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It has been just over a year since Chris O'Donnell took up the reins of one of the world's most noted property developers. Few companies globally can claim to be shaping a country's future, but Nakheel, with its audacious Palm trilogy, Dubai Waterfront and The World is attempting just that.
Leaving a managing director position in Sydney, prompted as much by curiosity over how constructing an artifical island in the Arabian Gulf is done, as Dubai's quality of life, O'Donnell has overseen the continued growth of the company responsible for putting HH Sheikh Mohammed's vision into practice.
Accepting a job and finding your office based in Nakheel's sales offices at the foot of the Palm Jumeirah is one thing, but what is it like operating in an environment where land is given to the company, and how does the relationship work with the two other government arms responsible for moulding new Dubai: Emaar and Dubai Holding?
"We don't spend a great deal of time talking to Dubai Holding and Emaar, certainly not at the company level," says O'Donnell. "We have a good relationship with them, but we operate as three separate entities."
"In effect, it is quite different to Australia or the UK, where you look at a piece of land, you bid for it, and you either win it or you don't. Here there is a bigger picture to consider, there is the growth of Dubai that requires infrastructure and needs tourism assets developed; and that is what Nakheel and the others are charged with doing."
The Palm Jumeirah is progressing steadily, with its major tourist attraction Atlantis scheduled to open in November 2008 and its main transport link, the Palm Monorail, in December 2008.
At the Arabian Travel Market in May, Nakheel announced the re-design of Palms Deira and Jebel Ali, with both undergoing significant design changes, specifically to target infrastructure issues.
O'Donnell was quick to quash rumours that Dubai Waterfront has impacted on Palm Jebel Ali's ongoing development, rather, it has slowed down only due to the necessary re-design. "You need a main road to connect through Dubai Waterfront to Palm Jebel Ali. Therefore a number of infrastructure issues have to be looked at, taking into consideration the connectivity."
Palm Jebel Ali differs significantly to Palm Jumeirah, incorporating residential and commercial properties and hotels. It will also feature far more satellite commercial properties at different locations on the fronds. This hasn't just been driven by reaction to Palm Jumeirah, says O'Donnell, but due to the size of the project itself, reflecting a ‘city within a city', and cultural and social requirements, from nurseries and schools to medical stations.
Infrastructure design is currently being finalised around the new masterplan and O'Donnell says that a lot more activity will be seen on Palm Jebel Ali over the next three to six months. "Reclamation is complete and we are working on the bridges being built. And there is some further reclamation on the tips of the fronds as part of the new masterplan, where we will be extending them. This new reclamation means we can get on with our main infrastructure right through the trunk and up the spine."
Dubai Waterfront has also undergone a small redesign, confirms O'Donnell, mainly with the corridors, road systems and electrical reticulation. Currently 30% of the first island (there will be eight in total) has been reclaimed.
While happy to divulge details on the Palm Jebel Ali, when questioned over the finer details of the Al Burj tower, O'Donnell deflected any question that might give any specifics away and merely alluded to the importance of building an icon; be it super tall or otherwise. "Look, height isn't everything and biggest isn't best. What you have to do is come up with a building of real consequence and relevance. Look at the Sydney Opera House or Tower of London, they aren't the tallest, but they are iconic."
Regardless of the suggestion that iconic doesn't always equal tallest, the fact remains that if Nakheel is keen to put a marker down in its prestigious CBD district of Dubai Waterfront, and with the Burj Dubai a mere 10km away, the temptation to supersede it must be huge? "The technology of building a tall tower is something that is quite different to ordinary structures. For every metre of additional height you add to a building, it has an exponential impact. So we have to take that into account."
O'Donnell's tenure has also coincided with a forceful demonstration from Nakheel of its responsibility as a leading developer with a greater onus on sustainability in every sense - from the environmental impact of its projects to Nakheel as a complete organisation, looking at its overall impact on the community. The company recently signed two key partnerships with DEWA and the RTA, in a move designed to ensure the best possible infrastructure works, enabling the projects to integrate with the wider development of Dubai.
"Like any relationship, if you don't talk to them for six to 12 months, then it is probably not that strong. Therefore ourselves, the RTA and DEWA have come to grips with the fact that we need to meet on a regular basis."
In this case, quarterly meetings have been set up.
"We are looking at being very open with them and understanding their issues, and by doing that I think we will manage our way through the various challenges we will have."
Perhaps this shift is not so surprising when you consider O'Donnell's previous company - Investor Property Group - was ranked No 1 on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index worldwide.
In May, Nakheel also revealed plans to build new accommodation for its workforce that the company claims will set new standards.
This accommodation will be in the form of two-storey prefab cabins with an emphasis on the quality of common spaces, facilities and catering, with a long term aim to set new standards for workforce accommodation. It will be located in the Madinat Al Arab at Dubai Waterfront. Work began in June and Nakheel aims to have 10,000 beds in place by late 2007. "It will cost more, but it is worth doing, and from a production point of view, we will get benefits from it."
