial analysis
- Spatial data infrastructure
- Urban planning
- Evidence-based decision making
- Critical thinking
- Strategic thinking
- Team leadership
- Issue resolution
- Creativity and innovation
- Analytical thinking
Timeline
Director of the Geospatial Information Center and the Urban Observatory
Madinah Region Development Authority
11.2017 - Current
Surveying Engineer
General Directorate of Military Survey
02.2010 - 10.2017
Surveying Engineer
Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs
11.2008 - 02.2010
Master of Science - Geoinformation Technology and Cartography
University of Glasgow
Advanced photogrammetry and remote sensing and GIS -
LEIBNIZ UNIVERSITY HANNOVER Institute for Photogrammetry and Geoinformation
Surveying Engineering -
King Saud University