GHD is celebrating two decades in the Middle East and its role in the region’s formative years of extraordinary growth.
With 2021 drawing to a close the global professional services company says it is ready to partner the UAE and neighbouring nations in an emerging era of challenges and opportunities in its capacity as a leader in energy transition, environmental solutions, transport, and digitisation of the built environment.
GHD itself represents an impressive growth story - established in 1928 and still “wholly owned by our people”, it now operates 200 offices across five continents, staffed by more than 10,000 skilled and diverse individuals.
When clients call, GHD leverages knowledge and reputation acquired during almost 100 years across the globe.
More recently, for example, the company has emerged as a hydrogen expert, providing leading advisors in energy transition.
Evidence suggests the Middle East could be at the heart of the hydrogen revolution, according to GHD, which highlights its role alongside the potential of GCC nations as leading exporters.
Panos Bafis, business group leader for Future Energy and hydrogen for the Middle East, says hydrogen has moved on in 20 years to become “part of the solution” on all continents.
And he confirms GHD is working on ground-breaking hydrogen studies and pilot projects around the world.
Future Energy is, GHD says, the company’s commitment to the energy transition.
“A promise to bring everything we have - interdisciplinary industry experts, global perspectives and diverse experience - to this urgent need for change and to support communities, corporates and whole countries on their mission to net zero.
“We partner with private and public sector clients to deliver services across the value chain, from origination to delivery, to contribute to a thriving clean energy future based on our deep technical and regulatory knowledge of the industry.
“Energy consumption and economic growth are inextricably linked. As our world grapples with population growth and the challenge of reaching net zero, while simultaneously recovering from the economic shockwaves of the pandemic, a great deal of work lies ahead.
“Be it our economy, our communities or our environment, the long-term success of our world depends on the transition to greener energy sources.”
Estimates suggest that by 2050 green hydrogen exports alone could generate as many as one million jobs and as much as $200 billion for the region, signifying a prosperous future.
As a new vision for the future of the Middle East emerges through bold initiatives such as the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, regional states are moving forward on their post-oil strategies.
“Our approach has changed a lot in recent years … GHD recognises and understands the world is constantly changing,” says the company.
“With our focus now on advisory, environmental and digital solutions across the built environment, we help our clients move in the direction they want, and need, to go.”
In that respect, the company is establishing its place as a market leader when it comes to “the debate around the future of the Middle Eastern region through the energy transition, digitisation of our world and building more people-centric built environment”.
With a myriad of past successes spanning cutting edge digital training and energy infrastructure security to pipeline optimisation and waste disposal management solutions, GHD says: “Above all, we will continue to be a part of building adaptive, agile spaces and help shape a region that people want to come back to again and again.”
This commitment comes at a time when the spotlight is shining arguably brighter than ever on this portion of the planet.
Expo Dubai 2020 is making international headlines as its draws millions of inspired visitors to the city, in the year the UAE has celebrated its own milestone; 50 years since formation, accompanied by its own pledges for far-reaching energy transition.
GHD has expertise across several verticals, including geosciences, project management, digital, transportation, water, buildings and environment.
Crucially, for this region, future energy and energy and resources also feature strongly in its specialities segments.
“With considerable experience in delivering landmark energy and resources projects, GHD offers a broad range of services to the sector, through our globally connected network,” it says.
“From feasibility to performance optimisation, expansion of existing operations, development of new greenfield projects or closure of assets, GHD can assist clients to achieve their desired outcomes.”
GHD also states that the “global energy order is changing”, which is why its Future Energy division identifies future fuels such as hydrogen as a path forward - and factors such as affordability, accessibility, as well as sustainability, key to any energy system design.
“The global energy transition is not just a transformation of energy systems … it’s a transformation of communities and economies,” says the firm.
“We’ve reached an important tipping point in this journey with many industries making bold decisions to enable swift changes.”
GHD suggests that advancements in future fuels like hydrogen possess the promise to decarbonise other high energy-consuming areas such as transportation, heavy industry and heating.
This, in turn, presents an exciting opportunity to design and build sustainable and resilient communities, while working together to reduce climate change impacts.
“We are committed to solving the world’s biggest challenges in the areas of water, energy and urbanisation,” says GHD, which it leads through engineering, construction and architectural expertise.
“Our forward-looking, innovative approaches connect and sustain communities around the world.
“Delivering extraordinary social and economic outcomes, we are focused on building lasting relationships with our partners and clients.”
As everyone begins to value their communities and the environment around them ever more, climate change is increasingly part of the regional conversation - and action.
An energy ecosystem that has experienced incredible oil and gas power growth is now able to turn its expertise towards a renewable energy market headlined by solar or hydrogen - as UAE accomplishments with both have already proven.
And that could signal huge rewards for GCC nations as the world’s largest oil and gas players transform businesses to achieve a low-carbon future across production and supply chains - all the while applying the learnings of a long-established sector that continues to be receptive to new technologies.
