No.10 - JUNE 2014
HUMAN RESOURCES
Performing To
Expectations
BAB EZZOUAR
New Territory,
New Challenges
Projacs
International
Newsletter
PROJACS PALESTINE
Transferring
Knowledge
THE LARGETS MIDDLE EAST BASED
PROJECT & CONSURTION FIRM
IRUðYHFRQVHFXWLYH\HDUV
BAHRAIN | KUWAIT | SAUDI ARABIA | BAHRAIN | UAE |
QATAR | IRAQ | JORDAN | LEBANON | EGYPT | PALESTINE
SYRIA | OMAN | PAKISTAN | MOROCCO | LIBYA | USA | CANADA
ZZZSURMDFVFRP
2
June 2014
Message from the
CEO
This is a special year in Projacs' history as we celebrate our 30th anniversary. We began our
journey in October 1984 and, as a company, we have seen many changes:
1.
>LOH]LL_WHUKLKV\YVWLYH[PVUZ[VJV]LY[OL4PKKSL,HZ[HUKIL`VUK^P[OVɉJLZ
and 650 full-time professional engineers and managers.
2.
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management services, managing hundreds of projects, with a total construction value
of nearly $30 billion.
3.
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construction managers, according to ENR's ranking of Top International Construction
4HUHNLTLU[7YVNYHT4HUHNLTLU[ÄYTZ
4.
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(JHKLT` (Z H YLZ\S[ ^L OH]L HU PUJYLHZLK U\TILY VM JLY[PÄLK LUNPULLYZ PU WYVQLJ[
THUHNLTLU[HUKV[OLYYLSH[LKÄLSKZPUJS\KPUN747(=:-4L[J
5.
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of the company's commitment to quality, the environment and systems.
It is equally important to note what has not changed at Projacs – the foundation of growth:
1.
We have always been committed to providing our clients with outstanding professional
services.
2.
We have always kept our promise to live by our core values: Leadership by Example,
Integrity and Teamwork.
3.
We have built a brand, which has become synonymous with quality, success and
leadership.
4.
We continue to foster strategic alliances and create joint ventures with reputed
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5.
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*:9 PUP[PH[P]LZ ^OLYLI` 7YVQHJZ \UKLY[HRLZ HU VISPNH[PVU [V SVJHS JVTT\UP[PLZ HUK
society at large.
Looking ahead, we are focused on implementing a balanced growth strategy, while continuing to
build on the strength of our brand.
Luay Khoury, President & CEO
June 2014
3
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7 3,:;05,
Transferring Knowledge
8
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No Day Is Typical
16
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Issue 10 | June 2014
PUBLISHER | Rimal Publications
EDITOR
"I was impressed by the way the top
management values its employees and
considers them the company assets."
Gerald Butt
DEPUTY
T EDITOR
-HKPH:OH^^H
EDITORIAL ADVISOR
Leonard Harrow
PHOTOGRAPHY
PHY EDITOR
DESIGN MANAGER
-HSHR:OH^^H
Wissam Itani
Rimal Publications Ltd.
P.O. Box 57017, Limassol 3311, Cyprus
BAB EZZOUAR
New Territory, New Challenges
44
Tel. +357 25580029
T
www.rimalbooks.com
ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES
[email protected]
*VTT\UPX\tPZ[OLVѝJPHS7YVQHJZ0U[LYUH[PVUHSUL^ZSL[[LY
9LWYVK\J[PVU^P[OV\[WLYTPZZPVUPZZ[YPJ[S`WYVOPIP[LK
-VYM\Y[OLYKL[HPSZWSLHZLJVU[HJ[JVTT\UPX\L'WYVQHJZJVT
or visit Projacs International at www.projacs.com
4
June 2014
"...our hand-picked
team has become
one of the best
performing ones in
Projacs."
CONTENTS
4,::(.,-964;/,*,6
3 @V\UN(UK;HSLU[LK:[HɈ;V;OL-VYL
The Projacs
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opened in 2013
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7961(*:(;(.3(5*,
6 7YVWLSSPUN-VY^HYK!5L^7YVQLJ[/PNOSPNO[Z
7961(*:(;3(9.,
8
Projacs Palestine: Transferring Knowledge
15 (SSPHUJLZ1=Z!7YVQHJZ/H[JO*VTWSPTLU[PUN6UL(UV[OLY
16 The Design Manager: No Day Is Typical
19 Human Resources: Performing To Expectations
22 7YVQHJZ:H\KP(YHIPH!7VZP[P]L(UK7YVMLZZPVUHS
30 The Operations Manager: Top-Rate Management, Healthy Atmosphere
32 0UMVYTH[PVU;LJOUVSVN`!0TWYV]PUN:RPSSZ
34 ;OL:`Z[LT(UHS`Z[!3LH]PUN;OL*VTMVY[AVUL)LOPUK
-,(;<9,7961,*;:
37 4\ZHUHKH:JOVVSZ7YVNYHT!-VJ\ZLK)\[-SL_PISL
41 2\^HP[-\UK1VYKHU7YVQLJ[!<UPX\L0U+P]LYZP[`
44 BAB Ezzouar: New Territory, New Challenges
46=05.>0;/;/,;04,:
50 79640:!º7HWLYSLZZ»7YVQHJZ0U7YVZWLJ[
:;(-53 7YVQHJZ:[HɈ:[H[PZ[PJHS*OHY[Z
54 Projacs Talk
June 2014
5
PROJACS AT A GLANCE
PROPELLING FORWARD
Project
Highlights
Alfareeda
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JEDDAH, KSA
DUBAI, UAE
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Located in Bur Dubai, the refurbishment of the
residential component consists of 2,086 villas
Burjumena Center will re-classify the premises
^P[O Ä]L KPɈLYLU[ WYV[V[`WL KLZPNUZ ,HJO
as a prime mall and strategically positioning it
neighborhood includes mosques, shops, health
to cater to upper-scale retailers. The main scope
care unit and open green areas.
The project
aims at integrating the old and new Burjuman
has 2 local primary schools each for boys and
in terms of aesthtic, utility and infrastructure;
girls, 1 complex school each for boys and girls,
^OPJO ^PSS PUJS\KL HYJOP[LJ[\YHS TVKPÄJH[PVUZ
and kindergarten. The sporting center include
structural reinforcement, interior design and
family/women and men sports club. Town center
MEP upgrades. An additional structure on the
consists of main shopping mall, health center,
upper level will include an 8 screen movie theater
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among other aminities.
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International is the
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ÄYT^P[OV]LY
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AL KHOBAR, SAUDI ARABIA
BEIRUT, LEBANON
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Located in Al Khobar, north of the Dhahran
Located in the heart of Beirut, the Department
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:[VYL KLZPNULK I` AHOH /HKPK (YJOP[LJ[Z
and more than 600
the development is based on a 47,000 m2 plot
is a landmark project showcasing a unique
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area. JENAN City has a total built-up area of
architectural language. It will appeal to a wide
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approximately 320,000m² comprising of a hotel
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YHUNL VM JVUZ\TLYZ I` VɈLYPUN S\_\Y` IYHUKZ
ZLY]PJLZ[VJSPLU[Z
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vertical compound,
Middle East, North
amenities.
residential units and its
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4HUHNLTLU[ :LY]PJLZ HYL WYV]PKLK I` 5,:
including
Design,
Management.
6
June 2014
Construction,
and
Cost
JUNOOT RESORT
SALALAH, OMAN
Projacs Oman signed lately the Design and Tender
desalination plants and photo voltaic cells.
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The project construction technique is unique (sand bags
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JVUZ[Y\J[PVUHUK^LHU[PJPWH[LJVUZ[Y\J[PVU[VJVTTLUJL
Junoot Resort is a unique Eco friendly development that
by early 2015.
feature two luxury resorts, chalets for sale, a town center
HUKZ[HɈHJJVTTVKH[PVU;OLYLZVY[PZVWLYH[LKI`(TTHU
developers and United Kuwaiti Real Estate Development
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renewable energy in its operation by mean sod wind farms,
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0DVV&LW\'HYHORSPHQW3URMHFW
AMMAN, JORDAN
ERBIL, IRAQ
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In North Eastern Iraq in the vibrant and dynamic city of Erbil,
expand its current premises by proposing a new, modern,
capital of Kurdistan, Mass Group Holding and Trillium Group
environmentally friendly and iconic building in the adjacent
HYL ^VYRPUN [VNL[OLY [V KL]LSVW H THNUPÄJLU[ YLZPKLU[PHS
land to the current existing premises in Amman - Jordan.
and commercial complex on a one million sqm land with
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beautiful landscaped surroundings. The complex is located
a landmark in the city of Amman. Along with the new
[V4HZPM:HSHO\SKPUUL^OPJOPZJSVZL[V[OLHPYWVY[ÄUHUJPHS
Headquarters Building a complete and comprehensive
center, entertainment spots and commercial centers. A
rehabilitation is to take place at the existing building (Gross
spread mixture of new detached villas and semi detached
HYLH ZXT [OH[ ^HZ I\PS[ PU town houses numbering over 1,750 will rise to beautify this
YLÅLJ[[OLYLHSPTHNLHUKZ[H[\YLVM[OL)HURHUKILJVTLZ
^P[O H JVUULJ[PVU
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bridge is to link both existing and proposed buildings.
community’s skyline. The villas vary in size from 300 sqm to
ABC assigned Projacs International to provide Project
900 sqm. Included in this new development are restaurants,
Management and Construction Management services for
cafes, two malls, schools, a hospital and eventually 30 high
the new Headquarters Development.
rise towers will be built to overlook the city of Erbil.
Projacs International commenced with its services in March
Projacs International hired by Trillium group to provide PM
2014. It is anticipated that whole project program will extend
support services to their team at the site. The construction
up to 3 years, with design to be completed within the second
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quarter of 2015.
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2015. However, the overall project completion will be
extended up to 3 years.
June 2014
7
Palestine:
Transferring
Knowledge
8
June 2014
7YVQHJZ»SVUNOPZ[VY`PU7YVQLJ[4HUHNLTLU[:LY]PJLZ
is built upon years of experience, knowledge and skill,
and the company’s “biggest success in Palestine today
is quite simply the transfer of knowledge,” according
to Nasser Kanaan. This transfer process “to the
Palestinian people today, and in the years to come, is
crucial for the overall success of the branch.”
