You may not know much about Dr. Marcus George, an Assyrian - Iraqi who has built a formidable reputation in the UAE’s construction industry. His firm Engineering Consortium Consulting Engineers has evolved from a small engineering firm, to a sought after partner even in the downturn, boasting a slew of private and government developments on its books. A regular on local television channels, Dr. George is a recognized expert in his field.

Dr. George started his education with a Diploma in Civil Engineering from Baghdad University followed by a Masters degree and a PhD from the University of Glamorgan in the United Kingdom. He began his career in Iraq’s public sector, where he worked with a wide range of international firms including Skidmore Owings and Merrill, designers of the Chicago Sears Tower- then the tallest building in the world. Now a vocal proponent of green building, Dr. George says his goal is “to live lightly on the earth”. In the top 20 of this year’s list, we would say he has left quite an impression.