When you first hear the name Omar Al Qattan, you might think of a filmmaker or cultural visionary, and you wouldn’t be wrong. But what often goes under the radar is how this same man has also helped shape the skyline of Kuwait and beyond through concrete, steel, and vision.
Today, Omar isn’t just a storyteller through film. He’s a builder of institutions, cultural landmarks, and national infrastructure. As the Chairman of Al-Hani Construction and Trading Company, one of Kuwait’s oldest and most respected construction firms, Omar has applied his creative mindset to something just as impactful: building the future of the Arab world, one project at a time.
A Shift from Cinema to Construction
Omar Al Qattan was born in Beirut in 1964 into a Palestinian family that deeply valued education, identity, and nation-building. After being displaced during the Lebanese Civil War, his family moved to the UK. Omar studied English Literature at Oxford University, followed by film directing at INSAS in Brussels.
Award-winning films and cultural storytelling defined his early career.
However, as time passed, Omar began to channel his energy into something bigger than just film infrastructure that supports culture itself.
In the early 2000s, he assumed a leadership role at Al-Hani Construction and Trading Company, which was founded by his father, Abdel Mohsin Al Qattan, in 1963. Al-Hani had a rich legacy of building Kuwait’s hospitals, schools, roads, and government buildings. Under Omar’s leadership, however, the company expanded its reach and ambition.
Building Kuwait’s Cultural Identity
What sets Omar apart in the construction world is his unique focus: not just development but meaningful development.
One of his flagship achievements is the Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmad Cultural Centre (JACC), also known as the Kuwait National Cultural Centre. This massive architectural marvel isn’t just another building.
It’s a symbol of Kuwait’s modern identity. With grand theatres, libraries, museums, and conference halls, JACC serves as a platform for cultural dialogue, art, music, and learning. And Omar’s Al-Hani was at the centre of bringing this vision to life.
Another cornerstone project is the Kuwait National Library. Al-Hani, under Omar’s guidance, transformed the institution into a space that respects heritage while embracing the future. The result? A place where knowledge meets design, equipped with modern facilities, archival systems, and a welcoming environment for researchers and the public alike.
But it doesn’t end there. Al-Hani’s portfolio under Omar has grown to include:
- Governmental buildings
- Educational institutions
- Healthcare facilities
- Commercial and residential complexes
Each project reflects a core belief Omar holds deeply: that infrastructure is not just about walls and ceilings. It’s about people, culture, and progress.
Recognition and Industry Impact
In 2021, Omar was recognized in the Construction Week Power 100, a prestigious list that highlights the most influential figures shaping the construction and real estate landscape in the Middle East. Ranked 41st, his inclusion was more than just symbolic; it was a nod to how he’s redefining what construction leadership looks like.
Al-Hani, under his leadership, has earned accolades for:
- Timely delivery of complex national projects
- Architectural innovation
- Sustainability and eco-conscious practices
- Cultural sensitivity in design
These aren’t small wins. In an industry often criticized for focusing solely on profit and expansion, Omar’s approach prioritizes long-term impact, design excellence, and civic pride.
A Builder with a Cultural Lens
Even as he advances in business, Omar hasn’t abandoned his passion for culture. He brings it into every boardroom decision and project plan. He views construction as a form of storytelling in stone and steel, a way to provide people with spaces that tell their own stories, house their dreams, and preserve their heritage.
That philosophy also echoes in his parallel role as Chairman of the A.M. Qattan Foundation (AMQF), a philanthropic initiative founded by his family in 1993. The foundation supports education, art, and community development across Palestine and the Arab world.
One of its proudest achievements is the $24 million AMQF Cultural Centre in Ramallah, which opened in 2018. While separate from Al-Hani, it’s yet another example of Omar’s belief in building not just spaces but foundations for progress.
Leading Through Vision
What makes Omar Al Qattan unique in the Gulf construction scene isn’t just what he builds but how he builds. He brings humility to the table. He listens to architects, understands the community’s needs, and collaborates with partners to ensure each project is more than just aesthetically pleasing; it’s purposeful.
He’s often described as a “strategic secularist”, someone who doesn’t chase trends but thinks long-term, invests in institutions and believes deeply in civic responsibility. Whether it’s building a world-class theatre or a government office, Omar focuses on how that structure can serve the people inside it.
The Legacy He’s Still Writing
Omar Al Qattan isn’t just leaving behind a body of work. He’s shaping a legacy that fuses culture, commerce, and community. In the Middle East, where history often collides with rapid modernization, leaders like Omar stand out for offering a more thoughtful and intentional path forward.
As Chairman of Al-Hani Construction, he continues to lead projects that redefine what the region’s future could look like: strong, rooted, and full of possibility.
Yes, he’s a storyteller. But today, his stories don’t just live on film. They’re etched into Kuwait’s skyline, embedded in its theatres, libraries, and classroom spaces, inspiring generations to come.
