Construction consultants possess specialised knowledge and expertise in various aspects of construction projects. They have a deep understanding of industry practices, regulations, building codes, and construction methodologies.
Their expertise allows them to provide valuable insights and guidance throughout the project lifecycle.
Below are the top 15 consultants in the Middle East who bring valuable expertise, guidance, and project management skills to ensure successful project completion.
CONSULTANTS
| Hamed Zaghw | Alaa Abusiam | Donna Sultan | Alan Talabani | Patrick Rouse |
| Dean Mcgrail | Lee French | Anthony McCarter | Omar Shahzad | Nicholas Harris |
| Campbell Gray | Najib Khatib | Paul Hilton | Nawfal Al Khudhairy | Mohammed Al-Mana |
1. Hamed Zaghw
Hamed Zaghw, the CEO of AECOM Middle East & Africa, has retained his position at number one in the Construction Week Middle East Power 100 list. Zaghw focuses on delivering excellence to all projects undertaken by AECOM in the region, prioritising exceptional quality and responsiveness to client requirements. With extensive industry knowledge and strong client relationships, he ensures a targeted approach across the entire business, guaranteeing that each project receives utmost attention, while meeting and even exceeding expectations.
In FY22, AECOM experienced substantial growth under Zaghw’s leadership, witnessing a notable 22.5% increase in overall headcount and nearly 40% growth in net service revenue backlog for the MEA region.
Aligned with AECOM’s Sustainable Legacies strategy, Zaghw’s focus goes beyond ecological considerations. He actively listens to clients and communities, providing comprehensive support which drives enduring change. This commitment has solidified AECOM’s position as an ESG leader in the region.
Zaghw’s pivotal role in Saudi Arabia has furthered AECOM’s dedication to Vision 2030. With exceptional management acumen, he has propelled AECOM’s prominence in the Saudi market, securing notable wins such as the NEOM International Airport and expanding the company’s role in Diriyah and AlUla. In Qatar, Zaghw has led the team in the final stages of the Ministry of Transport’s highly acclaimed bus infrastructure development, aiming to achieve full electrification of Qatar’s bus services by 2030. Recognised as a trusted advisor to clients in the UAE, Zaghw continues to deliver transformative projects for both the public and private sectors. Notably, AECOM has secured significant contracts for large-scale projects with renowned entities such as Aldar and Miral, further solidifying their position in the industry.
AECOM’s portfolio includes flagship projects completed across the region, such as SeaWorld Yas Island (construction supervision), Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi (lead design and structural engineering), Ministry of Transport and Communications in Qatar (bus infrastructure and stations design), Saudi Customs (PMO), King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh – T3 and T4, Red Sea International Airport (airside infrastructure), and DMT Khaleej Al Arabi Interchange (design).
Furthermore, AECOM continues to provide diversified services for many ongoing projects, including Diriyah Square, NEOM, Hamad International Airport, Red Sea Development, ROSHN, Ashghal, AlUla, DMT Abu Dhabi Ramhan Island, and Jubail Island Interchange, among others.
Having successfully navigated a year of remarkable growth opportunities, Zaghw takes great pride in his team’s accomplishments, as they have effectively achieved all leading and lagging core value metrics in the areas of Safety, Health, and Environment.
2. Dean Mcgrail
Managing the strategic decisions for the creative, comprehensive, and sustainable engineering solutions of WSP Middle East since his appointment as CEO in 2021, Dean McGrail has been the proactive force behind its competitive presence in the region. Under his leadership, WSP Middle East has expanded its Advisory Services and Project Management arms, alongside continually strengthening their design and supervision business in the Transport & Infrastructure and Property & Buildings space, being instrumental in the delivery of several significant projects in the region.
McGrail joined WSP in 2002, and has since been dedicated to instilling strong leadership and driving people-centric values across multiple teams in WSP’s regional business.