June 2014
9
5HZZLY 2HUHHU :LUPVY =PJL 7YLZPKLU[ VM )HOYHPU [OL
,HZ[LYU7YV]PUJLVM:H\KP(YHIPHHUK7HSLZ[PULPZJVU]PUJLK
that passing on know-how will help “in the development of
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H\[VUVTV\ZS` Y\U [OL WYVQLJ[Z PU 7HSLZ[PUL PU HU LɈLJ[P]L
manner, meeting international industry standards. By
arming the people with the knowledge, we are moderately
contributing to the development of what we hope to soon be
H:[H[LVM7HSLZ[PUL¹
Palestine presents huge challenges for the Projacs team.
-PYZ[ HUK MVYLTVZ[ ZH`Z 5HZZLY PZ ¸[OL J\YYLU[ PUZ[HIPSP[`
which places obstacles in the way of the country’s growth,
prosperity and development. The constant uncertainty
of overall living conditions as well as the foreseen and
\UMVYLZLLU YPZRZ THRL P[ L_[YLTLS` KPɉJ\S[ [V OH]L H
standard set of programs, timelines and budgets to carry
out our normal course of business.”
Even the simplest and most basic operations like
bringing in construction material from outside the country
Above:/opposite
Palestinaian Museum
Right:
Nasser Kanaan
:Y=PJL7YLZPKLU[
Bahrain, the Eastern Province
VM:H\KP(YHIPHHUK7HSLZ[PUL
10
June 2014
”
are complicated and face huge delays because of the need
for security clearance. Added to this, Nasser continues, is
“the lack of ease in mobility because of security roadblocks
all over the territory.”
(UV[OLYJOHSSLUNLPZÄUKPUNSVJHSWYVMLZZPVUHSJVU[YHJ[VYZ
to carry out projects to international industry standards. This
is primarily due to the lack of large ventures carried out in the
West Bank, aside from a few infrastructure projects being
funded by donor countries. There is also a problem, Nasser
JVU[PU\LZ¸ÄUKPUNSVJHS[HSLU[^P[O[OLULJLZZHY`ZRPSSZZL[Z
to run the projects in Palestine due to the emigration of the
local brainpower and the lack of local experience.”
;OLJVUZ[HU[\UJLY[HPU[`
;OL
JVUZ[HU[ \UJLY[HPU[`
VMV]LYHSSSP]PUNJVUKP[PVUZ
HZ^LSSHZ[OLMVYLZLLUHUK
unforeseen risks make it
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standard set of programs,
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JHYY`V\[V\YUVYTHSJV\YZL
VMI\ZPULZZ
June 2014
11
ENCOURAGING TALENT
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Projacs is playing a leading role in encouraging young
The total built up area is 30,783 square meters,
and talented Palestinians to remain, sponsoring the
consisting of four basements, a podium of four
ÅVVYZHUKÅVVYZ
University of Birzeit’s Engineering Career Day. During this,
Nasser explains, “we undertake a variety of activities like
࠮
Palestinian Museum, to be located next to
interviewing eligible top candidates for work opportunities
the Birzeit University Campus with a site of
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approximately 40,000 square meters. The
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Museum will contain indoor and outdoor
HZH^H`[VPU[YVK\JL[OLZ[\KLU[Z[VUL^HJHKLTPJÄLSKZ¹
exhibition areas with all the supporting
Projacs is also “ready and willing to reach out to all the
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engineering establishments and associations in Palestine to
seating areas, storage zone, educational
lend them any assistance that they might require for their
functions, and car parking area. It aims to be
PTWYV]LTLU[ HUK NYV^[O -VY L_HTWSL ^L THUKH[LK H
a leading, innovative forum for creating and
local NGO to review the design of the Palestinian Museum
communicating knowledge about Palestinian
to ensure it is within the standards needed to obtain the
society, history and culture.
3,,+JLY[PÄJH[PVUTHRPUNP[[OLÄYZ[WYVQLJ[[VNHPUZ\JOHU
accreditation in the country.”
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Q\Z[ [^V Z[HɈ ;OH[ U\TILY OHZ UV^ [YPWSLK ;OL
As for Projacs’ operations in Palestine, Nasser highlights the
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following:
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non-Palestinians to live and work there. As a result,
࠮
࠮
12
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5HZZLY L_WSHPUZ ¸^L THUHNL [OL 7HSLZ[PUL VɉJL
7HSLZ[PUL 6ɉJLZ 3VJH[LK PU 9HTHSSHO [OL UL^
[OYV\NO V\Y VɉJLZ PU )HOYHPU 2OVIHY 1VYKHU HUK
building will be constructed on a 5,886 square meter
Kuwait. This remoteness spurred us to try and identify
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KPɈLYLU[HUK\UJVU]LU[PVUHS^H`ZVMJVTT\UPJH[PVU
and supporting space facilities for the General
;OPZ ^HZ HJOPL]LK ]PH [OL KPɈLYLU[ H]HPSHISL ZVJPHS
4HUHNLTLU[ [OL 8H[[HU *LU[YL MVY ,K\JH[PVUHS
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Research and Development, the Culture and Arts
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7YVNYHTTL YLZPKLUJLZ Z[HɈ N`TUHZP\T SPIYHY`
interruption on a daily basis, to advise and guide our
art gallery, multipurpose hall, and a book café.
team in Palestine.”
Proposed new headquarter for Bank of Palestine,
June 2014
º9,(7>/(;@6<:6>»
the more they work hard, the more the doors of opportunities
5HZZLYZH`ZOLOHZUVKPɉJ\S[`TV[P]H[PUNOPZZ[HɈ!¸7YVQHJZ
for self-development and advancement will open up for
is my family, and as with any family member, I try my best to
them.”
JVTT\UPJH[L^P[O[OLZ[HɈ^VYRPUN^P[OTL[V\UKLYZ[HUK
Nasser adds that Projacs is one of the “few Arab
their overall wellbeing and to identify their needs, both on
companies that follow an incentive scheme generously
a professional and personal level. The message that I keep
WHPKV\[VUHUHUU\HSIHZPZ(O\NLWVY[PVUVM[OLWYVÄ[ZVM
reiterating to the employees that work under my direct
the company are liberally distributed amongst the diligent
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and hardworking employees; this incentive policy is a wise
Above/opposite:
Palestinian Museum
Right top:
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;HTHYH:UVIHY7YVQLJ[4HUHNLY
Right:
9HTHSSHOVɉJLJVYL[LHT
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& Louay Nashashibi
June 2014
13
”
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KPZ[YPI\[LKHTVUNZ[[OLKPSPNLU[HUKOHYK^VYRPUN
employees."
strategic decision that was inaugurated by the management
of the company as a means to build a work environment
based on equality and trust.”
While much of Nasser’s focus is on Palestine, his
residence is in Bahrain. He is married with two sons: Khalid,
the eldest, is graduating this year from Purdue University
PU [OL <: ^OPSL 3\H` ^PSS NYHK\H[L UL_[ `LHY MYVT )VZ[VU
University.
As a role model, Nasser points to astronaut Neil
Armstrong. Why? Because he was “a superlative human
being who showed extraordinary levels of dedication, bravery
and loyalty, as well as a thirst for knowledge.” Nasser shares
that same thirst and has made it his mission to make sure
that the knowledge he and Projacs have acquired over many
years is transferred to the young Palestinians living under
KPɉJ\S[JVUKP[PVUZVU[OL>LZ[)HUR™
Right:
Bank of Palestine
Ramallah
14
June 2014
ALLIANCES & JOINT VENTURES: HATCH
PROJACS/
HATCH
Complementing
One Another
Projacs signed an agreement with Canada’s Hatch engineering, project and construction
THUHNLTLU[ZLY]PJLZJVTWHU`PU6J[VILY[VW\YZ\L7YVQLJ[4HUHNLTLU[:LY]PJLZ
MVY:H\KPZ[H[LLULYN`NPHU[:H\KP(YHTJVVUHWV[LU[PHSQVPU[]LU[\YLIHZPZ
The key element of success in the Projacs/Hatch alliance, according to Ihab Abbas,
6WLYH[PVUZ4HUHNLY,HZ[LYU9LNPVUVM:H\KP(YHIPH¸PZ[OLMHJ[[OH[IV[OJVTWHUPLZ
in the alliance complement the services of one another. Projacs provides support in
7YVQLJ[*VU[YVS:`Z[LTZHUK7YVQLJ[4HUHNLTLU[HUKPU[YVK\JLZHUL^THYRL[HUKH
THQVY*SPLU[[V/H[JO¶PL[OL2PUNKVTVM:H\KP(YHIPHHUK:H\KP(YHTJV(YHTJVOHZ
ILLUHYLJ\YYPUN*SPLU[[V7YVQHJZPU[LYTZVM;YHPUPUN:LY]PJLZHUK7YVQLJ[4HUHNLTLU[
;
while Hatch complements Projacs’ services in terms of Oil & Gas technical experience/
technology and EPCM experience.”
Based in Mississauga, Ontario, Hatch, in its own words, is “an employee-owned,
T\S[PKPZJPWSPUHY`WYVMLZZPVUHSZLY]PJLZÄYT[OH[KLSP]LYZHJVTWYLOLUZP]LHYYH`VM[LJOUPJHS
and strategic services, including consulting, information technology, engineering, process
development, and project and construction management to the Mining, Metallurgical,
Energy, and Infrastructure sectors.”