At the other end of the spectrum, O'Donnell is confident that Dubai is well placed to implement this initiative onto the city's emerging housing, noting that while other country's building stocks are 30 to 40 years old, Dubai has the opportunity to build from scratch, applying modern day principles. "The new level of standards we are talking about puts Dubai in a very strong position."
Coping with Dubai's frantic development as a resident can often feel tough enough, but to be in charge of the company that is estimated will house three million people on its islands, World and Dubai Waterfront projects once complete, as well as develop around 600 million m2 of land in the next 20 years, it is clear that a relaxed approach and assured hand is imperative. Fortunately, that is exactly what Nakheel appears to have.
Posted by Informed Realist, Dubai, UAE on 27 July 2009 at 19:11 UAE time
I don't think I have ever heard Al Fahim described as a role model for the world. You might want to educate yourself a little!
Posted by temur, birmingham, United Kingdom on 17 June 2009 at 15:12 UAE time
dr sulaiyman is a role model for all the world not only muslims his vision will go far, lets just hope we get some more new big signings.
Posted by sherry, shenzhen, China on 16 May 2009 at 20:20 UAE time
Best of luck for everything!
Posted by Kawthar Saeed, Dubai, UAE on 5 January 2009 at 15:47 UAE time
Abdullatif Al Mulla is indeed a great and superb leader! I have worked with him closely in TECOM and learnt from him many good skills of leadership which I am using them in my current role. I wish him all the best in his career and may God grant him success all the time. Abdullatif, as always, you are a great leader for us!
Posted by Layla Al-Ansari, London, UK on 27 October 2008 at 16:50 UAE time
The top 100 CEO's list is highly impressive covering the biggest names from all over the gulf. However, whoever has compiled the list has definitly forgotten some notable movers and shakers in the past decade.
Dr. Abdallah AlDabbagh the CEO of Ma'aden the Saudi Arabian Minning Company has spearheaded the establishment of an entire new industry sector in Saudi Arabia. Not only is this sector viable with it's ambitious projects such as gold, alumina and phosphate projects, it is more importantly sustainable.
I am sure Dr Al-Dabbagh was not the only CEO overlooked in your report. In your next top 100 CEO's report, I suggest you undergo in-depth analysis of the gulf market and the massive changes that REALLY taking place and changing the future.
Posted by Steven on 18 September 2008 at 00:46 UAE time
Mr Al Hashimi is a fine role model for all young people in the world today, I hope that someone of his calibre and experience could help football teams like newcastle united to reach their full potential, the fans from the north-east are the kindest and best supporters in the Uk, and I imagine the people of newcastle would welcome him
Posted by Mohamade Iqbal Oojageer, Port-Louis, Mauritius on 3 September 2008 at 14:14 UAE time
Dr Sulaiman
Congratulations to you as the new big boss of Manchester City. With your massive investments, you will prove to the world, Insha Allah, your vision is gold and City can become the biggest club in the world and new English reference for quality football. I am a seasoned Sports Journalist and I can foresee success and positive revolution in British sports, especially soccer.
Posted by Biniraj, Sharjah, UAE on 29 July 2008 at 12:27 UAE time
It was indeed right decision launching of Air Arabia. I described Air Arabia as REAL AIRLINE. .. i noticed one thing that, they are on time, they are on line, they are on right price, that is what we need.
I am proud to say as a Air Arabian traveller, and I salue Mr. Adel Ali for his visions.
Posted by Ataur Rahman ,Business Development Manager, Dubai, UAE on 10 July 2008 at 20:39 UAE time
An analysis of the the top 100 in GCC reveals a shocking statistic too..63% of them are from UAE, 14% Saudi, 13%Kuwait, 6% Qatar, 4% Bahrain.
More shocking to me is that in Energy sector only there are 4%..in construction 4% Media & Marketing, 4% Politics & Economic 4% Banking & Finance 20% Real estate 23%
Why inspite of all the boom in petrol price there are just 4% of them belongs to this sector. I demand an explanation.
Posted by john, New York, US on 25 May 2008 at 16:48 UAE time
Dubai's real estate watchdog on Sunday launched its own magazine in an effort to address investor concerns over a lack of transparency in the market.
Posted by Mr George Osei, accra, Ghana on 11 May 2008 at 17:29 UAE time
Dear Friend,
My name is Mr. George Osei,I work with a Bank as a manager, in one of the commercial banks in Accra-Ghana west Africa. I have packaged a transaction that will be of mutual benefit to us. As the branch manager of the Bank Ghana, it is my duty to send a financial report to my head office in the capital city, Accra, at the end of each financial year.Following the release of the second quarter financial report, ending June 2007, I discovered that my branch made a substantial profit which accrued from the account of the Inland Revenue Service (IRS).
This was not detected by the internal auditors from my head office. I have diverted the funds into what the bank call Escrow Call Account with no beneficiary. Meanwhile as you know I can not be directly connected to this money for obvious reasons. So my contacting you is for you to assist me receive this fund in your country which I know is possible if you liaise properly with me and get a consideration share of the total funds as your benefit.
