Basem Al Shihabi stands as a towering figure in the world of architecture, having founded Omrania & Associates, one of the Middle East’s most respected architectural and engineering firms. Over a career spanning more than five decades, he has transformed the urban landscape of Saudi Arabia, particularly in Riyadh, with iconic structures that blend innovation, sustainability, and cultural sensitivity. His journey from a young architect to a visionary leader reflects a deep commitment to creating spaces that enhance lives and communities.
Born in Saudi Arabia, Basem Al Shihabi developed a passion for architecture early in life. He pursued his education with dedication, earning a bachelor’s degree in architecture from the Faculty of Fine Arts at Cairo University in 1967. To further refine his skills, he obtained a postgraduate diploma in landscape architecture from the University of Edinburgh in 1970. This dual expertise in architecture and landscape design equipped him with a unique perspective, enabling him to create spaces that harmonise with their natural surroundings.
Upon returning to Saudi Arabia, Al Shihabi joined Doxiadis Associates, a prominent urban planning firm. There, he contributed to regional planning projects for five central region towns and a kingdom-wide schooling program for the Ministry of Education. This early experience in large-scale urban development laid the foundation for his future achievements.
Founding Omrania & Associates
In 1973, Basem Al Shihabi, alongside Nabil Fanous, co-founded Omrania & Associates after winning an international design competition for the General Organisation for Social Insurance (GOSI) Headquarters in Riyadh. This victory marked the beginning of a remarkable journey. Starting as a small architectural practice, Omrania grew under Al Shihabi’s leadership into a multidisciplinary consulting firm specialising in architecture, engineering, and urban planning. His strategic vision led the firm to establish offices in Bahrain and expand its influence across the Gulf region.
Al Shihabi’s leadership transformed Omrania into a powerhouse, known for its ability to deliver world-class projects. By fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, he ensured the firm remained at the forefront of the industry, earning numerous awards and a reputation for excellence.
Key Projects and Achievements
Omrania & Associates, under Al Shihabi’s guidance, has delivered a portfolio of landmark projects that have shaped Saudi Arabia’s urban landscape. One of the firm’s most celebrated works is the Tuwaiq Palace, completed in 1985. This diplomatic club in Riyadh, designed in collaboration with BuroHappold Engineering and Atelier Frei Otto, won the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 1998. Its design, featuring natural hand-cut stone walls and lightweight tensile structures, reflects Al Shihabi’s ability to blend traditional and modern elements while respecting the natural environment.
In a documentary by the Ministry of Culture of Saudi Arabia, Al Shihabi shared his approach to the project: “The relationship between the exterior and the interior is crucial. We aimed to merge old and new styles, ensuring that the hill preserves its natural look and features.” He also noted that the shade pavilions’ “lofty proportions and design give a powerful architectural essence and effect,” highlighting his focus on creating impactful spaces.
Another milestone is the Kingdom Tower in Riyadh, completed in 2002, which stands as the tallest building in Saudi Arabia. Omrania’s portfolio also includes the Capital Markets Authority Tower in the King Abdullah Financial District, the Western Metro Station in Riyadh, and international projects like the Radwa 4 planned community in Yanbu and the interior renovation of Four Millbank in London. These projects showcase Al Shihabi’s versatility and commitment to excellence.
| Project | Location | Year Completed | Notable Achievement |
| GOSI Headquarters | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | 1973 | Launched Omrania’s reputation |
| Tuwaiq Palace | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | 1985 | Aga Khan Award for Architecture (1998) |
| Kingdom Tower | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | 2002 | Tallest building in Saudi Arabia |
| Capital Markets Authority Tower | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | Ongoing | Part of King Abdullah Financial District |
| Western Metro Station | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | Ongoing | Showcases sustainability in design |
| Radwa 4 Planned Community | Yanbu, Saudi Arabia | – | Innovative urban planning |
| Four Millbank Interior Renovation | London, UK | – | International project showcasing versatility |
Design Philosophy and Sustainability
At the heart of Basem Al Shihabi’s work is a commitment to sustainability and thoughtful design. In an interview about the Western Metro Station project, he stated, “Sustainability in design has been Omrania’s guiding principle since its early days”. This philosophy is evident in projects like Tuwaiq Palace, where lush plantings and natural materials create a harmonious balance with the environment.
Al Shihabi’s approach emphasizes the integration of traditional Saudi architectural elements with modern techniques. For Tuwaiq Palace, he explained, “The merge between old and new styles” was a key focus, ensuring the design respected the cultural heritage of Saudi Arabia’s Najd region while incorporating innovative materials like silicone-coated glass cloth canopies. This blend of tradition and innovation has become a signature of Omrania’s work under his leadership.
Vision for the Future
Al Shihabi has been a vocal advocate for thoughtful urban planning, particularly in the context of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and enhance quality of life. At the launch of Raza, the real estate management arm of the Saudi Public Pension Agency, he participated in a panel discussion titled “Unlocking further potential of Saudi real estate”. He shared insights on transforming urban spaces, citing the redevelopment of Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Street in Riyadh as a success story.
“The redevelopment of Tahlia Street has dramatically improved the real estate value on both sides,” Al Shihabi observed, noting how the area evolved from a high-speed traffic corridor into a vibrant urban destination with a thriving food and beverage scene. His vision for sustainable urban development aligns with Vision 2030’s goals, emphasizing placemaking and economic growth through design.
Legacy and Recent Developments
In 2023, Omrania & Associates celebrated its 50th anniversary, a milestone that highlighted Al Shihabi’s enduring impact. At the celebratory event, he reflected on the firm’s legacy, stating, “The Omrania family is 50 years strong and still passionate” (50th Anniversary Celebration). His heartfelt remarks underscored his gratitude for his team and his optimism for the firm’s future.
That same year, Omrania was acquired by Egis Group, a leading global engineering consultancy, marking a significant transition. Al Shihabi, as Chairman, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “On our 50th anniversary, we are tremendously excited to join forces with Egis, fulfilling our dreams of perpetuity”. The acquisition, completed in November 2023, positioned Omrania to leverage Egis’s global resources while continuing its legacy of excellence.
Recent reports suggest that Al Shihabi may have stepped down or retired from his role at Omrania, with the firm bidding farewell to him and other key figures. While his exact current status remains unclear as of June 2025, his contributions continue to shape the firm’s direction and the broader architectural landscape of Saudi Arabia.
Basem Al Shihabi’s career is a testament to the power of vision, innovation, and dedication in architecture. From founding Omrania & Associates in 1973 to leading it through five decades of growth, he has left an indelible mark on Saudi Arabia’s urban landscape. His designs, such as Tuwaiq Palace and the Kingdom Tower, stand as monuments to his skill and foresight. At the same time, his commitment to sustainability and thoughtful urban planning has set a standard for the industry.
