Government & the Construction sector Interview with Tony Saliba, Managing Director, Nael & Bin Harmal Hydroexport
Established in 1991, Nael & Bin Harmal Hydroexport is an Abu Dhabi based contracting company which specialises in infrastructure, utilities and buildings. Under the management of Lebanese founder Tony Saliba, Nael & Bin Harmal Hydroexport works exclusively on projects for the government. One of the company’s most notable recent projects was on Abu Dhabi’s flagship tourist destination, Yas Island – the Yas Marina Formula One Circuit development, which was unveiled at the inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Nael & Bin Harmal was also responsible for building the road on which spectators drive within the Yas Island complex and the infrastructure which supports it. In executing this project, Nael & Bin Harmal Hydroexport brought to bear the experience that they have acquired over the past two decades, having worked on many different types of projects, including roads, bridges, infrastructural, environmental, electro-mechanical and civil building projects. Major water projects on irrigation and potable systems, that have covered the UAE, feature in the company’s portfolio also, as well as many major malls, housing and high rise development projects. A central aspect of the way in which the company operates is that they work closely with their client to provide value-for-money engineering solutions.
The Nael & Bin Harmal ethos is that customers are “provided with quality products and professional services that fully satisfy their needs at a good price and are completed on time”. The fact that the client list of the company is populated exclusively by Government bodies means that it is clear that the company has become a partner of choice, not only for the various departments, but for Aldar, the national property developer as well. Continued success, coupled by such close working relations with the Government has put Managing Director, Tony Saliba positively disposed towards the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. “There is no better place to do business. If you are honest and work hard, you will make money. Business is protected here. The Government provides an environment which is very conducive to good business. Even if a project is delayed for 10 years the government will still pay you upon completion. If you work hard, they will help you”. Mr. Saliba says that “Abu Dhabi has become like my first country. Everyone likes it here. The people are peaceful. Part of the objective of Vision 2030 is to make Abu Dhabi the best place to work. That vision is being realised and I hope Abu Dhabi continues to grow in the same spirit in the future”.
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