Ihab Abbas
Operations Manager
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-\Y[OLYTVYL/H[JOOHZ¸ZLY]LKJSPLU[ZMVYV]LY`LHYZHUKOHZWYVQLJ[L_WLYPLUJL
PUTVYL[OHUJV\U[YPLZHYV\UK[OL^VYSK>P[OV]LYWLVWSLPUV]LYVɉJLZ
[OLÄYTOHZTVYL[OHUIUPUWYVQLJ[ZJ\YYLU[S`\UKLYTHUHNLTLU[¹
Thus far, Ihab says, “Projacs/Hatch have been invited twice to pre-qualify and bid
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materialized due to reasons beyond the control of both organizations. However, Projacs/
/H[JOHYLZ[PSSW\YZ\PUNQVPU[S`JVU[HJ[Z^P[OPU:H\KP(YHTJV¹
Ihab, a graduate in Engineering from the American University of Beirut, joined Projacs
PU(WYPSHZHU(ZZPZ[HU[7YVQLJ[4HUHNLYPU[OL+\IHPVɉJL™
June 2014
15
THE
DESIGN
MANAGER
1R'D\
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6\ZHTH(IIHZJHUYLLSVɈZVTLVM[OLTHPUHJ[P]P[PLZ[OH[
might occur during an average working week as Design
Manager, Projacs Kuwait – communicating with his project
team or consultants and contractors, or holding Progress
Meetings with the latter or with Clients. But, Ousama says,
the exciting and stimulating aspect of his work is the fact
that “there is hardly a typical day in my job at Projacs.
Oussama Abbas
One day may be mostly spent in meetings and other days
Design Manager
in writing or replying to correspondence, or reviewing and
Kuwait
drafting reports and contractual documents.”
/H]PUN ZLJ\YLK HU 4: PU *VUZ[Y\J[PVU 4HUHNLTLU[
0UMVYTH[PVU ;LJOUVSVN` MYVT *VSVYHKV :[H[L <UP]LYZP[`
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(TLYPJHU <UP]LYZP[` PU )LPY\[ (<) ¶ X\HSPÄJH[PVUZ [OH[
might have been tailor-made to lead him eventually towards
a career at Projacs.
After completing his studies Ousama worked for six
`LHYZH[HUHYJOP[LJ[\YHSWYHJ[PJLPU[OL<:/L[OLUILNHU
looking for an opportunity to change his career into project
management, having come close to completing a Master’s
degree in Construction Management. He heard about
7YVQHJZ [OYV\NO WLYZVUHS JVU[HJ[Z H[ [OL ÄYT OPZ IYV[OLY
0OHI [VKH` 6WLYH[PVUZ 4HUHNLY ,HZ[LYU 9LNPVU VM :H\KP
(YHIPHHUK1POHK<Z[HJ\YYLU[S`:LUPVY=PJL7YLZPKLU[(YLH
Manager Lebanon – and Ousama’s former teacher at the
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2006 – was looking to hire engineers. Ousama’s Projacs
career was about to begin.
“I was hired by Jihad Usta in July 2006 to join the UAE
VɉJLHZH+LZPNU4HUHNLY¹6\ZHTHYLJHSSZ¸0[[VVRTLH
few months to adjust my approach from being a Consultant
Architect, whose main focus is to design a fully integrated
project according to the Client’s needs, into a Design
16
June 2014
Manager.” The Design Manager’s role, by contrast, is “to
make sure all consultants are working according to their
contractual obligations in order to meet the intended design
quality, submission deadlines and project budget. Therefore,
my previous experience allowed me to properly monitor the
design consultant's work throughout the design stages and
until the award of the contractor.”
796-,::065(3(5+-90,5+3@
Arriving at a new job in a new company was not, however, a
[YH\TH[PJL_WLYPLUJL¸:PUJL[OLÄYZ[KH`0QVPULK7YVQHJZ¹
Ousama says, “I have seen it as a professional and
friendly environment. I was impressed by the way the top
management values its employees and considers them the
company assets.” Over the subsequent eight years, “I’ve
TL[THU`7YVQHJZJVSSLHN\LZPUKPɈLYLU[YLNPVUZHUKMV\UK
them all very friendly and helpful in many ways. I think that
Projacs employees know that they are an integral part of the
Projacs fabric, which enhances the sense of loyalty.”
Much as no day is typical for a Projects Manager like
Ousama, so the challenges may vary from hour to hour. But
in general, Ousama says, the challenges include: managing
”
7YVQHJZLTWSV`LLZRUV^[OH[[OL`HYLHU
PU[LNYHSWHY[VM[OL7YVQHJZMHIYPJ
scope changes that are usually generated by the Client,
last phase of tender document, with construction expected
which have an impact on the project time and budget;
to start in July 2014. The main building has a central atrium
dealing with extended project durations beyond his control;
overlooked at all levels, which is meant to be the heart of the
HUK^VYRPUN^P[O\UX\HSPÄLKJVUZ\S[HU[ZVYJVU[YHJ[VYZ[OH[
building. The external facade is a combination of a curtain
may have been appointed by the Client without taking into
^HSSHS\TPUP\TJSHKKPUNHUKZ[VULÄUPZONP]PUN[OLI\PSKPUN
consideration Projacs’ recommendation.
a contemporary corporate image.
;OL:HSTP`H7HYR)V\SL]HYK^PSSILHSHUKTHYRWYVQLJ[
2<>(0;7961,*;:
in Kuwait occupying 357,000 square meters. It is a BOT
-VY 6\ZHTH `LHYZ VM Z[\K` HUK OHUKZVU L_WLYPLUJL HYL
WYVQLJ[ [OH[ ^PSS [HYNL[ MHTPSPLZ I` VɈLYPUN LU[LY[HPUTLU[
being brought to bear on two major projects in Kuwait: he
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PZ THUHNPUN ,8<(;, 5L^ /LHKX\HY[LYZ +LZPNU :[HNL"
YLZ[H\YHU[ ]PSSHNL Z\YYV\UKPUN HU HY[PÄJPHS SHRL HUK H
HUK[OL)V\SL]HYK7YVQLJ[*VUZ[Y\J[PVU:[HNL¶HZPKLMYVT
commercial mall. The project construction “started in 2008,
special assignments on other projects as required.
but was suspended for a time before being started. Now we
,8<(;, 5L^ /LHKX\HY[LYZ ^HZ VYPNPUHSS` KLZPNULK PU
are about to start the testing/commissioning period. Our role
2007 by Gulf Consult and was tendered for construction.
was originally Project Management, and was extended to
The contractor, Ousama says, “wasn’t awarded and the
cover the Tenant Coordination phase. Our team is reviewing
Client decided to update the design in terms of internal
all tenants’ designs and making sure they comply with the
departments planning
Tenant Design Manual. The project is expected to open later
to satisfy company growth and
new requirements, in addition to complying with the new
regulations issued by the Ministry of Electricity and Water
4,>PU¹
;OPZWYVQLJ[PZ[HYNL[PUN3,,+JLY[PÄJH[PVUHUKPZPU[OL
this year.”
To overcome the impression that the disruption to
[OL JVUZ[Y\J[PVU WYVNYHT TLHU[ [OH[ [OL ^VYR ^HZ VɈ
schedule, Ousama “met with all the tenants and informed
June 2014
17
Previous:
:HSTP`H7HYR)V\SL]HYK2\^HP[
Above:
,8<(;
( ,5L^/8 Kuwait
them that the work was progressing in the right direction,
Z[HɈVM2\^HP[VɉJL0HTOVUVYLK[VILHWHY[VM[OL2\^HP[
which was supported by thorough follow-up meetings
team.”
and correspondence. In addition to that, I also asked the
Married with two daughters (Rania, aged eight and Maya
tenants to work on their design submissions for our review
Ä]L^OVHYLOHWWPS`ZL[[SLKPU2\^HP[6\ZHTH^V\SK[OPUR
and approval.” Projacs management provided a technical
twice before moving countries again. On the other hand,
support team for this purpose. During the review “I guided
OL ILSPL]LZ [OH[ ¸ILULÄ[Z JHU JVTL ^P[O YLSVJH[PVU SPRL
THU` [LUHU[Z H^H` MYVT WVVY Ä[V\[ JVU[YHJ[VYZ HUK
^PKLUPUN`V\YRUV^SLKNLHIV\[HZWLJPÄJTHYRL[PUJYLHZPUN
HK]PZLK [OLT PUZ[LHK [V \ZL OPNOS` X\HSPÄLK JVU[YHJ[VYZ
your network of people, proving yourself, and progressing in
and consultants whom I recommended, based on my
your career. Working in UAE was a very good experience
experience, in order to add to the value of the project once
and I wouldn’t mind repeating it. I think the market there can
completed.”
VɈLYHSV[VMVWWVY[\UP[PLZMVY7YVQHJZ¹
),5,-0;:-9649,36*(;065
[OH[ 6\ZHTH ^V\SK ÄUK P[ OHYK [V [\YU KV^U! ¸0 ^V\SK IL
6\ZHTH»Z [YHUZMLY MYVT [OL <(, VɉJL [V 2\^HP[ ^HZ
PU[LYLZ[LK[V^VYRPU[OL<:PM[OLYL^HZL]LYHJOHUJLVM
linked partly to the economic slowdown in the region of the
VWLUPUNH7YVQHJZVɉJL[OLYL0[PZHIPNTHYRL[HUK0OH]L
past years. Projacs, he says, “has reacted to the declining
worked there for many years.”
However, there is one opening, if it ever appeared,
economic situation by shifting some of its employees into
If Ousama was ever asked whether he thought he would
the busiest markets. I believe it is the right approach to
PUKLLKL]LU[\HSS`YL[\YU[V[OL:[H[LZOLTPNO[^LSSYLZWVUK
avoid losing the valuable employees that the company has
^P[OOPZMH]VYP[LX\V[L!º)LSPL]L`V\JHUHUK`V\»YLOHSM^H`
invested training in. I was asked to relocate myself, and it
there’. But the success of the other half of his journey might
^HZHJOHSSLUNL[VQVPUHUL^VɉJL)\[THU`VWWVY[\UP[PLZ
depend on Ousama persuading his family to leave their
have arisen, and many rewards, such as meeting and
working with the knowledgeable and highly experienced
18
June 2014
happy life in Kuwait. ™
HUMAN RESOURCES UNIT
7YVQHJZ» /9 KLWHY[TLU[ PZ YLZWVUZPISL UV[ Q\Z[ MVY Z[HɈ
recruiting, organizing, planning and training, but also for
ensuring that they “perform to expectations”, according to
Performing
;V,_WLJ[H[PVUZ
(IIHZ0IYHOPT-ZZHP=PJL7YLZPKLU[/9-PUHUJL
Abbas is not shy in stressing the vital role played by
his HR team: “We have to manage the company’s most
LɈLJ[P]L HZZL[ P[Z O\THU YLZV\YJL ;OL /9 KLWHY[TLU[
has the task of ensuring that the company has the best
HUK TVZ[ LɈLJ[P]L ^VYRMVYJL [OH[ [OL THYRL[ OHZ [V VɈLY
We enable the organization to achieve its objectives by
taking initiatives and providing guidance and support on all
matters relating to its employees.” The HR department’s role
is also to implement strategies and policies relating to the
THUHNLTLU[VMPUKP]PK\HSZHUKWYL]LU[JVUÅPJ[ZPU[OL^VYR
place.
