Qatar’s Most Admired Companies to watch May 2022.pdf

Ansar
Groupof
Companies
Shi ing Paradigms in the
Retail Space
Intercepting
Growth opportunities
Top 7 Business
Opportunity in Qatar
The Strategic
Roadmap
An Expat Guide
to Setting Up a
Business in Qatar
May
Issue: 10
2022
Qatar's
MostAdmired
Companies
towatch

editor
Bhushan Bhad
Managing Editor
A paradigm shift in
Qatar’s Business Market
hen in business, be an opportunist,”
Wmight sound like a controversial
statement to make, but a perfect
opportunity can sky-rocket a business has been a
proven business mantra.
Around the business spectrum, challenges can
turn into an opportunity. Adhering to this
teaching, many entrepreneurs pioneer their
respective industries and help facilitate the
perfect solution for ongoing crises. Many
corporations scout for undiscovered terrains and
introduce a business solution, sprouting multiple
beneﬁts, not only for the industry but for the large
customer base.
If you are an entrepreneur and have a future-proof
solution, the best strategy can be to implement
your business idea where the demands are high
and supply is low. Understanding this guru
mantra, many business giants keep an
investigative eye on every corner of the globe.
th
In the 20 century, a well-established presumption
was that, invest your manufacturing units in the
West, procure raw products from the African
region, and establish a market in the East. Using
this strategy, the European business corporation
made huge proﬁts. Traversing the entitlement of
being the world’s oyster, Europe marked its
dominance in almost every corner of the globe.
But, as the tide of time has its magical wand that
keeps a balance of both the world, the Middle

East has challenged the old presumption of
investment and market and attracted the same
oysters to sprout its organization from the Middle
East.
For quite some time, one of the eye-popper in the
global business community has been Qatar.
Known as one of the richest countries with a
high-quality lifestyle, business leaders are
looking for every window to help them establish
themselves in Qatar’s Market.
There are many reasons for this paradigm shift in
the global business order. First and foremost,
Qatar is conducive and welcoming to foreigners,
and the second, but a major one, is the
government’s tax-free policy for the business
community. Knowing these benefits, many
multinational corporations are aligning with Qatar
markets, utilizing the opportunity and obtaining
their fair share of success.
Knowing these upgrades, we at Insights Success
crossed paths with the rising business corporates
of Qatar to share stories that made a difference.
Our new edition, “Qatar’s Most Admired
Companies to watch,” will drive you through a
journey of inspiring stories of Qatar businesses
and the opportunity that lies in this flourished
terrain. Follow the trail and while you flip
through the admiring business tales, make sure to
read the insightful articles written by our in-house
editorial team.
I wish you a happy read!
- Bhushan Bhad
,
,
Qatar has been a true facilitator
of global corporation and the
industries established are
changing the business dynamics
with standout leadership.

20
32
An Expat Guide to Setting
Up a Business in Qatar Top 7 Business Opportunity in
Qatar
THE STRATEGIC ROADMAP
INTERCEPTING GROWTH
OPPORTUNITIES
Cover Story
08
A
R
T
I
C
L
E
S
Ansar
Group
Companies Shifting Paradigms in the
Retail Space

16
28
24
36
An Innovation-Driven Sustainable
Facilities Management Solution
Helping Businesses Articulate the
Future
Providing Exemplary Industry
Solutions
EFS FACILITIES SERVICES GROUP
Allan Read
KEO INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANTS
NEHMEH
Contents
Contents
CxO

sales@insightssuccess.com
May, 2022
Circulation Manager Tanaji Fartade
Research Analyst Eric Smith
Editor-in-Chief Pooja M. Bansal
Anish Miller
Senior Editor
Kelly, David
Business Development Executives
Managing Editor
Sherin Rodricks
Business Development Manager
Bhushan Bhad
Art & Design Head
Art & Design Assistant
Visualiser David King
Co-designer
Rohil Shinganapurkar
Mrunalinee Deshmukh
Marketing Manager Joseph D'souza
Technical Consultants Prachi, Rajeshwari
Technical Head Jacob Smile
Assistant Technical Head
SME-SMO Executive Gemson
Digital Marketing Manager Alina Sege
Assistant Digital Marketing Manager Renuka, Atul
Copyright © 2022 Insights Success Media and Technology Pvt. Ltd., All rights reserved. The content and images used in this magazine should not
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Sales Executives Mark, Alice
Amar Sawant
Assisting Editors Vishal, Shrutika
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Featuring Brief
Company
Reem Khalifa A T Al
-Subaey Public Relations
& Communication Strategy,
Corporate Performance
& Marketing
Katara Hospitality
katarahospitality.com
KEO International
Consultants
keoic.com
Ansar Group of Companies
ansar-group.com
EFS Facilities
Services LLC
efsme.com
DOHA BANK
dohabank.com.qa
Ansar Group has moved through greater stages of growth from its
inception to expansion with 17 massive malls and Real estate
properties that have been attracting a steadily rising number of
visitors over the years.
Doha Bank is one of the largest commercial banks in the State of
Qatar and has been consistently registering a strong growth
during the last decade with participative leadership philosophy.
EFS is a regional leader and leading facility management company
across 21 countries. It offers integrated facility management services
from design and development to operational performance assessment,
review, stabilization, and transformation.
Katara Hospitality have created a rich portfolio of properties,
partnering with some of the best brands in the hotel industry.
KEO is a creative enterprise, where innovation is a way of life. It
is uniquely resourced with end-to-end services to take clients
from inspiration – through conceptualization – to realization of
planning, design or project delivery in the built and natural
environments.
Ali Akbar Shaikh Ali
Chairman
Tariq Chauhan
CEO
Amena Tena
Corporate Director -
Marketing and
Communications
Donna Sultan
President and CEO
Waleed Alyafei
Chief Technology
Officer
Nehmeh
nehmeh.com
Qatar Mobility
Innovations Center
qmic.com
NAKILAT
nakilat.com
maktApp
maktApp.com
MaktApp is a leading company in creating digital products and
providing electronic solutions that help you accomplish and
develop your business for the better, according to the highest
standards of quality and professionalism
Nakilat is a shipping and maritime company based in the State
of Qatar. With the world’s largest Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
shipping fleet comprising of 69 LNG carriers, the company
provides the essential transportation link in Qatar’s LNG
supply chain.
Nehmeh is the partner of choice offering Total Solutions for the
Automotive, Construction, Heat Transfer, Rental, Service &
Woodworking Industries.
The Qatar Mobility Innovations Center (QMIC) is the first
independent innovations center in the region with a focus on
using R&D to develop and deploy Intelligent Mobility and
Smart Cities platforms and technologies.
Fairuz Aledroos
Head of
Public Relations
Raja V. Assili
CEO
Adnan Abu-Dayya
Executive Director
(CEO)
Sharaka Holdings
sharakaholdings.com
Sharaka Holdings offers various partnership opportunities as it
continuously evolves and grows towards a future with infinite
possibilities.
Amer Fares
CEO

