CEO Today Middle East Awards

63 www.ceotodaymagazine.com CEO Today Middle East Awards 2019 united arab emirates JAMES DICKSON CEO of Al Abbar Group FIRM PROFILE Al Abbar is the largest architectural building enveloping and glazing contractors in the Middle East providing high quality products and services that meet international standards. Al Abbar has designed, fabricated and installed facades on some of the world’s most iconic projects such as , Burj Al Arab Hotel, Bahrain World Trade Centre, Dubai International Airport Concourse 1&2, Burj Khalifa, Emirates Tower and many others. The Al Abbar name is synonymous with sophisticated construction facades. The Group has expanded vastly over three decades, leading the field in aluminium and stainless steel (Al Abbar Aluminium) and processed glass (Al Abbar Architectural Glass) , not only as a supplier to the construction sector; but more as a provider of total architectural solutions. Investment in the latest technology and strict adherence to international standards has earned Al Abbar a formidable reputation for quality and innovation, both at home and abroad. Constant research and development, international standards have earned Al Abbar a formidable reputation for quality and innovation, both at home and abroad. Al Abbar Glass and Trading Company were established in 1968, and were totally owned by a Dubai family, who are still directly involved with the day-to-day operations of the company. Al Abbar Glass and Trading Company successfully completed the aluminium and glazing subcontract for the Al Wasl Hospital, Dubai United Arab Emirates in 1986. The success of this project convinced the owners to establish a separate aluminium division concentrating purely on this growing market sector. In 1986, the new company, Al Abbar Aluminium, was nominated for the high security-glazing contract for the new Diwan for H.H. the Ruler of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Al Abbar’s high quality of work spread by a network of architects, project consultants and numerous clients that created a strong portfolio for the company in the years ahead. In order to satisfy the growing demands of the booming construction sector, specialized divisions were formed which gave birth to Al Abbar Group - An integrated set of businesses focusing on aluminium curtain wall, coatings, architectural glass and stainless steel. Each serves as independent yet inter-related business units complementing one another for every project. The Al Abbar family’s association with Aluminium and glass can be traced back to the 1960’s – where the Al Abbar founders worked on the doors and windows of low rise buildings leading to the formation of Al Abbar Aluminium in the 1980’s. 50 years later – Al Abbar has been associated with the most prestigious building in the world. The completion of the Burj Khalifa podium & annexes is a fitting testament to the growth of our business. Al Abbar now employs thousands across the UAE and Asia. From ground level to the tallest building, our work encompasses everything in between. Under the guidance of our visionary leaders, the United Arab Emirates has transformed itself into the cosmopolitan, forward thinking, world- class business and trade hub we operate in today. Al Abbar has grown in parallel with the development of the UAE and has formed one of the strongest teams in the industry in response to the challenges of the international market. We are proud to say that Al Abbar has been instrumental in building Dubai. The iconic 7 star Burj Al Arab hotel, the landmark Emirates hotel and our company showpiece: Terminal 3 & Concourse 2 at Dubai International Airport opened in an exciting period of expansion culminating with the completion of the Burj Khalifa. We thank our Clients and Partners, who, by their commitment to quality, innovation and service have helped Al Abbar to provide some of the most advanced products and delivery in the world today. We look forward to continuing to help shape the United Arab Emirates and the cities beyond. We welcome the future challenges that will make us stronger. ABOUT JAMES DICKSON James previously held the position of Contracts Director for the Group where he handled all contractual and legal matters. Prior to this, James was Project Director on some of the company’s most prestigious projects. Since joining in 2006, with the continuous support of the Al Abbar team, he has delivered Airport Facade and internal glazing projects, Shopping malls, Metro stations and many commercial and residential towers. James qualified as a Mechanical Engineer in 1989 and is never far from technical detail. In the last 15 years, he has focused exclusively on facade and envelope and enjoys the technical challenges coupled with the ever present contractual reality of being a finishing trade at the sharp end of every programme. He is both inspired and humbled by the challenges ahead, and looks forward to working with the Al Abbar family to achieve great success in the future as we help redefine Dubai’s iconic skyline.