OPTIMISM, TEAMWORK AND VISION THE KEY
In
the space of two decades this contracting business has grown into one of the
top 100 companies in the Gulf
From
security services to supermarkets and from construction to catering, the Al
Dhahry Group's interests are spread throughout the Gulf region and beyond.
Since
its beginnings as a contracting business in 1983, the group has diversified its
activities relentlessly. It has
conducted more than $2 billion worth of business in the region and now employs
in excess of 4,000 staff.
The
inspiration behind the group's expansion is the proprietor and chairman, Sheikh
Mohammed bin Saleh al Dhahry. Aged 51, he is the son of one of the chiefs of
the Harb, an ancient tribal community that originated in a region of the
Arabian Peninsula known as the Nadj. His mother is also from another ancient
tribe, called the Shammr.
A
prominent figure in the economic and philanthropic activities of the Kingdom,
Sheikh Mohammed is a member of seven international business councils and
participated in the founding of an orphanage, a society for handicapped
children and several environmental societies.
In
business circles he is regarded as a stern but fair leader with vision. He says
teamwork, flexibility and transparency are the key elements of the group's
success. His philosophy, he says, is based on the view that "the
optimistic, hopeful, resolved and patient person will always win."
The
Al Dhahry Group now has eight branches, the most prominent of which provides
security services, including the provision of audio-visual monitoring systems
and trained guards for hospitals, schools and business premises.
A
general contractors' branch includes divisions specialising in the construction
of tunnels, tunnel lighting, excavation, drainage and solar energy. Other
branches supply military, medical and sports uniforms, and kitchen equipment.
The
catering arm, staffed with specialist nutritionists, supplies more than 50,000
meals daily to hospitals and military facilities. Among its services is the
provision of liquid tube-feeding to hospital patients. The group represents
many international commercial agencies.
