Waleed Al Saeedi
Director of Capital Projects at the Department of Culture and Tourism
Waleed Al Saeedi plays a pivotal role in shaping the procurement strategy at the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT), focusing on sustainability and operational efficiency. With more than 27 years of experience across industries such as tourism, nuclear energy and petrochemicals, Al Saeedi has established himself as a leader in procurement and strategic operations, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table.
Al Saeedi's academic background laid a strong foundation for his career. In 1997, he earned a Civil Engineering degree from United Arab Emirates University, followed by an MBA from Abu Dhabi University in 2009. This combination of technical and business expertise positioned him to excel in complex industries.
Al Saeedi began his career at Ruwais Fertilizer Industries (FERTIL) in 1997 after earning a Civil Engineering degree from UAE University, quickly progressing from Civil Maintenance Engineer to Contracts Department Manager. He also later completed an MBA from Abu Dhabi University, but his procurement optimisation talents were evident early on as he swiftly rose through the ranks to manage 80% of FERTIL's commercial spend.
Between 2010 and 2013, a key chapter of his career unfolded as Al Saeedi established and led a procurement function in a niche, heavily-regulated industry. This role proved transformative, offering a platform to demonstrate his knack for navigating high-stakes environments with precision and strategic insight.
In 2013, Al Saeedi took on the role of Director of Supply Management at the DCT. Here, he streamlined procurement processes, achieving a remarkable reduction in tender cycle times by 80%. His contributions were instrumental in the successful procurement efforts for major cultural projects, including the renowned Louvre and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi museums. These landmark projects are testament to his strategic foresight and ability to manage complex procurement operations efficiently.
Al Saeedi’s expertise extended beyond this role when he was seconded to the Government Procurement Office in Abu Dhabi. In this capacity, he played a crucial role in introducing new frameworks for government procurement, further solidifying his reputation as a thought leader in the procurement field. His innovative approaches have not only driven cost efficiencies but also contributed to sustainable procurement practices, which have become a hallmark of his work.
In 2022, Al Saeedi further refined his procurement strategies by introducing master service agreements at a confidential government entity. These agreements are designed to simplify and streamline procurement processes, reflecting his commitment to continuous improvement and operational efficiency. His efforts to promote sustainability in procurement have been recognised as a significant contribution to the UAE’s broader goals of environmental responsibility and economic growth.
Al Saeedi’s achievements have earned him numerous accolades, including accreditations from the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) and several industry awards. His work continues to shape the region’s approach to procurement, with a focus on balancing efficiency, sustainability and long-term growth.
As one of the UAE’s leading procurement professionals, Waleed Al Saeedi’s career is marked by his ability to drive change, implement cost-saving measures and introduce innovative frameworks that leave a lasting impact on the organisations he serves. His leadership in procurement continues to influence the wider governmental and industrial sectors in the UAE.
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