In today’s rapidly evolving real estate and development landscape, procurement has moved from a transactional support function to a strategic force driving innovation, efficiency, and long-term value. Ahmed Raafat, Head of Procurement and Supply Chain at A.R.M. HOLDING, is at the forefront of this transformation.
With a distinguished career spanning infrastructure, real estate, and ultra-luxury developments, Ahmed has reimagined procurement as a proactive, purpose-driven discipline. His leadership is not only shaping major projects but also inspiring a new vision for procurement excellence across the region.
From Groundwork to Greatness: A Career Built on Strategy
Ahmed’s journey began in high-impact sectors—construction, real estate, and master-planned communities—where he developed hands-on expertise in contract management, strategic sourcing, and supplier negotiations. These early experiences sharpened his understanding of procurement’s integral role in project success.
By managing complex, multi-million-dollar projects, he honed a strategic mindset—balancing operational efficiency with stakeholder alignment and vendor collaboration. This foundation propelled him into leadership roles where his influence began to extend beyond operations and into boardroom decision-making.
Strategic Leadership at A.R.M. HOLDING
Ahmed’s transition to A.R.M. HOLDING marked a pivotal moment in his career. Today, he oversees procurement for some of the UAE’s most ambitious projects—from ultra-luxury mixed-use communities to infrastructure mega-developments.
His impact is felt from the earliest planning phases to final execution. More than just cost savings, Ahmed brings a strategic lens to every procurement decision—ensuring alignment with timelines, budgets, ESG goals, and long-term business vision.
“I have transformed procurement from a transactional activity to a powerful driver of value creation within the company.”
Procurement as a Strategic Enabler
Ahmed’s approach to procurement is centred on four core pillars:
- Early Engagement: Involving procurement at the master planning stage ensures smooth execution and risk mitigation.
- Value over Cost: Especially in the luxury segment, he emphasizes value, quality, and long-term ROI over short-term savings.
- Sustainability & Ethics: A champion of ESG, Ahmed has embedded sustainable sourcing and ethical practices into every procurement process.
- Supplier Partnerships: Building trust-based relationships with suppliers has led to innovations in pricing, quality, and delivery.
These pillars have helped position procurement not as a bottleneck—but as a strategic asset that supports project excellence.
Innovation, Resilience & Digital Transformation
Procurement today must be agile and resilient. Ahmed has led the digital transformation of procurement operations at A.R.M. HOLDING and his previous organizations using tools such as:
- Oracle Fusion, Microsoft Dynamics 365, and SAP for integrated procurement management
- E-sourcing platforms to streamline bidding, contract lifecycle, and supplier onboarding
- Procurement dashboards for real-time insights, performance metrics, and predictive risk analysis
“It is essential to recognize the unpredictability of global supply chains,” Ahmed explains. His initiatives—such as dual sourcing strategies and category management—ensure agility and continuity even in the face of disruptions.
Empowering a High-Performing Team
At the heart of Ahmed’s success is a collaborative and empowered procurement team. His leadership philosophy focuses on:
- Ownership & Accountability: Encouraging team members to lead with confidence and purpose
- Continuous Development: Regular training on digital tools, negotiation, and market trends
- Recognition & Mentorship: Celebrating wins, providing feedback, and nurturing future leaders
“By maintaining a focus on personal well-being, I ensure sustained effectiveness as a leader.”
Balancing Excellence with Well-being
Ahmed believes great leadership requires balance. In a demanding role, he prioritizes wellness through regular exercise, mindfulness, and time for reflection.
“Balancing work demands with personal health and wellness is of utmost importance.”
This focus on well-being fuels his long-term performance and enables him to lead with clarity, empathy, and resilience.
Noteworthy Achievements
Throughout his celebrated career, Ahmed has made numerous achievements. His dedicated endeavors have earned him numerous laurels. Some of them have been mentioned below:
- Ahmed has been featured among the Top 30 Procurement Leaders in the Middle East in February 2025.
- Under Ahmed’s astute leadership, R.M. HOLDING has made 20% Improvement in S2C timeline. It has also made a 23% reduction in S2P cycle time.
- Ahmed successfully completed the Global Corporate Ethical Certification from CIPS in May 2024.
- Owing to Ahmed’s constant guidance, R.M. HOLDING has improved in vendor excellence. It has also made a 35% increase in digital procurement adoption.
- Ahmed’s exceptional leadership has enabled R.M. HOLDING to increase its cost savings by 17%.
A Vision for the Future of Procurement
Ahmed Raafat’s career exemplifies what modern procurement leadership should look like—strategic, data-driven, and future-ready. Through innovation, ethical practices, and visionary leadership, he continues to shape procurement as a value engine for the projects and people it serves.
For aspiring professionals, his journey offers inspiration and a roadmap: with the right mindset, procurement can move from the background to the boardroom—creating real impact in every direction.
