CBNME’S Power Hour Annual List of the Middle East’s Top 60 features the most prominent Contractors, Real estate Developers, Consultants, Architects, Facilities Management, Asset Management Companies, and so much more that encapsulates the construction industry.
These influential leaders have reshaped the industry with their introduction of new innovative strategies and thought leadership that makes them stand apart in 2020.
You can check out the full coverage of the Power Hour here.
53. Aaron Hennessy, General Manager at Douglas OHI
Douglas OHI was established in Oman in 1981 and has since undertaken a variety of civil and building projects. Douglas OHI is also a leading provider of construction services with a national business network. It offers the flexibility to undertake a full range of sustainable solutions for building and civil engineering projects from the business case, through design, procurement, construction, and on-going aftercare.
Aaron Hennessy, General Manager at Douglas OHI, was appointed in 2014. Aaron has over 20 years of experience in construction management, working across Ireland, the Middle East, and North and West Africa. Aaron has led multi-cultural teams for multimillion-dollar construction development projects across the various regions.
Aaron’s team at Douglas OHI has extensive expertise and knowledge in developing innovative solutions beyond excellent client service to ensure that we make a difference to the Omani community.
Aaron’s vision is to build on Douglas OHI’s leading position at the heart of the Omani Construction industry and transform business and industry issues.
54. Abdulla Bin Sulayem, CEO, Seven Tides
As CEO of Seven Tides, Bin Sulayem has taken overall responsibility for the company’s luxurious portfolio of residential, commercial and resort properties. This currently includes: Anantara The Palm Dubai Residences, a luxurious residential property forming part of the Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort; Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Dubai Hotel, The Residences at Ibn Battuta Gate and The Offices at Ibn Battuta Gate; Oceana Residences on Palm Jumeirah; Discovery Gardens, a modern residential community located in Jebel Ali; the flagship DUKES London and DUKES The Palm, A Royal Hideaway Hotel; as well as Dubai Heights Academy, a 1,845-capacity British curriculum school located in Al Barsha.
With focus on expanding the existing Dubai footprint, and under Bin Sulayem’s leadership, Seven Tides launched SE7EN Residences The Palm, later rebranded to Seven Palm, and SEVEN CITY JLT, its first mixed-use development. The Seven brand marks a new direction for the extended space. With an emphasis on lifestyle and experience, it is positioned to appeal to young executives.
55. Dr. Anil Pillai, CEO of Airolink Building Contracting
The history of AIROLINK is deeply entrenched in Europe whereby; Airolink Building Contracting Ltd was set up in 2001 to cater to the specialized needs of a booming construction industry in Ireland from 2001 to 2008.
Having established in Europe, Airolink expanded to Middle East with some of the prestigious contracts in UAE. Airolink building expertise encompasses educational, commercial and retail developments, residential and hotel developments, industrial facilities and government defence buildings.
As per the company’s website, between 2019 and 2020, Airolink have been involved in several notable projects which includes: Wonderland Waterfront Development, SEVEN City JLT, and Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation, and many more.
56. Saleh Abdullah Lootah, CEO of Lootah Real Estate Development
Saleh Abdullah Lootah, CEO of Lootah Real Estate Development is in charge of executing strategic decisions to ensure they stay true to the board’s vision of improving the lifestyle of UAE residents and citizens, as well as contributing to positive change in the society.
Lootah on the company’s achievements: “During my tenure with Lootah, I managed to maintain a culture of excellence and a firm commitment to provide the highest standards of housing. One development we consider as among our top achievements since I took this position is Ewan Residences in Dubai Investment Park (DIP), comprising 83 buildings with up to 12 apartments. We have delivered over 1,000 units to highly satisfied occupants in this residence. Due to this success, we aim to provide many more developments such as this in the future as part of our aggressive expansion plans.”
57. Kareem Derbas, Founder and CEO of Palma Holding
Founded in 1998, Palma specializes in developing bespoke properties in Dubai’s premium real estate areas, with an unmatched reputation for offering quality professional services and developments. Palma is guided by its core values of loyalty, excellence, integrity & honesty and team work.
Just this year, the company announced the launch of their new AED 365 million residential project: ‘Olivara Residences & Park’
In a statement made on the company’s website, Kareem Derbas, founder and CEO of Palma Holding, said: “We remain focused and committed on delivering unique residential developments in Dubai that offer exceptional lifestyles with long-term investment returns and growth. There is no shortage of landmark projects, mixed use developments, 5-star hotels and large-scale master-planned communities. Yet within this exciting and competitive landscape, Palma Holding has been able to find a niche in high-quality, prime residential developments that offer its residents an exceptional lifestyle coupled with above-average market returns and capital gains.”
58. Jesús Sancho, Managing Director at ACCIONA ME
ACCIONA is a global company with a business model based on sustainability. It aims to respond to society’s primary needs by providing renewable energy, infrastructure, water, and services. The main project completed during the last year has been the EPC Dubai Metro Route 2020. In the previous 12 months, ACCIONA has been awarded several projects in the GCC for its different business units. The water treatment solutions got two large seawater reverse osmosis desalination plants for the SWCC at Al Khobar 2 and the SWPC at the Shuqaiq3 IWPP, both in KSA.
During the last year, the company also developed different initiatives in the Middle East to raise awareness about climate change. For example, with the ACCIONA 100% EcoPowered, bringing the first zero-emission vehicle to the Middle East to finish the Dakar Rally and the only electric car to complete the most demanding rallies in the five continents.
59. Mounir Haidar, Managing Director of Jubai Island Investment Company
In April 2019, Jubail Island Investment Company announced the launch of its AED 5bn Jubail Island project.
Sprawled across 4,000 hectares of mangrove forests and coastal estuaries with more than 30 km of waterfront, Jubail Island will be home to 6 distinct village communities, with deliberately bespoke, breathtakingly picturesque residential areas and community facilities.
At the time of the launch, Mounir Haidar, Managing Director of JIIC, said: “Jubail Island will cater to families, wellness, wildlife and nature enthusiasts, including water sports activities as well as offering a unique quality of life for homeowners and visitors alike. With its wide variety of residential, retail, hospitality, entertainment, and education offerings, the project is poised to become an important contributor to the Abu Dhabi real estate market in line with the objectives of the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030.”
Over the past 12 months, Jubail Island Investment Company has awarded the following contracts: AED 86mn Interchange Contract; AED80+ mn Infrastructure Works –awarded to Gulf Contractors Company; and AED50+ mn Marine Works to National Marine Dredging Company.
60. Sundeep Tolani, CEO and Founder of Akshara Global
Akshara Global Real Estate Development, a family owned company, has in a short span of time covered enormous ground, thereby establishing its place as a leading real estate developer in Dubai.
Sundeep Tolani, CEO and Founder of Akshara Global, has over three decades of entrepreneurial experience in the Middle East and Africa Region, and has built a multinational company spanning three continents. Hi diverse background has been instrumental in helping him view the real estate industry in Dubai on a global scale
The company is one of the fastest growing entities in the realty sector that offers luxury at an affordable price. Akshara Global’s management team combines decades of international construction experience, and it carefully oversees every aspect of the development through design, marketing, construction, and commitment to quality.
