In an exclusive interview with CEO Today, Majed Abdulla Al Khan discusses 'Cities of the Future' sustainability, Bahrain and intelligent infrastructure developments aimed at achieving prosperity through sustainability & social progress.
Majed, with such extensive experience in real estate, private equity and assets management what is it about Infracorp that makes you motivated to work towards the shared goal, what makes you proud to be on the board of directors for Infracorp?
What drives me is the vision that I have set out with my team for Infracorp. Beyond the quintessential infrastructure developer was this inspiring idea that pushed the confines of real estate & infrastructure development; an organization that was founded on
of the future that operate in the nexus of real estate, energy, and infrastructure. This visionary concept has transformed into reality that is embedded in the DNA of Infracorp.
What truly motivates me is our commitment to a well-defined strategy that aligns with our geographical and sectoral positioning. Parallel to Bahrain’s National Strategy, we are on a mission to comprehensively expand and diversify our portfolio. This commitment is not just an internal drive; it’s a shared vision with our stakeholders, including shareholders, clients, and the dedicated Infracorp team.
As a CEO, I take immense pride in being part of an organization that not only envisions the future but actively shapes it. The transformative impact we have had and continue to have on the landscape of real estate and infrastructure development is a testament to our unwavering commitment and forward-thinking approach.
What is the process that Infracorp uses to decide where to begin a new project and what areas are the most in need of investment?
Our business model is centered around community building, which naturally is the foundation of our sustainability strategy as well. Our focus is on addressing social infrastructure gaps, and this ethos guides our decision-making process when embarking on new projects which drives us to go beyond physical structures to recognize the inherent value that lies in the broader impact on society.
New projects are sourced through a methodical and systematic approach by conducting in-depth analyses of the gaps in the regions we have identified as geographical targets. We also realize the significant role of our wider stakeholders and ensure that we collaborate with various partners across our value chain. Our regional partners share similar visions and support us in constantly exploring prospects to expand our operations. We collaborate on mixed-use developments, innovative development solutions, cutting-edge technologies, and ventures in the hospitality sector.
By following this strategy, we have achieved significant milestones, such as being the first Bahraini-based company to issue $900 million in Green Sukuk, listed on the London Stock Exchange. Our commitment to reducing carbon emissions is exemplified in projects like the Marina Bay Reef Island development, a luxurious waterfront residences initiative designed with sustainability at its core. Our diverse portfolio of businesses operates synergistically, creating lasting positive impacts on a macro-level. Whether it’s generating employment for the local workforce, enhancing communities, or contributing to the overall social fabric of the regions we operate in, our goal is to foster growth across the business spectrum.
Bahrain world trade center
How does Infracorp positively impact local communities and how does it influence the region’s future development?
Infracorp embraces a holistic vision that places impact at the core of our corporate ethos. Our commitment to giving back and acting responsibly towards stakeholders and communities reflects our belief that such engagement is instrumental in creating long-term value for our company. We channel our efforts towards pivotal social infrastructure sectors, encompassing transportation, green mobility, digital infrastructure, food, agriculture, and environmental adaptation and mitigation. Through strategic resource allocation, we actively participate in projects that achieve tangible and positive impact. Advocating cultural preservation, adopting community identity, and ensuring social inclusion and gender balance within our business are integral components of our approach. We support a resource-efficient circular economy, collaborating with real estate and industrial subsidiaries to promote waste reduction, recycling, water management, and eco-design innovations. These principles are also extended to our social infrastructure development partners, emphasizing our commitment to environmentally conscious practices.
At Infracorp, the vision is to empower societal progress and drive sustainable development worldwide, why is this an important value to you?