of Companies
Ansar
Group
Cover Story
Shifting Paradigms in the Retail Space
We are always
dedicated to providing our
consumers with a range of
good quality merchandise at
most fair prices accompanied
by an enjoyable shopping
and leisure experience.

The retail sector in the Middle East is rapidly
evolving as consumer preferences change and new
technologies are being introduced. Global brands
are expanding their presence in the region and local players
are innovating to keep up.
This growing competition is creating opportunities for
shoppers, who can beneﬁt from increasing choice and
enhanced services. However, it also presents challenges for
retailers, who must keep pace with changing trends while
adapting to a complex and diverse regional landscape.
One company that is changing the paradigms of the retail
industry is Ansar Group of Companies, a leading retail
company with an expertise in delivering a hassle-free
shopping experience.
Based in Doha, Qatar, the company endeavors for
excellence in a variety of products and services including
fashion, furniture, electronics, perfumes, cosmetics,
household items, home furnishing products, and many
others.
Facilitating this transformation is Ali Akbar Shaikh Ali as
the Chairman.
From Inception to Expansion
For Ansar Group of Companies, the adventure began in
1980 with the opening of the New World Company – a
single retail store. The Group was oﬃcially created a few
years later, in 1987, with the opening of the New World
Centre – an appealing new shopping center. The group has
been creating outstanding values since its initial endeavor in
Doha, the New World Company. Its trajectory took it to
nearly 20 branches across the GCC.
The Group always strives to provide a good quality, fair
pricing, and a never-ending search for better methods to
serve its customers. It has developed a diverse range of
malls and retail locations that provide shoppers with
high-quality lifestyle items and services.
The group has progressed from its inception to expansion
with large malls and galleries that have been attracting a
continually increasing number of tourists throughout the
years. Its retail presence has grown to include four GCC
nations and millions of pleased customers.
Strong Foundations
Mission
Ansar group family works tirelessly around the clock to
meet the expectation and demand of the customers. The
group strives to bring the best to its customers. It provides
the latest trends and traditions to fetch the best on board.

Dr. Hussain Saadat
Managing Director
(ANSAR GROUP)

Vision
Ansar Group is walking towards its vision to be the most
trusted provider of the best worldwide products that ensure
the satisfaction of its customers and delivering happiness
and a great experience to clients, employees, and all the
visitors.
Core Values
Passion is at the heart of Ansar Group. It is continuously
moving forward, innovating, and improving. Each
employee represents the company and his commitment to
the customers is the most valued asset. Honesty is the best
tool which ensured the continued growth year after year.
Redeﬁning Benchmarks
Today, the Ansar Group has more than 20 famous operating
centers around the GCC, each of which is specialized to ﬁt
the unique demands and objectives of each market. The
Group holds a comprehensive assortment of products from
a wide range of areas across the world, all of which are
designed to meet the highest standards. This diverse

selection of items appeals to a wide spectrum of customers,
from the budget shopper to the elite buyer.
All of the malls and galleries in the Ansar Group are
conveniently located, have enough of parking, and provide
a variety of discounts. Its enticing prize drawings,
enormous discounts, and well-targeted promotional
activities help to draw in a significant number of customers.
Ansar Group is committed to providing a diverse choice of
high-quality items at the most competitive pricing, as well
as a pleasant shopping and leisure experience. Its malls
have become a life center for communities around the GCC,
providing exceptional products, service, and environment.
A&H: A Brand within A Brand
Ansar Group has launched a new concept apparel store
named A&H. Through this, the Group has expanded to
include fashion and clothes, health and beauty items, and
interior and exterior products for the home and office.
Garments, footwear, bags, cosmetics, perfumes, electronics,
kitchenware, beddings, carpet, furniture, lights, tiles and
floorings, bathroom accessories, and much more are among
the luxurious products offered by A&H brand to its
community.
A consumer-driven strategy of supplying reasonable cost,
high-quality items by sourcing them directly from factories
in over twenty countries, including France, Brazil, Italy,
Spain, Thailand, Turkey, Germany, Malaysia, and India, is
at the heart of the Group.
Future Perspectives
Ansar Group is currently striving to expand its boundaries
of success beyond other markets in the area, backed by
ambitious growth plans, an extensive media promotion, and
marketing strategy, and a 4000+ professional team.
The Group is looking forward to expanding its business to
new horizons. In its journey forward, the group is
committed to continue bringing the exceptional retail mix
of attractive prices, quality, and range to its ever-growing
centers across the region.

