Kez Taylor, a seasoned construction industry leader with over 35 years of experience, is the founder and board director of ALEC Engineering & Contracting LLC, one of the Middle East’s most prominent construction companies. His vision and leadership have transformed ALEC into a trusted name for delivering complex and iconic projects across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Ethiopia. Under his guidance, ALEC has shaped skylines and embraced innovation and sustainability, setting new standards in the construction sector.
Kez Taylor’s journey in construction began in South Africa, where he earned an honours degree from the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg. His early career took him across diverse regions, including Mauritius, Zambia, Namibia, and South Africa, where he gained extensive experience in managing projects across various sectors. This global perspective equipped him with the skills to tackle complex construction challenges, laying the foundation for his future success.
In 1999, Taylor co-founded ALEC Engineering & Contracting LLC as a joint venture between Al Jaber Group and Grinaker LTA from South Africa. His strategic vision and ability to forge long-term partnerships have been instrumental in ALEC’s growth, establishing it as a leader in the Middle East’s construction industry.
ALEC Engineering & Contracting LLC: A Legacy of Excellence
ALEC, now a part of the Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD), has evolved over the past 25 years into a trusted partner for executing high-profile construction projects. With a turnover exceeding $1.3 billion, ALEC specialises in a wide range of sectors, including airports, retail, hotels and resorts, high-rise buildings, and themed projects. The company also offers comprehensive services such as construction management, design management, estimating, cost planning, and procurement, with a strong design and build capability.
ALEC’s commitment to quality, safety, functionality, and aesthetics has earned it a reputation for delivering projects that exceed client expectations. The company employs over 11,000 highly skilled personnel and has completed more than 100 projects across the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Mauritius, Zambia, and Ethiopia.
Notable Projects
ALEC’s portfolio is a testament to its ability to handle complex and iconic projects. Below is a table highlighting some of ALEC’s most significant achievements:
| Project | Location | Description |
| Concourse A, Dubai International Airport | Dubai, UAE | A key expansion of one of the world’s busiest airports, showcasing ALEC’s expertise in large-scale infrastructure. |
| Dubai Hills Mall | Dubai, UAE | A premier retail destination, blending functionality with aesthetic appeal. |
| City Center Mirdif | Dubai, UAE | A major shopping complex, reflecting ALEC’s strength in retail construction. |
| Doha Festival City | Doha, Qatar | A landmark retail and entertainment hub, demonstrating ALEC’s regional reach. |
| One Za’abeel | Dubai, UAE | Features the world’s largest cantilevered building, completed in 2025, highlighting ALEC’s innovative approach. |
| Qiddiya Water Park | Saudi Arabia | Part of the Qiddiya entertainment district, marking ALEC’s expansion into Saudi Arabia in 2025. |
| Natural History Museum | UAE | A culturally significant project completed in 2025, showcasing ALEC’s versatility. |
| DEWA Solar Photovoltaic Solution | Dubai, UAE | A sustainable energy project for the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority’s headquarters, completed by ALEC Energy in 2021. |
These projects underscore ALEC’s ability to deliver high-quality, innovative solutions across diverse sectors, from infrastructure to sustainable energy.
Leadership and Vision
Kez Taylor’s leadership style is rooted in collaboration, innovation, and a strong emphasis on company values. He places significant trust in his operational teams, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability. Taylor has been a vocal advocate for integrating technology into construction, particularly through Building Information Modeling (BIM). He has stated, “Through the production and development of digital models representing the various elements of a project, designers, contractors, and owners are afforded greater flexibility and control over all phases of a project from design and construction through to operation. If implemented correctly, BIM will bring with it the benefits of improved efficiencies and reduced costs.”
Kez Taylor’s forward-thinking approach has driven ALEC to embrace digital transformation, including cloud migration and the use of tools like Microsoft Teams and OneDrive to enhance collaboration. In 2019, ALEC fully migrated its services to the cloud, ensuring business continuity and enabling seamless remote working during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Recent Developments and Future Plans
In 2025, ALEC underwent a significant transformation, rebranding as ALEC Holdings with plans to become a publicly listed company. This strategic move aims to strengthen ALEC’s position in the regional construction industry and support its expansion into new markets and sectors. The acquisition of TARGET Engineering Construction Company LLC in 2022 was a pivotal step, enhancing ALEC’s capabilities in the Oil & Gas and Energy and Renewables sectors. This acquisition has positioned ALEC to capitalize on the growing demand for clean energy solutions, aligning with the UAE’s sustainability goals.
ALEC’s expansion into Saudi Arabia has been a key focus, with projects like the Qiddiya Water Park and a contract with Red Sea International Co. announced in January 2025. These initiatives reflect Taylor’s ambition to replicate ALEC’s UAE success across the broader Middle East.
In 2025, ALEC’s commitment to excellence was recognized with multiple awards, including Large Contractor of the Year at the Big Project Middle East Awards and three awards at the Digital Construction Awards, highlighting its leadership in digital innovation.
Industry Recognition
Kez Taylor’s contributions to the construction industry have earned him significant recognition. In 2018, he topped the Construction Week Power 100 list for two consecutive years, solidifying his status as a leading figure in the field. His inclusion among the top 20 most influential CEOs in the Middle East by Forbes in 2019 further underscores his impact.
Looking Ahead
Kez Taylor’s vision for ALEC is clear: to continue delivering innovative, sustainable, and high-quality projects that shape the future of the Middle East’s construction landscape. With a strong pipeline of projects and a focus on expansion, particularly in Saudi Arabia, ALEC is poised for continued growth. Taylor’s emphasis on collaboration and technology ensures that ALEC remains at the forefront of the industry, delivering projects that not only meet but exceed client expectations.
Kez Taylor’s journey from a young engineer in South Africa to the founder of one of the Middle East’s largest construction companies is a testament to his dedication, vision, and leadership. Through ALEC, he has built a legacy of excellence, shaping the region’s infrastructure while embracing innovation and sustainability for a brighter future.