WSP Middle East serves various important sectors, including energy, environment, healthcare, transportation, and high-rise buildings. In addition, the company offers an exhaustive range of expert services, ranging from specialist consultancy services to economic advisory and environmental due diligence.
Leveraging its award-winning operational excellence, WSP Middle East has successfully completed contracts for prestigious projects such as The Royal Atlantis, Etihad Arena, and the Dubai Mall Expansion. The company is currently engaged in ongoing projects, including the One Za’abeel tower in the UAE, and Riyadh Metro in Saudi Arabia, among others.
In December 2022, WSP’s Environment & Sustainability Advisory division was appointed by the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) to support SEC’s ambitious environment and sustainability strategies, in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. As part of the agreement, WSP’s team will assist SEC in achieving compliance with local and international environmental regulations and develop an Environmental Management System based on international benchmarks. Furthermore, over the past 12 months, WSP Middle East has been appointed by Dubai Electricity & Water (DEWA) to be part of a consortium providing services for the Hassyan desalination project.
On a global scale, WSP has successfully completed the acquisition of BG Bonnard & Gardel Holding SA, one of Switzerland’s leading engineering consulting firms based in Lausanne. Additionally, the firm also acquired lgt from Quebec, which is highly regarded for its cutting-edge solutions in data centres and critical infrastructure. McGrail’s strategic approach to navigating the region’s dynamic and distinctive challenges is characterised by anticipatory innovation, a focus on quality, and a commitment to fostering a collaborative ethos.
3. Campbell Gray
Campbell Gray is the CEO of Atkins, a member of The SNC-Lavalin Group, and a prominent figure in the construction industry.
He has played a crucial role in aligning Atkins’ business in the Middle East & Africa region with their global ‘Pivoting to Growth Strategy’ over the past 12 months. As the driving force behind this strategic alignment, Gray has successfully laid out a clear roadmap for accelerating growth while upholding the company’s purpose of engineering a better future for the planet and its people.
Under Gray’s leadership, Atkins has simplified its regional structure, focusing on three key business lines: planning, design and engineering services, program advisory services, and operations and maintenance services. This outcome-focused approach has enabled the company to adapt to the evolving market and meet clients’ needs effectively.
Embracing digitalisation and design transformation, Gray has led Atkins in developing integrated digital solutions and leveraging global platforms to benefit their clients in the region. Notably, Atkins has become the first global engineering consultancy to achieve certification for Building Information Modeling (BIM) compliance across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific.
Additionally, Atkins has also been actively supporting the GCC region’s net-zero goals by launching an Engineering Net Zero report, outlining challenges, opportunities, and recommendations for decarbonising the built environment, transport, and energy sectors.
Beyond business success, Gray places high value on the well-being and inclusion of Atkins’ workforce. With a commitment to creating an inclusive culture, the company has implemented the unique and pioneering ‘Belong Programme,’ allowing the team to shape and drive the regional culture. Atkins has also launched a 12-month Graduate Programme aimed at Saudi talent and contributing to Vision 2030 by providing on-the-job learning and practical experience with live projects.
Gray’s impact extends beyond Atkins, as The SNC-Lavalin Group, including Atkins and Faithful+Gould, has secured numerous significant project wins across the Middle East region. Some notable projects include THE LINE at NEOM in Saudi Arabia, AlUla for the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), and Masdar City Square (MC2) for Masdar City.
Furthermore, Gray has ensured that Atkins upholds a strong commitment to health, safety, and environmental (HSE) excellence. Over the past year, the company conducted over 8,000 HSE-related activities across various projects, prioritising the safety of personnel, contractors, and the general public.
4. Alaa Abusiam
Alaa AbuSiam holds the position of CEO at Egis in the Middle East and South Asia, and is currently ranked fourth in the Construction Week Power 100 2023 list. He is actively involved in moulding the organisation by enhancing and expanding across various domains ranging from infrastructure development to recreational facilities and tourism to operations and maintenance.
