Top 25 Most Powerful People In The GCC Mega Project Industry

In this post I will give you the 25 most powerful and influential people in the GCC Mega Project industry. The list originates from an exhaustive study done by ConstructionWeekOnline.com. I think you will find it interesting.

1. Mohammed Alabbar, Chairman, Emaar Properties

2. Ayman Harari, Deputy General Manager, Saudi Oger

3. Bakr bin Laden, Chairman, Saudi Binladen Group

4. Riad Kamal, Chairman & Founder, Arabtec Construction

5. Zuhair Hamed Fayez, Principal & Founder, ZFP Consultants

6. Mohammed Abdul Aziz Al-Shaya, Chairman & Managing Director, Mabanee

7. Mohannad Sweid, CEO, Depa

8. Khaled Musaed Al Seif, Chairman, El Seif Engineering Contracting

9. Adnan Al-Mubarak, General Manager, Black Cat Engineering & Construction

10. Sultan Al Jaber, CEO, Masdar

11. Said T. Khoury, Chairman & President, Consolidated Contractors Co.

12. Farida Kamber Al AwaDhi, Managing Director, Cinmar Design

13. Ali Hassan Kolaghassi, CEO, Saraya Holdings

14. Khalid Al Malik, Group CEO, Dubai Properties Group

15. Abdulrahman Abdulkader Mohammed Fakih, Chairman, Makkah Construction & Development Co.

16. Khaldoun Tabari, Vice Chairman & CEO, Drake & Skull International

17. Dr. P. Mohamed Ali, Founder, Galfar Engineering & Contracting Co.

18. Abdullah M. Al Zamil, CEO, Zamil Industrial Ind Co.

19. Khater Massaad, CEO & Founder, RAK Ceramics

20. Santosh Joseph, CEO & Founder, Dubai Pearl

21. PNC Menon, Chairman, Sobha Developers

22. Fatima Obaid Al Jaber, COO, Al Jaber Group

23. Youssef bin Rashed Al Khater, CEO, Barwa Real Estate

24. Phillipe Dessoy, General Manager, BESIX

25. Mishal Kanoo, Deputy Chairman, Kanoo Group

Other notables include:

> John Bullough, CEO, ALDAR Properties

> Ziad El Chaar, General Manager, DAMAC Properties

> Jonathan Emery, Senior VP of Project Management, Majid Al Futtaim Properties

> Chris O'Donnell, CEO, Nakheel

> Laurie Voyer, Managing Director, Al Habtoor Leighton Group

The Mega Developers: Cayan

Cayan is emerging as one of the most avant-garde real estate developers in the GCC. Although not as well known as Emaar, Nakheel, DAMAC or ALDAR, Cayan is developing some of the finest Mega Projects in the GCC with a focus on the Dubai Marina. Cayan's mission is to challenge the world of architecture, luxury and exclusivity and create world class properties.

CAYAN DEVELOPMENTS:

> Infinity Tower--
Type: Residential
Location: Dubai Marina

'Infinity Tower is an 80-storey residential tower that spirals in a smooth curve by an astonishing 90 degrees to give every apartment a stunning view of the sea or marina. Infinity's dynamic twisting shape challenges conventional architecture and redefines standards of luxury. Infinity is also situated in a key location at the mouth of Dubai Marina thus enjoying great views onto the marina, sea and The Palm.'

> Silverene Towers--
Type: Residential
Location: Dubai Marina

'Designed by RMJM, one of the world's top architects, this marvel of architecture offers 35 floors in Tower A and 26 floors in Tower B. It encompasses all the benefits of waterfront living, topped by a unique interior treatment. A captivating glass and mirror effect reflects the blue waters and maximizes the breathtaking view on each floor.'

> The Jewels--
Type: Residential
Location: Dubai Marina

'The architecture of The Jewels is of the very highest level, planned by international award winning designers and architects, RMJM and spearheaded by Hazel Wong, known for her exquisite design on Emirates Towers. The Jewels twin towers rise to an imposing 20 storeys, housing some of the world's finest apartments.'

