Ten years of building, ten years of growth at BESIX Middle East

It’s been ten years since I joined BESIX; what an interesting journey it’s been. I’ve had the chance to work on some of the most iconic and technically complex projects in the Middle East: from Atlantis The Royal Resort & Residences and the Seawater Reverse Osmosis Plant, to the France and Belgium pavilions we delivered for Expo 2020 Dubai, and now, the world-renowned museum Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.

But if I had to pick a starting point, it would be Al Zorah Hotel & Resort, my very first assignment. Tight deadlines, a jungle of subcontractors, and more surprises than I could count! That’s where I first learned how to juggle timelines, coordinate teams, and keep things moving under pressure.

Looking back, every project since has taught me something new, not just about engineering, but about myself.

I started out as a planner, focused on tracking progress and analysing risks. But over time, things shifted. I began leading teams, managing interfaces, navigating claims, and stepping into roles where I wasn’t just following the plan… I was literally helping shape it!

Today, as Planning Manager, I’m not just focused on dates and deliverables. I’m aligning people, solving problems, and making sure we stay on track, especially when the unexpected hits.

Yes, the buildings are impressive. But what really makes me proud is how we build them. At BESIX, we don’t just pour concrete; we manage complexity.

We use tools like BIM and the Last Planner System to keep things lean and responsive. We handle intricate timelines. We collaborate, adapt, and find solutions when challenges arise. But beyond the tools, there’s a mindset of accountability, and of doing work we’re proud to stand behind.

What’s kept things exciting over the years is the variety, from hospitality and utilities to cultural landmarks and infrastructure. Every project pushes you to level up. One week you’re deep into Primavera P6 (an enterprise project portfolio management tool used for planning, managing, and executing complex projects); the next, you’re sorting out access issues with three subcontractors on-site! The learning curve never flattens, and that’s what keeps it interesting.

A real turning point for me was applying the Last Planner System on the Expo 2020 pavilions, and again on Atlantis The Royal. That’s when I stepped out of traditional planning and into a more hands-on role, preparing and running LPS plans directly on-site.

At Atlantis, I led the Hotel Suite packages, the same ones that later hosted celebrities during the grand opening (yes, that grand opening… wink wink, Beyoncé). Seeing it all come together after months of coordination, problem-solving, and long nights: that’s a feeling you don’t forget!

People often ask why I’ve stayed at BESIX for ten years. The answer is simple: because here, I’m not just another planner. I’m trusted, challenged and feel part of something that feels bigger than the project itself.

BESIX is where I’ve grown the most, professionally and personally. It’s a place where people invest in you, where your ideas matter, and where the work you do actually stands out long after the project’s delivered.

If you’re a young engineer or planner looking for more than “just a job,” this is the place. You’ll work hard and be stretched. But you’ll also be part of building things that last and shaping a career you can be proud of.

Ten years, countless lessons, and a deep sense of pride: I’m grateful for the journey so far, and excited for whatever comes next.