From the beginning, EFS has
set new benchmarks in
facilities management through
quality service delivery and
innovation.
Tariq Chauhan
Group CEO
EFS Facilities
Services Group
| May 2022 www.insightssuccess.com
16

hat initial impression would you like to make
Won professionals or clients when they visit your
office premises? As is known, when an
individual steps into the office facility for the first time, s/he
instantly forms a good or bad impression of the
organization, even before initiating any communication.
Having a well-maintained office space helps in making a
fine impression on clients. Furthermore, the regular upkeep
of machines, accessories, and other utilities sustains their
efficiency for an extended period.
In addition, timely maintenance helps save costs by
preventing unnecessary damage. Moreover, a clean and
pleasant office environment contributes to boosting the
employees' morale. Hiring office facilities management
services is becoming a regular practice for professional
maintenance of every aspect of office resources.
Delivering excellence in integrated facilities management
services across the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, and
Turkey for 20+ years is the EFS Facilities Services Group.
EFS has been recognized for providing quality facility
management services to some of the giant corporates,
including leading multinationals in the region. The
company has a persistent track record of near 100% client
retention.
The accolades that it has received from national and
international organizations for high customer satisfaction
have been the cornerstone of EFS' legacy. Driving EFS
Group to new heights of success and innovation is its expert
leader, Tariq Chauhan (CEO).
We got the exclusive opportunity to interview Mr Tariq,
where he shared with us in detail about EFS's journey and
the various achievements it has obtained over the years.
The Expert Leader
Tariq Chauhan is the Group CEO and the
transforma onal driving force behind the growth of EFS.
Since 2010, Tariq has been at the helm of EFS Facili es
Services Group, leading as the Group's Chief Execu ve
Officer and a member of EFS' Board of Directors.
Tariq has led the evolu on of EFS Facili es Services'
business por olio, spearheaded the company's
expansion into 21 markets across MENA, Turkey, and
South Asia, and supervised the growth of its workforce
of 22,000 globally.
Tariq was named one of the Forbes Top 50 Indian
Execu ves in the Arab World in 2018, as well as one of
the Forbes Middle East Top CEOs in MENA in 2021.
Below are the excerpts from the interview:
Please brief our audience about your company, its
values, and how the company has been positioned as a
leading player in the industry.
A people-first organization, EFS Facilities Services Group,
is a regional leader in delivering integrated facilities
management services. EFS's global presence spans the
Middle East, Africa, South Asia, and Turkey, and it is
among the top-ranking facilities management companies in
the UAE.
17

For over 21 years, EFS has been well-acknowledged by the
business community for providing quality services to some
of the biggest regional names, including leading
multinationals in the region. With USD 1.5 billion in
contract backlog and managing an approximate total area of
over 45 million square meters, EFS has set new benchmarks
in facilities management through quality service delivery
and innovation with 28 operating companies in 21 countries
across the region.
The group of companies is unique in combining
progressive, people-focused leadership with the fast
adoption of technological advancements, creating the best
environment for personal growth for employees and clients'
portfolios.
What range of services does your company offer, and
how are these making an impact on the industry and
your clients?
EFS endeavours to deliver quality facility management and
value-added services designed to meet our clients' demand
for sustainable service delivery, optimum cost savings, and
measurable end-user satisfaction. Our services range from
integrated facilities management services, technical
operations, and maintenance services, soft services,
disinfection, project management, and support services to
consultancy and other specialized services.
From the beginning, EFS has set new benchmarks in
facilities management through quality service delivery and
innovation. The sustained track record of nearly 100 percent
client retention and accolades for high customer satisfaction
has been the cornerstone of EFS's legacy.
Our FM portfolio comprises prominent and prestigious
clients, ranging from large government entities to many
Fortune 500 companies. We offer total facilities
management solutions consisting of over 75 services
through dedicated business verticals such as Oil & Gas,
Banking, Industrial, Public Sector, Integrated Workplaces,
Education, Retail, and Mixed-Use Developments.
EFS is led by competent, experienced management with
several decades of combined core industry expertise and a
past track record. Our company is complemented by QMS-
ISO 9001:2015, EMS-ISO 14001:2015, OHSAS
18001:2007, and ISO/IEC 27001:2013 standards. We have
built and earned our reputation and gained the trust of top
companies in the region.
Being an experienced leader, share with us your opinion
on how the adaptation of modern technologies has
transformed businesses and what more could be
expected in the near future?
The fast adoption of technologies has been a top growth
indicator, mainly since the global pandemic shifted the
business environment into a fast-forward dynamic of
growth. In our industry specifically, technology has been an
important ally in scaling up processes, upskilling the
workforce, and investing in long-term strategic growth. As
we move towards a post-COVID world, the hybrid use of
collaborative technology and fast upskilling are imperative.
Taking into consideration the current pandemic and its
impact on global economies, how are you driving your
company to sustain operations and ensure the safety of
your employees and clients at the same time?
From the onset of the pandemic, EFS's response was fast and
designed with the safety and well-being of our employees in
mind. As a people-first organization, our employees are
paramount to the swift operations and steadiness of our
growth.
From mass vaccination drives to preserving and retaining
employee and client benefits to implementing policies to
preserve the safety of our first responders, EFS had an around-
the-clock leadership team working to ensure a
multidimensional and simultaneous response across all
verticals:
Ÿ Health and safety for all employees, clients, and the
communityatlarge.
Ÿ Adherence to local and international regulations and
guidelines.
Ÿ Businesscontinuity.
Ÿ Supporting endeavours and initiatives by the national
leadership.
Ÿ Use of technology and innovation for dealing with
COVID-19 challenges, including remote working,
health protection, automation, decontamination, real-
t i m e m o n i t o r i n g , l e a r n i n g i n i t i a t i v e s ,
communication,andcontinuousimprovement.
Ÿ Financialsafetyandsecurity.
Ÿ Employeeengagementandcommunication.
Ÿ Continuedlearninganddevelopment.
Ÿ Continuedclientengagementandsatisfaction.
What would be your advice to budding entrepreneurs
who aspire to venture into the business world?
First-time entrepreneurs should consider obtaining as much
knowledge as possible about financial operations. Aside
18

