< Previous| POWER 100 | 58 JUNE 2023 Leading the expansion efforts of Ellington Properties is Robert Booth, the Co-Founder and Managing Director of the esteemed Dubai developer. His strategic guidance has been instrumental in the company’s growth and success. The year 2022 marked a pivotal turning point for Ellington Properties, as they embarked on a new phase of expansion, expanding their presence into various communities across Dubai. Notable locations include Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Next on the list is Faris Saeed, the Chairman and CEO of SEE Holding, the holding company of Sharjah-based Diamond Developers. Over the past 12 months, Diamond Developers has made significant strides in expanding its successful model, The Sustainable City, beyond Dubai, with a focus on accelerating efforts towards achieving net-zero emissions. Under Saeed’s leadership, Diamond Developers unveiled a holding company structure, allowing for portfolio diversification and a concentrated push towards spearheading a net- zero emissions future. The completion and handover of phase one of Sharjah Sustainable City stands as a major accomplishment, with phase two nearing completion and phase three currently under construction, slated for completion next year. The launch of The Sustainable City — Yas Island in Abu Dhabi received overwhelming positive response, with phase one completely sold out within 24 hours of announcing sales. This success is a testament to the growing demand for sustainable living and the strength of Dubai Hills Estate, and Jumeirah Village Triangle. By entering these vibrant neighborhoods, Ellington Properties aims to cater to a wider audience and meet the diverse needs of Dubai’s real estate market. Under Booth’s leadership, Ellington Properties ventured into the development of master communities. This endeavour led to the launch of The Sanctuary, their inaugural master community situated in District 11. The Sanctuary promises to be an exclusive residential enclave, comprising 60 premium villas that showcase Ellington Properties’ signature blend of high-quality amenities and impeccable design. By creating such master communities, Ellington Properties is elevating the concept of luxury living in Dubai. Recognising the growing demand for their developments and the desire to expedite delivery timelines, Booth played a crucial role in establishing a subsidiary construction company under the umbrella of Ellington Properties. This subsidiary construction company the Sustainable City brand. Furthermore, Diamond Developers recently launched sales for The Sustainable City - Yiti in Oman, aiming to create the world’s largest sustainable community and achieve net- zero emissions by 2030. Aside from their impressive development endeavors, Diamond Developers actively supports initiatives in cultural, environmental, and social domains. They organise inclusive beach cleaning days in Dubai and Muscat, involving children from Sanad Village, the largest autism centre in the region, and have successfully removed over 1.5 tonnes of marine debris from Muscat’s beaches. The company is committed to wellness and sports, hosting events such as wellness weekends featuring free yoga, sports, and wellness activities. They also partner with the UAE Special Olympics to promote inclusivity in sports. Raising awareness about environmental issues is one of Diamond Developers’ primary goals. They have facilitated numerous visits to The Sustainable City and launched initiatives contributing to the elimination of single- use plastic within their communities. aims to accelerate the development process, ensuring that construction adheres to the highest standards and best practices. By overseeing the construction process in-house, Ellington Properties can maintain greater control over quality, timeliness, and customer satisfaction. FARIS SAEED Co-founder & MD, Ellington Properties Chairman & CEO, Diamond Developers 19 ROBERT BOOTH 20JUNE 2023 59 | POWER 100 | Appearing on the list this year is Mahdi Amjad, Founder and Executive Chairman of OMNIYAT. Amjad forged his own career from the beginning, first in technology and then real estate. Amjad’s first venture, Almasa Holdings, focuses on technology distribution, software, anacd e-commerce. This venture allowed him to delve into the world of technology and establish a strong foundation in the industry. However, his true passion laid in real estate, leading him to establish Abdulla Bin Sulayem, as the CEO of Seven Tides, plays a pivotal role in the company’s operations as it engages in various prominent projects across the UAE. Under Bin Salayem’s leadership, Seven Tides is currently undertaking its most ambitious venture to date, Golf Views Seven City (formerly known as Seven City JLT). This expansive mixed- use development holds significant importance for the company, showcasing its commitment to growth and innovation. In light of recent accomplishments, Seven Tides celebrated the completion of the Seven Palm project in February of this year. Overcoming the challenges posed by the pandemic, the company successfully adapted its business model to meet the evolving needs of the industry. By implementing virtual solutions, such as 3D virtual tours and contactless payment options, Seven Tides prioritised the safety and convenience of its investors and stakeholders. Additionally, the introduction of an immersive virtual 3D walk-through tour elevated the customer experience, highlighting the company’s dedication to OMNIYAT, a real estate company specialising in bespoke residential partnerships with elite hotel groups. Under Amjad’s leadership, OMNIYAT has redefined the standards of luxury in Dubai. OMNIYAT’s portfolio includes properties such as One at Palm Jumeirah, Dorchester Collection, Dubai; The Residences, Dorchester Collection, Dubai; and The Opus, which are collectively valued at over $5 billion. Amjad’s inspiration comes from Dubai’s visionary leadership and its globally renowned reputation for innovation and iconic architectural development. He saw an opportunity to contribute to this phenomenon and set out to create exceptional projects that set new standards in luxury real estate. OMNIYAT’s development philosophy revolves around collaborating with leading architects, designers, contractors, and consultants to ensure the highest level of excellence and redefine luxury standards across the region. With OMNIYAT, Mahdi Amjad has established a legacy of delivering best-in- class projects that showcase