Eng. Ansari Wahid, CEO of Adeeb Group
Eng. Ansari Wahid stands as a towering figure in the Middle East’s facilities management and MEP contracting industry. As the Group CEO of Adeeb Group, he drives the company forward with a blend of innovation, dedication, and strategic insight. Based in the United Arab Emirates, Adeeb Group delivers integrated services across the region, and Wahid’s leadership has transformed it into a powerhouse. He embodies the spirit of progress in the Middle East, where rapid development demands reliable, sustainable solutions. Wahid manages operations and inspires his team to achieve greater heights, fostering a culture of excellence and responsibility. His journey reflects the dynamic growth of the UAE’s business landscape, where visionaries like him turn challenges into opportunities.
Wahid’s role extends beyond corporate boundaries. He actively participates in industry organizations, shaping policies and standards. As the Chair of the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM) in the UAE, he advocates for sustainable practices that reduce environmental impact. His commitment to excellence has earned him widespread recognition, making him a role model for aspiring leaders in the sector.
Wahid’s career began in the mid-1990s, a time when the UAE’s construction boom was gaining momentum. From 1994 to 1996, he worked as an MEP projects engineer at Al Reyan Electro Mechanical, where he gained hands-on experience in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. This role sharpened his technical expertise and introduced him to the intricacies of project management. In 1996, he joined Bin Aweidha Group as a manager, a position he held until 2006. During this decade, Wahid oversaw various MEP initiatives, building a reputation for efficiency and reliability. These early experiences laid the groundwork for his future success, teaching him the value of teamwork and innovation in a fast-paced industry.
Rising to Leadership at Adeeb Group
In 2007, Ansari Wahid took the helm as Group CEO of Adeeb Group, a company established in 1994 under the Sultan Bin Rashid Al Dhaheri Group. Under his guidance, the firm expanded its footprint across the UAE, with branches in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and the Western Region, and even ventured into Seychelles. Wahid focused on diversifying services, including hard and soft facilities management, MEP contracting, extra-low voltage systems, fire life safety, and IT solutions. His leadership propelled the company to achieve revenues of USD 54.45 million in 2021, a testament to his strategic acumen during challenging times like the pandemic.
Wahid attributes this growth to his team’s dedication and client trust. He emphasizes referral business, where satisfied clients expand their partnerships with Adeeb. As CEO, he prioritizes human capital development, empowering employees through training and a collaborative culture. His approach remains humble and agile, always seeking win-win outcomes. Over nearly three decades in the industry, Wahid has navigated shifts from traditional MEP to integrated FM, adapting to client needs for asset maintenance and sustainability.
Notable Projects and Achievements
Ansari Wahid has spearheaded numerous high-profile projects that showcase Adeeb Group’s capabilities. One standout initiative is the major IoT project with ADNOC Group for smart metering solutions at the Ruwais Housing Complex in Abu Dhabi. Wahid’s team provides turnkey solutions, connecting meters to a central monitoring system using advanced technology. This project highlights his focus on energy optimization and innovation, partnering with firms like Landis+Gyr to implement efficient systems.
Another key achievement is securing a USD 2.7 million comprehensive facilities management contract in Seychelles, expanding Adeeb’s international presence. Wahid led the company to service over 200 projects, including long-term annual maintenance contracts, such as a recent five-year award. These efforts include energy conservation measures through a dedicated sustainability department, offering shared and guaranteed savings models to clients.
Wahid’s accolades reflect his impact. He received the UK’s Global CEO Awards in 2021 and the FM Visionary Leader Award in 2024. He ranked 9th in CBNME’s FM Power30 and earned high commendation as FM Executive of the Year in 2020. Recently, Adeeb signed an MoU with the International Campus of Science & Technology in Sri Lanka for industrial training, under Wahid’s direction, to bridge skill gaps. His involvement in bodies like MEFMA and EGBC further amplifies his influence.
Vision for the Future and Sustainability
Looking ahead, Ansari Wahid envisions an FM industry transformed by AI, IoT, and automation, playing a pivotal role in sustainable communities. He pushes Adeeb Group to develop digitization roadmaps and governance frameworks to stay ahead. Wahid advocates for regulatory frameworks to ensure fair competition and industry growth, collaborating with governments for better standards.
Sustainability drives his agenda. He aims to reduce carbon footprints through innovative practices, aligning with the UAE’s national goals. Wahid supports local supply chains, boosting in-country value certification and economic growth. Challenges like talent retention persist, but he tackles them by investing in people and fostering partnerships.
Eng. Ansari Wahid continues to shape the Middle East’s FM landscape with unwavering passion. From his early engineering days to leading Adeeb Group, he exemplifies resilience and foresight. His projects and awards speak volumes, but it’s his human touch—empowering teams and prioritizing clients—that truly sets him apart. As the region evolves, Wahid’s vision ensures Adeeb Group remains at the forefront, building a sustainable future for all. His story inspires leaders to blend expertise with empathy, proving that true success lies in uplifting others along the way.