In 2022, the Egis Group achieved remarkable global and regional success, marking a significant milestone in its history. The company experienced a record-breaking financial year, witnessing an impressive 35% increase in engineering order intake. Alongside its financial achievements, Egis also expanded its global presence, employing 20% more employees worldwide and completing eight new acquisitions. As a result, the company’s international operations now constitute for 65% of its business.
Egis Group’s accomplishments in the Middle East were equally impressive, with the region accounting for 17% of the company’s turnover. The firm also experienced an impressive organic increase in revenues of 37% from 2021 in the Middle East.
In addition, leveraging its global strength in Architecture, Consulting and Engineering (ACE), as well as Infrastructure Operations and Maintenance, Egis pursued a successful merger and acquisition strategy in the region. With the completed acquisition of Waagner Biro Bridge Services and WME, as well as the agreements to acquire U+A and Omrania, Egis has significantly solidified its presence across the Middle East. The acquisitions combined are expected to add more than $160 million in recurring annual revenue and over 2,000 people to Egis’s team in the Middle East.
Egis Group has also expanded its operations in Saudi Arabia, opening a new office in AlUla, which marks its fourth office in the country. In addition to its business growth, Egis has focused on recruiting and retaining top talent in the Middle East to drive organic revenue growth and enhance project delivery capabilities. As a result, the firm increased its employee count in the region by 30% in 2022, in addition to other organic expansion areas, such as Sustainability & Environment and Mobility & Urbanism.
The company’s commitment to sustainability has also been recognised, as Egis recently achieved an impressive 2-point gain in the Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) Score. This achievement places Egis among the top 20 companies out of 262 international participants.
Under the leadership of AbuSiam, Egis Group continues to thrive regionally, achieving remarkable financial results, expanding its global reach, and solidifying its position as a leading player in the Middle East.
5. Lee French
Lee French serves as a Partner and Operations Director, overseeing Cundall’s MENA
operations and facilitating innovative and ambitious projects through the firm’s leading-edge services. With a clear strategic direction and a steadfast commitment to client success, French has propelled Cundall’s regional business to a string of victories over the past year.
Cundall is a globally recognised, multi-disciplinary consultancy company renowned for delivering sustainable engineering and design solutions across diverse sectors, including entertainment, masterplanning, hospitality, infrastructure and workplace. With a presence in 24 offices and a talented team of over 1,000 consulting engineers and designers, Cundall offers expertise across over 20 disciplines, including structural engineering, civil engineering, building services and digital engineering.
Within the MENA construction landscape, Cundall has played a significant role in delivering prestigious projects that have garnered accolades. Notable accomplishments include the Lusail Light Rail Transit (LRT) in Qatar, the Dark Sky Initiative for Red Sea Development Company in Saudi Arabia and the Etihad Rail in the UAE. In addition, Cundall’s expertise as the Lead Design Consultant also contributed to the Guinness World Record-breaking achievement of The Storm Coaster, an iconic and unique engineering endeavour.
The firm has solidified its position as a leading designer in the entertainment industry while also actively participating in high-profile projects such as the Greater Muscat Structure plan and several gigaprojects in Saudi Arabia. This success has been central to Cundall’s commitment to providing clients with a fully integrated Lead Design Consultant approach, particularly for projects with complex requirements.
In French’s role overseeing the region, the opening of the Saudi business in May 2023 has been a major milestone, allowing Cundall to adapt to the region’s evolving markets and enabling a closer collaboration with clients.
Looking ahead, Cundall’s prospects remain strong, with a focus on delivering exceptional value to clients and designing for a net-zero future. Sustainability is a paramount concern, and French plays a crucial role as a leading member of Cundall’s Global Net Zero Carbon steering committee, spearheading efforts to drive Zero Carbon Design throughout the region. In addition, French’s involvement is instrumental in realising Cundall’s ambitious Zero Carbon Design 2030 strategy, which aims to achieve carbon neutrality across all projects globally by 2030.
