CBNME’S Power Hour Annual List of the Middle East’s Top 60 features the most prominent Contractors, Real estate Developers, Consultants, Architects, Facilities Management, Asset Management Companies, and so much more that encapsulates the construction industry.
These influential leaders have reshaped the industry with their introduction of new innovative strategies and thought leadership that makes them stand apart in 2020.
You can check out the full coverage of the Power Hour here.
35. Saeed Al Qatami, CEO of Deyaar
Deyaar is one of the largest developers in Dubai, its real estate ventures span major growth corridors and prime locations in Dubai. The company’s current project portfolio includes iconic residential and commercial tower developments as well as upcoming hospitality developments.
Their mission is to create an urban environment that meets the high standards set by the nation’s leaders, with a diverse portfolio of quality real estate developments and differentiated services, a return on investment for stakeholders and value for customers, whilst providing the tools to our employees to realize their potential.
According to a statement made on Deyaar’s official website, Saeed Al Qatami, CEO of Deyaar, said: “Much like the UAE, Deyaar has built our credentials on solid foundations that evoke trust and the collaborative engagement of every stakeholder. Our unwavering determination to excel in an industry that is fiercely competitive has allowed us to grow as a customer-focused, trusted and valued developer with in-depth market intelligence and property management expertise.”
36. Greg Ward, Managing Director at Transguard Group
Managing Director Greg Ward has led Transguard Group through four years of continual, record-breaking financial growth by strengthening Transguard’s robust business platform, deepening the company’s commitment to customer service and expanding its portfolio to include new revenue streams (including Transguard Living, Transguard Delivery, Transguard Misting Stations and more).
Transguard Group was also at the forefront of the UAE’s COVID-19 containment efforts in its field hospitals in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, supplying more than 500 staff in a number of sectors, including Security, Facilities Management and Hospitality. Our work within three of the UAE’s field hospitals.
For the first time, Transguard will now be offering its expertise to companies throughout Dubai who are looking for a 360-degree solution to the challenges of housing, feeding and entertaining workforces of all sizes and demographics, and so much more.
In terms of expansion, Greg told CBNME: “Expansion is always on the horizon for Transguard, and to that end we’re currently eyeing multiple acquisitions in a variety of sectors, including FM, technology, cash, cybersecurity and recruitment, among others. Some of these opportunities are in the UAE but we are also considering international expansion opportunities as well.”
37. Norman Foster, Founder and Executive Chairman Design Board Chairman, Architect – Dip.Arch & Cert. TP, M.Arch – Foster + Partners
Norman Foster is the founder and executive chairman of Foster + Partners, a global studio for architecture, urbanism and design, rooted in sustainability.
He believes that the quality of our surroundings affects the quality of our lives, and is driven by his passion for innovation and excellence.
According to the company’s website, Fosters + Partners completed Haramain High-speed rail project in 2019. The project consisted of a 450-kilometre high-speed rail link between the major Saudi Arabian cities of Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah and KAEC.
Other project that are currently under construction include Samba’s new headquarters in KSA, Kuwait International Airport, and were recently selected by Amaala for their Mirage-Inspired Airport Design.
Under Norman’s leadership, the company has grown to great heights and has stayed true to his vision of designing projects that promote sustainability.
38. Donna Sultan, President & CEO of KEO International Consultants
A passionate and motivational leader, Donna Sultan has proved to be a role model to many in the construction industry, known for her inspirational approach to managing people and her dedication to excellence. She has held the title of Chief Executive of Officer of KEO International Consultants for nearly 30 years and was appointed as its President and CEO in 2016. Under her leadership, KEO, a multi-disciplinary project management, architectural and engineering consulting firm grew from a handful of employees in 1991 to a firm of over 2,500+ professional staff with 12 offices located throughout the Middle East Region. The firm has consistently been ranked for over 15 years as one of the top 10 PMC firms and one of the top 200 design firms globally.
39. Syed Kashif Akhtar, Group Managing Director, Havelock One Interiors
Since 1998, Havelock One Interiors has established itself as a leading fit-out service provider in the Middle East and beyond. Syed Kashif Akhtar is the group managing director and under his strong leadership, the company has progressed immensely. Some of the prominent completed projects by Havelock One Interiors include VOX Cinemas, Nakheel Mall, Palm Dubai; Hilton Garden Inn, Avenues, Kuwait; The Westin Hotel, Seef, Bahrain; The Cheesecake Factory, Riyadh Park, Riyadh; and more.
Syed says: “We started our operations with a small facility in Bahrain, and today we are present in five countries with one of the largest joineries and manufacturing facilities in the region. I am very proud that the company has grown significantly since its inception in late 1998, and that Havelock One has positioned itself as a leading brand in fit-out industry in the GCC region. The recent award of ‘Great Place to Work’ to Havelock One is a testimony of how much we have matured as an organisation over the last 20 years, providing our employees with a thriving work environment.”
From the very beginning of this pandemic, Havelock’s key priorities have been the safety of the employees and ensuring the continuity of service to its customers. “We have stayed very close to our customers, and the team has done an exceptional job in minimising business disruption on all our ongoing projects despite challenging conditions. We launched our ‘WFH – Work from Home’ initiative for our office-based staff at a very early stage, and that helped considerably in containing the spread of infection amongst our staff,” adds Syed.
40. Muhammad Al Salmy, Managing Director, Partner, & Lead Architect at Hoehler + alSalmy
Hoehler + alSalmy originated from Hoehler + Partner which began in 1970 in Aachen, Germany. In 2009, the office formed a partnership with Muhammad Sultan AlSalmy to bring the venture to the Sultanate of Oman. In 2016, the Oman office rebranded to Hoehler + alSalmy (H+S) due to Muhammad’s dedication to the firm since its establishment.
H+S has adopted a sustainable approach to architecture through a wide range of projects; from the small scale luxury private villas, to Offices spaces, Educational institutes, Cultural and apartment buildings.
H+S has rapidly become a leading name in the architecture and design scene owing to their ability to create modern, sustainable designs, by combining German architectural and technical standards, with traditional local elements, to deliver unique and innovative design concepts, and multiple energy conservation techniques.