June 2014
19
(IIHZ-ZZHP
=PJL7YLZPKLU[/9-PUHUJL
YLX\PYLTLU[YLX\LZ[Z[V[OL*OPLM6WLYH[PUN6ɉJLY
While each territory has its own HR department, they
HSS JVVYKPUH[L ^P[O HUK MVSSV^ [OL =PJL 7YLZPKLU[ /9 PU
*66 HUK =PJL 7YLZPKLU[ /\THU 9LZV\YJLZ =7
[OL *VYWVYH[L VɉJL PU 2\^HP[ ;OH[ VɉJL JVUZPZ[Z VM TLTILYZVMZ[HɈ(IIHZ^OVQVPULK7YVQHJZPUKYH^Z
/9
2.
IV[O [V OPZ /9 HUK -PUHUJL YVSLZ ¸>P[O [OL JVU[PU\PUN
JVTWHU`NYV^[O¹OLZH`Z¸0OH]LWHY[PJPWH[LKPUÄUHUJPHS
throughout Projacs.
3.
4.
WYVJLZZLZ MVY ÄUHUJPHS Z[H[LTLU[Z TVKLYU TL[OVKZ VM
ÄZJHSWSHUUPUNHUKI\KNL[WYLWHYH[PVUYLWVY[PUNJVUJLW[Z
established and maintained good working relationships
:\NNLZ[LK JHUKPKH[LZ ^PSS IL MVY^HYKLK [V
requesting AM and COO for interviewing and
/L OHZ HSZV ¸HZZPZ[LK [OL =PJL 7YLZPKLU[Z HUK (YLH
them to meet their deadlines. Through hard working I have
-PS[LYLK *=Z ^PSS YLJLP]L H WYLSPTPUHY` L]HS\H[PVU
WOVULPU[LY]PL^MYVT*96=7/9
5.
and preferred business practices.”
4HUHNLYZVUÄUHUJPHSHUKWVSPJ`TH[[LYZHUK^VYRLK^P[O
=7/9 ^PSS PUP[PH[L [OL *= ZLHYJO [OYV\NO [OL
*VYWVYH[L9LJY\P[TLU[6ɉJLY*96HUK3VJHS/9
and strategic planning, business expansion and startup planning. I have a good knowledge of the preparation
*66^PSSHWWYV]L[OLWVZP[PVUJVUÄYT[OLI\KNL[
PUMVYT=7/9[VPUP[PH[LH*=ZLHYJOJLU[YHSS`HUK
on years of experience to handle a range of duties related
selection
6UJLHJHUKPKH[LPZPKLU[PÄLKI`(4!
1.
^P[O Z[HɈ HUK OH]L KL]LSVWLK H OPNOS` ZRPSSLK HJJV\U[PUN
A Request-to-Hire must be submitted to COO
indicating proposed position, grade and salary. A
HUKÄUHUJPHSTHUHNLTLU[[LHT[VHJOPL]L[OLLZ[HISPZOLK
JVW`VM[OLZHTLT\Z[ILZLU[[V=7/9
objective.”
2.
9,*9<0;05.796*,::
3.
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6WLYH[PVUZ4HUHNLY64HUKSVJHS/9
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4.
5.
20
;OL (YLH 4HUHNLY (4 Z\ITP[Z JVTIPULK Z[HɈ
June 2014
0U JHZL VM UVUHJJLW[HUJL =7/9 ^PSS PZZ\L [OL
refusal note to AM, OM and local HR.
normally follows the following course:
1.
3VJHS/9^PSSPZZ\LQVIVɈLYZPNULKI`(4
An employment agreement must be issued by
SVJHS /9 \ZPUN 7YVQHJZ Z[HUKHYK MVYTH[ HUK ZLU[
”
to employee maximum by the end of the probation
period.
6.
Three copies must be signed by the Employee and
ZLU[[V=7/9[VYL]PL^HUKWYLZLU[[V*,6
7.
6UJLZPNULKI`*,6=7/9^PSSZLUKVULJVW`[V
LTWSV`LLVULJVW`[VSVJHS/9LTWSV`LLÄSLHUK
one copy to be kept at Corporate HR.
)\[L]LU^OLUHUL^TLTILYVMZ[HɈOHZILLU^LSJVTLK
^VYRVUNHPUPUN[OL
[Y\Z[VM[OLZ[HќMYVT
day one."
on board, the HR department’s role continues. “As a
support unit,” Abbas explains, “we have the responsibility
VMZ\WWVY[PUN[OLZ[HɈPUL]LY`PZZ\L[OL`TH`PUX\PYLHIV\[
0 KVU»[ [OPUR ^L OH]L WYVISLTZ HUK PZZ\LZ ^P[O Z[HɈ HZ
SVUN HZ ^L YLHSPaL V\Y YVSL HUK \UKLYZ[HUK [OL JVYL Z[HɈ
needs. Problems arise from misunderstandings and solving
these needs a lot of practice, deep breaths and self-control.
Most important of all we must always remember that we are
Z\WWVY[Z[HɈ¹
Azza Ahmed Gomaa
Asst. Manager - HR
Egypt
.(05;9<:;
>OH[Z[PT\SH[LZ(IIHZPUOPZQVIPZ[OH[L]LY`KH`PZKPɈLYLU[!
“I am always expecting new challenges to face and handle.
What’s very important in overcoming them is the continuous
backing and respect from the senior management.”
0TWVY[HU[ [VV PZ [OL Z\WWVY[ VM /9 Z[HɈ [OLTZLS]LZ
Ellaine Omar
Newcomers to the department, Abbas says, are advised to
/9(KTPU6ɉJLY
“always ask questions and don’t jump to conclusions” and
Kuwait
¸^VYRVUNHPUPUN[OL[Y\Z[VM[OLZ[HɈMYVTKH`VUL¹
(IIHZ ÄYTS` ILSPL]LZ [OH[ 7YVQHJZ VɈLYZ ^VYRWSHJL
conditions that distinguish it from other companies. “We do
UV[ OPYL [V ÄYL¹ OL ZH`Z ¸>L OH]L H MYPLUKS` LU]PYVUTLU[
in the company, a unique culture; and we have 30 years of
L_WLYPLUJL PU [OL YLNPVU 6\Y Z[HɈ HYL V\Y THPU HZZL[ HUK
Iyad Alsabbagh
we always invest in them.” In order to invest in them further,
Accountant
Abbas believes, Projacs should “update the salary scale and
:`YPH
NYHKPUNZ`Z[LTHUKVɈLYUL^ILULÄ[Z[VZ[HɈ¹
As for his own career, Abbas says “many achievements
need to be completed in the coming months and years. We
HYL Z[PSS NYV^PUN ^P[O TVYL Z[HɈ [V OHUKSL TVYL SVJH[PVUZ
opening, more joint ventures and strategic partners, and
so on. I hope in the coming months to complete the new
enhanced budget and reporting system for all territories.”
Abbas is married with three daughters (Rawan aged 14,
9LLTHUK9HLUH/LSPRLZ[VYLSH_I`SPZ[LUPUN[VT\ZPJ
4HYPL:HSPI`
Executive Asst. - HR & Admin.
Lebanon
or working on his stamp and coin collections. The last book
he read was Michael Mandelbaum’s The Frugal Superpower:
America’s Global Leadership in a Cash-Strapped Era. This
explains how America has had to learn to live and operate
^P[OPUKLÄULKÄUHUJPHSIV\UKHYPLZ¶ZVTL[OPUN[OH[H=PJL
7YLZPKLU[/9-PUHUJLRUV^ZVUS`[VV^LSS™
Rowaida Al Amoush
Executive Asst. - Admin. & Logistics
Jordan
June 2014
21
PROJACS
SAUDI ARABIA
Positive And
Professional
22
June 2014
;OLZ[HɈPU7YVQHJZ»:H\KP(YHIPHVɉJLPU9P`HKOHYL¸]LY`
positive and professional in their approach and work with
[LHTZWPYP[¹HJJVYKPUN[V;HYLR(OTLK=PJL7YLZPKLU[
(YLH4HUHNLY*LU[YHSHUK>LZ[LYU9LNPVUZ¸;OL
VɉJLPZ]LY`MYPLUKS`HUK^LLUQV`HMHTPS`LU]PYVUTLU[
4VYLV]LY0JHUJSHPT[OH[^LOH]LHÅH[VYNHUPaH[PVU^P[O
UVIHYYPLYZ[VHU`Z[HɈH[HU`SL]LS¹
June 2014
23
;OL Z[VY` VM 7YVQHJZ PU :H\KP (YHIPH PZ VUL VM ZLUZH[PVUHS
NYV^[O >OLU [OL VɉJL ^HZ ZL[ \W PU +LJLTILY P[
^HZ Z[HɈLK I` Q\Z[ [OYLL WLVWSL ;VKH` UV ML^LY [OHU
personnel work there. In those early days, Tarek says, “we
OHKVUS`VULVɉJLPU2\^HP[;OLWHY[ULYZKLJPKLK[VVWLU
HUV[OLYVULPU[OL2PUNKVTVM:H\KP(YHIPH74*4ZLY]PJLZ
were new to that promising and potential market. Our aim
from the start was to become the regional leader in the
4PKKSL,HZ[¶[OLJSPLU[»ZÄYZ[JOVPJLPUWYVQLJ[THUHNLTLU[
and construction management, in an environment where our
Z[HɈHYL]HS\LKHUKJOHSSLUNLK¹
;HYLRQVPULK7YVQHJZPU
HZH:LUPVY(YJOP[LJ[VU[OL
King Abdullah Military City project in al-Hasa. “Coming as I
did from a contractor background was, in technical terms,
a really good advantage for me in my new career in PM/
CM,” he recalls. “Today, I oversee all projects in Riyadh and
Jeddah from a management perspective, as well as looking
HM[LY[OL[LJOUPJHSHUKÄUHUJPHSHɈHPYZVMV\YVWLYH[PVUZHUK
ensuring the implementation of policies and procedures set
Tarek Ahmed
by the Corporate Management.”
