The vision and energy to deliver great projects

From the smallest house extension to the biggest megaproject, construction companies and construction professionals are daily creating and reshaping the world in which we live and are, literally as well as figuratively, laying the foundations for the future. The sector is also the region’s largest employer and wealth creator.

But it is, without question, the most challenging industry to work in. Even the most routine construction scheme raises technical challenges ranging from structural engineering through to project management and site logistics.

From a business perspective, construction seems perpetually locked in a cycle that twists between overheating boom markets that overstretch resources and corporate cash flow, and severe market contractions that destroy profits and shed talent. In an industry that is constantly shifting focus from one type of project, say commercial real estate, to another, such as rail, it is extremely difficult to ensure that the right resources are in the right place at the right time.

Perhaps the biggest challenge of all is managing the key relationship between the client and the construction contractor delivering the scheme. 

When client and contractor are working with the same aims, projects succeed and everybody benefits, while the fallout from projects teams in conflict can run for years, damaging businesses, relationships and ultimately the projects themselves. That is why the construction leaders profiled in this special MEED supplement are so important.

The individuals appearing in MEED’s Construction Leaders 2013 list are the people whose vision and energy enable them not only to navigate the many challenges, but also to thrive and drive the region forwards through their shared desire to deliver great schemes.

This list is not exhaustive; there are currently more than 1,000 companies delivering some $389bn-worth of major projects across the Middle East and North Africa region, and there is no question that many other great construction leaders can be added to the list. However, a detailed analysis of the numbers reveals that almost half the work is being delivered by just 50 firms, less than 5 per cent, while the 25 clients featured in the list account for 41 per cent of the investments.

But the Construction Leaders 2013 list also raises an important question that must be addressed by the people featured this year. Why are there so few women on the list? The construction and engineering sector around the world has long struggled to attract women, but times are changing. Failing to address this issue is a great disservice to construction and to the region as it would deny this vital industry some of the strongest talent the region has to offer.

I hope this Construction Leaders 2013 supplement provides you with information and inspiration that is valuable to you. If you wish to nominate other great construction leaders for the list, please email your suggestions to me at my email address below, along with a 150-word description of their role and achievements.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Richard Thompson
Editorial Director
richard.thompson@meed.com