from that, understanding that mindset, introspection,
resilience, and growth come as a package is important.
The entrepreneurial World requires a huge effort and a
resilient spirit, which is why prioritizing mindset training
and self-reflection can become a game-changer in the
performance of any start-up.
How do you envision scaling your company's operations
and offerings in 2022?
As we are in the last quarter of 2021 and we are approaching
the next year, we are preparing to look back at our growth. In
2021 alone, we acquired new businesses to support our
growth and expansion in new markets, we invested in learning
and development, we launched the Abhaar Worker Welfare
Foundation, and we serviced some of the most prestigious
projectsintheregion.
HONOURS, AWARDS, AND ACCOLADES
Ÿ Won Pres gious Taqdeer Award mul ple
mes, under the patronage of His
Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed
bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown
Prince, and Chairman of the Execu ve
Council of Dubai.
Ÿ EFS has been ranked as one of the region's
top facili es management companies by
Forbes ME.
Ÿ For several years in a row, named
"Construc on Industry Power Hour" by
Construc on Business News Middle East.
Ÿ Award from the Interna onal Organisa on
for Freedom, Protec on of Human Rights,
and World Peace.
The EFS Group is Duly Accredited by
Several Technical Awards and
Accreditations As Below:
Ÿ The Bri sh Ins tute of Cleaning Science
(BICSc)
Ÿ The Interna onal Sanitary Supply
Associa on (ISSA)
Ÿ Interna onal Facility Management
Associa on (IFMA)
Ÿ The Middle East Facility Management
Associa on (MEFMA)
Ÿ US Green Building Council (USGBC)
Ÿ The Bri sh Safety Council

An
Expart Guide to
Settingup a
Business inQatar
Qatar is opening business opportunities for
Qentrepreneurs around the world. The country will be
hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2022, becoming the
ﬁrst Arabic country to do so. It is rapidly developing its
infrastructure to accommodate football fans around the
world. The government of Qatar expects to gain signiﬁcant
industrial and tourism momentum from the event. This has
created various opportunities for expatriates living in the
country to establish their business ventures in the country.
Many businesses in the country are largely dependent on
foreign workers. After working or having good knowledge
of Qatar’s business industry, many of them wish to start
their own venture.
This article aims to help such entrepreneurs in their
business ventures by providing useful information and
insightful direction.
Below are some tips that can make your entrepreneurial
journey easier in Qatar.
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
First of all, one should be aware of the several types of
companies that are allowed in Qatar, namely the Limited
Liability Company, the Rule 68 Company, and the Single
Shareholder or Owner Company.
Among these, the Limited Liability Company (LLC), or
WLL, is one of the most chosen prospects by many
expatriates to establish a business in the country. Qatar’s
LLC formation rules require the founders from a foreign
country to partner with the local individuals.
20

21
The Strategic Roadma

The law of the country allows expatriates to hold a 49%
share in the company, and the remaining 51% ownership
should be with the Qatari citizens. One is allowed to have
as many as 50 Qatari citizens as partners in their venture.
What are the initial requirements?
As a foreigner doing business in Qatar, one should look into
appointing a local sponsor or service agent. A robust local
collaboration is a great way to deal with the local
authorities. A foreign or local company in Qatar has to
obtain a commercial registration document from the
Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI).
An LLC company must have a minimum authorized share
capital of Qatari riyal (QAR) 200,000 and two shareholders.
Qatar’s Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in certain
special circumstances, can allow foreign investors’
shareholding to exceed 49% by up to 100%. However, this
is granted when the business purpose matches Qatar’s
development plans.
Qatar’s Government Schemes for Foreign Businesses
There are various schemes that the Qatar government has
formed to boost foreign investment in the country. The
government gives active support to businessmen who wish
to enter agriculture, education, tourism, healthcare,
exploration of natural resources, energy and mining, and the
technical and IT services industry. The government could
offer lucrative incentives like no income tax for ten years
for foreign companies who wish to establish a business in
the above industry.
The government of Qatar also offers business incubators
and free economic zone platforms to invite foreign direct
investment, such as the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC).
Starting a business in the QFC is easy. Once you submit
your application, a relationship manager will lead you
through the procedure of registering, acquiring a license,
and commencing operations. Foreign investors can fully
own companies that are registered under QFC.
Things to Follow While Registering a Business in Qatar
Below are some things that expatriates should follow while
registering a business in Qatar.
1. Register the Trademark name for your company.
2. The expatriate businessmen should have their articles of
association signed by all the shareholders. After this, the
document should be sent to be signed by Qatar’s Ministry
of Justice.
3. One should submit the name and the articles of
association for their company to be issued by a
Commercial Registration (CR). After this, the application
will be submitted for review to the different ministerial
departments, depending on your business activities.
4. After getting the application approved and all fees having
been paid, one needs to return to the Ministry of
Economy and Commerce (MEC) to get the commercial
register. With this document, the entrepreneur can finally
open a corporate bank account. (Please keep in mind that
CR is only valid for one year.)
What’s Next?
After CR is received, one can apply for a Trade License. It
will allow you to own commercial space to carry out your
business operations. It is suggested that expatriate
businesspersons plan their timing carefully as this process is
expected to take time to complete.
After this process is completed and a business is set to be
established, one can consider hiring employees for their
operations. You will need a computer card to provide
employees with a residence permit. The card is basically a
document that indicates who has the signing authority of
the hiring company. Qatar’s immigration department issues
these cards, which are also known as “Signature Cards.”
Overall - Clarity is the Key
All things considered, for aspiring businessmen among
expatriates in Qatar, it is necessary to be clear-minded. One
should conduct a thorough investigation into the necessary
steps to be taken from already established businesses,
government offices, and official websites.
Starting a business in Qatar requires one to obtain various
licenses, trademarks, capital, and various other important
matters to completely legalize the establishment. The
process can be costly and bureaucratic for foreigners.
It is advised to hire professionals or use consultancy
services to expedite the business setup process. These
agencies or individual services will help you speed up the
whole process. They will also provide you with several
local collaboration options that can significantly bring down
the required initial investment.
22
- Vishal Golekar

Donna Sultan
President and Chief
Executive Oﬃcer
KEO International
Consultants
Our mission now
is not so much about
scaling the business
but about how we can
provide more higher
value-add services
for our clients.

