Almabani is in an enviable position as an established contractor in a niche sector of the construction market. Through its long-standing relationship with key government clients such as Gaca, it continues to secure publicly funded infrastructure and aviation projects.

And following the Saudi government’s announcement of a record budget for 2010, including $69bn earmarked for investment in new and existing projects – an increase of 16 per cent on the previous year – work for the firm shows no sign of drying up.

Almabani demonstrated a measured approach to the boom in construction – remaining focused on government contracts in the kingdom rather than pursuing opportunities in the real estate sector.

It is now benefiting from that decision. As one of the Saudi government’s favoured contractor for aviation and infrastructure works, it is almost guaranteed a steady stream of work in these sectors at a time when other contractors are desperate to break into them. But with its large portfolio of successfully completed projects, it should have little problem in seeing off this competition.