6. Najib Khatib
With a remarkable 27-year tenure at Khatib & Alami (K&A), Najib Khatib has played an instrumental role in guiding the company through global challenges and propelling it towards success. Under his leadership, K&A has pursued a shared vision of driving innovation and expanding services to the communities it serves.
Over the past year, K&A has demonstrated a solid performance in sales, strategic growth, and backlog. Notably, the company has secured new contracts with esteemed organisations such as the Saudi Ministry of Transportation, Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC), and the Ministry of Construction and Housing in Iraq. Moreover, K&A has expanded its reach by successfully bidding on projects in West Africa (Senegal and Nigeria), Southern Africa (Zimbabwe), and South Asia (Pakistan).
A significant focus for K&A has been its transformation programme, aimed at enhancing quality, productivity, and competitiveness. Through various initiatives, the company is making great strides in becoming an exceptional workplace for professional development and career advancement. One such initiative is the implementation of the SAP Recruiting Module and the introduction of the new Career Opportunities Portal. These tools enable recruiters to efficiently find suitable candidates for each vacancy and proactively meet the talent requirements of the company.
Aligned with its commitment to digital transformation, K&A has consolidated all its digital products and services under the umbrella of K&A Digital Services. This cohesive and agile structure allows the company to harness the unique skills and experience across the organisation, fostering innovation, collaboration, and the creation of cutting-edge digital solutions. Additionally, this consolidated approach enables K&A to provide clients with comprehensive and world-class digital offerings.
In 2022, K&A successfully completed over 600 projects with a total contract value exceeding $1 billion. These projects span various regions, including Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Qatar, Oman, Tajikistan, UAE, and Egypt, among others. Each project showcases K&A’s commitment to delivering excellence and pushing the boundaries of engineering and construction.
Under Khatib’s leadership, the firm has retained its position as an industry leader and is driven by the larger purpose of improving the lives of people and making a positive impact on communities while remaining dedicated to supporting national strategies for skills development.
7. Donna Sultan
Guided by Donna Sultan’s vision, KEO has earned global recognition and is associated with prestigious developments and constructed projects spanning across the Middle East, North Africa, Asia, and Europe. She has held the title of CEO of KEO International Consultants for over 30 years and has been integral to the firm’s expansion. She assumed the additional role of President in 2016. Under her leadership, KEO, as a group, diversified to offering full range of multi-disciplinary project and construction management, architectural, engineering, and sustainability services. Her strategic oversight saw the establishment of specialised allied practices: InSite, C-Quest, and Black Mule, further contributing to KEO’s growth.
Starting from a single office, KEO’s reach has extended to eight central offices and over 100 active field offices across the Middle East and Europe, employing nearly 2,500 staff. Guided by Sultan’s vision, KEO has earned global recognition and is associated with prestigious developments and constructed projects globally.
KEO has achieved widespread recognition and acclaim both internationally and regionally, thanks to its exceptional performance, which has resulted in numerous awards and top rankings among industry peers. The company’s commitment to excellence and continuous achievements has established its reputation as a leader in the field of master planning, mixed use, retail, environmental and sustainability services. Furthermore, Sultan’s career of nearly 40 years of project delivery experience, contributions to the industry and successfully navigating KEO to being one of the leading consulting firms have been widely recognised.
Beyond her professional role, Sultan is committed to corporate social responsibility, supporting KEO’s initiatives across its operational regions, including the launch of KEO Academy.
Since 2016, she has also served on the International Advisory Council of the Harvard-affiliated Mass General Hospital, now Mass General Brigham.
Sultan’s career is a testament to her commitment to her profession and community, making her a true leader in the industry.
8. Anthony McCarter
Leading the team at Ramboll is Anthony McCarter, the Regional Buildings Director for Middle East & India. McCarter has unequivocally been an integral part of Ramboll for nearly four years, spearheading the company’s contributions towards the region’s sustainable and innovative projects.
Over the past year, Ramboll has successfully delivered several notable ventures that support the region’s diversification efforts.