With many regional states already boasting long established energy economies with the necessary supply chains and skilled workforces - and visionary leadership that recognises potential to reshape the planet’s energy landscape - potential could translate potently to influence the next 20 years of economic growth.
GHD has already played a defining role in the Middle Eastern growth story so far, across the past two decades.
And, it says, it is ready to deliver on the next thrilling chapters as key state-led initiatives for a post-oil future are felt.
“We can’t wait to see what the next 20 years has in store,” adds the company.
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Gothia Cup 2025
4,872 matches
1,942 teams
116 pitches
76 nations
26 UAE teams
15 Lebanese teams
2 Kuwaiti teams
Our legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Schedule
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ENovember%2013-14%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Abu%20Dhabi%20World%20Youth%20Jiu-Jitsu%20Championship%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENovember%2015-16%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAbu%20Dhabi%20World%20Masters%20Jiu-Jitsu%20Championship%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENovember%2017-19%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Abu%20Dhabi%20World%20Professional%20Jiu-Jitsu%20Championship%20followed%20by%20the%20Abu%20Dhabi%20World%20Jiu-Jitsu%20Awards%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
EPL's youngest
- Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal)
15 years, 181 days old
- Max Dowman (Arsenal)
15 years, 235 days old
- Jeremy Monga (Leicester)
15 years, 271 days old
- Harvey Elliott (Fulham)
16 years, 30 days old
- Matthew Briggs (Fulham)
16 years, 68 days old
The five pillars of Islam
TOURNAMENT INFO
2018 ICC World Twenty20 Asian Western Regional Qualifier
The top three teams progress to the Asia Qualifier
Thursday results
UAE beat Kuwait by 86 runs
Qatar beat Bahrain by five wickets
Saudi Arabia beat Maldives by 35 runs
Friday fixtures
10am, third-place playoff – Saudi Arabia v Kuwait
3pm, final – UAE v Qatar
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
The years Ramadan fell in May
Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
Dhadak 2
Director: Shazia Iqbal
Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri
Rating: 1/5
TECH%20SPECS%3A%20APPLE%20WATCH%20SERIES%208
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The 12
England
Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur
Italy
AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus
Spain
Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Real Madrid
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
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The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
AS IT STANDS IN POOL A
1. Japan - Played 3, Won 3, Points 14
2. Ireland - Played 3, Won 2, Lost 1, Points 11
3. Scotland - Played 2, Won 1, Lost 1, Points 5
Remaining fixtures
Scotland v Russia – Wednesday, 11.15am
Ireland v Samoa – Saturday, 2.45pm
Japan v Scotland – Sunday, 2.45pm
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UAE squad
Humaira Tasneem (c), Chamani Senevirathne (vc), Subha Srinivasan, NIsha Ali, Udeni Kuruppuarachchi, Chaya Mughal, Roopa Nagraj, Esha Oza, Ishani Senevirathne, Heena Hotchandani, Keveesha Kumari, Judith Cleetus, Chavi Bhatt, Namita D’Souza.
It
Director: Andres Muschietti
Starring: Bill Skarsgard, Jaeden Lieberher, Sophia Lillis, Chosen Jacobs, Jeremy Ray Taylor
Three stars
Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989
Director: Goran Hugo Olsson
Rating: 5/5
Sustainable Development Goals
1. End poverty in all its forms everywhere
2. End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
5. Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
6. Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
7. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
9. Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation
10. Reduce inequality within and among countries
11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
12. Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its effects
14. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
15. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
16. Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels
17. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development
As it stands in Pool A
1. Japan - Played 3, Won 3, Points 14
2. Ireland - Played 3, Won 2, Lost 1, Points 11
3. Scotland - Played 2, Won 1, Lost 1, Points 5
Remaining fixtures
Scotland v Russia – Wednesday, 11.15am
Ireland v Samoa – Saturday, 2.45pm
Japan v Scotland – Sunday, 2.45pm
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.
When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
Racecard
6.30pm: Mazrat Al Ruwayah Group Two (PA) US$55,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
7.05pm: Meydan Trophy (TB) $100,000 (Turf) 1,900m
7.40pm: Handicap (TB) $135,000 (D) 1,200m
8.15pm: Balanchine Group Two (TB) $250,000 (T) 1,800m
8.50pm: Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 1,000m
9.25pm: Firebreak Stakes Group Three (TB) $200,000 (D) 1,600m
10pm: Handicap (TB) $175,000 (T) 2,410m
The National selections: 6.30pm: RM Lam Tara, 7.05pm: Al Mukhtar Star, 7.40pm: Bochart, 8.15pm: Magic Lily, 8.50pm: Roulston Scar, 9.25pm: Quip, 10pm: Jalmoud
The biog
Favourite book: Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
Favourite holiday destination: Spain
Favourite film: Bohemian Rhapsody
Favourite place to visit in the UAE: The beach or Satwa
Children: Stepdaughter Tyler 27, daughter Quito 22 and son Dali 19
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
