Ihsan Bafaqih Appointed Mayor of Jeddah Governorate

Ihsan bin Abbas bin Hamza Bafaqih has been appointed Mayor and Secretary of Jeddah Governorate with the Excellent Rank, under a royal order issued on 11 July 2026. The role is a senior municipal leadership post overseeing the city's services and urban affairs.

The appointment came as part of a wider restructuring of senior positions. Bafaqih succeeds Saleh Al-Turki, who held the post from August 2018 until April 2026.

Bafaqih holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Westminster College in Salt Lake City, awarded in 1995, and brings more than 30 years of professional experience across banking, investment, real estate, asset management, and senior leadership. Among his previous roles, he served as Governor of the General Authority for State Properties.

the new mayor will focus on developing municipal services, strengthening field work across the city, improving the quality of life for Jeddah residents, and supporting urban development projects in the governorate.

What it means for residents and businesses

For residents and business owners in Jeddah, day-to-day municipal services and permits continue to be delivered through the existing platforms, primarily Balady. There are no new fees, permit price changes, or validity periods tied to the appointment, and standard services carry on as usual.

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