Building Blocks

Kareem Farah, CEO of Engineering Contracting Company (ECC), reveals how the firm has weathered a slowdown in the regional construction sector and where it will go next.

ECC has been in this region since 1975. What are the major changes you have seen in the construction industry since then?

“ECC was established in 1975 in response to the need for a quality service-oriented civil engineering and construction company in the UAE market and the Gulf region. Since this time the market has developed at an impressive pace, accomplishing many remarkable milestones along the way. Major changes that have presented challenges in the past, and will continue to do so in the future include the development and adoption of new technologies and stricter building standards. The reason being, these changes require time, investment and expertise to develop and implement. Furthermore, over the years we have witnessed the market transitioning though ups and downs, each creating a unique set of challenges and opportunities - the key outcome we have observed is that no matter what trials the industry faces, it always bounces back and thrives.”

The GCC region has struggled with low oil prices in recent years, and the slowdown in the economy has hit all sectors. What kind of an impact have you felt?