< Previous98 JUNE 2024 | POWER 150 | Alaa AbuSiam, as the CEO of Egis in the Middle East and South Asia, has been pivotal in shaping the organisation’s growth, focusing on infrastructure development, the built environment, and operations and maintenance. In the last 12 months, Egis Group has achieved signifi cant milestones. The company’s turnover reached $2.03 billion (approximately AED7.74 billion) in 2023, marking a 28% increase from the previous year, with engineering order intake growing by 13% to $1.83 billion (approximately AED6.99 billion). Egis also reported an EBITDA rise of 25% to $236.47 million (approximately AED902.2 million), maintaining an 11.6% margin. Despite exceptional costs, the net profi t stood at $47.19 million (approximately AED180 million). Furthermore, Egis’ ‘Impact the Future’ strategic plan saw accelerated progress, and the workforce grew by 22% to 19,500 employees, emphasising diversity with increased female representation. In 2023, Egis completed 116 projects in the Middle East, including Etihad Rail Stages 2 and 3, large rail projects in Egypt, the Katara Project in Qatar, and several projects in NEOM. Key acquisitions like Omrania, U+A, Waagner Biro Bridge Services, and Thomas & Adamson have strengthened Egis’ capabilities, particularly in architecture, civil, structural, and project management services. Egis is committed to sustainability and has invested 36% of its R&D in combating climate change and preserving biodiversity. The company joined the Science Based Targets initiative and signed the UAE Climate- Responsible Companies Pledge. In 2023, 46% of Egis’ projects followed eco-design principles, aiming for 100% compliance by 2030. The Egis Foundation supports climate and social development projects globally, such as agroecology training in Peru and sustainable housing in Senegal. In the Middle East, Egis consistently organises sustainability workshops and technical sessions on embodied carbon analysis and net-zero building designs. Initiatives like “She Leads” promote female leadership within the company, refl ecting Egis’ commitment to diversity and inclusion. Alaa AbuSiam CEO, Egis Middle East and South Asia 3JUNE 2024 99 | POWER 150 | Donna Sultan has been a pivotal fi gure at KEO, joining the company in 1983, appointed as CEO in 1993 and assuming the roles of President and CEO in 2016. Under her visionary leadership, KEO has achieved numerous notable milestones, including the establishment of their allied practices, InSite, C-Quest, and Black Mule. Her career includes more than 40 years of project delivery experience, receiving numerous awards acknowledging her signifi cant contributions to the industry and successfully navigating KEO as one of the leading consulting fi rms. KEO celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, a testament to the enduring success and innovative spirit driven by Sultan’s dedication and guidance. In 2024, KEO expanded globally, opening new offi ces in Amman, Jordan, and Lisbon, Portugal, thereby enhancing its European presence. The Saudi market saw a 40% increase in revenue, accompanied by signifi cant staff growth. In the last 12 months, among other major projects, KEO completed the full design of Emaar’s Golf Heights Tower in Dubai and obtained Dubai Municipality approval for the DAMAC Cavalli Towers, where they serve as the lead consultant. In Abu Dhabi, InSite completed the detailed master plan and landscape design for the Reem Hills Development, while KEO handled the infrastructure engineering and executive architecture works. Also, in Abu Dhabi, KEO is the consultant for the design, engineering, and supervision of the Saadiyat Lagoons District Development project. In Saudi Arabia, KEO’s notable projects include the MASAR mega project in Mecca and the Warefa New Township for Roshn, along with numerous new contracts for various gigaprojects sponsored by PIF entities, including Rua Al Madinah, New Murabba, NEOM, Qiddiyah, Diriyah, AMAALA, Red Sea, and Saudi Downtown. Their contributions in all the GCC countries, including KSA, UAE, Kuwait, and Qatar, further highlight their extensive expertise and project and construction management capabilities. The consultancy also launched KEO Academy, a two-year salaried rotational development programme for GCC graduate nationals wishing to enter the consulting profession. In May 2024, a strategic partnership with Johnson Controls was signed to drive net-zero initiatives. Additionally, KEO- DAS, its Digital Advisory Services division, was founded to off er comprehensive digital solutions, extending the full spectrum of Digital Advisory services to external clients. KEO focuses its CSR initiatives on environmental sustainability and community support, health