Our vision to empower societal progress and drive sustainable development worldwide is derived from our deep belief in the interconnectedness between creating organizational value and serving the diverse needs of our stakeholders and the communities we serve. We understand that true success goes beyond financial gains. By providing solutions which empower sustainable progress, we create a positive impact on communities, fostering an environment conducive to long-term growth. We recognize that sustainable development is a shared responsibility, requiring collaboration and mutual support. Actively engaging with stakeholders remains pivotal, allowing us to adapt to evolving community needs and enhance our approaches with valuable insights. Infracorp’s leadership in championing sustainable practices is a responsibility we embrace, setting high standards and inspiring others in the industry. Our aim is to leave a lasting positive impact on the communities we serve. Through our vision, we strive to be a beacon of responsible corporate citizenship, driving sustainable development beyond project boundaries.
Can you tell us about a current project that Infracorp is working on as there are so many positive things happening this year?
It has been an exciting year for Infracorp. At the heels of our recent reveal, the Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain, a remarkable transformation within record time, we are bracing ourselves to unveil our upcoming masterpieces, the Royal Parks Marrakech, and Royal Resort Tangier. Our biggest challenge with the Raffles Al Areen Palace was to create a product that was not only operationally successful and profit generating, but to produce a work of art with advanced facilities and internationally renowned F&B brands along with never-before experiences in Wellness and Health. We envision beyond the stereotypical resort and push the ‘Art in Everything agenda, fulfilling the project in an unprecedented schedule. Our triumph in challenging the sands of time and the juxtaposition of doing so to craft a timeless product is being carried over in our projects in Morocco.
Furthermore, we have launched our highly anticipated F&B concept with our operational partner, Azumi Limited, ROKA. At the cusp of real estate and hospitality, ROKA will be the first of our series of products to elevate the dining scene in Bahrain, followed closely by the launch of Avli by Tasha’s. This will officially mark Bahrain Harbour, Infracorps flagship masterplan in the center of the capital, as the only comprehensive project in Bahrain, with residential, retail, hospitality, and marina services all within one masterplan.
We also are very excited to complete the second phase of our highly celebrated California Village community in Dubai as we target handover of the remaining 200 townhouses and villas by the end of Q4. Using the success of phase 1 as our benchmark, our already sold-out units are set to be handed over before the end of the year.
How do you envision the future for Infracorp, how will you address future challenges and opportunities in order to continue the vision of prosperity?
Looking ahead, Infracorp envisions a future characterized by innovation, sustainability, and resilience in the dynamic landscape of the infrastructure sector. To address upcoming challenges and seize opportunities, our approach will be multifaceted. We are dedicated to staying on the cutting edge of technological advancements, integrating smart infrastructure solutions, data analytics, and artificial intelligence to enhance project efficiency. Sustainability will be a core principle, with a commitment to eco-friendly practices, renewable energy sources, and green building standards, ensuring that our projects not only maximize value for stakeholders but also contribute positively to the environment. Strategic partnerships will play a pivotal role, as we actively seek collaborations with government entities, private enterprises, and local communities, fostering an inclusive approach that benefits all stakeholders. Public-private partnerships will be a focal point, ensuring the financial viability and social inclusivity of our projects. Acknowledging the increasing uncertainties globally, Infracorp will prioritize resilience through comprehensive risk assessments, contingency planning, and swift response mechanisms. Lastly, community engagement and inclusivity will be prioritized, with a commitment to actively involving local communities in our projects, incorporating their insights and needs. Through these strategies, Infracorp aims to address future challenges and contribute to the broader vision of prosperity in the social infrastructure realm while maximizing value for stakeholders and upholding sustainability as a fundamental principle.
Finally, what does winning this award mean for you and your colleagues at Infracorp?
I consider this recognition one for Infracorp and my team. Winning it is very humbling as it is a testament to the dedication of my team in creating an organization that, in a mere 2 years, has earned its merits as one of the region’s leading social infrastructure developers. Beyond being socially conscious, our company takes pride in presenting innovative, inspiring projects, and creating products that exceeds expectations regardless of any constraints because we are a home to talents that are given a platform which allows them to unleash their full potential. Every achievement is propelled forward by a united front and team effort, working simultaneously towards a common goal. The bottom line is a win for one is a win for all.
Published by: www.ceotodaymagazine.com - June 20th, 2024
