MEED: How has the Middle East market performed for your company over the past three years?
It has been a time of change for sure, and one we have had to look at with a critical eye to ensure continued success.

Where do you anticipate growth over the next three years?
We see growth in the industrial sector across the UAE and in the infrastructure sector across the Gulf region. Al-Naboodah Construction Group has always been first and foremost a deliverer of infrastructure, and this market has, to a certain extent, survived some of the recent market turmoil. We are well positioned to pick up our fair market share across the UAE and assist in the regional growth areas, not least in Saudi Arabia and Qatar.  

Where do you see the main opportunities for Al-Naboodah?
Al-Naboodah Construction is strong in its core business: infrastructure delivery. We are vertically integrated and are supported by a solid asset base and mature supply chain. This will help us secure our market share of the infrastructure sector both within the UAE and across the region. We also see the growth area in the industrial sector as a prime opportunity, driven by downstream petrochemical development.

What are the challenges facing Al-Naboodah?
Payments by clients are slow and in many cases unpredictable; this is a major challenge. Also, we see a shift towards unfavourable contract terms and conditions weighted against contractors. This is not good for the industry at a time when all project stakeholders should be doing the reverse and getting closer in their joint delivery of bankable project development solutions.

Highlight a recent project that has been significant to your firm.
We are currently working on an airport construction project in Abu Dhabi. This is our first scheme with a major industrial client in the petrochemicals sector. The project poses a major logistical challenge, being 150 kilometres offshore. It is forcing a new mindset of pre-engineering, helping improve our planning skill base and enabling a modular approach to our construction activity.