Hello EllisDon MENA!
We are excited to present to you the first edition of our Monthly Newsletter. Your go-to source for the latest updates, stories, and developments from within our vibrant community!
Each month, we'll be bringing you a carefully curated selection of articles, announcements, and features that shine a spotlight on the incredible work happening across our organization. From celebrating team successes to sharing thought leadership, our newsletter is designed to keep you informed, engaged, and inspired. Our goal is to enhance communication and foster a sense of community within our organization.
So, grab your favorite cup of coffee or tea, and settle in for a read that's as enjoyable as it is informative. We can't wait to share our stories with you and, in turn, hear yours.
Here's to new beginnings and the stories we'll create together!
New Project Updates
Jebel Ali Village :
The Jebel Ali Village is an upscale residential development consisting of luxury Villas and Townhouses envisioned by Jebel Ali Village LLC, part of the Master Developer Nakheel, within the hills and lush greenspaces offering an unparalleled lifestyle with spacious homes, a kids’ friendly environment and multiple amenities, right in the heart of the Emirate of Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Najmat Reem Island :
The development will offer world class residential facilities curated around a private/ semi-private central park with close beachfront access to the South. The masterplan will include different residential typologies that ranges from high- and mid-rise apartments, villas, maisionettes and stacked townhouses, townhouses. The development is predominately residential complimented with Retail and Commercial building as a standalone structure, along with retail units distributed throughout the development.
Events & Conferences
Congratulations to the entire MENA team for their outstanding work!
We want to extend a big congratulations on recently winning a highly competitive competition organized by the Construction Technology Forum in Dubai. The competition was focused on a digital twin case study and how it has been implemented to enhance the delivery or performance of an asset.
EllisDon presented a case study of our bespoke digital twin solution called EKO, which was developed and implemented for a 6-story medical facility in Abu Dhabi, UAE. EKO is a comprehensive system that integrates 3D/BIM, sensors, cloud, and fault detection and diagnostics algorithms to optimize energy consumption, carbon emission, and asset performance for the facility.
The implementation strategy involved defining objectives and goals, collecting, and integrating data from multiple building management systems, revising, and updating the BIM database, and developing analytics and recommendations based on logical rules. The solution was customized to suit the specific needs and challenges of various types of assets, such as HVAC, elevator, lighting, and specialty medical equipment, and to comply with high data security and medical protocols.
The digital twin solution resulted in a better patient experience and more efficient medical facilities. EllisDon's innovative approach and dedication to improving asset performance and sustainability were recognized as best-in-class by the Construction Technology Forum.
HSE Corner
EllisDon Supporting Projects to Achieve Key Milestones
EllisDon are working on some of the most iconic projects in the MENA Region. Each project has its own challenges, and our teams should be proud of their significant input to ensure each project is a success.
One such key challenge is Health and Safety performance, in which success is measured simply by having no serious injuries and ensuring that the workers return home safe every day. EllisDon has shown that ownership of Health and Safety is not just the role of the HSE Manager, it is fully embraced by all of us, and we are showing Clients, Consultants and more importantly the Contractors that we are 100% committed to having a safe site through being individual HSE ambassadors by always leading by example.
Some Key Project Teams’ Achievements to be Proud Of to Date
- KSA - Exit 15 Al Nahda Development Project: Total 4,7M Safe Working Hours LTI Free
- KSA - Jabal Al Qrayn Cultural District Project of Diriyah Company: Total 4M Safe Working Hours LTI Free
- KSA - Exit 10 Al Hamra Project: Total 10M Safe Working Hours LTI Free
- UAE - Al Hudayriyat Island: Total 20M Safe Working Hours LTI Free
- UAE - Yas Water World Expansion Project: Total 1M Safe Working Hours LTI Free
- UAE – The Link Project: Total 3M Safe Working Hours LTI Free
- UAE - National History Museum Project: Total 14M Safe Working Hours LTI Free
People & Culture
EllisDon's Corporate Games
We've had an enjoyable and lively first six months of the year, with many of you participating in our EllisDon's Corporate Games!
From all over the company, our teams have engaged in activities like Padel, Football and Yoga, as a way to stay fit and healthy while fostering team cooperation.
We look forward to seeing more of you in our games, during the rest of 2024! #EDCorporateGames2024
The Coaching Habit:
We're proud to announce that our Internal Training initiative has successfully rolled out, reaching over 75 employees across the UAE and KSA regions. Stay tuned, as we're gearing up for the 2nd batch of training, which will be announced shortly—make sure to keep your eyes peeled for updates!
Currently, participation is on a chosen basis, allowing us to tailor the experience to best suit the needs of our dedicated team members.
This is just the beginning of our commitment to continuous learning and development opportunities that empower our employees and enhance their skills.
Focusing on Mental Health Improvements Across MENA:
We are embracing Mental Health Awareness Month with a series of impactful initiatives designed to foster a culture of support and understanding within our workplace. We've had the privilege of hosting internal guest speakers who have provided valuable insights into recognizing the signs of mental health issues, both in the office and beyond. We were delighted to introduce the MENA region to Nadina Holca, conducting an engaging workshop with her.
Additionally, we welcomed Anna White, a Licensed Occupational Therapist and Director of Mental Health at The Lighthouse Arabia, who shared her expertise with our team. In line with these efforts, we're excited to announce that we now have 10 employees who have completed Mental Health First Aid training and are accredited as our Mental Health Champions. For more information about our champions and to access resources, please check out the PDF on the Internal Portal. To cap off the month, our teams across all three locations showed their solidarity by wearing green for mental health, visibly demonstrating our commitment to this vital cause.
