Ghassan Merehbi stands as a towering figure in the Middle East’s construction industry, having founded and led Arabian Construction Company (ACC) for over five decades. As chairman, he has guided ACC to become one of the region’s most respected construction firms, delivering iconic projects that define cityscapes from Dubai to Beirut. His journey from a young civil engineer in Lebanon to a regional industry leader reflects a blend of ambition, technical expertise, and a commitment to excellence.
Born in Lebanon, Ghassan Merehbi pursued a degree in civil engineering at the American University of Beirut, graduating in 1963. His early career began with Orient Construction Company in Lebanon, where he gained hands-on experience on three significant projects. These formative years honed his skills and sparked his entrepreneurial spirit. Soon after, Merehbi launched his construction business in Lebanon, taking on notable projects such as the American Life Insurance Company building and general construction work along the Abu Ali River. These early successes laid the groundwork for his future achievements.
In 1967, recognizing the burgeoning opportunities in the Gulf, Merehbi relocated to Abu Dhabi. There, he partnered with Taha and Anas Mikati to establish Arabian Construction Company, a decision that would mark the beginning of a transformative era for both him and the region’s construction landscape.
Building Arabian Construction Company
ACC, founded in 1967, quickly established itself as a leader in the UAE’s construction sector. Under Merehbi’s leadership, the company expanded its operations to Syria, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, capitalizing on the region’s rapid development. By 1989, ACC re-established its presence in Lebanon, and between 2002 and 2007, it opened offices in Egypt, Iraq, and Jordan. In 2012, the company ventured into India with an office in New Delhi, further broadening its reach.
Today, ACC operates 11 offices across the Middle East, Africa, and India, employing over 30,000 people. The company’s annual turnover exceeds $1 billion, with total awarded contracts valued at approximately $6 billion and a project backlog of $3.1 billion as of 2016. ACC’s growth reflects Merehbi’s strategic vision and ability to navigate the complexities of the construction industry.
Iconic Projects
ACC’s portfolio is a testament to its expertise in delivering complex and prestigious projects. Below is a table highlighting some of the company’s most notable achievements under Merehbi’s leadership:
| Project | Location | Description | Key Features |
| Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque | Abu Dhabi, UAE | One of the world’s largest mosques, built with 90,000 tonnes of white marble. | Features 82 marble domes and a nine-tonne Swarovski crystal chandelier. |
| Address Sky View | Dubai, UAE | A twin-tower complex with a hotel, residences, and serviced apartments. | Spans 290,000 m², stands 259 meters tall, connected by a skybridge at floor 51. |
| Jabal Omar Development | Makkah, Saudi Arabia | A mixed-use development with four hotel towers and a commercial market. | Covers 230,000 m², designed to enhance hospitality infrastructure. |
| Mashreq Bank Headquarters | Dubai, UAE | A 32-storey office tower with innovative design. | Features a 71,000 m² built-up area with glass façades and shading devices. |
| Barakah Nuclear Power Plant | Abu Dhabi, UAE | Infrastructure project involving the Physical Protection System. | Critical to UAE’s energy diversification efforts. |
| Etihad Towers | Abu Dhabi, UAE | A mixed-use development with residential, commercial, and office spaces. | A landmark in Abu Dhabi’s skyline. |
| Waterfront City | Beirut, Lebanon | A mixed-use development with residential and commercial facilities. | Enhances Beirut’s urban landscape. |
| Jeddah Gate E8, E9, E10 | Jeddah, Saudi Arabia | Residential and commercial towers. | Part of Jeddah’s urban redevelopment. |
| Volante Tower | Dubai, UAE | A luxury residential tower completed in 2016. | Known for its high-end design and amenities. |
| Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Masjid | Al Ain, UAE | A significant religious and cultural landmark. | Reflects ACC’s expertise in cultural projects. |
These projects highlight ACC’s versatility, from constructing architectural marvels to critical infrastructure, all while maintaining high standards of quality and safety.
Leadership and Influence
As chairman, Ghassan Merehbi has been the driving force behind ACC’s success. His leadership has fostered a culture of innovation and reliability, enabling the company to tackle challenging projects like the Address Sky View, which required navigating a constrained schedule near Dubai’s busy Burj Khalifa metro station. ACC’s workforce, comprising over 19,000 skilled tradespeople, 6,000 labourers, and 900 engineers, reflects Merehbi’s emphasis on building a competent and dedicated team.
Beyond ACC, Merehbi has made significant contributions to the business community. He has served as an advisor to the board of Banque Audi since 2004 and was chairman of the Tripoli International Fair from 1994 to 1999. His influence in the construction industry earned him the fourth spot on the 2016 Construction Week Power 100 list, recognizing him as one of the Middle East’s most influential construction leaders.
A Family-Owned Legacy
ACC remains a family-owned business, with the Merehbi and Mikati families at its helm. This family-centric approach has instilled values of honesty, reliability, and fairness, which are evident in ACC’s operations. Maher Merehbi, Ghassan’s son, serves as CEO, ensuring the company’s founding principles continue to guide its growth. The board includes five executive directors from the founding families and two non-executive directors, maintaining a balance of tradition and external expertise.
Challenges and Future Outlook
ACC’s journey has not been without challenges. Fluctuating oil prices and delays in new project launches have tested the company’s resilience. However, Merehbi’s strategic focus on geographical and sectoral expansion has kept ACC competitive. The company is poised to continue delivering landmark projects, with ongoing developments like Boulevard Point in Dubai and infrastructure at Wahat Al Zaweya in Al Ain.
Ghassan Merehbi’s legacy is etched in the skylines of the Middle East and beyond. Through Arabian Construction Company, he has delivered projects that blend innovation, cultural significance, and technical excellence. His leadership has not only built physical structures but also a reputation for reliability and quality. As ACC continues to grow under his guidance, Merehbi’s vision ensures that the company remains a cornerstone of the construction industry, shaping the future of urban development in the region.