and safety, and diversity and inclusiveness. It joined the Aldar Climate Change Pledge and became a Silver Member of the USGBC. KEO also often engages in pro-bono work, one example being for CURE. org and their hospital in Zambia, as well as sponsoring various charity events. They also prioritise employee wellbeing through their KEO Core Health Wellness Programme, emphasising physical and mental health. Donna Sultan President and CEO, KEO 4100 JUNE 2024 | POWER 150 | With over twenty-eight years of tenure at Khatib & Alami (K&A), Najib Khatib has been instrumental in guiding the company through an active operations role to overcome global challenges and propel the company towards continued success. Under his leadership, K&A has pursued a shared vision of driving innovation and expanding services to the communities it serves. 2024 also marks the celebration of six decades since the founding of K&A, a signifi cant milestone in the company’s history. Over the past year, K&A has completed over 400 projects with a total value exceeding $22 billion. Key projects include contracts with the Ministry of Finance in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Iraqi Ministry of Construction and Housing, Saudi Saline Water Conversion Corporation, ROSHN Group, NEOM, and Saudi Aramco, among others. Additionally, the company made signifi cant strides in its transformation program, focusing on enhancing quality and productivity, maximising competitiveness, and creating a great workplace. It also expanded its Digital Services division to drive innovation, develop new products, and remain one of the most relevant companies in its industry. K&A’s diverse portfolio also includes successfully delivering the 3D utilities infrastructure project for Dubai Municipality, which entailed creating a 3D digital twin platform, and the national data capture and mapping project in Qatar’s Ministry of Municipality. The fi rm also completed the Dokki site acceptance test (SAT) in Egypt, digitally transforming the electrical distribution grid. In Oman, the consultancy completed the Urban Landbank project, devising a solution involving an aerial survey using aircraft and artifi cial intelligence to detect footprints and roads. K&A remains committed to promoting knowledge sharing and thought leadership. Over the past year, the company sponsored numerous regional events and organised a negotiation skills course with Umm Al-Qura University. K&A also participated in a roundtable discussion at King Saud University and hosted a seminar on advanced transportation infrastructure in Bangalore. Safety initiatives included fi rst aid training and fi re safety workshops across their offi ces. Additionally, K&A celebrated International Women’s Day with a campaign to amplify the voices and experiences of women, reinforcing their commitment to inclusion and diversity. Dr Najib Khatib Chairman and CEO, Khatib & Alami 5JUNE 2024 101 | POWER 150 | Lee French Partner & MD MENA, Cundall Dean McGrail CEO, WSP Middle East 6 7 Next on the list is Lee French, Partner and Managing Director MENA at Cundall. Under his guidance, Cundall has signifi cantly expanded its MENA operations, with new offi ces in Riyadh and Bengaluru and a 64% increase in team size to meet rising demand. 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 26 offi ces and a talented team of over 1,200 consulting engineers and designers, Cundall off ers expertise across over 20 disciplines, including structural engineering, civil engineering, building services and digital engineering. Within the MENA construction landscape, Cundall has played a signifi cant 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 Deean McGrail is the CEO of WSP Middle East. Since assuming his role in 2021, McGrail has adeptly steered the company’s strategic decisions toward innovative, comprehensive, and sustainable engineering solutions. Under his dynamic leadership, WSP Middle East has signifi cantly expanded its Advisory Services and Project Management arms while simultaneously bolstering its design and supervision business in key sectors such as Transport & Infrastructure and Property & Buildings. McGrail, who fi rst joined WSP in 2002, places a strong emphasis on robust leadership and people-centric values, fostering collaboration and excellence across multiple teams. WSP Middle East serves a diverse array of sectors including energy, healthcare, and transportation, providing a wide range of expert services that cater to the region’s growing and varied needs. Among the fi rm’s most notable projects in Saudi Arabia and Etihad Rail in the UAE. In addition, Cundall’s expertise as a Lead Design Consultant also contributed to the Guinness World Record-breaking achievement of The