There were 140 companies shortlisted across various award categories

The unprecedented growth of the infrastructure sector across the GCC over the past six decades has been one of the most significant achievements of the region in modern times.

Guided by the ambitious national visions set by the leadership of each GCC state, the world has witnessed the transformation of the region from humble beginnings into a vibrant, modern and forward-looking market, where key cities have grown to become important global business and trading hubs.

Currently, over $2 trillion worth of active projects are in the pipeline across the GCC, according to MEED Projects data, with the majority being infrastructure-related schemes that are crucial to the economic diversification of the region as well as its future prosperity.

To celebrate this incredible achievement, MEED Awards selected and evaluated thousands of companies and stakeholders to recognise their contribution to the region’s amazing growth story. The jury looked at how each company has contributed to this success through its business achievements, environmental sustainability programmes, workforce culture, innovative practices, and client service in delivering the region’s ambitious projects programme. In parallel, individual achievements among the leadership of companies and stakeholders have also been assessed for their impact on spearheading various infrastructure schemes from development through to execution and successful operations.

A total of 140 companies were shortlisted across various award categories including Advisory Services Company of the Year, Architectural/Design Practice of the Year, Business Innovation of the Year, Consultant of the Year (Construction, Engineering), Contractor of the Year, Energy Provider of the Year, Financial Institution of the Year, Freezone/Special Economic Zone Authority of the Year, Healthcare Company of the Year, Hospitality Company of the Year, Industrial Company of the Year, Law Firm of the Year, Logistics Company of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year, Oil & Gas/Petrochemicals Company of the Year, Power/Water Company of the Year, Real Estate Developer of the Year, Renewables Company of the Year, Specialist Contractor of the Year, Supplier of the Year, Sustainable Business of the Year and Transport Company of the Year.

Outstanding individual achievers will also be recognised through the Female Leader of the Year, Male Leader of the Year and Rising Star of the Year awards.

The UAE dominated the shortlist of the inaugural edition of the awards with 102 finalists, followed by Saudi Arabia with 20 and Oman with seven. Bahrain was next with the most number of finalists with six, followed by Kuwait with four and Qatar with one.

“The next phase of the GCC’s incredible story will be defined by how well the government and private sectors can work together. The MEED Awards celebrate the very best success stories of the past year, recognising the greatest commercial and environmental achievements as well as the most valuable innovations and client service,” said Richard Thompson, Editorial Director, MEED, the region’s leading business intelligence service provider.

The finalists will undergo another round of screening to determine this year’s winners which will be announced on 29 November 2017 at The Conrad Hotel, Dubai, UAE. The full list of shortlisted companies is available at www.meedawards.meed.com.