< PreviousIN PICTURES www.mepmiddleeast.com 10 MEP Middle East | May 2025www.mepmiddleeast.com BY RAK PROPERTIES MINA AL ARAB MEP_May2025_10-11_In Pictures_13582660.indd 1028/04/2025 18:52IN PICTURES www.mepmiddleeast.comMay 2025 | MEP Middle East 11 www.mepmiddleeast.com MEP_May2025_10-11_In Pictures_13582660.indd 1128/04/2025 18:52www.mepmiddleeast.com 12 MEP Middle East | May 2025www.mepmiddleeast.comwww.mepmiddleeast.com 12 MEP Middle East | May 2025www.mepmiddleeast.com MEP_May2025_12-13_5 Things to Know_13581134.indd 1228/04/2025 18:535 THINGS TO KNOW www.mepmiddleeast.comMay 2025 | MEP Middle East 13 www.mepmiddleeast.com THE MANGROVE 1 The Mangrove is a cutting-edge mixed-use development in Karachi, designed by SSH to integrate urban living with the natural beauty of Korangi Creek. It brings together residential, commercial, and leisure spaces while preserving the area’s serene mangrove forests. 2 SSH’s scope included masterplanning, infrastructure, and landscaping, ensuring all systems were holistically designed. MEP solutions are seamlessly integrated to support circulation, parking, and utilities across the entire development. 3 Advanced MEP systems enable reduced energy consumption, effi cient water use, and responsible waste management. These sustainability measures contribute to a lower carbon footprint and long-term environmental stewardship. 4 A core feature of the project is the protection of the mangrove ecosystem and the adjacent biodiversity park. The design carefully respects these habitats, enhancing biodiversity and maintaining ecological balance. 5 The development features landscaped areas, a creekside boardwalk, and diverse spaces for housing, retail, hospitality, and offi ces. It is designed to foster a lively, walkable environment that supports a modern and sustainable urban lifestyle. MEP_May2025_12-13_5 Things to Know_13581134.indd 1328/04/2025 18:53COVER STORY www.mepmiddleeast.com 14 MEP Middle East | May 2025www.mepmiddleeast.com Recruitment expert James Mowat unpacks the changing face of MEP recruitment in the region, where purpose, growth and people now take priority over paycheques DECODING HIRING Words by Almas Tholot Photography by Aasiya Jagadeesh MEP_May2025_14-23_Cover Story_13602668.indd 1405/05/2025 10:38COVER STORY www.mepmiddleeast.comMay 2025 | MEP Middle East 15 www.mepmiddleeast.com MEP_May2025_14-23_Cover Story_13602668.indd 1505/05/2025 10:38COVER STORY www.mepmiddleeast.com 16 MEP Middle East | May 2025www.mepmiddleeast.com James Mowat, Managing Director – EMEA, Energi People Remember when recruitment was just about filling positions? James Mowat challenges that outdated mindset every day. Today, recruitment in the MEP sector demands a mix of precision, empathy, and foresight; a balancing act Mowat has perfected over the years. As Managing Director for Energi People across the EMEA region, he draws on nearly two decades of experience to connect talent with opportunities. When Mowat speaks about his career, it’s with a depth that only comes from lived experience. His path to leadership wasn’t a straight line; instead, it was a journey defined by resilience and a willingness to learn, adapt, and thrive in the face of uncertainty. In this exclusive interview for MEP Middle East, Mowat reflects on his journey, shares candid insights into the MEP recruitment space in the region. FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO LEADERSHIP Mowat’s story starts in the UK, where he grew up in a broken home. His parents’ divorce, coupled with family turmoil, marked his early years, and by the time he was 12, he found himself running away from home. “I didn’t get along with my dad’s partner, so at 12 years old, I ran away,” he says with a wry chuckle. “I lived with my mum for a while, but that wasn’t easy either. She had her own issues, and there was a lot of domestic chaos.” This instability eventually led Mowat to homelessness at just 16 years old. “I slept on park benches, my dad’s office floor—anywhere I could find. Eventually, social services placed me in a youth hostel run by Step by Step, the charity I’m now proud to serve as a trustee,” he says. It was during these challenging years that Mowat learned some of the most important lessons in life; lessons that would later define his approach to leadership. “It taught me a lot about resilience, discipline, and accountability,” he shares. “There were moments when I could have gone down a dark path. I grew up in a town where crime and drugs were prevalent, but my dad instilled a strong work ethic in me from a young age. That kept me grounded.” Mowat’s ability to overcome adversity shaped his leadership style in ways he never anticipated. “Accountability was huge for me,” he explains. “I was homeless, but I had to look at myself in the mirror and say, ‘It’s not your fault you’re in this situation, but it’s up to you to get out of it.’” This mindset became the cornerstone of his leadership philosophy. He attributes his work ethic to his father’s early lessons. “I hated it as a kid, but my dad instilled discipline in me—mowing lawns, doing housework, all of it. That discipline became a foundation during the tougher times.” Empathy also plays a pivotal role in his leadership style. “When I was in the youth hostel, people often judged me based on where I lived. It was difficult to get a job because employers assumed I was trouble. That experience taught me to see beyond first impressions, which is something I bring into recruitment,” says Mowat, reflecting on his own struggles. “It gave me a deeper understanding of people and the challenges they face, which has been invaluable in my work. Everyone has a story, and it’s important to see the potential beyond the surface.” THE MEP RECRUITMENT LANDSCAPE Switching gears to the MEP recruitment space, Mowat highlights the current trends in the Middle East. “The data centre sector is booming right now,” he states, emphasising the shift towards digital infrastructure and high-tech projects in the region. “We’re seeing a significant demand for professionals with PMP certifications and site supervision