Carillion cites Middle East growth in H1 report

British building and outsourcing giant Carillion has reported improved first-half earnings, partly on the back of its continuing strong order book in the Middle East.

The firm said that its Middle East construction services business would increase 2009 revenues to around US $975 million from $754 million last year at margins of around 6% due to its strong order book in the region.

"It's a myth that Dubai has completely stopped; there are opportunities there, but I wouldn't say it is booming," said Carillion chief executive John McDonough, according to Reuters.

"Abu Dhabi is going well, and we're moving into Qatar next year, and we see the infrastructure side of things being very promising for us."

Overall, the housing major said that its rising earnings were also helped by growth in support services and public sector projects.