The annual list of the Middle East’s Top 60 most prominent contractors, real estate developers, consultants, facilities management companies features more than 11 new entries from across the region, putting in the spotlight the current improving outlook of the sector. These new entries have altered the entire corporate dynamics of the Power Hour 2019. For the full rankings click here.
We reveal who got placed from Ranking 1 to 5 below:
1. Kez Taylor, CEO of ALEC
Kez Taylor has been CEO of ALEC for 20 years and has led ALEC’s work on some of the Gulf’s most high profile projects especially in the UAE. ALEC have worked for the past 12 months on some of Dubai’s most high-profile projects including the Bluewaters Island Retail district, BVLGARI Resort Dubai, Holiday Inn Dubai Festival City, and The Residences at Marina Gate I & II. At this stage the on-going developments includes Emaar’s Dubai Hills Mall, One Za’abeel, Mobility Pavilion, CoEx Exhibition Centre at Expo 2020.
Kez Taylor had driven some of the major initiatives developed within ALEC including the development of BIM and digitalisation system within the company – driving as well the innovation part of the development of the day to day efficiency, and has also contributed to a great diversification of related businesses in introducing ALEC technology. Also with the increase of solar energy solutions ALEC has introduced ALEC Energy, and have also started AJI for heavy equipment rental for the construction industry
Kez Taylor has also been driving an important initiative for the company with the modular/off site construction development. Due to the various businesses that we are involved with, we can add value to our clients and this is definitely one of our main focus.
As for ALEC’s plans for expansion Kez Taylor told Construction Business News: “Saudi Arabia can no longer be ignored and we are looking at opportunities in this region. We have been also working in Ethiopia and it might be the first step into more work in Africa.”
2. Mohamed Alabbar, Chairmam of Emaar Properties
Emaar Properties have had an eventful 2019 as it achieved one of the highest quarterly property sales in Dubai during the first quarter (January to March) of 2019 recording an increase of 53 per cent to AED 5.979 billion (US$ 1.628 billion) compared to the Q1 2018 sales of AED 3.906 billion (US$ 1.063 billion).
The sales to international customers more than doubled in Q1 2019 to AED 2.645 billion (US$ 720 million) compared to AED 1.187 billion (US$ 323 million) in Q1 2018, highlighting the significant interest of international investors in Dubai real estate and the strength of Emaar brand.
Dubai has emerged as a global hub for all businesses including financial services, logistics, travel, hospitality and trade, and is steadily growing in other sectors such as healthcare, technology and clean energy. This growth in these businesses is nurturing a strong and diverse knowledge base and community of trained professionals. The growth in the knowledge economy and the vibrance of city are the primary drivers of the growth in sales of real estate recorded by Emaar in the first quarter of the year.
In a press statement Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties, said: “Our focus on timely project execution and cash flow generation underlines our market leadership. Emaar’s operational strategy of building premium residential assets, and expanding the malls, hospitality and entertainment operations to meet the aspirations of the new generation of customers continues to drive our growth. The surge in sale of Emaar’s real estate developments in Dubai to international investors not only highlights Dubai’s position as the region’s leading business centre and hub city, but as the one of the most dynamic and growing market economies.”
3. Ahmed Abu Hashima, CEO of Egyptian Steel & Egyptian Cement
Ahmed Abu Hashima is known as a remarkable young self-made patriotic Egyptian entrepreneur whose ambition has no limits, success for him is a decision and his time is gold. Abou Hashima founded Egyptian Steel Group in the year 2010 and in 2017 would go on to establish Egyptian Cement and Egyptian Contracting where he created what he calls “a one-stop shop for building materials”. Over 6 billion pounds were invested into Egyptian Building Material Group “Egyptian Cement” and they established a new Egyptian Cement Plant was in Sohag which is boasting a production capacity of 2 million tons per year. The actual production commencement will take place in the last quarter of 2019.
4. Farhad Azizi, CEO of Azizi Developments
As the CEO of Azizi Developments and Vice Chairman of the Azizi Group, Farhad oversees the company’s operations, leads the strategy, and guides the direction of the managerial team. He has contributed to enhancing Azizi Developments’ focus on customer-centricity, transparency, and trust building, as well as the firm’s dedication to its research- and construction-driven approach. Having marked 2019 as its ‘Year of Construction’, Azizi Developments is well on track to deliver over 4,000 in 2019 alone. It has, to date, delivered over 8,200 units across the globe.
5. Emad Azmy, President, Vice Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of ASGC Construction
Mr. Emad Azmy co-founded ASGC Construction LLC in 1989 and is until this moment the President, Vice Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of ASGC. He is the wheel-steerer of the company establishing new strategies and growth plans.
His leadership has built the company on a historical track record of reliability with a strong emphasis on delivering high quality projects on time. ASGC today has constructed many of the iconic projects of Dubai, some of these are Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion, City Walk and Etihad Museum.
Mr. Azmy formed ASGC’s conglomerate through the focus on continuous improvement, continuous growth and team building. As a result, ASGC initiated new building techniques, integrated the latest technologies into the construction industry, grew the business vertically, created new revenue streams and shifted the business to be one of the leading contractors in the region.
In the past 12 months, ASGC has completed projects like Coca-Cola Arena, Mediclinic Parkview Hospital, Marina Bloom, Bluewaters Residences and DXB Airport Concourse C, B & Terminal 1 (BHS Halls C & D) Improvement Works
Mr. Azmy’s continuous improvement mindset can be seen in every area of the business and it has kept his company leading the construction sector despite the market fluctuations and changes. All areas of the business were looked at thoroughly ato keep them improving, be it enhancing ASGC’s workforce’s skills and expertise in order to build the most complex projects in the country, adopting technology at its earliest stage, digitizing and standardizing the processes, and refining the construction operations.
As for expansion plans, Mr. Azmy told Construction Business News: “Expansion is part of business sustainability. ASGC has several action plans that are being implemented at the moment from vertical focus, geographical expansion to sectors’ penetration and broadening of construction offerings.”
This mindset coupled with his righteous philosophy has led him to be ranked among the most trusted contractors who delivers what he promises and even more. The work ethics you hear Mr. Azmy always say is “work right and don’t worry about the consequences”; this has been the driving mantra of ASGC.