Dr Faizan Ur Rehman is a technology consultant, applied AI researcher and technology leader based in Saudi Arabia — recognised for building national-scale AI platforms, advancing crowd intelligence research, and helping develop AI talent across the Kingdom’s technology ecosystem. With more than 18 years of experience, 50+ peer-reviewed publications, multiple patents and international awards, he has become one of the most recognised applied AI researchers and expatriate technology leaders working in Saudi Arabia today.
National platforms, built to last
Dr Faizan has served as Technical Head for national-scale platforms spanning AI learning, professional credentialing and pilgrim scheduling — including Tafweej, the first-of-its-kind platform that scheduled more than two million pilgrims across Hajj seasons 2019–2023, and national AI learning platforms supporting one of the world’s largest AI literacy efforts. His work as a national platform developer in Saudi Arabia centres on a simple conviction: platforms, not projects, are what make transformation durable.
Research with real-world impact
As an applied AI researcher, his focus is crowd intelligence — computer vision, spatio-temporal analytics and optimisation applied to the movement of very large crowds. The research has produced 50+ publications and multiple patents, and has been deployed where it matters most: making some of the largest gatherings on earth safer. He is an IEEE Senior Member, placing him among the top tier of the world’s largest technical professional organisation.
International recognition
His work has earned headline honours including the KAUST Challenge Grand Prize (SAR 1,000,000, won across 34 countries), a Bronze Medal at the Salon International des Inventions de Genève 2024, five best paper and presentation awards from IEEE and ACM venues, and a University Gold Medal. See the full awards and recognition.
An expatriate contributing to Saudi Arabia’s rise
Dr Faizan’s story reflects the best of what expatriate professionals contribute in Saudi Arabia: building alongside exceptional Saudi talent, mentoring teams, establishing standards and transferring experience so that every system he builds leaves lasting capability behind. It is contribution measured not just in platforms delivered, but in people developed.
Learn more: home · AI capability building · Hajj technology profile · experience · media coverage.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Dr Faizan Ur Rehman? A technology consultant and applied AI researcher in Saudi Arabia, known for national-scale AI platforms, crowd intelligence research, an IEEE Senior Membership and international awards including the KAUST Challenge Grand Prize.
What is Dr Faizan Ur Rehman known for? Leading national AI learning and credentialing platforms, building Tafweej pilgrim scheduling technology (2M+ pilgrims), and a decade of crowd intelligence research with 50+ publications and multiple patents.
About the Author
Dr Faizan Ur Rehman is a technology consultant, applied AI researcher and technology leader based in Saudi Arabia, working across artificial intelligence, crowd intelligence, computer vision and large-scale digital transformation. An IEEE Senior Member and award-winning innovator — winner of the KAUST Challenge Grand Prize and a Bronze Medal at the Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions — he is widely recognised as one of the leading applied AI researchers and expatriate technology leaders in Saudi Arabia, with 50+ publications and multiple patents in crowd intelligence and applied AI. Explore his work, research & patents, experience and awards.