It is a general belief that humans are witnessing the
Industrial Revolution 4.0. Thanks to the n-number of
blooming businesses. However, every blossom comes
with its own set of obstacles. To run a business and in order
to succeed in that business, entrepreneurs must investigate a
number of tasks, ranging from human resources and
accounting to technical support.
Figuring out everything in one place alongside making the
business thrive has its own set of intangible complications.
But thanks to the ease of hiring consultants, who provide a
wide array of skills to assist business owners in upgrading
their endeavors.
One of the fundamental conducts of human resource
consultants is how they execute business alongside
implying ethical values that define the company's character.
Maintaining and reinforcing world-class ethical practice,
KEO International Consultants is a regional leader of one
of the largest Middle Eastern Consultancy Firms. It is built
upon fair dealings and ethical conduct principles and the
company adheres to careful observation of all applicable
laws and regulations.
Standing at the guiding light is its President and Chief
Executive Officer, Donna Sultan. In an interview with
Insights Success, Donna talks about the role of KEO and
how she endeavors to scale its business in the upcoming
year.
Below are the highlights of the interview:
Please brief our audience about KEO International
Consultants.
KEO is a creative enterprise where innovation is a way of
life. We are uniquely resourced with our end-to-end
services to take clients from inspiration – through
conceptualization – to the realization of planning, design, or
project delivery in the built and natural environments. For
over 57 years, we've led with vision, contributing to many
of the world's most ambitious projects, iconic places,
remarkable experiences, and prosperous communities.
Taking into consideration the current pandemic and its
impact on global economies, how are you driving your
company to sustain operations and ensure the safety of
your employees at the same time?
KEO has a world-class Health & Safety team that has done
an outstanding job keeping people safe on the sites we
manage throughout the GCC. From the start of the
pandemic, our Health & Safety leaders have played a
crucial role in helping set corporate policies to protect our
staff and make sure that we successfully navigate through
the pandemic. We are proud to say that we have vaccinated
nearly 70% of our staff and been able to keep our people
well protected over the past 18 months.
Under the leadership of the CEO, KEO Senior Management
has been relentlessly focused on the well-being of the staff.
COVID management protocols are reviewed on a regular
basis and are a priority agenda item during each senior
management meeting.
We attribute our ability to have managed through the
pandemic to our people's incredible team spirit and
outstanding professionalism. We look after our people and
our operations with equal care, and the result has been a
business that has come through this crisis in strong shape
and is ready to grow.
It is a simple axiom; when you take care of the people, the
people will take care of your organization.
25

What would be your advice to budding entrepreneurs
who aspire to venture into the business world? –
Three key pieces of advice:
Ÿ Make sure you are doing something that you care deeply
about and have a passion for.
Ÿ “Does your product or service meet the needs of the
market?” The number one factor linked to the success
of start-ups is timing, start-ups that have the right
product at the right time succeed.
Ÿ Cash flow and cash reserves are essential to any
enterprise and even more so for a new organization.
History is littered with companies that did not get off the
ground because of poor cash planning. Think carefully
about your cash requirements and plan accordingly so
that you can create the vital time and space necessary to
get your business off the ground.
How do you envision scaling your company's operations
and offerings in 2021? –
KEO is already one of the largest consultancies in the GCC.
Our mission now is not so much about scaling the business
but about how we can provide higher value-add services for
our clients. To that end, we are expanding our sustainability,
environmental and advisory practices to capture a larger
share of these rapidly growing market segments.
KEO has always been at the forefront in terms of the use of
technology in our operations. We are continuing to invest
heavily in BIM and digital technologies that are an essential
part of the modern design and construction world. We are
one of a select few fully certified BIM consultancies in the
GCC and recently launched our BIM consulting practice to
help our clients work in the BIM environment.
On the advisory side, we have recently launched our Black
Mule practice, which is a Real Estate Investment,
Redevelopment & Advisory Services. The Black Mule team
leverages KEO's extraordinary skills and market knowledge
to help our partner clients bring back to life stalled under-
construction projects that are in need of fresh capital and
new ideas. The Black Mule team also assists clients in
implementing business process improvement programs to
enhance operations and increase operating cash flows.
All that said, we emphasize that as a firm, we will not
compromise on delivering the best quality solutions to our
core clients. We know that our first duty is towards our
clients and making sure that we exceed their expectations.
While we are very excited about our new digital, advisory,
and sustainability offerings, we know that it is essential that
we maximize the value we create from our core business
lines.
What is your opinion on the future of the business world
with respect to customers'/consumers' changing
preferences and choices?
The construction industry has been very slow when it
comes to change. Because of the labor-intensive nature of
both the construction and apparel industries, they have seen
the lowest levels of productivity growth over the past thirty
years despite the massive advances in technology over the
same period.
However, a new era is upon us. Thanks to cutting-edge
technologies that are forcing much-needed change and
advancements across the industry. Finally, the advent of
lower-cost new technologies has brought about the
modernization of the whole industry.
It is vital for KEO and all other consultancies to embrace
the wave of change that has resulted from the advent of new
technologies. It is not enough for us to simply provide
drawings and designs so that clients can build new projects.
We need to take a holistic look at clients' requirements and
always think of ways to add more value to their projects.
In a highly competitive world where clients can choose
from a multitude of designers, the way to stand out is
through excellence in service and innovation in thinking. At
KEO, we articulate the future for our clients by providing
end-to-end solutions that go beyond just meeting the
requirements of the client brief. We help our clients
consider the long-term implications of design decisions not
only in terms of dollars and cents profit decisions today but
how they can maximize the value of their projects over
thirty to forty-year time horizons. This means bringing to
the table the latest in BIM modeling and sustainability
offerings to demonstrate how small incremental investments
during construction can lead to significant upside value
during the project's operational life.
Citizens around the world demand more of their urban
infrastructure, and thus it is incumbent on KEO to bring to
life inspired designs and developments with a deep sense of
place and identity. While the right location is the
cornerstone of any successful development, the right design
is what can really make the project fly. Our role is to take
the ordinary and make it extraordinary through the minds of
our exceptional staff.
26