One of the standout projects is the Digital Art Museum, a vibrant mixed-use community in Diriyah North. Ramboll’s involvement in this project has helped achieve LEED Gold Certification for the building, showcasing the company’s commitment to sustainability. Another significant undertaking is the Makers Project, a residential development in Abu Dhabi. Working in collaboration with architects BIG and MVRDV, Ramboll is the lead consultant for this waterfront community, that spans across 290,000 m2 and features 1,000 residential units, as well as commercial and retail spaces.
Marsa Al Arab, a beachfront resort development in Dubai, is another project handled by Ramboll. Another high-profile project is the MiSK Art Institute located in MiSK City in Riyadh. Ramboll’s involvement in the project has contributed to it achieving LEED Silver certification for the buildings, aligning with the sustainability goals outlined in the MiSK master plan.
At Ramboll, knowledge sharing and industry collaboration are highly encouraged. The company actively participates in conferences, industry roundtables, and workshops organised by professional associations, ensuring that its subject matter experts contribute to the development of the industry. In addition, Ramboll has appointed a new head of sustainability, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to sustainable solutions and further enhancing its expertise in infrastructure and real estate.
Capacity building and upskilling of Ramboll’s teams remain a priority, under the helm of McCarter. “Ramboll’s employees are strongly encouraged to be proactive members of our industry; to foster learning and sharing within the industry,” McCarter said. “Being a foundation-owned company, Ramboll is committed to doing good for the societies where we operate.”
McCarter and his team at Ramboll are dedicated to delivering exceptional projects and driving positive impacts for their clients and stakeholders throughout the region. With a focus on sustainability and innovation, Ramboll continues to be at the forefront of the industry, shaping the built environment for a better future.
9. Paul Hilton
Appearing once again in the Power 100 list is Paul Hilton, Mott MacDonald’s Managing Director in the Middle East.
Under Hilton’s leadership, Mott MacDonald has secured a range of prestigious projects, highlighting the firm’s expertise and creativity. These include the design of the iconic 3.5K seat Hudayriyat velodrome in Abu Dhabi and the provision of post-contract professional services for the Wakrah and Wukair sewage treatment plants in Qatar.
Additionally, Hilton played a crucial role in consolidating the company’s presence in Saudi Arabia by establishing new offices in Riyadh, enabling closer client engagement and involvement in Saudi’s giga projects.
Hilton’s commitment to nurturing talent is evident through his strategic recruitment decisions. Notably, he appointed Rick Hopper to lead the Saudi business and brought in Makram Al Musharrafieh to expand the advisory and strategic consultancy services.
By focusing on identifying and developing high-performing individuals, Hilton has fostered a culture of success and contributed to the steady growth of the business in a thriving market.
Furthermore, Hilton has championed sustainability efforts within the company, contributing to Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company’s achievement of the PAS2080 certification, the first in the Middle East for carbon management in infrastructure. This accomplishment aligns with the company’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and positions them favorably for the upcoming COP28 conference in the UAE.
In addition to his professional achievements, Hilton has played a significant role in promoting gender equality and creating a more balanced work environment. Through initiatives aimed at empowering women in construction roles, he strives to ensure that everyone, regardless of gender or background, has the opportunity to excel.
10. Alan Talabani
Alan Talabani has been serving as the Managing Director for the Middle East region at Turner & Townsend since 2017.
Under his leadership, Turner & Townsend has expanded its business operations in various markets across the region, over the last 26 years. The headcount of the regional business has also expanded significantly, growing by approximately 25% in the last year, from 671 to 840 employees. This growth is reflective of the overall global trend, where the company’s headcount has increased by around 20% since May 2022.
Talabani’s efforts have been particularly impactful in Saudi Arabia (KSA), where Turner & Townsend has experienced significant growth. Notably, the Saudi business has achieved an impressive 45% revenue growth for the financial year, expanding its service offerings to include contract services, asset management, and sustainability consulting, in addition to core cost management and project management.