Employee Spotlight
Employee in spotlight this month : Magdy Al Taly. Get to know him and his journey a little better
Q. Tell us a little bit about yourself, your career with EllisDon so far, and the project you’re currently working on.
With 25 years of diverse experience across Egypt, UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, I have worked extensively in the hospitality, residential, commercial, cultural, Aviation and healthcare sectors. I have spent the last 7 years with EllisDon, contributing to various projects such as Emaar’s Dubai Hills Estate, Water’s Edge and the Cleveland Clinic in Abu Dhabi. In Saudi Arabia, I spent 3 years on the Diriyah North project. Diriyah is the birthplace of the kingdom. The project is a landmark initiative emphasizing on preserving cultural heritage through heritage hotels, museums, mixed-use facilities, a calligraphy institute, and other cultural sites
Q. When you’re not working, you can be found…
I will be found taking care of my family, spending time with friends, and watching movies. Personally, I love watching historical documentaries.
What sets EllisDon apart from the other companies you have worked for?
Previously, I have worked with several prominent PMCs and Developers. What sets EllisDon apart is its strong sense of humanity, open communication, and unwavering support. The company’s culture is ingrained at all levels, fostering an environment where we grow together, succeed together, and face challenges together.
Q. What inspired you to be in this field?
The MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) sector has always fascinated me because it represents the core and lifeblood of any construction project. MEP systems bring essential services to buildings, making them safe, functional, and livable.
With 25 years in this field, I know I made the right choice becoming an engineer. Each project is unique, requiring tailored approaches and innovative thinking. The diverse nature of these projects continually challenges me. Success in this sector hinges on teamwork, emphasizing collective effort over individual accomplishments.
Q. Any challenges or key learnings you would like to share?
The biggest challenge is time management, particularly in planning and prioritizing tasks. To tackle this, I keep a small book where I document key tasks and maintain a to-do list. Prioritizing daily tasks is crucial, but it's equally important to have everything recorded and organized.
Q. What do you think are the most important traits for an employee to be successful at EllisDon?
In the construction industry, which is a quite small market here in the region and people keep meeting each other again and again, it’s essential to maintain professional relationships with everyone, regardless of their position or location. Upholding respect, honesty, and integrity will make your career smoother and more rewarding.
Welcome to the team!
Join us in welcoming our newest additions to the MENA team
KSA
Bhavesh Gandhi
Contracts Manager DGDA
Christopher De Castro
Sr. Electrical Engineer DGDA
Zaher Alsayegh
Project Manager - FITOUT EXIT 15
Mazen Majzoub
Sr. Project Manager DGDA
Rana Rifai
Sr. Design Manager EXIT 15
Emilio Selwan
Sr. MEP Manager EXIT 15
Mohamed El Bayaa Construction Manager EXIT 15
Hamad Al Suwalimi Administrative Assistant EXIT 15
Baha Al Nasr Sr. Project Manager EXIT 10
UAE
Patrick Durkin Sr. Project Manager Miral Projects
Ricardo Rodrigues Associate Director Dubai HQ
Walid Elkhouli Project Director Miral Projects - Tal Moreeb
Deon Grant Laaks MEP Manager Miral Projects - Tal Moreeb
Ali Bikolwa Document Controller Miral Projects
Fatima Mohamed Jr. Urban Designer ALDAR
Ahmed Mazhar Saleh Structural Manager ALDAR
Ahmed Al Nimer Cost Manager ALDAR
Abu Haris Mohammed Taha HSE Manager Miral Projects
Mozammil Siddiqui Planning Manager ALDAR
Ahmed Jamal Abu Shedeq Assistant Construction Manager Miral Projects
Kelly Koopman Sr. Quantity Surveyor Miral Projects
Ahmed El Masry Design Manager Miral Projects
Leilani Corrales Commercial Manager Miral Projects
Noora Al Mubarak Design Coordinator ALDAR
Fatima AlMuharrami Design Coordinator ALDAR
Mohammad Aldajani Planning Manager ALDAR
Employee Recognition
This month’s category is “Out of the box” - An“Out of the box” person represents someone who thinks differently than the norm, thus bringing new and innovative ideas to the table. They are always able to work their way around any problem through their creative solutions and find ways to complete tasks faster with the use of individualistic yet surprisingly efficient methods!
We invite you to participate in this recognition program by nominating employees who you believe embody the spirit of thinking ‘Out of the Box’ in their contributions to the company. To submit a nomination, simply email at zsyed@ellisdon.com with the name of the employee and a brief description of why you think they deserve to be recognized. This is your opportunity to highlight and appreciate the hard work and dedication of your colleagues.
At the end of each month, the selected employee will be featured in our newsletter, celebrating their achievements, and sharing their story with the entire company.
We look forward to your nominations and to celebrating the outstanding efforts of our team members.
Vacancies & Referrals
We believe that great people know great people. That's why we always encourage you to recommend talented professionals from your network to join our dynamic team. You can play a direct role in shaping the future of our company while helping your friends or former colleagues take the next step in their careers.
Referring is simple: if you know someone who would be a perfect fit for us, we want to hear about it! Send them to omiles@ellisdon.com and lbolton@ellisdon.com
Thank you for being a part of our success story and for helping us grow our team with the same excellence that you bring to the table every day.