James Allan, the CEO of JLL Middle East & Africa (MEA), is a seasoned real estate professional with over 20 years of industry experience. His strategic vision and expertise have been instrumental in guiding JLL’s regional operations, which now span nine cities, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Cairo, Casablanca, Johannesburg, and Nairobi, employing over 1,900 professionals. Under his leadership, JLL has seen substantial growth and success, achieving a remarkable 24% increase in revenue in 2023 from the previous year. Under James’s leadership, JLL has achieved significant milestones. The company has consulted on development projects worth over US$560…
Author: CBNME Writer
Lee French, the Partner and Managing Director for MENA at Cundall, has played a pivotal role in steering the company’s regional operations. His journey, which began as an apprentice in 2001, is a testament to the opportunities for growth and development at Cundall. With over 24 years of experience in the construction industry, Lee’s leadership has led to significant growth, including expanding offices in Riyadh and Bengaluru and a 64% increase in the overall team to meet the rising demand. Cundall, a globally recognized multi-disciplinary consultancy, is renowned for its sustainable engineering and design solutions across various sectors, including entertainment,…
In January 2024, Christopher Seymour, a seasoned professional with over 35 years of experience in construction, engineering, and consultancy, was appointed as Mace Group’s Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa (MEA). His extensive experience, including more than 15 years in the Middle East with senior roles at Mott MacDonald and Arcadis, makes him the ideal leader to oversee Mace’s operations in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Egypt, Kenya, and South Africa. Chris focuses on day-to-day operations across Mace’s four service lines: project and programme management, cost and commercial, PMO and planning services, and business advisory. He also…
Mott MacDonald has solidified its position as a leading engineering and management consultancy in the primary infrastructure space in the Middle East over the past three years. Their success is evident in the successful delivery of major projects in the energy, water, transport and built environment sectors, a track record that we are proud of and that instill confidence in their capabilities. The changing landscape across the GCC has presented opportunities and challenges for Mott MacDonald to navigate, such as balancing the scale and speed of development in Saudi Arabia and the UAE with slower growth in other nations. Over…
Barry Lewis, appointed CEO of ALEC last year, has been a pivotal figure in the company’s evolution over the past two decades. His leadership has been integral to the company’s transformation into a powerhouse in the construction industry, particularly in the Middle East. Throughout his tenure, Barry has been at the helm of numerous landmark projects that have redefined the region’s skyline. Among these are the Dubai Airport Concourses A and D, the ultra-luxurious Bulgari Hotel and Resort, the towering One Za’abeel, and the groundbreaking SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, each of which showcases ALEC’s capability to deliver projects that are both…
Eng. Fakher Al-Shawaf, the dynamic Group CEO of AlBawani Holding Company, is a visionary architect behind the transformation of Saudi Arabia’s construction landscape. With a deep-seated passion for innovation and a relentless pursuit of excellence, he has steered AlBawani into becoming one of the Kingdom’s most influential construction powerhouses. Under his leadership, the company has played a pivotal role in realising some of the region’s most ambitious and iconic projects, each a testament to his commitment to quality, sustainability, and strategic growth. Fakher’s leadership philosophy goes beyond mere construction; he envisions building a future harmonising with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030,…
Samer Abdul Samad joined Nesma & Partners Contracting in 1994, as a site engineer after graduating from New York University with a Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering in 1992, following his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the same university in 1990. Over the past 30 years, Samer has steadily advanced in his career. In his previous roles at Nesma & Partners, Engineer Samer was an indispensable member of operations and project management, overseeing all construction and infrastructure projects in the company, contributing to its growth, and achieving its goals. Due to his dedication and ambitious…
Pietro Salini, the driving force behind Webuild’s global recognition, leads a construction and civil engineering firm that is a beacon of expertise in executing complex infrastructure projects. With his decades of experience, Pietro has been pivotal in establishing Webuild as a global leader in sustainable infrastructure, steering the company with a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and strategic growth. Webuild, a transformation from Salini Impregilo, has a robust presence in the Middle East and is deeply involved in several key infrastructure projects. The company’s work in the region, including the construction of metro systems, airports, and water desalination plants, plays…
Ramez Al-Khayyat, the distinguished President of UCC Holding, has been pivotal in transforming the company into a global leader. His strategic guidance and unwavering commitment to quality and innovation have positioned UCC as a construction and development industry leader. Under his leadership, UCC Holding has become a diverse conglomerate, employing over 32,000 experts and professionals worldwide. Since establishing an office in Saudi Arabia, UCC Holding has employed over 15,000 professionals on landmark projects across the Kingdom. These projects, which span various sectors, including developing entertainment facilities, luxury hotels, and resorts in key locations such as Madinah, Qiddiya, Tabuk, and the…
Sameh Fam, CEO of Innovo Build, the construction division of Innovo Group, brings 30 years of industry experience, having led some of the most iconic and complex projects to success. Before joining Innovo Build in 2021, Sameh spent nearly 18 years at ASGC Group, steadily advancing from Construction Manager in 2005 to Managing Director in 2020. His journey reflects his dedication, vision, and significant impact on the construction industry. Sameh has consistently excelled in overseeing complex construction projects, ensuring they are completed on time and to the highest standards. He holds an MSc in Construction Project Management from Heriot-Watt University,…