Copyright © 2025 Motivate Media Group. All rights reserved.
To spearhead regional transformation, Gensler is strengthening its Middle Eastern leadership team with the arrival of Tariq Shaikh
Gensler Middle East is appointing Tariq Shaikh s Co-Managing Director for its Middle East operations to increase its market presence and expanding their area of expertise with their newest location in Riyadh. As a global leader in architecture and design, the company is dedicated to producing award-winning projects that cater to its Middle Eastern clientele.
Tariq Shaikh’s immediate appointment represents the company’s most recent endeavor to create transformative spaces throughout the region. Gensler’s decision to grow its teams is largely motivated by the company’s focus on growing the Riyadh office in accordance with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 vision. Tariq will work alongside Tim Martin, the company’s current managing director, to strengthen Gensler’s dedication to development and innovation.

Tim Martin. the current managing director at Gensler, Riyadh

Tariq Shaikh, Co-Managing Director for its Middle East operations
Co-Regional Managing Principal for Gensler APME Theresa Sheils explains, “Gensler’s co-leadership model promotes a dynamic and collaborative work environment by encouraging interdisciplinary insight sharing.” Theresa Sheils is also one of the individuals involved in the recent leadership expansion. “Tariq’s extensive market knowledge and proven track record will drive innovation and enhance our ability to adapt to evolving client and market needs. Together with Tim, I am confident they will elevate our operations in the Kingdom and solidify Gensler’s leadership in innovative design throughout the region,” states Theresa Sheils.
With more than thirty years of experience, Tariq Shaikh has managed and completed many complicated developments in the retail, lifestyle markets, and mixed-use sectors throughout Europe and the Middle East. Tariq has seven years of experience as the former Managing Director of Gensler’s Birmingham office. He has built and overseen large teams, ensured efficient project execution, and met the demanding needs of tenants and developers.
David Calkins, Co-Regional Managing Principal for Gensler’s Asia Pacific Middle East (APME) region, stated, “We are thrilled to welcome Tariq into his new role. His visionary leadership, strategic acumen, and extensive experience in large-scale Middle Eastern projects will be incredibly valuable to our team.”
His vast portfolio features partnerships with well-known international companies as well as notable contributions to some of Gensler’s biggest Middle Eastern projects, such as The Avenues in Kuwait and Msheireb Downtown Doha in Qatar.
Tariq Shaikh enthusiastically commented, “I am excited to step into this role and continue driving the region’s growth and expansion. The Middle East is a region of immense potential and opportunity, and I am eager to build on the strong foundation we have established. I look forward to collaborating with the team in the Middle East to deliver innovative design solutions and strengthen client partnerships, contributing to the region’s transformation and our firm’s sustained success.”
Read more news here.
This home in Dubai Hills Estate balances sculptural minimalism with everyday ease
We caught up with Karine Obegi, CEO of OBEGI Home and Mauro Nastri, Global Export Manager of Italian brand Porada, at their collaborative stand in Downtown Design.
During Downtown Design, we interviewed the team at Huda Lighting in addition to designers Tom Dixon and Lee Broom.
The fair will run its second edition at JAX District
We discussed the concept of 'Sustainable Futures' with Inge Moore of Muza Lab and Rakan Jandali at KCA International.
During Dubai Design Week 2025, identity held a panel at the Ideal Standard x Villeroy & Boch showroom in City Walk, on shaping experiences for hospitality.
Here’s how you can bring both sophistication and style to every room
Messara Living and Vincent Sheppard Unveil “Outdoor at Its Best 2026”
A modernist landmark is reimagined as a global stage for collectible design, contemporary art, and cultural dialogue.
Presenting the winners of 2025 identity Design Awards.
Here are the winners of the identity design awards 2025
Set along the bend of a quiet river and sheltered within a mature, tree-lined enclave of Toronto, this riverside residence offers a dialogue between structure and softness, restraint and warmth