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How Belal Deiranieh is shaping Middle East transportation.

The Middle East is undergoing a profound transformation. At the heart of this change are Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, where visionary infrastructure projects are fundamentally redefining what is possible. To meet this extraordinary opportunity, AtkinsRéalis is stepping up to lead the charge. By establishing a newly dedicated Transportation market, the business is perfectly positioned to shape the next chapter of regional growth. 

Leading this ambitious journey is Belal Deiranieh, the newly appointed Senior Vice President of Transportation for the Middle East. For professionals watching the engineering space, Belal’s appointment signals a clear commitment to innovation, connectivity, and community empowerment. This article explores how his leadership will help build the infrastructure of tomorrow.

Belal in Black suite

A strategic focus on regional connectivity 

Transportation is much more than moving people from one place to another. It is about connecting communities, enabling economic growth, and building the foundations of a sustainable future. Recognising the sheer scale of national investment across rail, roads, aviation, and defence, AtkinsRéalis made the strategic decision to separate Transportation from its broader Infrastructure portfolio. 

Under one combined market, the scope was simply too vast. By creating a distinct Transportation division, the business can sharpen its focus, better align its capabilities, and pursue complex programmes with greater momentum. This structural shift allows leaders to anticipate where the market is heading and act decisively.  

Belal Deiranieh brings visionary leadership 

Stepping into this pivotal role, Belal brings a wealth of knowledge and a deeply collaborative spirit. With over 25 years of international engineering and construction experience, including two decades dedicated to the Middle East and he understands the unique nuances of the region. Belal has consistently shown what it means to lead with purpose and transparency. 

Before joining AtkinsRéalis, he served as CEO of SYSTRA Saudi Arabia, where he spearheaded the company's expansion and guided the delivery of landmark mobility projects in NEOM, Qiddiya, AlUla, and Makkah. He also played a crucial role in the Riyadh Metro, which successfully opened to passengers in 2024. His previous leadership roles at Louis Berger (now WSP) and Bechtel further highlight his ability to diversify portfolios and oversee the delivery of massive, complex transit systems. 

Campbell Gray, CEO of AtkinsRéalis in the Middle East, clearly recognises the immense value of this expertise. 
“Belal’s extensive experience and visionary leadership make him the ideal choice to lead our transportation business in the Middle East," Gray notes. "His appointment underscores our commitment to delivering world‑class solutions for clients and communities at a time of unprecedented growth in the sector.” 

Empowering teams to achieve the extraordinary 

Belal’s career demonstrates a deep commitment to inclusivity and team empowerment. Whether overseeing operations or driving business transformation, he places people firmly at the centre of his strategy. By fostering environments where diverse perspectives are welcomed and supported, Belal encourages his teams to speak up and challenge expectations. 

His approach proves that true leadership is not simply about managing mega‑projects or hitting milestones. It is about sharing knowledge, offering clear guidance, and inspiring the talented individuals who actually build these transformative networks. 

Charting the course forward 

The Middle East's transportation sector is evolving rapidly, demanding leaders who can turn ambitious visions into tangible realities. With Belal Deiranieh at the helm of the new Transportation market, AtkinsRéalis is not just keeping pace with this transformation, it is setting the pace entirely. His supportive leadership will undoubtedly inspire teams to design and deliver projects that leave a lasting, positive impact on the region. 

Are you ready to help build a more connected world? Explore the latest career opportunities at AtkinsRéalis and join a supportive community dedicated to engineering a better future.

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