Why
is Not the most
Viable
in the
LongTerm
uring the pandemic, the supply chain process
Dexperienced disruptions. A variety of issues
contributed to the challenges, including a shortage
of workers that reduced production capacity, material
shortages, fluctuating demand, and shipping lane
disruptions. This was a perfect storm of issues with
financial consequences that stemmed from inventory
fluctuations, volatile demand, and a shortage of products
due to delays with components required for manufacturing
and assembly of finished goods.
Upon reflecting on the financial impact that this
unprecedented event had on many businesses, many have
advocated to "reshore" or bring back certain parts of the
manufacturing or assembling process to the homeland and
become more self-sufficient. We realized just how
interdependent we are with our global partners and
network. But is reshoring really a viable option for a
business in the long term?
The answer is maybe, and it depends on what business
you're in Avnan, a Canadian-based electronics design and
manufacturing company with an extensive global network
of suppliers and OEM partners and is recognized as one of
the Top 10 Manufacturing Companies in Canada by a
global business Magazine, believes that offshoring still
offers a competitive advantage. They rely on their global
partners for components and manufacturing to deliver best-
in-class electronic product solutions at a competitive price
for their clients. Offshoring is part of their strategy, and
there are many key considerations for choosing this over
reshoring.
Offshoring gives them access to a larger pool of skilled
workers who can efficiently get the job done on time and on
budget. With some parts of manufacturing automated with
robots, economies of scale can be achieved. A larger pool of
skills and automation translates to lower production costs,
which get passed on to the end consumer. Offshoring will
- Allan Read, Chief Opera ng Officer – Avnan Electro Inc.
28

As Avnan's Chief Operations Officer, Allan is responsible
for driving innovation and operational excellence,
expanding Avnan's overall value. As part of his role, Allan
leads Sales and Marketing, Engineering, and Operations.
Allan has over 30 years of experience in the high-tech
industry, serving in a variety of engineering and
operational leadership roles, including a two-year
assignment in Taiwan, where he was responsible for
strategic partnerships and was the Chairman of the
Canadian Chamber of Commerce. Prior to joining Avnan,
Allan was the Chief Product Officer responsible for
technology development, engineering, and manufacturing
of wearable devices for Mio Global, at the time a leading
Vancouver, a Canada-based wearable manufacturer. Prior
to that, Allan was a product launch Director at Celestica in
their Diversified Markets division and is responsible for
leading the development and mass production, most
notably consumer devices such as Readers and tablets.
Before Celestica, Allan was an engineering site director at
Murata Power Solutions and, before that, held a variety of
engineering management positions. Allan is the proud
father of three children, enjoys a variety of challenging
fitness activities and team sports, and continues to study
Mandarin when not spending time with family.
Author's Bio
Author's Bio
29

then give businesses a more competitive price advantage
and profitability due to lower production costs.
An offshore strategy doesn't necessarily translate to lower
quality. In fact, there are highly skilled workers in different
parts of the world, namely in Asia. Because of the high
competition to win business from North American head
offices, quality is often something they don't compromise.
With close oversight of every aspect of the supply chain and
manufacturing process, Avnan monitors QA to ensure they
deliver to the high standards they set. "Our team in Asia is
an extension of our head office team here in Canada. They
work seamlessly together using established processes and
standards that guide our quality control expectations," says
Allan Read, Chief Operating Officer overseeing Avnan's
global business development, engineering, and operational
teams.
Another advantage to offshoring is the manufacturing-
friendly regulations. With fewer restrictions in Asia,
manufacturing is more seamless and less costly. Policies
that create red tape for manufacturing businesses tend to
lengthen production cycles and cost more money.
Reshoring may sound like an ideal solution to alleviate
supply chain issues, but it is not an easily achievable reality.
Firstly, after years of offshoring manufacturing work, North
America no longer has the capacity to provide a skilled
labor pool. Canada's population is ageing, with the labor
force participation rate dropping from 65% in 2022 to 64%
by 2026. Many workers had transitioned to other industries
when manufacturing moved offshore, while others took
early retirements.
In addition to the declining labor force participation rate,
minimum wage rules mean higher production costs. Even if
the gap in active skilled workers were fulfilled through
immigration, the cost of labor or the minimum wage
regulation imposed by the government would still result in
high production costs. Businesses will find it difficult to
maintain a competitive cost advantage when their profit
margins are squeezed because their production costs,
specifically labor costs, remain high.
Reshoring may make sense for short-run production
customized for local markets, but this would apply to
certain type of industries. There could be an argument made
for bringing back certain parts of the manufacturing process
to their home country, but the ideal scenario would be
"distributed manufacturing." Businesses can mitigate their
exposure and vulnerability to market disruptions by
distributing their manufacturing facilities throughout the
world with certain critical activities even brought back to
their home base.
In the case of Avnan, offshoring and distributed
manufacturing makes sense and aligns with their business
strategy. Some key areas of their manufacturing process are
offshored in order to provide the best outcome for their
clients - lower costs without compromising quality because
of close oversight by the head office in Canada.
They leverage an established electronics manufacturing hub
in China that offers them the best-skilled labor at affordable
rates, which allows them to reduce their production cost.
With hands-on oversight of the process from end to end,
they ensure production meets their standards - accuracy in
designing to technical specifications, delivery on time, and
on budget.
With facilities and global partnerships around the world,
Avnan maintains flexibility and control over the production
process and reduces its reliance and exposure to market
disruptions. By having manufacturing facilities in other
countries, like India, they can choose to offshore certain
types of jobs or processes that make sense for their clients.
Certain critical areas of their business still remain in
Canada, such as product planning, research and
development, and design engineering. But as part of their
strategy to diversify manufacturing, they also leverage local
partnerships to manufacture and produce certain
components when it makes business sense.
At the end of the day, Avnan's clients want a reliable partner
that can deliver high-quality, cost-efficient products and
undisputed excellent service. The combination of offshoring
and distributed manufacturing with management oversight
from head office is a formula that has allowed them to
provide highly competitive products to their satisfied
clients.
30

