Interview with UCC CEO Moataz Al Khayyat | Becoming One of Qatar’s Leading Contracting Firms

DOHA, Qatar - Jan. 29, 2015 - PRLog -- Established in 2011, Urbacon Contracting & Trading (UCC) has wasted no time affirming a solid reputation within the construction industry, particularly focusing however not limiting its activities within the influential Middle Eastern state of Qatar. The Doha-based company, headed by CEO Moataz Al Khayyat has been ranked 184^th out of a list of the Top 250 Global Contractors as stated by Engineering News-Record, and goes on to note the UCC’s total revenue during 2013 surpassed a figure of $1.19 billion US Dollars.

"My leadership strategy is very simple. - Honest, hard work, attention to detail and quality assurance of the end product. These principles ensure that we continue to build trust with our esteemed clients.” – UCC, CEO Moataz Al Khayyat

The UCC has undertaken a number of substantial and testing projects over the last few years and suffice to say it is understandable how the parent company has become one of the leading contractors within Qatar. UCC’s impressive portfolio boasts such landmarks as the Mall of Qatar, a state of the art hub of commerce that upon completion will stand as the largest centre of its kind within the country. The $820million US Dollar project is set to feature a large luxury hotel, a range of international eateries and over 400 outlets amongst other eye-watering spectacles that appear to have become part and parcel of such a project set in Qatar. Other notable completed projects include The Banana Island Resort by Anantara, Lekhwiya Stadium at Al Duhail, and the full scale restoration of the Sheraton Doha Hotel and Convention Center.

Al Khayyat went on point out that Urbacon is currently in such a position within the highly competitive market due to the commitment both he personally, and his company makes to clients. "UCC has achieved this by employing experienced professional staff at all levels, by building up a substantial in-house workforce of skilled workers, and by developing an extensive procurement chain in the local and international markets." Commenting on UCC's rise to the top, Moataz Al Khayyat paid tribute to the company's well-established heritage, as it is an offshoot of the very successful Al Khayyat Group. "Our motto, 'We Build Trust,' in fact, originates from the vision of the Al Khayyat family many years ago when the business was first founded in Syria," he said. "Throughout the last 30 years, we have maintained this vision, and we as a collective aim to fulfill it with our continued commitment to the requirements of our esteemed clients. UCC is proud to continue to carry forward this legacy."

Having launched in 2011 and employing a relatively small number of staff the UCC has gone from strength to strength highlighting its employee count exceeds a total of 12,000 men and women to date. Al Khayyat seized the opportunity to open a number of intensively specialised subsidiary companies such as Highness Interiors servicing sprawling palaces and other enterprises that carefully protect and enhance aqua-marines in the province. Mr Al Khayyat is focused on diversifying his portfolio of companies to follow the ideology surrounding the Qatar National Vision 2030. By definition the forward thinking national endeavour is built on the four pillars of economic, social, human and environmental development; all of which Mr. Moataz’s companies currently service making him a key player in the country’s 15 year plan. Al Khayyat explained. "Development aligned with this vision will entail growth in all sectors. Urbacon has already developed from being just a design build turnkey contractor to becoming a diverse portfolio of companies all aligned with the vision for the development of the country for the benefit of its residents.

Further areas of interest aligned with the vision is the anticipated growth of hospitality, healthcare, education, manufacturing and farming sectors. While UCC is already engaged in some of these sectors, further growth and diversity is a strong possibility at this time." The upcoming FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022 is also playing a key factor in the growth plan Al Khayyat has for UCC. "There are many projects to be completed in line with the FIFA World Cup and the National Vision requirements," he said. "We are confident that UCC will undertake its share of these projects, and considering that we have now established the company's reputation, we can build on it to ensure further compliance with our motto and vision. As we have seen in other Gulf countries, the current investment into the country will not only provide opportunities for construction, but also lead to growth in all sectors, which will be a very positive environment for Qatar and its people."

The key question many have pursed on their lips:
How Mr. Moataz Al Khayyat manages to not only sustain such a sheer number of companies and projects alike, but be by all accounts leading the industry too.

"My leadership strategy is very simple," he declared. "Honest, hard work, attention to detail and quality assurance of the end product. These principles ensure that we continue to build trust with our esteemed clients. We, as a group of companies, know that we can undertake any challenge and succeed by adhering to these basic principles." And it is this belief in the company and its founding principles that allows Al Khayyat to dream big when it comes to the further development of the UCC brand. "While our brand is now quite diverse, we are looking into the future to expand more into healthcare, and to expand and merge our hospitality and real estate opportunities," he said.

With sustainability at the forefront of topical conversation surrounding construction projects within the Middle East, how has UCC approached and implemented green principles in its projects in Qatar? "Sustainability and environmental considerations are becoming increasingly more important in all projects. UCC is already an affiliate member of the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS), and it looks together with its design partners to provide value engineering at every opportunity. Within UCC's expansive construction fleet, trials are also under way with hybrid additives developed in Australia that provide for a more efficient use of diesel, and, in turn, reduce harmful chemical release into the atmosphere. UCC and its affiliated companies are committed to enhance sustainability of all projects and areas of the business at every opportunity."


UrbaCon Contracting & Trading (UCC)
Website: www.urbacon-intl.com
Email bdd@urbacon-intl.com
Moataz Al Khayyat Business Portfolio - www.franklinandrose.co.uk/#!case-studies/cx8t
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