experience. Projects that were in the design phase months ago are now moving on-site, driving the need for site inspectors and design- savvy engineers.” Mowat has also noticed a shift in the types of projects that are in demand across the region. While data centres continue to dominate, there is MEP_May2025_14-23_Cover Story_13602668.indd 1605/05/2025 10:39COVER STORY www.mepmiddleeast.comMay 2025 | MEP Middle East 17 www.mepmiddleeast.com an emerging focus on sectors like pharmaceuticals and life sciences. “Pharma projects are starting to gain traction, especially in the UAE,” he says. “There is also a significant increase in high-rise projects, but finding candidates with the required high-rise experience remains a challenge.” He chuckles at the varying definitions of ‘high-rise’ in the industry. “Some people consider anything above 30 stories to be high-rise, while others think it needs to be 70 stories or more to qualify. It’s all relative,” he laughs. Nevertheless, the growing emphasis on high- rise and life sciences projects signals a shift towards more diverse and complex infrastructure developments in the region. WORKFORCE NATIONALISATION It’s not just technical expertise that’s in short supply. As the region strives to meet ambitious infrastructure goals, local talent acquisition has become an increasingly complex challenge. Policies such as Emiratisation in the UAE and Saudisation in Saudi Arabia have had a profound impact on recruitment dynamics. “What’s happening with Emiratisation and Saudisation is incredible,” Mowat says. “We saw fantastic submissions from young Emirati and Saudi engineers, including women, at last year’s MEP Awards, which was inspiring. The policies are great for local talent, but they create some challenges for employers,” he admits. “It’s not that companies don’t want to hire Emiratis or Saudis—far from it—but the reality is that these candidates are highly sought after, not only by local firms but also by big international corporations and oil and gas companies, which are offering huge salaries.” In response to these challenges, Mowat recommends that companies take a proactive approach to recruitment. “Rather than waiting until candidates graduate, businesses need to embed themselves in universities to identify top talent early. You need to engage with universities, create mentorship programs, and showcase career growth opportunities within your organisations. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself too late,” he advises. Mowat also notes that recruitment of international talent, particularly for engineers with experience in specialised sectors, is becoming increasingly competitive. “If you’re an international candidate looking to work in the UAE or Saudi, it’s not as simple as it used to be. There’s a huge talent pool already in place in the region, and companies are more likely to hire someone with local experience,” he observes. CHALLENGES IN TALENT ACQUISITION: CAREER HOPPING Mowat highlights the challenge of career hopping in the MEP industry, emphasising its impact on Candidates today are increasingly looking for more holistic packages that address both professional growth and personal wellbeing “Companies are encouraged to expand their talent acquisition strategies beyond national borders, seeking international expertise to maintain project momentum, competitiveness, and successful delivery in 2025 and beyond” MEP_May2025_14-23_Cover Story_13602668.indd 1705/05/2025 10:39COVER STORY www.mepmiddleeast.com 18 MEP Middle East | May 2025www.mepmiddleeast.com hiring decisions. He stated: “What really stands out in a candidate’s experience is their ability to see a project through from start to finish. Being part of the journey—from initial design through to commissioning and handover—demonstrates commitment and provides a wealth of learning that’s hard to replicate in shorter stints.” He emphasises the importance of being deeply involved in every phase of a project: “It’s not just about the technical work; it’s about understanding the challenges that arise at each stage and working collaboratively to solve them. That kind of experience builds expertise and credibility in a way that frequent moves simply cannot.” In the Middle East, where large-scale projects often span years, this mindset is particularly crucial. Companies invest significant resources in nurturing talent, and long-term involvement allows professionals to develop a more comprehensive skill set while contributing meaningfully to the team’s goals. Mowat advises candidates to approach their career transitions thoughtfully: “Think about the bigger picture. Sometimes staying with a company for longer can give you the stability and experience that will ultimately make you more marketable in the future.” ADVICE FOR YOUNG ENGINEERS For young engineers entering the field, Mowat has straightforward advice: “Network. Attend industry events like the MEP Awards. Get out of your comfort zone and meet people. That’s how you stand out.” He also emphasises the importance of choosing a career based on passion rather than salary. “This industry can be incredibly rewarding. Don’t just chase the paycheque; look for opportunities to grow and make an impact.” As Mowat looks to the future, his focus remains firmly on the evolving needs of the MEP industry and the opportunities that lie ahead for both companies and professionals. “The industry is constantly evolving,” he says. “You’ve got to be ready for change, and you’ve got to be adaptable. If you do that, there’s a lot of opportunity ahead.” MEP Middle East Awards 2024 2024 Saw consistent growth in the region’s MEP sector, fuelled by infrastructure and real estate megaprojects MEP_May2025_14-23_Cover Story_13602668.indd 1805/05/2025 10:39COVER STORY www.mepmiddleeast.comMay 2025 | MEP Middle East 19 www.mepmiddleeast.com “This industry can be incredibly rewarding. Don’t just chase the paycheque; look for opportunities to grow and make an impact” COVER STORY www.mepmiddleeast.comMay 2025 | MEP Middle East 19 www.mepmiddleeast.com MEP_May2025_14-23_Cover Story_13602668.indd 1905/05/2025 10:39Next >