=PJL7YLZPKLU[
Over the years, Projacs has been involved in some of the
24
June 2014
& Area Manager
*LU[YHS>LZ[LY2:(
(S-HYLLKH
Residential Compound
”
key construction projects in the Kingdom. The King Abdullah
Military City was completed in 2003, the company has since
been awarded the contract for Phase 2 development. The
`LHYZH^[OLJVTWSL[PVUVM[OL*LU[YPH:OVWWPUN4HSS
in Olaya, Riyadh, comprising a total built-up area of 56,700
square meters. Two years later the Headquarters of King
(IK\SHaPa/PZ*VTWHUPVUZ-V\UKH[PVUMVY[OL.PM[LK^HZ
inaugurated.
Projects underway today include: the Ministry of
,K\JH[PVU /LHKX\HY[LYZ ^P[O Ä]LÅVVY I\PSKPUNZ
ZJOLK\SLKMVYJVTWSL[PVUPU4HYJO"[OL4HQKV\S;V^LY
^P[OSL]LSZHUKHOLPNO[VMTL[LYZ4HYJO"(S
-HYLLKH9LZPKLU[PHS*VTWV\UKPUJS\KPUN]PSSHZ^P[O
Ä]LKPɈLYLU[WYV[V[`WLKLZPNUZ[OYLL-YPKH`TVZX\LZ"[^V
local mosques, local shops, and a local health care unit in
LHJOULPNOIVYOVVK+LJLTILY"HUK[OL/PS[VU9P`HKO
/V[LS^P[OYVVTZHUKHWHY[TLU[YVVTZ4H`
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[OLYLHYLKPɉJ\S[PLZ[VILMHJLKMYVT[PTL[V[PTL!¸>LOH]L
several challenges, mainly with issues to do with local labor
SH^ZHUKZ[HɈYL[LU[PVUHZ[OL:H\KPTHYRL[PZNYV^PUN;OL
>LOH]LZL]LYHS
JOHSSLUNLZTHPUS`^P[O
PZZ\LZ[VKV^P[OSVJHSSHIVY
SH^ZHUKZ[HќYL[LU[PVUHZ
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;OLUL^SHIVYSH^PZH
JOHSSLUNLHZ^LSSHZV\Y
JVTTP[TLU[[V:H\KPPaH[PVU
^OPJO^LILSPL]L^PSSILULÄ[
V\YI\ZPULZZHZ^LSSHZ[OL
:H\KPLJVUVT`PUJYLH[PUN
HZ\Z[HPUHISLTHYRL[
June 2014
25
”
"Our aim from the
Z[HY[^HZ[VILJVTL
the regional leader in
the Middle East – the
JSPLU[»ZÄYZ[JOVPJLPU
WYVQLJ[THUHNLTLU[
HUKJVUZ[Y\J[PVU
management, in an
LU]PYVUTLU[^OLYLV\Y
Z[HќHYL]HS\LKHUK
JOHSSLUNLK
Left:
Majdoul Tower
Opposite:
2:(:[HɈ4LTILYZ
new labor law is a challenge, as well as our commitment
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HZ ^LSS HZ [OL :H\KP LJVUVT` PU JYLH[PUN H Z\Z[HPUHISL
market.”
The credit for overcoming these challenges, Tarek
says, is in large part attributable to the performance and
JVTTP[TLU[VMOPZZ[HɈ¸^OVHYLV\YTVZ[]HS\LKHZZL[¹
But while the employees in Riyadh, as elsewhere in the
region, feel they are part of the wider Projacs family, there is
VUL\UPX\LMLH[\YLVM[OL:H\KPVWLYH[PVU!¸>LHYL[OLVUS`
VɉJL^P[OUVMLTHSLLTWSV`LLZK\L[V[OLJ\S[\YLPU:H\KP
(YHIPH¹ (ZRLK OV^ OL THPU[HPULK OPZ Z[HɈ»Z TV[P]H[PVU
SL]LSZ ;HYLR YLWSPLK! ¸-PYZ[ [OLYL HYL [OL ÄUHUJPHS HZWLJ[Z
such as bonuses and raises. But equally important are the
social gatherings and ongoing football matches we have for
Z[HɈMYVT[PTL[V[PTL¹
26
Junee 2014
Jun
2 014
”
^LOH]LHÅH[
VYNHUPaH[PVU^P[OUV
IHYYPLYZ[VHU`Z[HќH[
HU`SL]LS
June 2014
27
”
IL[[LYJVTT\UPJH[PVUIL[^LLUZ[HќHUKIL[^LLU
KPќLYLU[[LYYP[VYPLZHZ^LSSHZZ[HUKHYKPaH[PVUVM
WYVJLK\YLZ
28
June 2014
Keeping his team in touch with Projacs across the
region has become easier over the years because of
¸IL[[LYJVTT\UPJH[PVUIL[^LLUZ[HɈHUKIL[^LLUKPɈLYLU[
territories, as well as standardization of procedures. The
Above:
Ministry of Education
Headquarters
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OHZ [OL PTWSLTLU[H[PVU VM 0:6 *LY[PÄJH[PVU¹ 0U [LYTZ VM
possible improvements that might be made, Tarek believes
the company should “reintroduce the annual retreat and
Below:
Hilton Riyadh Hotel
OH]LTVYLMVJ\ZVUZ[HɈ[YHPUPUN¹
Tarek has worked for Projacs in Egypt and the UAE
HZ ^LSS HZ :H\KP (YHIPH HUK ^V\SK UV[ VIQLJ[ [V [HRPUN \W
challenges elsewhere, if required. “I am interested in working
in any area as per company needs and instruction,” he says.
¸4`YLJVYKPU[OLJVTWHU`ZOV^ZT`ÅL_PIPSP[`¹
/PZ WLYZVUHS WO`ZPJHS ÅL_PIPSP[` PZ HZ PTWVY[HU[ [V ;HYLR
HZ ÅL_PIPSP[` H[ [OL ^VYRWSHJL! OL NVLZ [V [OL N`T L]LY`
TVYUPUN H[ ILMVYL OLHKPUN [V [OL VɉJL >P[O [OYLL
JOPSKYLUHNLKMYVT[VHUKHVUL`LHYVSKNYHUKZVU
not to mention the 136 Projacs employees in his care, he
JLY[HPUS`ULLKZ[VRLLWÄ[¶PUVYKLY[VZL[HUL_HTWSL[VHSS
of being positive and professional. ™
June 2014
29
THE
OPERATIONS
MANAGER
Top-Rate
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Jamil Yaseen, Operations Manager Projacs Bahrain, has had
seven years to observe the company from the inside and to
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His conclusion is that Projacs stands out from other
companies because “our senior management are very
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atmosphere. Projacs also provides an integrated range of
professional services that covers the various phases from
Project Initiation to Project Closing. We provide both Project
Jamil Yaseen
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Operations Manager
Bahrain
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Civil Engineering in 1981, Jamil worked for a number of
companies before his path and that of Projacs crossed. He
joined as a Project Manager in 2006 and later obtained an
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MBA in Project Management and Construction Management
Clients in term of cost and time. And, of course, to ensure
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that their primary objectives are met.”
Many potential obstacles stand in the way of achieving
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these aims. But Jamil is undaunted. “The most challenging
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the friendly atmosphere: “It is a very positive environment
services in a timely and professional manner. Dealing with
where you can perform your duties in a professional manner.
and managing issues that are the subject of contractual
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disputes also represent a challenge.”
Management. Take my case: I started out with the position
At present, Jamil is engaged on three projects: Al Baraka
of Project Manager, and thanks to hard work I became
Banking Group Headquarters in Bahrain; Zallaq Resort
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Jamil’s main task in his current job is to “focus on the
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30
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providing guidelines and monitoring the high level of the
of professional personnel and clients. It’s a case of working
services provided.” On a day-to-day basis this entails
out priorities and seeking to maintain the satisfaction of all
“handling and resolving issues as they come up, working
of them.”
June 2014
In his Projacs career thus far, Jamil has found greatest
satisfaction from his involvement in the $40 million Ain
Adhari National Park project in Bahrain. This ambitious
venture, completed in 2009, involved no fewer than 15
contract agreements during the service period.
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management, Jamil has no hesitation in recommending
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their utmost an opportunity to learn from experienced teams
in the company. Jamil himself says his personal motivation
is based on a desire “to keep on educating myself and to
pass on to others the lessons I have learned in my years of
experience in the Project Management Industry.”
There is no question but that Jamil is steeped in the
construction environment. He lists his personal interests as
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recent book was a study on the repairing and strengthening
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describe as light relief from work.
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these years? “My role model,” he says, “is my grandfather,
who built himself up independently when he emigrated from
Palestine in 1948.”
The son of a man who fought to create his own
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pass on what the experience he has acquired to the next
generation. ™
Below:
(S)HYHRH)HURPUN.YV\W/8 Bahrain
”
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Manager, and thanks
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years later."
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY UNIT
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Yasser Khreis
Head of IT Unit - Kuwait
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8.
International. “Projacs is a very good place for any
Providing day-to-day advice to users on data
structures and terminology
skills, according to Yasser Khreis, Head of IT Unit, Projacs
9.
Providing assistance in testing new equipment and
systems
newcomers who like to improve themselves and want to
be up-to-date with the latest in the IT, engineering, and
10. Checking systems in order to optimize the
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performance and to initiate recovery action after
all to do with skills improvement. Every day there are lots of
system failures.
tasks that help me upgrade my management and technical
experience.”