Storm Coaster, an iconic and unique engineering endeavour. Over the past 12 months, the fi rm has secured major sustainability projects with high- profi le UAE developers, alongside a series of entertainment and hospitality wins with Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN) and several KSA giga projects. Cundall continues to expand its infl uence in masterplanning design with large scale strategic projects across the region. This includes shaping the Oman 2040 vision by developing structure and masterplans for Greater Muscat City, Salalah Smart City and Greater Salalah. The practice has also made signifi cant investments in its Zero Carbon Design 2030 commitment, focusing on enhancing the capability of its workforce, and collaborating with clients and industry stakeholders. are The Royal Atlantis and the Dubai Mall Expansion, which stand as proof of WSP’s commitment to quality and innovation. Recently, the company’s Environment & Sustainability Advisory division was appointed by the Saudi Electricity Company to support its environmental and sustainability strategies, showcasing WSP’s dedication to fostering sustainable practices within the industry. Additionally, WSP Middle East has been signifi cantly engaged in the comprehensive Hassyan desalination project with Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA). This involvement further highlights the company’s crucial role in pivotal infrastructure developments within the region. Through McGrail’s visionary leadership and a clear focus on sustainable development, WSP Middle East continues to solidify its position as a leading provider of engineering solutions, shaping the future of the region’s built environment and driving progress across various industries.102 JUNE 2024 | POWER 150 | John Wyles Country Market Director, Ramboll Alan Talabani Regional Managing Director, Turner & Townsend 8 9 John Wyles, as the Country Market Director - Buildings for Ramboll Middle East, plays a pivotal role in steering the company’s sustainable and innovative projects in the region. Prior to his current role, he was based in Denmark, where he worked in the renewable energy sector. With a background in engineering and nearly 25 years of experience at Ramboll, Wyles has been instrumental in advancing the company’s contributions to sustainability and innovation, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of the industry. Ramboll fosters a culture of knowledge sharing and industry collaboration, actively engaging in conferences, roundtables, and workshops to contribute its expertise to industry development. This collaborative approach ensures that Ramboll’s innovative solutions are informed by the latest industry insights and best practices. Moreover, with the appointment of a new head of sustainability last year, Ramboll Since 2017, Alan Talabani has served as the Managing Director for the Middle East at Turner & Townsend, overseeing signifi cant expansions across various regional markets over his 26-year tenure. Under his guidance, the regional workforce has grown by 25%, reaching 840 employees, mirroring a global trend of a 20% increase in headcount since May 2022. Talabani’s infl uence is especially evident in Saudi Arabia (KSA), where Turner & Townsend has experienced remarkable growth, achieving a 45% revenue increase. The Saudi business now off ers a diverse range of services, including contract services, asset management, and sustainability consulting alongside its core off erings. Aligned with Vision 2025, Talabani prioritises employee development, leading regional training initiatives and fostering a culture of inclusion and diversity. His commitment is demonstrated through initiatives like the ‘Commitment to Inclusion’ reaffi rms its adherance to sustainable solutions, strengthening its focus on environmentally friendly practices and projects. Under Wyles’ leadership, capacity building and upskilling of Ramboll’s teams are prioritised, ensuring that employees are well- equipped to tackle complex challenges and deliver cutting-edge solutions. According to Wyles, Ramboll’s employees are encouraged to be proactive industry members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and sharing of knowledge. Committed to societal good, the company also aims to make positive impacts in the regions it operates, addressing local needs and contributing to community development. Overall, Wyles and his team are dedicated to delivering exceptional projects that drive positive change, shaping the built environment sustainably for a better future. Their eff orts underscore Ramboll’s mission to create a more sustainable and resilient built environment, benefi tting both present and future generations. program and