GULF CONSULT
Gulf Consult has become synonymous with quality by delivering several high-value projects across Kuwait. It is now expanding its reach by looking for opportunities abroad and taking on multiple projects at the same time.
BIOGRAPHY
As Chairman, Najla H. Alghanim is dedicated to maintaining Gulf Consult's position at the forefront of engineering consulting in Kuwait. Since joining the firm in 2000 as an Associate Director, she has worked on several major projects. Previously, she interned at Banque Worms and BFI in Paris and Geneva, and later worked as a Relationship Officer in the National Bank of Kuwait’s Corporate Finance Department. She holds bachelor’s degrees in business administration (finance) from the University of Arizona at Tucson and in civil engineering from San Jose State University.
BIOGRAPHY
Since joining Gulf Consult in 1975, Ubed Arain has been singularly dedicated to the company’s success. He worked closely with the firm’s founder, the late Hamad Alghanim, to build Gulf Consult into the exceptional company it is today. His considerable experience of design, construction supervision, and management enables him to ensure the timely completion of all Gulf Consult's projects. Previously, he worked as a structural engineer at Robert E. Jones Inc. in San Jose, California.How has Gulf Consult reinvented itself over its 50 years of history?
UBED ARAIN This company started in 1967, as a small A&E practice; however, in a few years the economy started to boom due to the increase in oil prices, and the government started spending on infrastructure and public housing, and this led to the company's growth. When I joined in 1975, we started to diversify our activities further into large projects, the industrial sector, and infrastructure. This allowed us to grow over the years and sustain our activity. We have been able to adapt to the needs of the market and society while maintaining a high quality of work. Our strategy is paying off, since we have many repeat clients.
To what extent is the promotion of green buildings essential for Kuwait's sustainable development?
NAJLA H. ALGHANIM The private sector mostly seeks short-term ROI that is not possible with the capital requirements of green buildings, especially since power and water tariffs are already extremely low. In the US, it is worth investing in sustainable development because it reduces bills over time. It does not in Kuwait, so there is no incentive to have a more efficient building. Unfortunately, the government is not willing to initiate unpopular initiatives, and for this reason it will be hard to change this in the short term.
What were the key factors that allowed Gulf Consult to obtain the design of T2 project?
UA Invitations for the project were initially sent to international companies who then had to choose a local partner and submit a joint proposal. In order to win the tender, we looked into the foreign company with the highest chance of getting the project. Foster + Partners (F+P) became the obvious choice since it had recently designed the airports in Beijing and Hong Kong. We approached it and demonstrated our credentials and ability to successfully work on government projects. Once the project was awarded, we helped F+P with project's design development and approvals from local authorities. At present, we are helping to supervise the construction of the project. The only negative factor was that the project has become much bigger and costly than initially budgeted.
How does Gulf Consult differentiate itself from its competitors?
NHA Another aspect of our success is the strong involvement of upper management in any project from the beginning until the end. We always make sure our values trickle down to all levels of the organization, and we make sure the client feels that.In what ways are you contributing to women empowerment in your sector?
NHA Women in Kuwait are extremely empowered. There are no restrictions on what they can or are allowed to do. In fact, since there are more female engineering students at Kuwait University than male, many women end up holding high positions in organizations across the country. For example, the current Minister of Public Works is a woman. Therefore, our business sector does not need to actively market itself to women. Today women can successfully have a career and a family at the same time.
What are your objectives and expectations for 2019?
UA We have started a small diversification overseas with two projects in Bahrain, one in Sri Lanka, and one in Sudan. We are also looking at opportunities in North Africa and Bangladesh. In Kuwait, we are currently working on some PPPs, including the Umm AlHayman Treatment Plant. In order to sustain our company, it is important to continue to work on multiple projects in different sectors and to continue to explore new possibilities.
NHA Moving forward, we need to invest in excellent human resources and technology. We need to keep ourselves abreast of any new advancements. Our strategy is to survive based on historic lessons, redefine ourselves, and do quality work. ✖
GULF CONSULT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Interview
Adel Abdul Wahab Al-Majed , Chairman, Kuwait Banking Association (KBA)
Through a broad array of information, specialized committees, staff expertise, and other resources, KBA supports Kuwait's banks as they perform their critical role in energizing the economy and helping communities thrive.
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Sheikh Dr. Meshaal Jaber Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah, Director General, Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA)
KDIPA adopts a proactive approach to attract value-added direct investments supported by an integrated promotional strategy serving Kuwait's developmental goals in line with its National Vision 2035.
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Legal Reform and Infrastructure Projects Spell Opportunity for Foreign Investors
Along with the introduction and modernization of new laws and regulations, the vision of His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to transform Kuwait into an international center for commerce and industry by 2035 is already being implemented through Kuwait's National Development Plan. Coupled with the promulgation of progressive FDI regulations, these new opportunities spell positive news for foreign companies looking to conduct business in Kuwait.
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Connecting the Dots
Today, connectivity is hardly indispensible for individuals and the companies where they work. Kuwait's smart cities, considered elsewhere in the book, will thrive on it, and meanwhile the nation continues to register notable business deals from the informatics sector.
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Khalid Abbas , Country Manager-Kuwait, Unilever
Contributing to the improved health and wellbeing of communities and reducing environmental footprint are key priorities for Unilever, which is committed to improving the health and wellbeing of up to 1 billion people globally by 2020.
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Mohammed Yousif Soud Al-Sabah , Board Chairman & Director, Public Authority of Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR)
PAAAFR has adapted a package of policies to face challenges inherent to deserts, hot climate, and water scarcity, bringing Kuwait closer to achieving national food security, one step at a time.
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Yang Chunsen, Vice President/ Chief Representative, China State Construction Engineering Corporation Middle East (CSCME) Kuwait
CSCME is a technology-driven company that leverages its R&D and long-standing partnership with the government to increase its participation in the future development of Kuwait.
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