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, UK, and a BSc in Architectural Engineering from Cairo University.
Sameh is a strong advocate for sustainability and green building practices. He was pivotal in steering projects toward achieving LEED and BREEAM certifications, industry benchmarks for sustainability. Under his leadership, Innovo is currently working on several notable green building projects, including Six Senses The Palm (LEED Silver), the Louvre Residences (Estidama Pearl 2), Orla (LEED Gold), and the BREEAM-certified Elysian Mansions project.
Innovo, a global leader in construction and innovation within the built environment, specializes in the design, engineering, construction, development, and infrastructure financing of significant real estate projects across four continents.
With over 35 years of leadership in the Middle Eastern built environment, Innovo stands out for its commitment to purpose-driven operations. The company leverages cutting-edge, transformative technology, emphasizes sustainability throughout the value chain, and integrates diverse expertise from its vast workforce to forge robust and trusted industry relationships. Headquartered in London, Innovo has a global presence with offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Toronto, Cairo, Dakar, Luanda, and Riyadh.
Under Sameh’s leadership, ASGC and Innovo have delivered numerous complex, high-profile projects to the highest standards. Some of the key projects completed under his guidance include:
Projects by ASGC:
Mohammed Bin Rashid Library: ASGC managed the civil, MEP, and infrastructure works for this iconic 54,000 sqm library, which is shaped like an open book and includes a 500-seat theatre.
Etihad Museum: ASGC developed the 25,000 sqm Etihad Museum, located at the historic site where the UAE was founded in 1971.
Dubai International Airport Expansion: Sameh led ASGC’s efforts to expand Dubai Airport.
Jumeirah Beach Residence: ASGC completed over 1,000 residential units across four high-rise towers within 36 months.
City Walk: ASGC constructed 34 residential blocks in Dubai’s vibrant lifestyle hub, City Walk.
Expo 2020 Dubai: ASGC delivered over 30 projects, including the LEED platinum-certified Sustainability Pavilion and the Opportunity Pavilion.
Coca-Cola Arena: ASGC designed, built, and executed the civil, MEP, and infrastructure works for this 500,000 sq ft indoor venue, which can accommodate 17,000 people.
MC2 Masdar City: ASGC constructed a globally renowned sustainable office complex on three plots, including seven office buildings and a parking facility.
Projects by Innovo Group:
Sameh’s achievements at ASGC set the stage for his rise to CEO of Innovo Build, where he continues to champion innovation and excellence in the construction sector. At Innovo Build, Sameh has drawn upon his vast experience and deep expertise to lead the company in delivering pioneering projects that push the limits of design and sustainability. Some of Innovo’s most notable construction projects include:
Six Senses: The Palm
Innovo is the main contractor for the Six Senses hotel and branded residences project, which aims to achieve LEED Silver certification.
Saadiyat Lagoons
Innovo will deliver the construction and infrastructure works of the Saadiyat Lagoons Package 3 master community, which comprises 975 sustainably designed villas spread over 615,000 m². The project will hold the prestigious Estidama Pearl 1 Rating.
Louvre Residences
Innovo is the general contractor for the Louvre Residences project, a premier residential destination with 421 units, retail spaces, and community facilities. This project will have an Estidama Pearl 2 rating and LEED Silver Certification.
St. Regis Residences
Located in the Opera District, Downtown Dubai, the project comprises two sleek, modern, art-deco-inspired towers with a connecting platform, rising to 262m and 171m, respectively.
Other Innovo Build projects include Orla, Dorchester Collection, Beach Mansion, Bulgari Ocean Mansions, Elysian Mansions, Ava at Palm Jumeirah, Egypt Post Office, New Administrative Capital in Egypt, Tilal Al Ghaf, and many others.
Sameh will continue to play a central role at Innovo, driving the Group’s sustainability initiatives and innovation forward. His dedication to sustainable construction is unwavering, as reflected in his efforts to integrate practices that minimise environmental impact. These include Innovo’s waste reduction and recycling targets, which Sameh has been a leader in achieving. His commitment to sustainability is a business strategy and a personal mission that inspires everyone at Innovo.
Under Sameh’s guidance, Innovo has emerged as a leader in sustainable construction, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to boost project efficiency and environmental responsibility. One notable innovation is the Lifecycle Digital Twin, a digital model of physical assets that improves project delivery by enhancing safety, efficiency, and effectiveness. This technology was notably used during the construction of the Louvre Residences in Abu Dhabi, allowing the team to monitor progress in real-time and address potential issues proactively.
Sameh’s strategic leadership has also been vital to Innovo securing 52 projects across the UAE and Egypt, with a total value of around £4.8 billion (AED 22.6 billion). His vision includes expanding Innovo’s market presence in the UAE through strategic joint ventures and diversification, mainly focusing on strengthening the company’s footprint in Abu Dhabi. With Sameh at the helm, Innovo is well-positioned for continued growth and success.
Sameh’s long-term vision for Innovo Build is ambitious and forward-thinking. He aims to fully digitise the construction process, positioning Innovo as a technology-driven leader in the industry. Additionally, he plans to rigorously assess every operational aspect to incorporate sustainable practices to significantly lower the company’s carbon footprint. This vision of a technologically advanced and eco-friendly future is the driving force behind Innovo’s progress.