his signature enhancing its offerings. In May 2021, Seven Tides solidified a partnership with NH Hotels, a subsidiary of the Minor Group, to manage the hotel located within the Seven Palm property. This newly constructed establishment, boasting 533 keys, is set to open in the fourth quarter of 2021, representing an integral part of the Seven Hotel & Apartments brand. Furthermore, during the third quarter of 2020, the developer secured a hotel management agreement with Minor Hotels for the prestigious Oaks Dubai Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel. With its iconic five-star status and 396 keys, this property showcases Seven Tides’ commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality experiences. Looking forward, Seven Tides has set its sights on completing the Golf Views Seven City project in the second quarter of 2023. This commitment to timely project completion and delivery reflects the company’s dedication to fulfilling its promises to clients and stakeholders. Guided by the leadership of Bin Sulayem, Seven Tides continues to achieve remarkable progress within the real estate industry. style and dedication to building solutions, luxury residential spaces, and renowned hospitality. His vision and commitment to excellence have made a lasting impact on Dubai’s real estate landscape, elevating the city’s reputation as a global hub of architectural innovation and luxury living. ABDULLA BIN SALAYEM Founder & Executive Chairman, OMNIYAT CEO, Seven Tides 21 MAHDI AMJAD 22| POWER 100 | 60 JUNE 2023 Appearing in the Power 100 list for the first time is Amin Alrrayed, the CEO of Bahrain-based Naseej. Since its establishment in 2009, Naseej has steadily developed into one of the most prominent property developers in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and a leading D ebuting in the Power 100 list this year is Masih Imtiaz, CEO of Imtiaz Developments. Headquartered in Dubai, Imtiaz Developments is one of the nation’s leading real estate and development provider of social and affordable housing solutions. This has been achieved despite a challenging backdrop of economic downturns, financial crisis, regional geo- political tensions and the pandemic. To date Naseej has completed five projects in Bahrain comprising of over 2,981 residential units spread among these five projects. They include the Government’s Social & Affordable Housing PPP; Jumana – the affordable housing and retail component of the PPP at Salman Town; and the luxury villa development of Yasmeenat Saar. Moreover, the company is also an approved property developer for the Ministry of Housing’s innovative Mazaya Scheme, which aims to help Bahraini citizens to purchase their own homes through subsidised mortgages. companies and one of the few firms in the country known for its multidisciplinary capabilities. Led by Masih, the company has a vision of building residences for people who truly appreciate convenience with a side of elegance. Established in 1993, the company has been investing in, building and managing multiple real estate developments for more than 28 years. As of today, the company has built more than 2,000 residential units, four million square feet of office space, and more than two million square feet of retail. Imtiaz Developments continues to adapt to changing market conditions, capitalising on emerging opportunities while anticipating and mitigating risks. Madhav Dhar, the Co-founder and COO of ZaZEN, has played a pivotal role in the real estate industry, with a focus on creating unique residential developments that cater to the mid-market segment consumer. In 2018, Dhar co-founded ZaZEN Properties, a company dedicated to building distinctive residential projects within established communities in Dubai. The company’s focus lies in providing a “community within a building” concept, catering to the mid-market segment consumer. ZaZEN Properties’ developments prioritise sustainability, featuring ample lush open spaces and utilising solar power to reduce energy consumption. At ZaZEN Properties, Dhar and his team have a goal to redefine the expectations of the mid-market segment consumer and create a unique living experience. AMIN ALRRAYED MASIH IMTIAZ MADHAV DHAR CEO, Naseej Bahrain CEO, Imtiaz Developments Co-founder & COO, Z ZEN Properties 24 23 25Tuesday 13th June 2023 Crown Plaza Riyadh Al Waha, KSA EXPLORING THE FUTURE OF INFRASTRUCTURE IN SAUDI ARABIA Saudi Arabia is in the midst of radical changes in the nation’s approach to global business and geo-politics, and is seeing a major transformation of the Kingdom’s economy and built environment. With a realisation of growing demand for buildings, transportation, energy systems and more, the government is diversifying the economy away from oil reliance as a step towards achieving Vision 2030. With a range of projects set to transform the country, the Construction Week KSA Infrastructure Summit will host experts from across the globe contributing to bringing the Saudi vision to life. For more information: www.constructionweeklive.com For sponsorship enquiries: MOUTAZ GADELHAK Senior Sales Manager T: +971 4 444 3177 E: Moutaz.Gadelhak@itp.com For event related enquiries: PARUL RANA Conference Producer T: +971 4 444 3226 E: Parul.Rana@itp.com Gold SponsorGold SponsorSilver Sponsor Supporting PartnerSupporting PartnerBronze SponsorBronze SponsorBronze Sponsor Construction Partner| POWER 100 | 62 JUNE 2023JUNE 2023 63 | POWER 100 | 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. HAMED ZAGHW CEO, AECOM 1 “IN FY22, AECOM SAW A 40% GROWTH IN NET SERVICE REVENUE BACKLOG FOR THE MEA REGION”| POWER 100 | 64 JUNE 2023 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. DEAN MCGRAIL CEO, WSP Middle East 2 “WSP MIDDLE EAST IS ENGAGED IN ONGOING PROJECTS, INCLUDING THE ONE ZA’ABEEL TOWER IN THE UAE, AS WELL AS RIYADH METRO AND SEC IN SAUDI ARABIA”JUNE 2023 65 | POWER 100 | 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. CAMPBELL GRAY CEO, Atkins / The SNC-Lavalin Group 3 “OUR PEOPLE ARE OUR BIGGEST ASSETS”| POWER 100 | 66 JUNE 2023 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. ALAA ABUSIAM CEO, Egis in the Middle East and South Asia 4 “EGIS’ ACQUISITIONS IN THE MIDDLE EAST ARE EXPECTED TO ADD MORE THAN $160MN IN RECURRING ANNUAL REVENUE”JUNE 2023 67 | POWER 100 | 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. LEE FRENCH Partner & Operations Director MENA, Cundall 5 “CUNDALL AIMS TO ACHIEVE CARBON NEUTRALITY ACROSS ALL ITS GLOBAL PROJECTS BY 2030”Next >