> Dorrabay--
Type: Residential
Location: Dubai Marina

'Dorrabay is a 22-storey residential Tower strategically located to overlook the beach and the marina; Dorrabay offers a range of panoramic views of the Arabian Sea, marina or boat harbors. The tower's curve design and location at the end of the crossroad between the beach and the marina optimizes the view of all its apartments.'

> Residencia--
Type: Residential
Location: Dubai Marina

'Located at Dubai Marina, La Residencia Del Mar is a brilliant fusion of refined lifestyles, inspired designs and unmatched amenities. With only 14 floors and only 3 apartments per floor residents enjoy total privacy and exclusivity, making it one of the most coveted and exclusive addresses in Dubai.'

> Plaza Residence--
Type: Residential
Location: Jumeirah Village

'A blend of convenience and comfort, in a place where nature is respected and business is a mere stone's throw away. Live in the heart of Dubai's most desirable district. Plaza Residences follows a distinctive plan which ensures that every square foot of space is elegantly laid out. Within the building itself, there's the comfort of a reception lobby, large recreation areas, basement parking for each apartment. Acres of landscaped beauty, including gardens, children's play areas, pools and international shopping arcades are just some of the features that make living a pure joy.'

> Cayan Business Center--
Type: Commercial
Location: Dubai Marina

'Cayan Business Center(CBC) is a 12-storey, ultra modern building designed by leading architects, Schuster Pechtold. This intimidating structure offers offices and its occupants the benefits of spacious, natural-lit areas, high-speed elevators, state-of-the-art ventilation systems, security access and appointed basement parking spaces.'

++ Cayan Headquarters:

Dubai--

12th Floor
Cayan Business Center
TECOM, PO Box 33668
Dubai, UAE
Tel: +971 4 361 9333

Riyadh--

King Fahad Road
Al-Meshal Building
PO Box 75294
Riyadh 11578
Saudi Arabia
Tel: +9661 416 3311

Website: http://www.cayan.net/

Twisting Mega Projects Of The GCC

Some of the most stunning and iconic Mega Projects of the GCC are the twisting towers. These towers, some complete and some still being built, are architectural masterpieces and icons of limitless achievement for the Middle East. Here are the top four.

> Al Tijaria Tower, Kuwait--

- Location: Kuwait City
- Height: 55 Storeys
- Rotation: 45 Degrees
- Status: Completed
- Cost: $95 Million
- Architect: NORR and Al-Jazera
- Developer: Commercial Real Estate Company

This tower, also known as the Kuwait World Trade Centre, was completed last year and has become a GCC icon. The project features office space, a four level retail mall, landscaped roof deck, elevators with panoramic views and much more. Each tower floor plate is rotated about one degree per floor giving the tower its twisting appearance.

> Al Bidda Tower, Qatar--

- Location: West Bay, Doha, Qatar
- Height: 45 Storeys
- Rotation: 60 Degrees
- Status: Completed
- Cost: $82 Million
- Architect: GHD
- Developer: The Platinum Tower Company and Golden Lands

This stunning tower won the prestigious 'Architecture Award For Qatar' in the office space category given by Bloomberg Arabian Property Awards in 2010. Forty three floors of the tower rotate slightly giving Al Bidda Tower its 60 degree twist. I think this is one of Qatar's foremost towers and one of my all time favorites for the region.

> Infinity Tower, Dubai--

- Location: Dubai Marina
- Height: 80 Storeys
- Rotation: 90 Degrees
- Status: Almost Completed
- Cost: $272 Million
- Architect: Skidmore, Owings and Merrill
- Developer: Cayman

Once again Dubai does not disappoint. At 80 storeys Infinity Tower will be one of the the world's tallest twisting towers and is sure to become one of the most iconic towers of Dubai Marina and, in fact, all of the GCC. Infinity Tower is a residential tower and its 90 degree rotation makes it the most twisted of all the towers I am covering in this post.