collaborations with private sector organisations, which spotlight his dedication to creating a supportive and equitable workplace environment. These eff orts aim to ensure that all employees feel valued and have opportunities for growth, contributing to a more dynamic and innovative company culture. Talabani’s leadership signifi es Turner & Townsend’s commitment to both growth and inclusivity in the Middle East region. By focusing on expanding service off erings and nurturing a diverse workforce, he has helped the company grow as a leader in the industry, driving its success and sustainability. His strategic vision and emphasis on employee welfare not only enhance the company’s operational capabilities but also reinforce its reputation as a forward-thinking and inclusive employer. This holistic approach to management continues to propel Turner & Townsend toward new heights in the competitive Middle Eastern market.104 JUNE 2024 | POWER 150 | Omar Shahzad, Group Chief Executive Offi cer of Meinhardt Group, has signifi cantly advanced the company over the past year, solidifying its position as a global leader in design, engineering, project, and construction management. Under his leadership, Meinhardt has successfully delivered complex projects, including high-quality buildings with exceptional detailing and civil engineering mega projects across various locations worldwide. Notable projects include the award-winning Moro Hub data centre in Dubai, which holds a Guinness World Record as the world’s largest solar- powered data centre. Meanwhile, Meinhardt’s ongoing projects include a retail expansion in Dubai, a theme park in Saudi Arabia, fi ve-star luxury hotel and commercial towers in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, luxury resort projects in Dubai as well as multiple data centre projects across the Middle East. The company’s expertise extends to heritage and high-end projects, including a signature cultural project in Abu Dhabi, UAE, a boutique hotel in Diriyah Gate, and the Sindalah Island Cluster 5 Four Seasons project in NEOM, Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, Meinhardt is also involved in smart infrastructure projects such as Sultan Haitham City project in Oman and the Gulf of Aqaba project in NEOM’s OXAGON region. This growth refl ects a 22.5% increase in headcount and nearly 40% growth in net services revenue backlog for the MEA region. Sustainability is integral to Meinhardt’s operations. The company aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050, starting with a 35% reduction in GHG emissions by the end of 2024. Meinhardt focuses on creating sustainable buildings, particularly in the data centre sector, by optimising power usage and implementing solar-powered solutions. Under Shahzad’s leadership, Meinhardt has become a leading player in the global professional services consultancy sector. The company’s commitment to excellence, technological advancements, and global best practices has positioned it at the forefront of the industry. With a focus on client success, innovation, and sustainable growth, Shahzad continues to lead Meinhardt towards impactful achievements in the construction sector, ensuring the company’s ongoing success and positive contributions to the industry. Omar Shahzad Group CEO, Meinhardt Group 10JUNE 2024 105 | POWER 150 | Nawfal Al Khudhairy, President at Compass, has been recognised in the Construction Week Middle East’s Power 150 list for his infl uential role in the industry. In the last year, Compass has experienced extraordinary growth, with a 240% surge in revenue and workforce expansion from 142 to over 255 employees. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the homegrown company has launched an innovative Construction Management service, enhancing project performance and risk management. Compass’ dedication to superior standards is also evident in its human capital initiatives, attracting top talent from 32 nationalities. The Compass Quest Graduate Programme exemplifi es its commitment to Saudisation, mentoring young Saudi and Emirati professionals. The multi-disciplinary consultancy has delivered over 100 commissions across KSA, the UAE, and Latvia for prominent developers like NEOM, Red Sea, Qiddiya, Nakheel, Dubai Holdings, Expo City, ROSHN, Tamasuk, and other key PIF entities. The company opened new offi ces in Abu Dhabi and Al Khobar, expanding its regional presence. Internally, the company has successfully implemented a Group Objective Key Results (OKRs) framework, with quarterly reviews focusing on crucial areas, such as attracting, maintaining, and retaining top talent and clients. As the national delivery partner in Saudi Arabia, the fi rm remains optimistic about 2024, forecasting