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team, plus teams around the region. In every country,
University, Yasser heard about Projacs from a friend and
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joined the company in 2000 as IT Manager Kuwait. In
company:
2009 he moved up to his current position. On his arrival at
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the work environment: there is a strong team spirit; hard
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Egypt and Palestine.
work is recognized; there is an emphasis on training and
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Lama Habash: IT Manager for Projacs Jordan,
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Kuwait, assisting Yasser and following up on IT
issues with the outsourced IT companies for other
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The main role of the IT Department, Yasser says, “is to
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Projacs branches.
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and sites.” He lists the support areas as follows:
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Alaa Almarzook: IT Administrator for Projacs
Bahrain.
1.
Workstations, servers and end-user support
2.
Networking/communications support
3.
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4.
Policies, procedures, licenses and functionalities
least keeping up with new technology and the pressure
5.
Administrating applications in LAN
N,W
WAN, Cloud
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6.
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7.
32
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Providing training in systems use and access
June 2014
Yasser says his job presents several challenges, not
challenge is deciding which of these new technologies will
work to the best interest of advancing the organization and
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”
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Ashif Kuniyil
IT Administrator
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Policies.” With the advances of Cloud opportunities, for
example, there are security and risk considerations to be
taken into account.
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In Yasser’s view Projacs would do well “to improve the
Rasha Moussa
IT infrastructure in our projects and consider that the
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implementation of a Project Management Information
Kuwait
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to our projects and this will enable our Project Managers/
Contract
Managers/Administration
Managers/
Managers/Engineers/
Document Controllers etc to follow up these issues and take
the necessary preventive corrective actions. This will impact
positively on client satisfaction, which is the basis of our
success.”
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IT Administrator
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Yasser’s life philosophy can be summed in one word:
improvement. He is continuing studies in the Informatics
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point of view,” he says, “motivation is all about improvement.
This is always my goal and target. Accordingly on a daily
basis I am seeking to acquire the knowledge and experience
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language as those in other areas of the company.”
Lama Habas
IT Manager
Jordan
Yasser has been living in Kuwait since 1993. He feels
settled there, with a wife and three children (Raghdad aged
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football. His positive outlook and his belief in improvement,
in both his personal and professional life, is encapsulated in
his favorite motto: “Coming together is a beginning, staying
together is progress, and working together is success.” ™
Alaa Almarzooq
IT Administrator
Bahrain
June 2014
33
THE
SYSTEM
ANALYST
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One of the most important challenges facing Omar Rayan,
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Coordinator at Projacs Academy, is “getting people out of
their comfort zone when it comes to new technologies and
proving that cloud solutions and a few tweaks in the way
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time management and therefore revenue generation.”
Cloud computing, Omar explains, “is the current
iteration of the internet which somewhat eliminates the need
of having software installed locally. Instead it’s replaced by
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needs minimal hardware. It can be used on a wide range of
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in August 2013, he says, “the transition to the cloud had
already begun. When Mr. Nael Al-Ashy and I were appointed
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reputation and a good portfolio of customers, capable of
delivering a well-made end product.”
The main challenges were “convincing the management
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evolution that replaces software installed locally.” There
was also a need to convince “management and some
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cloud email and collaboration solution rather than the one
available now.”
As far as Projacs Academy is concerned, “the biggest
challenge was proving the importance of social media and
online advertising as the ideal method nowadays to expand
brand recognition among potential customers, instead of
Omar Rayan
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Bahrain
34
June 2014
traditional methods of advertising, including email.”
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”
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equal or greater security capabilities than those provided
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by the data center. Omar is equivocal in his response.
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content management system.
“Having a local server has always been the safe solution
Omar, who is 24 years old and single, admits “a passion
for companies seeking full control over their data. Yet not
for technology and gadgets, podcasts, photography and
all companies can keep up with the high costs of frequent
being active outdoors.” He exudes both energy and a
hardware, software and security layer upgrades if they want
determination to get to the top – motivated his mother Mrs.
a data center that runs perfectly. At some point they will be
Lina Abdulkhaleq. “Over the years,” he says, “she was a
a bit behind if they don’t keep up with the rapid technology
great inspiration who made me aim to succeed in the
updates.”
world of business, build better connections, and become a
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walking success story in business and IT.”
In Omar’s view, cloud solutions from renowned vendors
No surprise, then, to hear that Omar has just been
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reading Think and Grow Rich, by Greg Habstritt. No surprise
have gone a long way in terms of data integrity, uptime and
either to learn that he has crafted his own motto – one that
service availability, and security. But crucially if a company
he would like all Projacs employees to adopt: “The best way
is to opt for a cloud solution to reduce IT costs, it should
to get out of your comfort zone is to never have one in the
also follow the Projacs example by doing its research well
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before choosing a vendor. The bigger the vendor, the more
this vendor invested on having reliable and secure data
centers.”
Adopting this prudent approach, Omar says, “Projacs is
moving slowly but steadily in order to ensure that the end
results will perform perfectly as planned.”
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and gaining more experience, as well as coordinating with
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vendors regarding enhancement. My day-to-day work
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presenting it as a strong management solution in existing
and upcoming projects.”
Omar’s role in the Projacs Academy involves beta-testing
the mobile application, research on e-learning solutions ,
research on best social media practices to expand brand
June 2014
35
MUSANADA
SCHOOLS
PROGRAM
Focused
But Flexible
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“with a very professional yet demanding client, and we have had to be focused,
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great achievement for Projacs, Ashraf says. Musanada is “the most important
client in UAE, if not in the Gulf region in general. They manage all UAE
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goal that we were trying to achieve for the past few years.”
Being selected by Musanada was all the more remarkable because of the
recent restructuring of Projacs’ operations in the UAE and the perceptions this
created. As Ashraf explains, “Projacs Abu Dhabi was re-activated in March 2013
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result, “we faced lots of challenges in the negotiations stage before the project
was awarded. Most of the challenges were about the client’s perception that
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Ashraf AlGarf
,_LJ\[P]L=7
& Deputy CEO
36
June 2014
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Projacs Abu Dhabi won the contract in July 2013 and turned to a pool of resources
in neighboring countries to establish the project team – deploying more than 25
professional personnel in fewer than four weeks. The task now is to see the project
completed by its target date of December 2014.
;OLZJOVVSZWYVQLJ[PZWHY[VM[OL(I\+OHIP<YIHU:[Y\J[\YL-YHTL^VYR7SHU
drawn up by the Urban Planning Council to optimize the city's development through
a 25-year program of urban evolution. In doing so, it is laying the foundations for a
socially cohesive and economically sustainable community. The Abu Dhabi Education
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Z[H[LVM[OLHY[MHJPSP[PLZPUKPɈLYLU[HYLHZVM(I\+OHIPHUK(S(PU
The buildings are of two levels and are located in built-up areas. In addition to
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facilities, in addition to outdoor spaces, playgrounds, landscaping, roads and parking.
The schools are being fully furnished, with specialty items for laboratories, classrooms,
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incorporated green building guidelines and are intended to achieve 2 Pearls Estidama
rating.
Having been with Projacs since April 1998, Ashraf has worked on many types of
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[VIL]LY`ÅL_PISL[VKLHS^P[O[OPZL]LY`KH`)LPUNHNV]LYUTLU[WYVQLJ[^LOH]L[V
KLHS^P[OTHU`PTWVY[HU[HNLUJPLZHUKKLWHY[TLU[Z,]LY`VULOHZHKPɈLYLU[]PL^
HUK^LOH]L[VWSLHZL[OLTHSS:VJVTT\UPJH[PVUZRPSSZHYLHIZVS\[LS`]P[HS¹
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President and Area Manager Kuwait and Iraq. In his current position, Ashraf oversees
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KL]LSVWTLU[ HUK 0 ^VYR VU ÄUHUJPHS [HYNL[Z [OH[ HYL WYLZL[ I` [OL )VHYK I` [OL
beginning of every year.”
REWARDING WORK
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planning, work expansions, internal policies and procedures, in addition to studying
new markets, and new areas of concern. He must also prepare, present and implement
the company’s annual budget, business and operation plans and expenditures, and
monitor development and investment opportunities in the Gulf area and North Africa.
“I feel proud of being part of the senior management of Projacs,” Ashraf says. “I
ÄUKP[YL^HYKPUN[VILL_WVZLK[V[OLILZ[WYVMLZZPVUHSZ^VYRPUNPUV\YÄLSKPU[OL
whole region, working with a very friendly and supportive CEO and Chairman.”
Ashraf is always on the look-out for new opportunities for Projacs: “I’m currently
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opportunities. However, if the question is where else I’m interested in expanding our
operations, I would say India, Turkey and Iran.”
With Projacs’ operations widening in scope across the region and beyond, travel
constitutes a large part of Ashraf’s life. Indeed, asked where he was currently residing,
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three children requires the same key skills that he brings to his professional life: focus
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June 2014
37
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PROJACS ACADEMY WORKS WITH AN EXTENSIVE NETWORK OF
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38
June 2014
OUR PROFESSIONAL TRAINING PROGRAMMES
&$7(5729$5,2866(&7256$1'63(&,$/7,(6
÷LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT SKILLS
÷PROJECT MANAGEMENT
÷CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
÷STRUCTURES & CONCRETE
÷MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
÷DESIGN MANAGEMENT
÷VALUE ENGINEERING
÷COST ESTIMATING AND CONTROL
÷PLANNING & SCHEDULING
÷CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION
÷CLAIM MANAGEMENT AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION
÷OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT
÷HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
÷BANKING & FINANCE
÷25*$1,=$7,21$/'(9(/230(17
÷ISO & QUALITY MANAGEMENT
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F
ES MANAGEMENT
120 PALL MALL, LONDON SW1Y 5EA UK
7(/,1)2#352-$&6$&$'(0<&20
June 2014
39
40
KUWAIT FUND
JORDAN PROJECT
Unique
In Diversity
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I`[OL2\^HP[-\UKMVY(YHI,JVUVTPJ+L]LSVWTLU[PZ¸\UPX\LPU[OLU\TILY
and diversity of the development projects to be covered in our scope,” according
[V)HZLS(IK\SSH[PM(ZZPZ[HU[=76WLYH[PVUZ4HUHNLY1VYKHU
Projacs won the contract in August 2013 and completion in due in August
this year. The Kuwait Government Grant totals $1.25bn, at a rate of $250mn
WH`HISL HUU\HSS` MVY Ä]L `LHYZ HUK YLWYLZLU[Z H X\HY[LY VM [OL .** .YHU[ [V
Jordan. Basel, who is in charge of directing and managing the Jordan venture,
says the project is unique because “there are hundreds of projects in the range
VMML^[OV\ZHUKZKVSSHYZ7YVK\J[P]P[`,UOHUJLTLU[[V[LUZVMTPSSPVUZVMKVSSHYZ
0UMYHZ[Y\J[\YL7YVQLJ[Z[VILTVUP[VYLK;OLYLHYLHSZVU\TLYV\ZKVJ\TLU[Z[V
ILYL]PL^LKHUKJVTTLU[LKVUZ\JOHZ*VU[YHJ[Z9-7Z7YVWVZHSZL]HS\H[PVU
and withdrawal requests in a short period of time.”