> Ocean Heights, Dubai--

- Location: Dubai Marina
- Height: 84 Storeys
- Rotation: 33 Degrees
- Status: Completed
- Cost: $172 Million
- Architect: Aedas
- Developer: DAMAC Properties

I really think this tower is fantastic. Although it does not twist as much as the other towers in this post, the overall look of Ocean Heights is stunning! Like Infinity Tower, Ocean Heights is residential and located in Dubai Marina. It is interesting to note that the amount of steel used to build Ocean Heights could build two Eiffel Towers!

The twisting towers of the GCC are some of the most spectacular and iconic Mega Projects in the world. Each one is an architectural monument and a tribute to the forward thinking expansion of the region.

Richest Arabs 2010

Each year ArabianBusiness.com publishes their World's Richest Arabs list. They do a great job and I like to publish the list on this blog because many of these Super Rich Arabs are directly or indirectly involved with the Mega Projects of the Middle East.

RICHEST ARABS 2010

1. Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal, $20.4 Bil, Saudi Arabia
2. Mohamed Bin Issa Al Jaber, $12 Bil, Saudi Arabia
3. Olayan Family, $11.9 Bil, Saudi Arabia
4. Mohammad Al Amoudi, $10 Bil, Saudi Arabia
5. Issam Alzahid, $10 Bil, Saudi Arabia
6. Bin Ladin Family, $9.8 Bil, Saudi Arabia
7. Nasser Al Kharafi, $8.2 Bil, Kuwait
8. Said Khoury, $7 Bil, Palestine
9. Bugshan Family, $7 Bil, Saudi Arabia
10. Al Ghurair Family, $6.52 Bil, UAE
11. Alshaya Family, $6.5 Bil, Kuwait
12. Al Jaffali Family, $6.2 Bil, Saudi Arabia
13. Kanoo Family, $6.1 Bil, Bahrain
14. Tarek Abdulla Al Quahtani, $6 Bil, Saudi Arabia
15. Mubarak Al Suwaiket, $5.2 Bil, Saudi Arabia
16. Mohamed Abdul Latif Jameel $5.1 Bil, Saudi Arabia
17. Abdullah Al Futtaim, $5.06 Bil, UAE
18. Naghi Family, $5 Bil, Saudi Arabia
19. Majid Al Futtaim, $4.9 Bil, UAE
20. Sulaiman Abdulaziz Al Rajhi, $4.57 Bil, Saudi Arabia
21. Abdullah Al Rushaid, $4.55 Bil, Saudi Arabia
22. Omar Hamad Almana, $4.5 Bil, Qatar
23. Mohammed Sharbatly, $4.1 Bil, Saudi Arabia
24. Mohammad Kamal Jamjoom, $4.02 Bil, Saudi Arabia
25. Bukhamseen Family, $4 Bil, Kuwait
26. Gargash Family, $3.71 Bil, UAE
27. Saad Hariri, $3.7 Bil, Saudi Arabia
28. Sawiris Family, $3.55 Bil, Egypt
29. Ahmed Saleh Baeshen, $3.5 Bil, Saudi Arabia
30. Faisal Al Ayyar, $3.4 Bil, Kuwait
31. Abdullah Bin Saleh Al Othaim, $3.28 Bil, Saudi Arabia
32. Abdullatif Al Fozan, $3.26 Bil, Saudi Arabia
33. Saedan Family, $3.22 Bil, Saudi Arabia
34. Abdulaziz Al Sulaiman, $3.2 Bil, Saudi Arabia
35. Nadhmi Auchi, $3.18 Bil, Iraq
36. Hussein Bakry Gazzaz, $3.17 Bil, Saudi Arabia
37. Osama Ismail Ali Abudawood, $3.1 Bil, Saudi Arabia
38. Mohammed Elkhereiji, $3 Bil, Saudi Arabia
39. Bahaa Hariri, $3 Bil, Saudi Arabia
40. Adel Aujan, $2.9 Bil, Saudi Arabia
41. Al Zamil Family, $2.8 Bil, Saudi Arabia
42. Mansour Ojjey, $2.7 Bil, Saudi Arabia
43. Robert Mouawad, $2.5 Bil, Lebanon
44. Ayman Hariri, $2.4 Bil, Saudi Arabia
45. Issam Fares, $2.4 Bil, Lebanon
46. Mohammad Shafik Gabr, $2.1 Bil, Egypt
47. Abdul Moshen Al Hokair, $2 Bil, Saudi Arabia
48. Ahmed and Hassan Heikal, $1.78 Bil, Egypt
49. Mohammed Alesayi, $1.7 Bil, Saudi Arabia

