MEAMARKETS / September 2017 19 Name: Omar Shahzad Email:
[email protected] Web Address: www.meinhardtgroup.com Telephone: +974 4411 7840 Trust, Innovation and Engineering Excellence g delivering quality work, that consistently exceeds our clients’ expectations. That is why more than 50% of them are repeat customers.” “With our Australian heritage, global headquarters in Singapore and proven track record in Asia, the Middle East & Europe since the 1970’s, we blend the best of East & West in both our thinking and management. We aspire to be the world’s preferred infrastructure and urban solutions partner, where we transform cities and shape the future.” When it comes to using technology to stay ahead of emerging developments, Omar explains the important role it plays in supporting the firm’s work. “We are at the forefront of technological innovations where we use precast composite steel, prefinished-prefabricated materials and modular construction. Our labour is vested in the future of robotics, machines doing construction work and external façade being polished by robotic capsules. Drones are getting common for survey purposes.” “Building Information Modelling (BIM) has also become more sophisticated, so we are now able to create and make changes to building designs, at the click of a mouse. This simplifies things, reduces project time and minimises chances for human error. As much as technology boosts productivity, it is a double- edged sword and so, we make conscientious efforts to ensure that the human part of our work is delivered excellently.” Omar is keen to tell us next about the wider industry trends he is spotting, including key developments specific to Qatar. “With 60% of the world’s population expected to live in cities by 2030, the world will need to spend up to $130 trillion from now till 2030 to develop cities and infrastructure. We also see strength in emerging markets. In 2010, emerging markets accounted for 43.9% of global output, a share that is anticipated to rise to 51.9% by 2020. Asia Pacific will continue to account for the largest share of the global construction industry, given it includes the large markets of China, Japan, India and Middle East. “This bodes well for Meinhardt, as we have been a key player in emerging markets and Asia, since the 1970’s. Our strong track record and unparalleled reputation in these markets puts us in a good position to capitalise on this growth surge. China’s Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) will also spur growth. Based on media reports, estimated cumulative BRI investment over the long term is between $4 trillion and $8 trillion, from 2014 to 2016.” “With offices in most of the 65 countries along the Belt & Road, Meinhardt is well positioned to join the next wave of mega infrastructure and urban development projects in the burgeoning BRI markets. We have the best footprint and experience in Asia, Middle East and now Africa within our industry, as we have been operating in these markets between 20 and 40 years. Qatar can emerge as an important hub to facilitate the investments taking place in BRI countries.” Omar adds that Qatar has proven to be an attractive market over the years, a fascinating point he goes on to develop in his own words. “As a respected global business and financial hub, Qatar is ranked the second most competitive economy in the Middle East and Africa. The construction market is set to peak this year as Qatar’s preparation for the FIFA World Cup 2022 picks up and the country continues to invest in infrastructure. Qatar’s budget for 2017 has been received favourably by construction companies and experts. Developments for the FIFA World Cup 2022, infrastructure, health and education will take the lion’s share and account for almost half of Qatar’s 2017 budget. “Key Qatar developments that we are currently working on include; the expansion of the New Doha International Airport, which brings the annual capacity from 24 million to 53 million passengers per year, Hamad International Airport Terminal 1 Metro Station, Vendome Mall and Qatar Green Line.” Following on from this, Omar reveals the main benefits of being based in Qatar, for a firm such as Meinhardt. “Qatar is a convenient and recognised hub much like Singapore. It has top-notch infrastructure and an impeccable reputation for transparency and rule of law. It is also a popular place to attract and retain world- class talent. Qatar has been a fast-growing economy thereby creating the right conditions for global firms like Meinhardt to invest and make Doha an important location in our worldwide operations. “Meinhardt’s experience and track record in the development of Singapore and many other cities/countries in the Asia Pacific region could be invaluable, as Qatar and the region undertake mega infrastructure and real estate projects. Meinhardt is proud to have been associated with iconic projects in Doha, such as City Centre Mall and many other prominent developments around the West Bay.” Moving back to the firm’s excellent work, Omar offers his insights into their internal culture and how his staff are equipped to provide the best possible service to clients. “Engineering excellence, innovation, entrepreneurialism and a laser like focus on client satisfaction are the values that drive Meinhardt employees. We believe in challenging the status quo and delivering quality work that consistently exceeds our clients’ expectations. “We trust and empower our management and staff to do their jobs well. We are constantly on the lookout for good talents. That is why we don’t hire only when we need people, but we hire good talents when we find them as we are in the people business. “Meinhardt has in place an industry acclaimed talent development program which entails developing graduates from local universities. Over time, these talented engineers are groomed to take on senior leadership positions within their respective country offices and build on our group’s reputation as innovative engineers with a quest to develop cutting edge technological solutions.” As the interview comes to an end, Omar is keen to reveal what the future prospects of the firm are. “Historically, Meinhardt’s work has leaned towards the building sector. Seeing that in the decade ahead, most parts of the world are going to witness unprecedented infrastructure expansion, we want to balance that with a new focus on infrastructure projects. We are also looking to be IPO ready within the next three to four years, after growing the firm some more.”