Top
Business
in
Opportun y
Qatar
with the seven most intriguing business opportunities for
one to consider in his/her business establishment expedition
in Qatar.
Restaurant Business
The restaurant business is considered one of the most
reliable and profit-making ventures in Qatar. The Qataris
are fond of good restaurants and fast-food centers. They
adore restaurants that provide a healthy diet along with
tasty and good-quality food.
Most of the workforce in Qatar, be it from overseas or local,
is busy at work all day. Men and women keep themselves
involved in providing the highest quality work. Cooking at
the end of the day becomes an exhausting pursuit. Hence,
most of them rely on the quality restaurants around them to
enjoy their meals.
One can add a variety of foreign delicacies to their menus
to satisfy the tastes of expatriates living in Qatar. The
government too has supportive policies for one to smoothly
start a restaurant business in the country.
Fitness Center Business
The fitness business is booming in the country. The major
reason is the popularity of maintaining health among the
Qatar’s population. Hard-working citizens prefer to relieve
their all-day stress by doing various fitness workouts.
Q
Qatar is world-famous for being one of the richest
nations. It is situated very close to Saudi Arabia. The
nation has abundant natural resources like petroleum
and natural gas. The Qatar government earns huge revenues
from the export of these products. Though the country is
small area-wise, its economy is one of the strongest
worldwide. Almost every citizen of the country has a luxury
lifestyle.
Qatar’s government has made sure to create a business-
friendly environment in the country. Due to this, the private
sector in the country is flourishing all the time. The
government has created its market as an appealing
investment destination for businessmen from the tax point
of view. It has a flat 10% corporate tax provision for
companies operating in the country. This makes it one of
the top reasons for worldwide entrepreneurs to consider
exploring market opportunities in the country.
Besides, the Qatar government has an ongoing development
plan called the Qatar National Vision 2030. This plan
envisions transforming the country into an advanced society
capable of achieving sustainable development by 2030.
Qatar is investing around 200 billion dollars to achieve this
goal, and many entrepreneurs can benefit from it.
Are you enticed by Qatar’s open business environment and
looking to start your own venture in the country? If so, let
us help you with finding the perfect business opportunity to
get things going. After thorough research, we have come up
32

33

If one is considering starting a fitness business in Qatar,
s/he can begin from Doha. The place has welcoming
opportunities for one to open a gym or other fitness centers.
An entrepreneur can consider buying a famous fitness
franchise to establish fitness centers and start leveraging its
popularity. But, to buy a franchise, one would require
strong finances. One can also begin with an independent
center that can be started with a smaller investment.
Interior Designing
The people of Qatar love to spend on luxurious activities.
They are passionate about having unique furniture, their
own arrangements, and everything that makes their home
comfortable as well as classy. Due to this, the interior
designing business is flourishing in the country.
It can be a perfect business venture for entrepreneurs who
are passionate about design, art, and home decoration.
Besides, the business can be started from home with a small
investment.
The IT Business
The information technology (IT) industry is gaining a solid
hold on several business sectors in Qatar. Many businesses
need innovative technology solutions to bring efficiency to
their operations. IT entrepreneurs can assist many
businesses and individuals in Qatar to strengthen their
online presence.
One can explore opportunities like software development,
networking, biometrics, mobile, digital entertainment,
content delivery, digital marketing, mobile wallet
technology, the internet of things, and so on. Based on one’s
investment capacity, s/he can start an IT-related business in
Qatar.
Fashion Designing
Fashion sense is gaining a lot of significance around the
world. People in Qatar are no exception to this. More and
more people, men or women, are giving importance to their
clothing, accessories they wear, and much more.
This makes it one of the most significant future safeguarded
opportunities for businessmen to consider entering the
fashion business. One can start this business with small
capital and increase its scale as it begins to get recognition.
This business can be of great value to Qataris to match their
standard of dressing. Also, opportunities like fashion
tutoring, consulting, and training can be explored in the
sector through online and offline mediums.
Garage Operations Business
The Qataris love their cars. The country is full of a variety
of world-famous car models. Most people have difficulty
locating the best garage to repair their vehicles. The auto
repair business is one of the most thriving ventures in the
country. Entrepreneurs can easily set up their garage
operations.
The vehicle repair business can keep on growing as long as
people keep using cars. Be it a new car or an old one, it
often needs to be repaired, serviced, and have parts
replaced, etc. One can be sure of having a customer all
around the year in this business.
Delivery Business
The e-commerce industry has been gaining good
momentum across Qatar. There is a significant demand for
delivering online purchased items to consumers as soon as
possible.
Starting a delivery business can help one to partner with
many e-commerce platforms in their fast delivery of
products. The delivery business is booming in Qatar and it
will keep on growing as the various industries come online
to enable people to purchase their products online.
Wrapping Up
Qatar is filled with so many business opportunities. Nearly
every sector in the nation can be explored to gain the most
out of business while helping its citizens to maintain their
luxurious lifestyles. Its government provides needed
assistance as well as a business-conducive environment for
entrepreneurs to get started smoothly.
Along with the above business opportunities, one can also
come up with innovative businesses that promote health and
the environment. These endeavors can add value to the
Qatar government’s efforts to establish sustainable
development by 2030.
- Vishal Golekar
34

Nehmeh
Providing Exemplary Industry Solutions
For any business to succeed, it is important to set its
core values as the foundation to build upon. Having
clearly defined values before commencing a
business, results in excellent output and unmatched
prominence. It also makes the goal of the business easier to
identify.
Nehmeh is a similar example of such organizations that
have a strong base of values, upon which the business has
been built. Nehmeh has been successfully delivering a
plethora of industry solutions to several clients since its
inception and setting high industrial standards.
Situated in Doha, Qatar, Nehmeh is spearheaded by its
CEO, Raja V. Assili.
The following extract sheds light upon Nehmeh’s inception
and its successful functioning in the International Trade and
Development space for more than seven decades now.
Origin of the Extraordinary
Established in 1955, Nehmeh is amongst the oldest groups
incorporated in Qatar. The values of its late founder,
Antoine Nehme, remain to this day, at the heart of its
operations: People, Trust, Quality, and Commitment.
Nehmeh is constantly building an organization to last,
offering solutions, and building brands that will continue to
benefit people, communities, and companies for the next
sixty years and beyond.
Extending Excellent Industry Solutions
Nehmeh provides a wide and growing range of Industrial
Solutions, which fall into the following categories: (i)
Automotive paints and supplies, and equipment for garages,
Raja V. Assili
CEO
Nehmeh
36