Talabani’s commitment to developing the organisation’s people aligns with the company’s overarching business strategy, Vision 2025. He has spearheaded regional training programs and invested significantly in developing the workforce.Moreover, Talabani has demonstrated a deep commitment to fostering inclusion and diversity within the organisation. He launched the ‘Commitment to Inclusion’ in late 2022, leading to significant progress in key focus areas.
The company joined the Middle East Inclusion and Diversity Council, becoming the first in the industry to do so in the region. Talabani has also collaborated with prominent private sector organisations to drive region-wide change. Employee networks and listening groups have also been established to promote workplace inclusivity and support mental health and well-being.
11. Omar Shahzad
Since 2013, Omar Shahzad has served as the Group CEO of the Meinhardt Group, in addition to holding board responsibilities for the Middle East business. In his role as Group CEO, Shahzad oversees the performance of the global group of over 5,000 employees across 55 offices.
Meindhart Group is a Singapore – headquartered global design, engineering, project and construction management
firm. The company has successfully delivered a range of complex and challenging projects over the past year, including high-quality buildings with exceptional detailing and civil engineering mega projects across various locations
Notable among these projects is the Sindalah Island Cluster 5 Four Seasons project in NEOM, where Meinhardt is acting as the lead consultant (LC). The firm also provided design and construction supervision as the LC for the award-winning Moro Data Centre project in Dubai.
Meinhardt’s expertise extends to other significant projects as well. The company serves as the LC for the Dhawiyat Data Centre project in Riyadh, a significant endeavour for the Saudi Electricity Company. Additionally, Meinhardt holds the LC role for the Thakher City project, a three-tower mixed-use development, and the MASAR Mall retail development project in Makkah.
Embracing digital transformation, Meinhardt is at the forefront of adopting specialised MEP software supported by BIM, computational design, building analytics, and modelling. The company also employs advanced design optimisation and validation tools, including CFD modelling, SunCast analysis, energy modelling, and natural ventilation simulations.
Sustainability is a fundamental aspect of Meinhardt’s engineering designs. The company strives to incorporate environmentally sustainable principles that are socially responsible and commercially feasible. The company’s goal is for its offices to become carbon neutral by 2030, and carbon zero by 2050 or earlier. Meinhardt will implement this in steps, starting with a 35% reduction of its baseline GHG (greenhouse gas) value by the end of 2024.
In addition, the company focuses on creating the most sustainable buildings in the data centre sector by optimising overall power usage efficiency (PUE) and implementing solar-powered solutions.
Under Shahzad’s guidance, Meinhardt has become a leading player in the global professional services consultancy sector. The company’s commitment to excellence, technological advancements, and sustainable practices has positioned it at the forefront of the industry.
With a focus on client success, innovation, and responsible growth, Shahzad continues to lead Meinhardt towards success and positive impact in the construction sector.
12. Nawfal Al Khudhairy
Nawfal Al Khudhairy, the President and Chairman of the Board at Compass Project Consulting, makes an impressive debut on the prestigious Construction Week Power 100 list. Recognised under the Consultants sub-category, Al Khudhairy boasts a wealth of experience spanning over two decades, with a focus on leading projects in the infrastructure, defence, and property sectors, catering to both public and private clients. Under the leadership of Al Khudhairy, Compass has achieved remarkable growth over the past year. Established in 2014, the homegrown consultancy company’s success is attributed to its unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional service to clients, solidifying its position as a trusted partner for capital project owners and establishing itself as a leading consultancy firm in the Middle East construction industry.
Notably, in 2022, Compass celebrated significant milestones, completing 55 projects, which included achievements such as its inaugural modular construction project and its first-ever gigaproject PMO. These accomplishments exemplify the team’s dedication, perseverance, and innovative thinking, setting new industry standards and reinforcing Compass as a trailblazer in project management.
