Tarek H. Shuaib’s Role in Leading Pace

Tarek H. Shuaib, the current CEO of Pace

At the helm of Pace | Architecture · Engineering · Planning, one of Kuwait’s most storied multidisciplinary consultancies, is Tarek H. Shuaib, a visionary leader whose stewardship has reinforced the firm’s legacy while relentlessly pushing its boundaries.

From a Founding Vision into a Personal Mission

Born into the world of architecture and engineering, Tarek is the son of Hamid Abdulsalam Shuaib, one of the five partners who founded Pace (initially Pan Arab Consulting Engineers) in 1968. The elder Shuaib, who had previously served as the chief architect of Kuwait Municipality, saw an opportunity to elevate local design to international standards.

His approach fused technical excellence with human warmth, building a close-knit, value‑driven company culture that endures to this day.

From 1988, Tarek began carving out his path at Pace, contributing to prestigious projects such as the Bayan Palace and the Central Bank of Kuwait.

Following his education, first in London and then earning a Master’s degree from Washington University in St. Louis returned to the firm determined to honour his father’s vision while forging his legacy.

A Leader Grounded in Integrity and Accessibility

Recognizing the importance of culture, Tarek has consistently maintained a hands-on and accessible presence in the office. In a candid “Keeping Pace” conversation with ME Construction News, he shared how he prioritizes remaining approachable to all team members. “I always try to be a hands-on leader and as accessible and close to all my colleagues as possible,” he explained. 

Under his leadership, staff retention at Pace surpasses 40 years in some cases, a clear testament to his nurturing management style.

Indeed, when employees feel a sense of ownership in the firm’s mission and witness senior leadership working shoulder to shoulder with them, pride and performance flourish.

Architect, Mentor, and Innovator

Tarek’s career advanced steadily, culminating in his role as Managing Partner in 2005 and CEO in 2017. In these positions, he has served not only as an executive but also as a design principal, actively involved in projects such as Sabah Al-Salem University City, Jahra Medical City, and the New Maternity Hospital.

A staunch advocate of innovation, he has steered Pace into the digital era. Two watershed moments illustrate this shift: the full adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM) across disciplines and the implementation of Project Information Management systems, all under his leadership.

In his own words:

Digital workflows & tools and BIM sit at the centre of all we do.”

He views creativity not as an optional flourish but as the engine driving value, bringing together innovation, performance, sustainability, and social impact.

Excellence Across Every Scale

Under Tarek’s direction, Pace has become an award-winning architect and engineer of diverse landmark projects:

• Jahra Medical City (USD 1.18 billion)
• Sabah Al-Salem University City Administration Facilities (900,000 m²; USD 630 million)
• Central Bank of Kuwait Headquarters
• Jazeera Airways Terminal
• Kuwait National Museum
• Palace of Justice (the most significant judicial building in the Middle East)
• Hawally Courts, which features Kuwait’s most prominent glass façade designed to maximize natural light.

His work is not limited to Kuwait. With established offices in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Tunisia, Pace has also contributed to projects in Africa, Europe, and China.

Transformation Through Technology and Sustainability

Even before the global pandemic, Tarek recognized the need for resilience in design and delivery. He led an intensive internal transformation, embedding digital tools, IPD workflows, and sustainability into the core of operations, a strategy that sustained momentum when COVID-19 hit.

His commitment to ecological responsibility is evident in projects like the New Maternity building, which incorporates natural lighting, efficient MEP systems, and locally sourced materials, aligning with LEED and regional sustainability standards.

Distinctions and Influence

Tarek’s influence has drawn formal recognition. In various years, he has been featured multiple times on the prestigious Powerlist Creative 30 by Design Middle East, ranking 11th in 2022 and 24th in 2024. 

He also appeared in the “Construction Week Power 100” and was listed in AD50 as one of the top architects in the Middle East.

These honours reflect both his creative ingenuity and leadership excellence.

Looking Ahead: Infrastructure Expansion and Market Leadership

Tarek has emphasized Pace’s pivot toward large-scale infrastructure, particularly regional highway projects such as Jahra Road and the Jamal Abdul Nasser Highway, two of the most significant viaduct developments in the Middle East. He emphasizes the strategic value of collaborating with global firms such as SOM, BDP, HOK, and Arup to achieve excellence.

He views Saudi Arabia as a growth engine for the future. He is positioning Pace to capture opportunities in the Gulf and beyond, including a presence in Africa, the CIS, and new markets such as Albania, supported by multilateral funding.

A Design Culture That Lasts

More than quantity, Tarek cares deeply about culture, both corporate and architectural. His stewardship is rooted in five core principles: design integrity, technological innovation, collaboration, sustainability, and a long-term vision.

He insists that every Pace project leaves a meaningful imprint on skylines, communities, and citizens.

In his words:

We must evolve at the same rate as our clients and their customers. We must embrace cutting‑edge technology to ensure Pace delivers on its strategy.

Tracing his roots to his father’s foundational vision, Tarek H. Shuaib has redefined Pace for the 21st century, not only preserving its reputation but also expanding its global influence, modernizing its technological infrastructure, and deepening its commitment to sustainability.

His philosophy, grounded in respect, creativity, collaboration, and integrity, has shaped an organization with over 1,800 completed projects, offices in four countries, and a portfolio spanning the government, commercial, healthcare, education, and infrastructure sectors.

With his clear eyes on future growth, especially in infrastructure-led economies and emerging markets and his unwavering dedication to culture and innovation, Tarek Shuaib is not just keeping Pace. He’s setting it.