As Chairman of the Al Ahly Benghazi Sports, Cultural, and Social Club, Aref has led a transformational capital campaign to fund future infrastructure development and improvement. Under his leadership, the Club has developed the Heart of Benghazi redevelopment plan which is an ambitious initiative to transform the Club’s grounds into a mixed-use development incorporating residential, community, leisure, and commercial facilities. Redevelopment of the grounds will serve as a symbol of community regeneration to promote healing after the destruction of the Club’s facilities by the previous regime. The Club’s ambitious vision has already motivated community volunteer groups to assist with the maintenance and refurbishment of current facilities.
As Chairman of the Al Ahly Benghazi Sports, Cultural, and Social Club, Aref Nayed has also sought to upgrade the skills of team managers and players to compete at the international level. Strategic player acquisitions by Al Ahly Football Club contributed to its strong performance in the 2014 Confederation of African Football Confederation Cup. The Club’s basketball and volleyball teams have also made a strong showing in international competitions. To provide Benghazi youth with an outlet for personal development as well as incubate young Libyan football talent, Aref Nayed signed an agreement with well-known Swedish football player Dusan Djurić to establish the Al Ahly Summer Football Camp.