Middle East’s 10 Most Admired Construction Contractors

Aaliyah Ali
8 Min Read

The Middle East stands as a global hub for architectural innovation and urban transformation, driven by the vision and expertise of exceptional construction contractors. These leaders have built iconic structures and shaped the region’s economic and cultural landscape through their commitment to excellence, sustainability, and innovation. From towering skyscrapers to sustainable infrastructure, their contributions align with ambitious regional goals like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the UAE’s focus on a greener future. 

1. Jerome Guiraud – Orascom Construction PLC

Jerome Guiraud

Jerome Guiraud, a seasoned financial expert with over 35 years of experience, has served as Chairman of Orascom Construction PLC since 2016. Under his leadership, Orascom has solidified its position as a global leader in engineering and construction, operating in over 25 countries. The company has delivered landmark projects such as the Grand Egyptian Museum, which houses the world’s largest collection of Egyptian artifacts, and Africa’s first integrated hydrogen plant, advancing clean energy solutions. 

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2. Moutaz Al-Khayyat – UCC Holding

Moutaz Al-Khayyat

Moutaz Al-Khayyat, Chairman of UCC Holding and Group Chairman of Power International Holding (PIH), has transformed UCC into a global powerhouse in construction and energy. With a business degree from the University of the West of Scotland, Al-Khayyat’s leadership philosophy emphasizes honesty, hard work, and quality. UCC, ranked #42 in ENR’s Top 250 International Contractors, has completed over 1,200 projects across 19 countries, including 42 projects for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, such as Madinatna and Barahat Al Janoub, accommodating 120,000 residents. 

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3. Samer Abdul Samad – Nesma & Partners

Samer Abdul Samad

Samer Abdul Samad, President and CEO of Nesma & Partners since 2021, brings over 30 years of construction and infrastructure experience. Holding civil engineering degrees from New York University, Samad has led Nesma to align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, managing a SAR 40 billion project portfolio. His strategic acquisition of Kent expanded Nesma’s operations to 29 countries, strengthening its EPC capabilities. Notable projects include the Master Gas System and Jafurah Phase 2 with Saudi Aramco, as well as the Riyadh Metro Extension. 

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4. Muammar Al Atawi – Shahm Contracting Company

Muammar Al Atawi

Muammar Al Atawi, Chairman and CEO of Shahm Contracting Company in Jeddah, is a prominent figure in Saudi Arabia’s construction sector. With a Bachelor’s in Architecture from King Abdulaziz University and a Master’s in Engineering Science from UNSW, Australia, Al Atawi has driven Shahm to achieve $213 million in revenue in 2021, with projections of $270 million in 2022. His portfolio includes over 1,500 residential units and 20 commercial projects, such as Bouvardia View and Masjid Sajdi. 

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5. Sultan Sobhi Batterjee – IHCC

Sultan Sobhi Batterjee

Sultan Sobhi Batterjee, Chairman and CEO of IHCC since 2007, has positioned the company among the top five construction firms in the MENA region. With advanced degrees from Harvard, MIT, and other institutions, Batterjee leads IHCC in delivering turnkey solutions for healthcare, education, and mixed-use developments. Projects like Alexandria Medical City and Dubai Medical City highlight his expertise in medical infrastructure, while partnerships with Red Sea Global for hospitality projects showcase versatility. 

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6. Osama bin Hassan Al Afaleq – AlKifah Holding

Osama bin Hassan Al Afaleq

Osama bin Hassan Al Afaleq, Vice Chairman of AlKifah Holding and Chairman of AlKifah Contracting Company, has over three decades of experience in the construction industry. Leading a conglomerate with over 27 subsidiaries and a turnover exceeding $2 billion, Al Afaleq has driven projects like the $1.5 billion King Fahd University Business Park and the Red Sea Project Hotel. His leadership earned AlKifah nominations for MEED’s Contractor of the Year and a #4 ranking on Construction Week’s 2020 Power 100 list. 

Explore the journey of Osama bin Hassan Al Afaleq

7. Emad Azmy – ASGC

Emad Azmy

Emad Azmy, President and Co-founder of ASGC, has been a driving force since establishing the company in 1989 during Dubai’s construction boom. With over 300 completed projects, including the Etihad Museum and the Sustainability Pavilion at Expo 2020, ASGC manages a Dhs.8 billion portfolio across the UAE and Egypt. Azmy’s adoption of technologies like RFID and drones in 42 digital transformation projects by 2019 has set industry standards. 

Discover the story of Emad Azmy

8. Kypros Tsentas – Wade Adams Contracting

Kypros Tsentas

Kypros Tsentas, Group President of Wade Adams Contracting, is a visionary leader who has guided the company to complete over 400 infrastructure projects since its founding in 1976. Based in Dubai, Tsentas has overseen projects like the AED696 million Trade Centre Roundabout Upgrade and the Jafza Flyover. His emphasis on risk assessment, transparency, and industry relationships has driven success across the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, and Cyprus. 

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9. Senan Al Naboodah – Al Naboodah Construction Group

Senan Al Naboodah

Senan Al Naboodah, Managing Director of Al Naboodah Construction Group (ANCG), has led the company to complete over 680 projects since the UAE’s independence in 1971. With a Bachelor of Business Administration, Al Naboodah has driven ANCG’s success in projects like Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Water Canal, and Expo 2020 Dubai. Recognized as the UAE’s happiest workplace in 2018, ANCG achieved 16 million LTI-free man-hours on the Mankhool project in 2020. Al Naboodah’s focus on sustainability and employee well-being aligns with the UAE’s vision for a greener future. 

Watch the journey of Senan Al Naboodah

10. Ghassan Merehbi – Arabian Construction Company

Ghassan Merehbi

Ghassan Merehbi, Chairman of Arabian Construction Company (ACC), founded the company in 1967 and has built it into a regional leader with a $1 billion turnover and a $3.1 billion project backlog in 2016. With a civil engineering degree from the American University of Beirut, Merehbi has overseen iconic projects like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Address Sky View. 

Read the full article about Ghassan Merehbi

These ten entrepreneurs have redefined the Middle East’s construction landscape, delivering projects that blend innovation, sustainability, and cultural significance. Their leadership has driven economic growth, supported regional development goals, and inspired future generations. From mega-projects like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to sustainable initiatives like Africa’s first hydrogen plant, their legacies continue to shape the region’s future, making them truly admired figures in the industry.

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