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How an initial leap to the Middle East jump-started success around the globe for U.S.- based Hill International. Haven’t looked back since 1986
1 986 was a red-letter year for Philadelphia-based Hill International as it was appointed lead consultant for the Abu Dhabi government and its claims committee, marking the entry of the company on the international stage.
Its first overseas office was opened that same year in Abu Dhabi, and at that time Hill was also one of the first expatriate firms to be working in the Emirate. Undoubtedly there were risks and many questioned if it was a smart move for a then young firm to take such a step. But the opportunity that was seized ultimately helped Hill International to learn the ropes of operating in a new country. The project management/construction management company has not looked back since in the Middle East, and in the past 35 years the firm has carried out some iconic real estate/ tourism (Palm Jumeirah in Dubai); infrastructure (Doha Metro Green Line in Qatar, Bahrain International Airport expansion, the Abu Dhabi International Airport Midfield Terminal complex, the two airports in Oman and the Riyadh Metro); cultural (National Museum of Qatar and the Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Grand
Mosque); and high rise and residential (ADNOC Headquarters complex, Etihad Towers in Abu Dhabi and Emirates Hills in Dubai) projects, to name a few. PROBABILITY OF THREE. To grow organically, there are typically three different scenarios under which Hill International “goes abroad” for business opportunities. 1) An existing client seeks to engage the services of Hill International on a project they have in hand in a new country. 2) When a major project is being developed in a new country that aligns with the services we offer, is consistent with our sectoral growth strategy, and has a significant fee that would justify setting up shop in a new country. An added advantage of such an opportunity: While executing the project in
Abdo Kardous
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THE ZWEIG LETTER AUGUST 9, 2021, ISSUE 1403
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