ISG Middle East
In conversation with Steve Ramsden, Managing Director, ISG Middle East

Tell us about your company, and the projects that you have been involved in so far?
ISG is the world’s most dynamic construction services company, delivering robust and future-proofed places that help people and businesses thrive. Our 2,800 worldwide specialists in fit-out, technology, construction and development deliver not just buildings, but also an exceptional delivery dynamic and strong customer relationships built on mutual trust, collaboration, and open communication. We blend our unparalleled track record, sound processes and proven delivery methods with a fast-paced and agile culture, ensuring we deliver thriving places that are as agile and resilient as their occupants.

Aji-Restaurant, The Palm

ISG Middle East was established in the UAE in 2009, and currently employs more than 100 people. ISG Middle East has delivered some of the most sophisticated fit out projects in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, in the hospitality and leisure, corporate office fit out, technology and healthcare sectors. ISG is the company behind the Kempinski Mall of the Emirates Hotel refurbishment, the fit out of Mattel Play! Town Dubai and The Roxy cinemas in City Walk, as well as the popular Peruvian-Japanese restaurant, Aji.

In the corporate office fit out sector, ISG Middle East delivered 583,000 sq. ft. of highly specified office space within Abu Dhabi Global Market Square since 2011, which makes us the most active construction services company within that master plan. Similarly, in Emaar Business Park, we have delivered 240,000 sq. ft. since 2015, including an entire building for China National Oil Company. Other corporate office fit out projects of note include Ford Middle East and Africa Headquarters.

Corporate Office fit-out @DIFC

Given your offering, what are some of the trends you see in the market today? Also, what are the challenges you face in the sector?
Environmentally friendly practices and accreditations are generally a growing trend, and one that is here to stay. This is a nation-wide trend that many industries are embracing, and is not just limited to construction. In the corporate office fit out, we are seeing a lot of focus on delivering open and collaborative work spaces, and in hospitality, there is increased activity in the value hotel category, where operators expect superior fit out and finishes at extremely competitive costs.
As for challenges, it is hard to generalize, because each project comes with its own set of challenges. In the context of hospitality, it could be a hotel that needs complete refurbishment, while being open to the public, and in corporate office, it could be ensuring no business interruption, even as sophisticated IT systems are being moved or upgraded.

Given the crowded nature of the market today, what, according to you, sets ISG Middle East apart from its peers?
As a global business, we are very focused on client relationships; we ensure that every job is done to the required specification, and delivered on time and on budget. Because of our commitment to clients, we get repeat business, from both of our international and local clients, who value not only our ability to deliver, but the innovation and the consistent high-quality we are known for.