One thing that really stands out on the list is that Saudi Arabia has many, many more Super Rich Arabs than any other country in the Middle East!

Source:

http://www.arabianbusiness.com/arabian-business-rich-list-2010-367763.html

Al Reef Villas, Abu Dhabi

The Al Reef Villas project developed by Manazel Real Estate of Abu Dhabi has become quite popular. Why? Because it offers affordable quality living in Abu Dhabi. As Manazal says: 'The first planned community in the UAE exclusively for the middle income tier of the population, it provides an environment of style and sophistication, with a range of exciting lifestyle options that integrate living, shopping and relaxing - all in one location.' I think this is fantastic-- high quality living AND affordable AND in Abu Dhabi!

Al Reef is divided into 4 different themed communities each with its own style of Villas:

> Arabic Community. 'Villas in the Arabic Community are inspired by regional motifs, applying the art of simplicity and moderation. Rooftop terraces offer the chance to enjoy a traditional Arabian sunset and give your gatherings the unique flavor of the local culture while surrounded by timber pergolas and handrails. The Middle East has never been as vivid as in your own Arabic Villa,' according to Manazal.

> Desert Community. Villas in the Desert Community are built on the singular tradition of desert homes, with monolithic building massing, textured wall finishes, and simple color tones. Open spaces on rooftops connect with landscaped areas, while living rooms open up onto private gardens.

> Contemporary Community. These Villas are very modern structures with clean geometric lines and carefully considered proportions all coming together to create a modern look appealing to today's modern lifestyle.

> Mediterranean Community. Villas in the Mediterranean Community integrate indoor and outdoor spaces to enable maximum enjoyment of the terrace and garden areas, which are central to the Mediterranean lifestyle. The arched openings, molding-framed windows, and timber shutters are assembled into a sophisticated architectural composition that is reminiscent of cultures that have developed on the edges of the sea.

Also part of the project is Al Reef Downtown. This area contains 46 apartment buildings offering studio, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments. Amenities include outdoor balconies, private ground floor courtyards, 24-hour security services, resort style swimming pools, state of the art gymnasiums, secure children's play areas and dedicated parking facilities.

In addition, Al Reef Downtown contains a complete Town Square featuring retail, commercial and community facilities including:

- Luxury Hotel,
- Supermarkets,
- Malls,
- Shops of all kinds,
- Restaurants and Cafes,
- Health Clubs,
- Medical Centers,
- Schools,
- Mosques.

"The Al Reef development will be a master development encompassing a whole new community, with all the necessary facilities and services for its citizens. Residents will enjoy the nearby shopping malls, supermarkets, outdoor markets, dedicated community services and many recreation areas," said Mohammed Al Qubaisi, Chairman of Manazal Real Estate.

Al Reef Villas is truly a top notch Mega Project that brings affordable first class Abu Dhabi living to everyone.

This link takes you to the Al Reef Villas website:

http://www.alreefvillasabudhabi.com/

Sowwah Island, Abu Dhabi

Sowwah Island is yet another of the great Abu Dhabi Island Mega Projects. Others include Reem Island, YAS Island and Saadiyat Island. Sowwah Island is a 114 hectare mixed use Mega Project being developed by Mubadala that will become Abu Dhabi's Central Business District. The island is being developed in 3 phases. Sowwah Island occupies a unique location between Abu Dhabi's existing downtown district as well as Reem Island, Mina Zayed and Saadiyat Island. Due to this fantastic location Sowwah Island becomes a natural hub for Abu Dhabi-- a vibrant core combined with landmark architecture seamlessly integrated into the fabric of the city by state of the art multi-tiered transport infrastructure.