Financially, Compass has excelled, surpassing its turnover target for the year. The company achieved a remarkable uptake, with a revenue increase of over 70% compared to the successful fiscal year of 2021. The performance reflects the hard work and commitment of the entire team in consistently delivering outstanding service to clients.
Building on this momentum, Compass has expanded its Service Line offerings in 2023 to cater to growing client demands, including the addition of Construction Management and Supervision services. The company has also secured new wins in the evolving healthcare industry, resulting in a substantial revenue growth of 72% compared to 2022. These achievements underscore Compass’ ability to adapt and meet industry demands, while consistently delivering exceptional results.
Prominent projects spearheaded by Compass include Sindalah Island, NEOM, NEOM Villages, Red Sea Global, King Salman Bay, Dubai Holdings framework, various Nakheel remits, and numerous hospitality, leisure, food & beverage, and retail developments across several gigaprojects, aligned with the kingdom’s Vision 2030, and other confidential projects in the UAE. Under Al Khudhairy’s guidance, Compass has successfully carved out a significant presence in Saudi Arabia. As a result, the company has rapidly emerged as a strong competitor among leaders in mega projects in the country, driven by its evolved turn-key project development solutions and bolstered by its Construction Management capabilities.
13. Patrick Rouse
Spearheading LITE Development & Consulting as its CEO is Patrick Rouse, a visionary leader who led the brand through its rapid establishment within the past year.
A smart and agile real estate development entity, LITE offers full development, design, project, construction, and cost management services. Under Rouse’s guidance, the company has successfully positioned itself as an emerging leader in the industry, delivering exceptional results and securing prestigious projects in the UAE.
With an impressive track record, LITE achieved remarkable success shortly after its inception. Rouse’s focused strategies and commitment to excellence allowed the company to surpass client expectations in its initial projects in the UAE. This early triumph paved the way for a diverse portfolio of projects across various asset classes.
Rouse takes great pride in his highly talented team, which is instrumental in the company’s success and contributes to its strong backlog of projects. As LITE continues the year, it has a substantial number of projects in the pipeline, setting the stage for continued growth and success. Furthermore, the company is poised to build upon its momentum and further elevate its performance in the coming period.
Operating within Eltizam Group, LITE prioritises Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as a core aspect of its business. The company actively engages in various CSR initiatives through the Group’s corporate culture program, ‘Get Wonky’.
The company’s commitment to sustainability is evident in LITE’s strategies. The company has implemented robust sustainability principles at one of the largest brownfield developments in Abu Dhabi, demonstrating a dedication to environmentally responsible practices and creating an eco-conscious future.
By embracing sustainability and community support, LITE aims to make a positive impact on society, both locally and internationally.
Through its corporate culture, the company participates in CSR initiatives such as supporting charities, engaging in social and environmental volunteering activities, organising fundraising events, and developing internship programs. LITE’s collaboration with Ecomatcher led to the symbolic planting and nurturing of a tree on behalf of all employees and selected clients, representing their unwavering resolve to contribute to the nation’s net-zero ambitions and foster a healthier environment.
Additionally, LITE is a steadfast partner of the Sparkle Foundation, a registered charity dedicated to creating a brighter future for children in Malawi. Through their collaboration with Sparkle, the company consistently supports initiatives that help fulfill the foundation’s ambitions.
14. Nicholas Harris
Nicholas Harris, the Managing Director of Omnium International, has been pivotal in the company’s success since joining in 2001. Under his leadership, Omnium has experienced remarkable growth, particularly in the Middle East and, more recently, in the UK and Europe.
As Omnium celebrates its 28th year in the UAE, Harris’s remarkable achievements stand out, especially considering the challenges posed by recent years.
Yet, despite these obstacles, Omnium has achieved significant successes over the past 12 months, primarily attributed to two major initiatives: diversification and continued growth.