(ii) Tools and equipment for use in construction – Nehmeh
represents leading international brands, including Makita, a
top manufacturer of power tools; (iii) Heat Transfer
Solutions – Nehmeh’s factory produces in Qatar top quality
air handling units for commercial and residential
applications; (iv) Servicing and repair of goods it sells and
also industrial radiators; (v) Woodworking equipment and
products; and, equipment rental. All supported by its
recognized Service Solutions, Nehmeh group’s aftersales
arm.
Nehmeh does not sell second tier. It only sells products that
comply with the company’s standards & values, which it
calls ‘The Nehmeh Way’. The company constantly works
on bringing and maintaining the best-in-class products and
innovations to its markets. The company is happy that it
played and continues to play a role in most construction
sites and industrial facilities in Qatar.
Journey of the Changemaker
While expanding on his professional journey till becoming
the CEO of Nehmeh, Raja said, “My career started in
academia, as a university lecturer. I taught a subject which
most business students run away from: Accounting and
Finance. After 6 years, I switched to the corporate sector,
working over 20 years for one of Saudi Arabia’s largest
conglomerates. I was exposed to multiple sectors in this
diverse group, and gained experience in many industries
including fast food, telecom, financial services, subscription
TV, cosmetics, and perfume retail, to name a few.”
“I moved to Qatar in 2013, joining HEC Paris, a top
ranked business school, as its COO. I enjoyed returning to
a university setting, particularly interacting with some of
the brightest minds in Qatar who studied there, and world-
renowned professors. After 5 years, I moved to Qatari
Investors Group, a company listed on the Qatar Stock
Exchange, leading it until my very recent move to Nehmeh
in the summer of 2021.”
“Nehmeh is a family business, and that is one of its greatest
assets and virtues. Its shareholders took the bold step of
appointing, for the first time in the company’s 65-year
history, a non-family CEO. This adds another dimension to
the normal responsibilities of a CEO. My aim is to blend my
diverse experience with our board’s vision and guidance to
position Nehmeh as a resilient and future-ready enterprise,
preserving the legacy of its founders into future
generations,” he added.
Towards a Technologically Equipped Future
When asked about his opinion on how the adoption of
modern technologies has transformed businesses, Raja said,
“When I started my career, there were no mobile phones, no
internet, and no Amazon. Fax, telex, paper memos, and
fixed line phones dominated business communications.
When I tell this to my 13-year-old daughter, she looks at me
puzzlingly. Had I not adapted to and adopted these
technologies, I would not have survived in the corporate
world. The same principle applies to companies.”
Further expanding on what he thinks could be expected in
the near future in terms of modern technology in business,
Raja said, “My experience tells me that the progress of
technology will continue to outpace the corporate world’s
ability to adopt new technologies. How many of us have
purchased the latest mobile phone, only to use a fraction of
its features? In the corporate world, there are many reasons
why this lag happens, a key factor being return on
investment.”
“Investment in technology needs to be carefully thought out
and strategic, with an expectation that obsolescence will
come sooner rather than later. Focus on the value brought
by the core benefits and think carefully about the extras. It
can also be a drawback to offer products or services that are
too sophisticated or complicated for consumers.” Says Raja.
“At Nehmeh, we are strong believers in innovation, we
embrace technology and digital transformation. Among
Nehmeh does not
sell second tier. It
only sells products
that comply with the
company’s standards
& values, which it
calls ‘The Nehmeh
Way’.
Qatar's Most Admired Companies to watch
37

Nehmeh’s firsts are: First Qatari company on the internet,
first ecommerce site for industrial solutions in Qatar, and
first company in the world to develop an app to track tool
repairs in real-time. We will continue to be pioneers,
blending technology and human interaction to provide a
superior customer experience.” says Raja.
Overcoming Adversities
We asked Raja what his take was on the current pandemic,
and its impact on global economies, and how he was
driving the company to sustain operations and at the same
time ensuring the safety of his employees, to which he
replied, “Our business experienced major disruption last
year. We could not access our warehouses due to a strict
lockdown. Our supply chain experienced severe
disruption.”
“We reacted by launching our e-commerce online store in
just three weeks. Thankfully, the authorities in Qatar have
managed the pandemic with great skill, striking the right
balance between lock downs and sustaining economic
activity. Many lessons were learned from these exceptional
times,” shares Raja.
He marks,“Our contingency planning is under constant
review. At a minimum, we adhere to the recommendations
set by health authorities, and will not hesitate to go beyond
these if we sense heightened risk. We have rolled out
technology to facilitate a swift shift to work from home, if
necessary. We hope the worst is behind us, but we must
remain vigilant.”
Opinions that Matter
On being asked about his advice to the budding
entrepreneurs who aspire to venture into the business world,
Raja said, “My top five pieces of advice would be:
Ÿ Leverage your network and expand it. Do not be afraid
or ashamed to ask for advice, from several individuals
on the same matter. Do not assume you know it all.
Ÿ Watch the downside – always. Entrepreneurs are prone
to developing blind spots to the downside. I was once
involved in the development of a business in which we
were so deeply engaged getting it off the ground, that
we ignored what was happening around us. By the time
we launched, our service had lost many of its
competitive advantages.
Ÿ Do not allow an error to become a mistake. Along the
way, there will be errors of judgement. Learning from
errors is just as valuable as learning from successes. If
you don’t, it becomes a mistake.
Ÿ Be prepared to accept there is point where it is better to
kill than cure a failing venture. Isolate emotional
attachment from commercial reality; and to end on a
positive note.
Ÿ If you succeed, scale up cautiously, not too aggressively,
and maintain a healthy financial position for a rainy day
or two. Do not drain the value out of your business too
soon, always think long-term,” notes Raja.
The Future Foreward
Upon asking about his plans to scale the company
operations and offerings in 2021, Raja said, “The short
answer is ‘prudently’ and ‘selectively’. The pandemic’s
potential to disrupt has not disappeared, although we know
a lot more now than we did in 2020.”
“We are past the half year mark therefore our focus will be
on strengthening the company’s resilience through
innovation, value, and a little bit of disruption. We are
assessing a number of new opportunities that will be
deployed in the coming months,” concluded Raja.
38

Qatar’s Most Admired Companies to watch May 2022.pdf

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