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particular projects are to be included in the development program and whether
a certain deviation from the stipulations of the Grant Agreement signed
between the governments of Kuwait and Jordan is acceptable.” The projects
are grouped in nine Government Development Programs: Municipalities &
Basel Abdullatif,
(ZZPZ[HU[=7
Operations Manager, Jordan
June 2014
41
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:\WWVY[VM,K\JH[PVU:LJ[VY":\WWVY[VM>H[LY0YYPNH[PVU
:LJ[VY":\WWVY[VM5H[\YHS9LZV\YJLZ:LJ[VY">PUK7V^LY
Generation Project; and Liquid natural Gas Port Project.
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summarized as follows:
࠮
Regular visits to development projects locations,
inspection of project documentation, follow up
and check payment processes to ensure accounts
transparency and follow up on the projects
advancements.
࠮
Review and commenting on the abidance of
each local authority concerned with any of the
࠮
WYVQLJ[Z ÄUHUJLK MYVT [OL WYVJLLKZ VM [OL
processing of the withdrawal requests and accelerate due
Grant to proper accounting book-keeping, and
payments. To resolve this challenge, we have conducted
transparent management and to the conformity in
several meetings with the concerned from the Kuwait
the preparation of withdrawal applications with the
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-\UK»Z N\PKLSPULZ HUK ^P[O [OL Z[PW\SH[PVUZ VM [OL
procedures that are currently being reviewed by both
corresponding Grant Agreement.
parties.”
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-\UK LTWSV`LLZ [V IL H[[HJOLK JVUZLJ\[P]LS` [V
Basel joined Projacs in October 1998 and over the
years has accumulated experience in many areas of Project
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Management. This and what he describes as his “personal
duration of about six months each.
dedication and problem solving approach, have helped in
:@5*/9650A05.796*,+<9,:
Not surprisingly, Basel says, administering such a range of
projects can throw up complications that need sorting out:
“The main challenge we are facing is the need to synchronize
the accounting and administrative procedures practiced by
the various Jordanian Ministries and Authorities performing
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facing such challenges and, hopefully, with the invaluable
support of the brilliant Project team, will lead to the successful
completion of the Project.”
;OPZ ]LU[\YL THRL UV TPZ[HRL PZ ]LY` KPɈLYLU[ MYVT
most that Projacs take on. “All my previous projects were
ZPUNSL PUP[PH[LK HUK ÄUHUJLK I` [OL WYP]H[L ZLJ[VY¹ )HZLS
explains. “In most of my previous projects, I was responsible
Pervious page:
Productivity Enhauncement Project 1
at Ain El-Basha Area
Above:
Productivity Enhauncement Project 2
at Ain El-Basha Area
Left:
9HQLI.PYSZ:JOVVS4HPU[LUHUJL
Opposite:
9HQLI)V`Z:JOVVS4HPU[LUHUJL
42
June 2014
”
for managing the project throughout the various phases
from inception to completion. In this project Projacs’ role
is more related to auditing work done by others – various
Governmental Ministries and Authorities.”
:<7769;05.;/,7669
The particular focus of the projects being undertaken in
Jordan is another aspect of the contract that appeals to
Basel. “Being a part of a process aiming at supporting the
people living below poverty line is a great source of personal
satisfaction. I am greatly inspired by the strong women,
often uneducated; we occasionally meet during our visits to
impoverished areas in Jordanian provinces while inspecting
ZVTL WYVK\J[P]P[` LUOHUJLTLU[ WYVQLJ[Z ÄUHUJLK I` [OL
[OLTPYHJSLZ[OL`
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to support their often
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talk to those women and learn about the miracles they were
previous experience. This is the recipe for success at
able to create when given the chance to start small projects
Projacs.”
to support their often very large families.”
Basel, who is single, lives in Amman where he is very
0ULZZLUJL[OL2\^HP[-\UKJVU[YHJ[ILHYZV\[)HZLS»Z
happy. He enjoys reading history and archaeology books,
philosophy that one should always be on the look-out
as well as “working out on a daily basis and practicing Yoga,
for new challenges outside one’s comfort zone. It can be
my favourite stress management technique.”
summarized in his advice to newcomers to Projacs: “Work
His skill at managing stress is likely to be tested to the full
hard, learn more, be smart, get involved and be willing to
as he tries to keep tabs with the huge range and diversity of
accept assignments even if not fully compatible with your
[OLWYVQLJ[ZILPUN\UKLY^H`JV\Y[LZ`VM[OL2\^HP[-\UK™
June 2014
43
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44
June 2014
New Territory,
New Challenges
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in Algeria, a new market for the company, has presented a challenge – in fact several
challenges.
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was not easy to set up and operate immediately as our Client needed. Nevertheless we
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L_WH[YPH[L Z[HɈ ^OV ^VYRLK PU (SNLYPH ILMVYL¹ >P[OPU H ML^ ^LLRZ ¸V\Y OHUKWPJRLK
team has become one of the best performing ones in Projacs.”
:LSLJ[PUN[OL[LHT^HZVUL[OPUN<UKLYZ[HUKPUN[OL^H`I\ZPULZZPZKVULPU(SNLYPH
was another. “Getting to know the Algerian market and dealing with its unique legal
and logistic conditions was a further challenge,” Osama says. “This was overcome by
JVTIPUPUN [OL L_WLY[PZL VM L_WLYPLUJLK 7YVQHJZ Z[HɈ ^P[O [OL SVJHS RUV^SLKNL VM [OLPY
new Algerian colleagues.”
June 2014
45
:,5:,6--(403@
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Teamwork is key to the success of the Algeria venture, the
project team and continuing support from Projacs’ corporate
structure of which is unusually complicated. The project is
leadership are essential factors to guarantee successful
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delivery of this complex project. Our team is performing an
Consultants are headquartered in Turkey, and the Contractors
active role and has beautifully blended with the enormous
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number of players on the project.”
aside from all the other challenges, “communications is
This latter aspect of the Algiers project makes it stand out
always the major one. My concern has always been to secure
from others on which Osama has worked: “Cultural diversity
HU LɉJPLU[ HUK JVTMVY[HISL ^VYRPUN LU]PYVUTLU[ [OH[ ^PSS
PZ[OLTHQVYKPɈLYLUJL6UJL^OLU0]PZP[LK[OLWYVQLJ[0^HZ
enable our team to concentrate on their assignments. In
told that Jordanians and Lebanese were inspecting the site
[OLZLMHYVɈSHUKZ[OLZLUZLVMMHTPS`^LOH]LJYLH[LKPZ[OL
with the Algerians, along with the Turkish Consultants. Many
best guarantee for team success.”
languages are being spoken in the project, but that doesn’t
Osama says that Projacs was approached by the Client
to take over the on-going BAB Ezzouar project in Algeria
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amongst the team.”
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Projacs was providing, such as management of their World
;
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;
;V^LYPU8H[HY¹
The $500 million Bab Ezzouar Mixed Use Complex, as
the project is formally described, is a vast development
near Algier Airport that is scheduled for completion in mid2016. It is simply the largest mixed-use development to be
undertaken by a private investor in Algeria, covering a total
built-up area of approximately 280,985 square meters on a
plot of 40,398 square meters.
The venture comprises: a 5-star Marriott Hotel with 222
keys; four high-class executive serviced apartment buildings
with 354 apartments; a Marriott Courtyard in three buildings
with 495 apartments; a Marriott Residence Inn in two buildings
^P[OYVVTZ"[^VVɉJLISVJRZ^P[OHWWYV_PTH[LS`
square meters of rentable area; a shopping centre with 19,000
square meters of net lettable retail area; and a 2,000-squaremeter food court. The project is built on three basements with
an enclosed area containing 2,300 car parking spaces.
46
June 2014
6ZHTH-HOT`
Project Director
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”
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templates and try to impose them in every project with very
Projacs’ success worldwide, Osama continues, “is built
little attention to the real needs of the Clients.”
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-YVT6ZHTH»ZWLYZVUHSWVPU[VM]PL^[HRPUN7YVQHJZPU[V
Algeria experience, “we have always succeeded in creating
new territories in Algeria “has made me very proud. It is the
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least I could do to contribute to the success and growth of
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the company.”
what sets us apart from our competitors, who rely on their
Osama, who is married with a 16-year-old daughter, joined
June 2014
47
48
June 2014
Bab Ezzouar
Project Team
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-HPZHS(IK,SHaPa(IK,SOSLLT6ZHTH-HUOT`
/PZOHT,STHZY`-H[TH6\RRHSHUK-LSSH6\STP
”
Projacs in October 2006, armed with a BA
A in Engineering from
(SL_HUKYPH<UP]LYZP[`HUKH+PWSVTHVM/PNOLY:[\KPLZMYVT
Cairo University. He became aware of Projacs’ operations
in Egypt, and when a vacancy occurred he applied and was
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remembers as being “more like being re-united with a family
than moving into a new organization.”