The company’s Project Management service offering has seen impressive expansion. Leveraging over 50 years of experience, Omnium is able to deliver a service that is truly differentiated, client-centric, commercially oriented, and proactive. This diversification has been a natural evolution for the company, utilising its expertise and capabilities to provide excellent direction to clients and teams.
Furthermore, the company has adeptly navigated market uncertainties, achieving substantial financial and operational milestones. The group has experienced an approximate 30% expansion, while its client base has significantly increased over the past year. A key highlight has been the rapid growth of Omnium Resolve, the firm’s dedicated division for dispute resolution.
In addition, over the last 12 months, Omnium’s expertise has secured them appointments on numerous high-profile gigaprojects in Saudi Arabia and two nationally significant mega projects in Abu Dhabi. Furthermore, Harris takes great pride in being part of the team that successfully delivered EXPO 2020 to the world, overseeing the construction of EXPO 2020 Pavilions. As the legacy stage begins preparations for COP28, Harris remains actively involved in the significant repurposing of the pavilions.
Additionally, Omnium has achieved notable milestones in the completion of various projects within Dubai Hills Estate, a development that it has been actively engaged with since its inception in 2013, with The Dubai Hills Regional Mall, in particular, setting new standards for retail destinations in the region. Omnium has also achieved significant success on the Deira Enrichment Development project.
Harris’s leadership and strategic vision have been instrumental in Omnium’s growth and success. With a strong focus on diversification, continued growth, staff development through the Omnium skills development programme (FUTURE) and delivering exceptional client-centric services, he continues to drive the company forward in an ever-evolving industry.
15. Mohammed Al-Mana
Mohammed Al-Mana, appointed as the President of JASARA Program Management Company in late 2018 and later, appointed by the board, as the company’s CEO in 2020, has greatly influenced the company’s success, elevating its performance and establishing it as a top consulting firm in Saudi Arabia. With a strong focus on delivering on the promise of Vision 2030, Al-Mana has led JASARA to achieve remarkable milestones in 2022. JASARA is a joint venture between Saudi Aramco, the Public Investment Fund, and global multi-disciplinary firm, Jacobs.
Under Al-Mana’s leadership, JASARA has excelled by serving as a PMC for three of the five gigaprojects in Saudi Arabia. The company has also surpassed targets for net worth, resources hiring, and achieved profitability for the first time since its inception, showcasing its success and strong performance. With over 45% Saudisation, JASARA is committed to meeting Saudisation and Local Content Targets in Saudi Arabia by cultivating a skilled Saudi workforce. The company actively promotes knowledge transfer, enhances teams through expertise and training programs, and prioritises the development of local talent, making it an attractive employer for diverse professionals.
JASARA fosters a diverse and inclusive culture, evident in the team’s composition, encompassing of over 30 nationalities. This commitment to inclusivity serves as a distinguishing aspect, empowering the company to provide clients with innovative solutions. In line with the kingdom’s commitment to women’s empowerment, JASARA has founded the JASARA Women Network (JWN) in collaboration with Jacobs, Aramco, and PIF Women networks. The JWN supports the professional growth of female employees and promotes their potential.
In the past year, JASARA embarked on impactful projects; for instance, it was appointed by NEOM to provide integrated PMC services for The Line project, among other undisclosed projects. JASARA has also successfully undertaken vital projects contributing to the region’s development, including Project Management Consultancy services for Wadi Hanifa for the Diriyah project and the Saudi Cruise temporary port facilities in Dammam, Jeddah, and Yanbu. Furthermore, JASARA’s involvement in eight medical logistics centres’ projects across the kingdom for the National Unified Procurement Company (NUPCO) has facilitated efficient healthcare operations.
The company is also involved with the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON) in providing PMO and PMC services for their projects. Additionally, JASARA has established a PMO for the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve in Riyadh in addition to the other development authorities in different provinces. Now JASARA’s presence is noticeable across the kingdom.
With Al-Mana’s leadership and the company’s dedication to excellence, JASARA is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of social infrastructure development in Saudi Arabia and the wider region.