The transfer would be a Bank-to-Bank transaction. All I need from you is to stand claim as the original depositor of this fund. I will compute your particulars as the person who made the deposit in my branch into our computer data base, so that my head office will immediately order the transfer to your designated bank Account. Thanks for your understanding and co-operation. Please you can indicate your interest by sending me a return mail. While I implore you to maintain the absolute secrecy and confidentiality required in this transaction I am waiting for your positive response.
Yours truly,
Mr.George Osei
Show all comments
Posted by stuart mayhead, Abu Dhabi, UAE on 21 April 2008 at 09:21 UAE time
Hi Len if you visit www.artinthecity.com you will find and Art Map of Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah which shows all the local galleries and has a calendar of events noting all the exhibitions. If you sign up for them you will receive fortnightly reminders.
Posted by len on 20 April 2008 at 14:15 UAE time
I'm looking for modern art galleries in your country. Can you help me with a list?
Editor's Reply Kindly visit www.timeoutdubai.com for a full list of art galleries in Dubai, or www.timeoutabudhabi.com for a full list in the capital.
Posted by Nabil Alwakidi, jeddah, KSA on 13 April 2008 at 10:24 UAE time
Dear Abdulkareem,
Perfect person on the right place, very difficult to find some one like you. this comment will show you how much we like your job.
Best of luck for everything!
Cheers,
Nabil Alwakidi
Posted by shahla naim, AbuDhabi, U.A.E on 19 March 2008 at 11:18 UAE time
Success, from my point of view is 10%luck, 40%study, 50% hard work. Upon reading this article, I think am still at the first 10%.
Posted by Nasrin Quraishi, Chennai, India on 5 March 2008 at 15:03 UAE time
Good Evening,
I am very happy and proud that I am living in this world where HRH Mr.Abdullah Al Awadi is living. I pray Almighty God to work under him atleast for a year.
Thank you
Posted by Safwat Faroun, Ramallah, Palestine on 13 February 2008 at 19:20 UAE time
I am currently residing in the west bank, and I am looking for jobs. Your Arabbusiness could be of indispensable value to me. Keep up the good work!
Posted by Jehad M. Shaban, Kuwait, Kuwait on 9 December 2007 at 15:57 UAE time
As per your Arabic article of the top 100's CEO's in the GCC, would you kindly correct Mr.Abdullah Al Awadi's name in Arabic to: عبد الله العوضي and the company name to: Al-Ahlia Holding Company. Thank you.
Posted by Nand, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on 9 December 2007 at 11:41 UAE time
Wonder what standing Saudi ARAMCO has? Is it not among the most admired companies in the GCC?
Posted by Prabal Rai, kathmandu, nepal on 6 December 2007 at 12:07 UAE time
Dear Sir,
How possibly I can contact direct to Amir Alwalid Bin Talal for my own personal plea concerning my occupational hazzards in compny own by him? Please guide me in this regards.
Yours truly
Prabal Rai
Kathmandu Nepal
Posted by Ibrahim, Abu Dhabi, UAE on 6 December 2007 at 09:43 UAE time
I've worked in the oilfield since 1989, mostly in the UAE but also all over the MENA region, and this is the first time I've heard of this company (SS Lootah). What about Al-Dulaimi group (Qatar) or Mohammed Barwani (Oman) or AlMansoori (UAE)? I wonder what the definition of "Energy Industry" is? I suspect the people who selected the winners don't understand how our industry works.
Posted by Omair bin Zahid Al Husain on 5 December 2007 at 22:07 UAE time
It is interesting information. Being an entrepreneur myself, I don't mind knowing who could be of advantage to me and where I can find products and/or services I need. I wonder what was the criteria for selection though, but a wiseman said that the modern day winner in the corporate world is the one who could "learn, unlearn and relearn!" Keep us up to date Arabian Business.com. Thank you very much.
Posted by Nikhil Sindhu on 5 December 2007 at 19:03 UAE time
Thank you Anil for the insight about an extraordinary person.
Posted by Faris AlQURESHI, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on 5 December 2007 at 12:53 UAE time
Dear Anil,
The best best interview for the most admiring and decent personality.
Best of luck for everything!
Cheers,
Faris
Posted by Prof Philbert, Salmiya/ Kuwait, Kuwait on 5 December 2007 at 10:57 UAE time
If the company is going to achieve something of some recognition, they must follow three I's - Innovation, Infrastructure and Integration.
Innovation is importnat to give the company an ability to extend the product and service life cycle from point of stagnation to new thinking - a sort of sigmooid curve that repeats itself - saying in simple words - an old wine in a new bottle.
Infrastructure for aiding innocation is another key dimension that can add value to corporate growth. A CEO must take a balaced scorecard to organizational development.
Integration is keeping all elements of the orgnization togehter and take a unified approach to the big picture.
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