Today, managing a number of mixed-use and commercial
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usually gets involved “in the initiation stage, building project
teams and managing the project until construction is started
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¶ W\[[PUN P[ VU [OL YPNO[ [YHJR¹ :\JJLZZM\S HZ 7YVQHJZ OHZ
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been, Osama acknowledges that there is always room for
WVPU[Z[V:[L]L1VIZHZOPZPUZWPYH[PVUTVKLS!¸/LOHZILLU
improvement. His advice to Projacs corporate management:
creative and has been a very successful businessman at the
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same time.” Just the combination Projacs needs, one could
and establish scholarships for management-related academic
say, to overcome the challenges in the new Algeria project. ™
studies.
June 2014
49
MOVING WITH THE TIMES: PROMIS
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Corporate Communications
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raised and exploring the best way forward in implementing
success across the company, with wholesale improvements
all the upgrades without completely departing from existing
PU ^VYRWSHJL LɉJPLUJ` PU [\UL ^P[O century business
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st
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provide the users with the tools they need on the system,
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while maintaining a user-friendly and dynamic platform, and
of the users have combined to “transform Projacs into more
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Baracci, the Canadian-based solutions company. I have to
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thank my colleagues for their professionalism and dedication
moving away from a world dominated by bits of paper, has
in helping us enhance the system, which has reduced the
presented challenges. One of the initial problems developing
challenges of the Phase II development.”
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involved “changing or transitioning traditional work processes
According to Ali, “each core unit or department has submitted
onto an online platform. We experienced both cultural and
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technical issues throughout the years.”
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:PUJLP[ZVɉJPHSSH\UJOPU[OL7YVQHJZ4HUHNLTLU[
on the system, with minor tweaks and changes.”
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50
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Ali points out that there are some new features to be included
and the system is being utilized fully across the company’s
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developments – a process that “has been on schedule and
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successful”. These developments include: Executive Report
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regularly, and technical support is available to all users.
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Due to the rapid growth of the company, the existing
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is now in its second phase. Undertaking this has meant
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“identifying certain enhancements through workshops,
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meetings and surveys conducted with core department
“The most evident features that will be noticed instantly
heads and select users.” Then came the task of consolidating
by most users,” Ali says, “include a personal calendar,
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incorporating local public holidays from the company
June 2014
calendar on employee timesheets, upgraded reporting tools,
from California to the Middle East, I assumed, would have
platform dynamic facelift, web part customization with drag-
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Projacs’ welcoming family-oriented environment that made
added other useful webpats, including task management,
the process quite smooth.”
pending timesheet approvals and submissions.”
After spending several months working closely with Mr
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“I became more in-tune with the company as a whole.
publish a training tutorial that will walk users through the new
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upgrades and features on the system.
several core team members from various departments to
After receiving a Bachelor Degree in Environmental Design
coordinate and help establish to blueprints for developing
& Urban Planning from the University of Massachusetts at
HU VUSPUL Z`Z[LT [OH[ ^L RUV^ [VKH` HZ 79640: 0U Amherst, Ali worked for Bechtel in California for a number of
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years before deciding to move back to the Middle East. Ali
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recalls that he was “hired by Projacs International in Bahrain
team, we deployed the system company-wide and provided
in 2004 as a business development coordinator. The transition
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”
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and Joselito. However, Ali says, “we have also established
WHAT TO EXPECT
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the comprehensive training to provide general local system
IN PHASE II ?
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system users and super users always have a direct open
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training.”
After a decade with Projacs, Ali knows the company well
and points to the elements that have brought it success: “Its
great reputation and excellent services. Loyal employees.
Prestigious clients.” Young men and women considering a
career with Projacs should be aware that the company “across
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appreciates hard work, and friendly and respectful attitudes.
One must truly believe in one’s work, the company’s vision
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In addition to hard work, Ali advocates “injecting an
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dining space would do for a start. This will strengthen the ties
between all members, professionally and socially.”
When he’s not at Projacs, Ali likes to involve himself in
¸JYLH[P]LWYVQLJ[Z¹HUKILSP]LZPUÄUKPUNHÅHZOVMPUZWPYH[PVU
in everyday life." The last book he read was 52 Projects, by J.
Yamaguchi. One can be sure that this was a digital version of
the book – on the assumption that Ali’s vision of a paperless
OL
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™
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GROWTH
CATEGORIES (TECHNICAL, SUPPORT, T&D)
NATIONALITIES
June 2014
53
PROJACS
TA L K
3HPSH-@LOPH
Project Manager - Business Development
5,:(I\+OHIP<(,
LEARNING DAY TO DAY
Laila Yehia, Project Manager/Business Development, Abu
Dhabi joined Projacs in August 2007 and over the subsequent
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in this particular company. The experience, she says, has
been one of “working in a friendly and highly professional
environment – one that encourages the day-to-day learning
process.”
3HPSH^HZH[[YHJ[LK[V7YVQHJZPU[OLÄYZ[WSHJLILJH\ZL
she had heard that it was “a pioneer in the provision of
Project Management services in the Middle East. I got to
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SVVRPUNMVYHZWLJPHSPaH[PVUPU[OLTHUHNLTLU[ÄLSK¹
Once in the job, she learned quickly that Projacs’ success
”
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was based on professionalism at all levels to guarantee
that projects are completed to meet the highest industry
was the motivating force in her life – being “the one person
standards. Ensuring that this is the case motivates Laila
^OVZHJYPÄJLKL]LY`[OPUNMVY[OL^LSSILPUNVMOLYMHTPS`¹
every single day. “The most important thing for me,” she
As far as inspiration for her life as a whole, Laila turns to
says, “is ensuring client satisfaction and seeing the project I
music. And the one musician and composer in history she
am working on evolving all the way from a design on paper
would love to have met is Mozart who, she says, “was a
to a fully operational building.”
genius musician who sparked a revolution in the world of
While Laila accepts that her successful career has been
music.” Listening to music, Laila sometimes daydreams
based on the principle of day-to-day learning and the honing
about new places in the world she might like to visit. High
of professional skills, she pays tribute to her family who laid
on the list is Brazil and in particular “the Amazon as being a
the foundations for her working life. Her mother, in particular,
54
June 2014
land of natural wonders and exotic environment.” ™
TA L K
INTERVIEW
NEWS
COMMUNITY
TA L K I N G
NEW
DISCAUSSION
UPDATES
O F F I C E CONNECT
POSITIVE
NEWS
CULTURE
CONNECT
QUESTIONS
IDEAS
COMMUNICATE
POSITIVE
IDEAS
NEWS
POSITIVE
ASKING
SPEAKING
TA L K I N G
COMMUNICATE
DIALOGUE
ANSWER
DIALOGUE
WORDS CHARACTER
POSITIVE
CHARACTER
COLLEAGUES
Hiba Baaj
Executive Assistant
Bahrain
HR MANAGEMENT IS HIBA’S GOAL
/PIH )HHQ HU ,_LJ\[P]L :LJYL[HY` H[ 7YVQHJZ )HOYHPU OHZ
part one day as HR Manager – but she is realistic enough to
one ultimate professional goal: to be promoted to the role
realize that promotion comes only to who have proven their
of HR Manager.
worth: “The experience gained throughout my career is by
Projacs came into Hiba’s life when a friend suggested
far the most rewarding element in my job with Projacs.”
she apply for the post of Document Controller for the Porta
But when it comes to Hiba the private individual, rather
9LLM WYVQLJ[ PU )HOYHPU :OL QVPULK [OL JVTWHU` PU than the Projacs professional, there are two sources of
and pays tribute to the help and advice she received from Mr.
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)HOYHPU,HZ[LYU9LNPVUVM:H\KP(YHIPH¸7YVMLZZPVUHSS`¹
she says, “he has been my mentor who has contributed
PUZWPYH[PVUIV[OVM[OLTMLTHSL-PYZ[S`[OLYLPZOLYTV[OLY
“On a personal level,” Hiba has no hesitation in saying, “the
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[OYLLJOPSKYLUI`OLYZLSM:OL^HZHS^H`Z[OLYLMVY\Z¹
a great deal in developing my skills and knowledge about
The second inspiration comes from someone who lived
Project Management, Construction Management and other
way back in the 16th century. Hiba says she would love to
related domains.”
OH]LTL[[OLSLNHS^PMLVM[OL6[[VTHU*HSPWOHUK:\S[HU
There is no hiding Hiba’s enthusiasm and energy, qualities
[OH[ZL[OLYVU[OLYPNO[WH[OLHJOTVYUPUN:OLKLZJYPILZ
OLYTHPUTV[P]H[PVUZHZ¸MYLLKVTHUKM\SÄSTLU[>HRPUN\W
every day for a new day is a challenge for a better future and
just being grateful that I and my family are in good health. A
J\WVMJVɈLLHUKHNVVKIYLHRMHZ[^V\SKILUPJL[VV¹
At the workplace, Hiba’s focus is on further success
:\SLPTHU [OL 4HNUPÄJLU[ 0U /PIH»Z ]PL^ /…YYLT :\S[HU
was “one of the most beautiful, smart and powerful women
PU 6[[VTHU OPZ[VY` HUK H WYVTPULU[ ÄN\YL K\YPUN [OL LYH
RUV^U HZ [OL :\S[HUH[L VM >VTLU :OL HJOPL]LK WV^LY
HUK PUÅ\LUJLK [OL WVSP[PJZ VM [OL 6[[VTHU ,TWPYL [OYV\NO
OLYO\ZIHUKHUKWSH`LKHUHJ[P]LYVSLPUZ[H[LHɈHPYZVM[OL
Empire.”
for Projacs. “Professionally,” she says, “I would certainly
With inspiration and passion from such a dynamic
hope for Projacs to secure more mega-projects across the
woman, the HR Department in Projacs Bahrain had better
region and expand to potential markets, where and when
CULTURE
PROFESSIONAL
ILVU[OLPY[VLZ^OLU/PIHÄUHSS`HYYP]LZ[OLYL™
appropriate.” In this scenario, Hiba is determined to play a
June 2014
55
www.projacs.com
Manama
Kuwait
Doha
Dubai
Abu Dhabi
Riyadh
Jeddah
Al Khobar
Erbil
Baghdad
Amman
Beirut
Damascus
Cairo
Casablanca
Islamabad
Tripoli
Ramallah
Toronto
New Hampshire, USA

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