Phase 1 of Sowwah Island, Sowwah Square, will be the center of the entire project. Launched in the summer of 2007 and with its first phase to be completed next year, Sowwah Island's four office towers and multiple 5-star hotels flank the capital's new Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) building, in a striking waterfront grouping that creates a strong business and hospitality hub for the island.

Four 30 to 36 storey landmark office towers will provide 180,000 sqm of high quality office space and about 37,000 sqm of retail and F&B space beneath the central square. Two 5-star luxury and business hotels, Rosewood Abu Dhabi and Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi, will overlook the water on either side of the distinctive new headquarters building of the ADX. The Rosewood will be 34 storeys and will consist of 6 luxury penthouses, 189 guest rooms and 131 serviced apartments. The hotel will also feature 20,000 sqm of meeting spaces, a business center, extensive amenities and retail spaces. The Four Seasons will offer 190 deluxe rooms and 125 apartments as well as a rooftop pool and garden. Conference and meeting facilities and a variety of high end restaurants will also be part of the hotel.

A 364 bed multi-speciality hospital, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, is also being built on Sowwah Island and will be located next to Sowwah Square. The hospital will be a center for healthcare excellence in the region and will attract patients from all over the region and all over the globe. Clinic specialities will include cardiac and vascular medicine, neurology, respiratory and critical care, gastroenterology and ophthalmology.

Phase 2 of Sowwah Island will develop the southern and central part of the island with mixed use residential and commercial buildings with a strong focus on community facilities, public open spaces and landscaped parks. Phase 3 of Sowwah Island has not yet been revealed by the developer.

A working population of more than 12,000 in the towers will bring the area to life in the open spaces and waterfront promenades of Sowwah Square's landscaped public areas designed by one of America's leading landscape architects, Martha Schwartz. In the evening the multi-layered transport network will connect the Square's retail and entertainment outlets to the city in it entirety.

The presence of such a high profile anchor tenant like the ADX is an indication of how important Sowwah Square is to the blue chip institutions of the region. Mubadala, the developer of Sowwah Island, has a goal of creating a development that will be home to leading businesses from all over the world.

Large investors in Sowwah Island include The National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD) and Al Hilal Bank. They have taken up the first two of twelve plots available in Sowwah Island's first phase. The banks will each be building an office tower. The other ten plots are at an advanced stage of negotiation.

I think Sowwah Island will be one of the most important of the Abu Dhabi Mega Projects. This is because Sowwah will be the primary business center for Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi is one of the most oil rich and cash rich regions on the planet. Thus a state of the art business district is primary for Abu Dhabi's continued development and expansion.

Here is a link to Mubadala, the developer of Sowwah Island:

http://www.mubadala.ae

The Mega Architects, Part 2

In this post I will give you the remaining ten top architects in the GCC. Last post we covered numbers one through ten and now I will cover numbers eleven to twenty.

11. Broadway Malyan. 30 staff in Middle East.

Broadway Malyan projects:

-- Al-Bandar, Al Raha Beach
-- Mina Zayed Masterplan
-- Al Khubeira
-- The Diamond
-- Commercial City Dubai

12. PRP/AI Architects. 22 staff in Middle East.

PRP projects:

-- Masdar City
-- Maqta Waterfront
-- The Park
-- Al Ain Boulevard
-- The Gateway Abu Dhabi

13. Gensler. 16 staff in Middle East.

Gensler projects:

-- Shamiya, Makkah
-- Ritz Carlton, DIFC
-- Tameer Towers
-- The Avenues, Phase 3
-- Currency House

14. BDP. 15 staff in Middle East.

BDP projects:

-- Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort
-- Danat Resort Jebel Dhanna
-- Radisson SAS Jumeirah Beach Hotel Dubai

15. Benoy. 14 staff in Middle East.

Benoy projects:

-- Al Seef, Al Raha Beach
-- Al Areen Master Plan
-- YAS Island Masterplan

16. RTKL. 13 staff in Middle East.

RTKL projects:

-- Kuwait 360
-- Bahrain City Centre
-- Mirdif City Centre
-- Baraya
-- Lionfish Islands Bahrain

17. FX Fowle Architects. 10 staff in Middle East.

FX projects:

-- Bonyan Business Bay
-- Meydan City Towers
-- Madinat Al Arab Twin Towers
-- King Abdullah Financial District
-- Gateway at Business Bay

18. Callison. 8 staff in Middle East.

Callison projects:

-- Pearl Qatar
-- Bloomingdale's Dubai
-- Harvey Nichols Dubai
-- Deira City Centre
-- Landmark Home Centre

19. HKS Inc. 3 staff in Middle East.

HKS projects:

-- Dubai Maritime Centre Hotel & Residences
-- Abu Dhabi Financial Centre Hotel & Residences
-- Four Seasons Sharm El-Sheikh

20. Nikken Sekkei. 3 staff in Middle East.

Nikken Sekkei projects:

-- Burj Al-Alam Business Bay
-- Ajmakan
-- Landmark Tower
-- Creek Towers & Plaza
-- Andalusia Gardens Jeddah

The Mega Architects: The Top Architects Behind the Mega Projects, Part 1

We have covered many great Mega Projects in this blog, and will continue to do so. We have also covered many of the the top developers and Sovereign Wealth Funds. In this post and the next I want to cover the top architects in the GCC. These are the architects behind the many Mega Projects being built and planned. They are vitally important and deserve some coverage in this blog. I will list the architectural firm followed by some of the leading projects of that firm.

1. Atkins. Over 2,000 staff in the Middle East and the largest architectural firm in the GCC.

Atkins projects:

-- Burj Al Arab
-- Dubai Metro
-- DIFC Lighthouse Tower
-- Durrat Al-Bahrain
-- Bahrain World Trade Centre
-- Bahrain International Airport
-- Al Mas Tower

2. Keo International. Over 1,800 staff in Middle East.

Keo projects:

-- Lusail
-- Barwa Financial Centre
-- Al Reem Mall
-- Carina Views, Reem Island
-- South of Shamkha
-- Al-Othman Complex

3. RMJM. 276 staff in Middle East.

RMJM projects:

-- Capital Gate Tower
-- Aviation Club Hotel @ Dubai Creek
-- American International School of Doha
-- ADNEC Convention Centre

4. Dewan Architects & Engineers. 220 staff in Middle East.

Dewan projects:

-- United Square
-- YAS Hotel
-- Media One Tower
-- Green Community
-- Vision Tower

5. Burt Hill. 213 staff in Middle East.

Burt Hill projects:

-- Al Mafraq Hospital
-- ADEC Headquarters
-- Motor City Dubai
-- Al Aqr Resort
-- Al Wurai'ah Valley

6. Godwin Austen Johnson. 175 staff in Middle East.

Godwin Austen Johnson projects:

-- Business Bay Hotel
-- Deira Hotel
-- Dubai Creek Golf Club
-- Bab Al Shams Desert Resort
-- Al Barari

7. AEDAS. 168 staff in Middle East.

AEDAS projects:

-- U-Bora Towers
-- Empire Tower
-- ADIC Headquarters
-- Pentominium

8. Woods Bagot. 120 staff in Middle East.

Woods Bagot projects:

-- Nakheel Harbour & Tower
-- Saadiyat St. Regis Beach Resort
-- Bahrain City Centre Mall
-- Al Jaidha
-- Saudi Arabia Bank HQ

9. P&T Architects & Engineers. 85 staff in Middle East.

P&T projects:

-- Al Dana @ Al Raha Beach
-- Burj Rafal
-- Kensington Krystal
-- City of Arabia Resort Hotel
-- Ajman Corniche Residences

10. HOK. 65 staff in Middle East.

HOK projects:

-- King Abdullah University for Science & Technology
-- New Doha International Airport
-- ADNOC HQ
-- Al Ain Master Plan

In my next post I will cover another ten of the top architects in the GCC.