steady growth driven by Vision 2030 initiatives and the expanding tourism and hospitality sectors in both the kingdom and the UAE. The Compass Cares CSR Committee demonstrated strong corporate social responsibility through impactful activities. These included Ramadan charity collections, sponsored hikes for children in need with Gulf for Good, numerous beach cleanups, and mangrove planting, all refl ecting its dedication to positively impacting local communities. Nawfal Al Khudhairy President, Compass Project Consulting 11106 JUNE 2024 | POWER 150 | Nicholas Harris, who has been with Omnium International since 2001, and appointed Managing Director in 2019, has been an instrumental leader in the company’s success. His leadership has driven remarkable growth, particularly in the Middle East and, more recently, in the UK and Europe. In the past year, Omnium International has seen impressive achievements through diversifi cation and growth. The company expanded its Project Management services, leveraging over 50 years of experience to off er a uniquely client-centric and commercially oriented service. This diversifi cation has strengthened Omnium’s market position and added value for clients. The fi rm also introduced Expert Witness services and comprehensive risk management solutions, enhancing client protection. Omnium International’s workforce expanded by approximately 30%, with signifi cant growth in infrastructure and masterplan developments. Notable projects include The Palm Jebel Ali, Dubai Islands, and high-profi le gigaprojects in KSA. The company’s expertise in super high- rise buildings led to its appointment as Cost Managers for the Iconic Tower in Media City. The successful completion of One Za’abeel and DMCC Uptown Tower also highlights Omnium’s capability. Additionally, Omnium continues to support Emaar with the Dubai Mall expansions. 2023 was a strong year for Omnium, exceeding set targets. For 2024, the company is on track to achieve its growth targets, with the hard cost of projects in the pipeline expected to exceed by $2.5 billion (AED10 billion) in value. Under Harris’ guidance, Omnium introduced the Graduate programme, empowering fresh graduates and enhancing staff development through the Omnium FUTURE programme. This initiative supports career development and skill enhancement, with links to local universities and high schools. The Omni-Well Wellbeing Department, launched in 2023, focuses on employees’ well-being, introducing policies like fl exi-time, remote working, and enhanced parental leave to promote work-life balance. Nicholas Harris Managing Director, Omnium International 12JUNE 2024 107 | POWER 150 | Sam Graham, Managing Director of Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB) in the Middle East, has made signifi cant strides in advancing the company over the past year, particularly in sustainability and project management services. Under Graham’s leadership, RLB has expanded its Project Management arm and Built Asset Consultancy, aligning with the company’s 2030 Vision. He also launched RLB’s sustainability services in the region, enabling clients to measure the carbon footprint of their projects. In 2023, Graham led RLB to achieve carbon-neutral accreditation in the UAE and Qatar for its operations and services, setting a regional example of corporate environmental responsibility. This certifi cation is a step towards the company’s goal of reaching net-zero by 2030. With a project backlog worth $100 billion and a GFA of 1.2 billion m2 across 15 sectors, Graham’s leadership has been pivotal. RLB generated more than $450 million globally in revenue in 2023, with a forecasted growth of 5–10% in 2024. Graham’s commitment to corporate social responsibility is evident through various impactful activities. These include providing essential supplies to construction labourers during Ramadan, a tradition he implemented, and organising cross- industry sports networking events that promote physical activity, mental wellness, and corporate camaraderie. Additionally, RLB’s Doha offi ce recently demonstrated its environmental stewardship by collecting 310 kg of trash from Qatar’s Singing Sand Dunes. These initiatives highlight the consultancy’s dedication to positively impacting the community and environment. As a moderator and speaker at industry events, Graham helps foster collaboration and innovation within the construction sector, cementing his reputation as a visionary leader in the region. Under Graham’s stewardship, RLB continues to set sustainability and project management benchmarks, driving excellence and responsible corporate citizenship in the Middle East construction industry. Sam Graham Managing Director, Rider Levett Bucknall 13Next >