Drake and Scull International demonstrate strong financial growth and business development in Abu Dhabi

This strong financial position has been aided by the expansion of its operations into Abu Dhabi through its civil contracting subsidiary, Gulf Technical Construction Company (GTCC).

DSI - a leading UAE-based end-to-end service provider of mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) contracting, infrastructure, water and power (IWP) and civil contracting services- was established in the UAE over 40 years ago. It has grown to become one of the most experienced MEP operators in the region.

In pursuit of its corporate objectives DSI recently set up a further office in Abu Dhabi under its civil contracting subsidiary GTCC, appointing Ferdinand Erasmus, as Abu Dhabi Area General Manager. Erasmus's responsibilities cover the development of GTCC in Abu Dhabi and directing strategies in line with DSI's ambitious growth programme: a policy that anticipates entry into Qatar and Kuwaiti markets after listing

The success of this policy was manifested recently when GTCC Abu Dhabi was awarded a major residential project on Al Reem Island, details of which will be released at a later date.

Saleh Muradweij, Executive Director of GTCC and a DSI PJSC board member says: "Abu Dhabi is a rapidly expanding market with an exceptional potential of growth, in spite of the current economic uncertainties in the world. Therefore, in line with our growth strategy, we took the decision to embark on a concerted effort to invest in the Emirate along with other markets across the region.

"Winning this latest contract underscores DSI's commitment to increasing its market share in Abu Dhabi, a fact enhanced by GTCC's competitive advantage of investing in quality staff and refining operating procedures to provide innovative engineering solutions.

"Our commitment to continually upgrading our activities by adopting novel techniques and delivering projects as per the clients' requirements of time, cost and quality has been the backbone to our success. These are very exciting times for us."

says Mr Muradweii.

As this demonstrates DSI continues to concentrate efforts on following its growth strategy and feels better able to do so now that raw materials are more widely available and a deeper pool of technical skill can be sourced should the need arise. This growth and these expansions are not merely a natural upshot of its strong brand and market leadership but a reflection of the company's strong cash position which was greatly bolstered by the success of last year's IPO.

DSI is already well capitalised and given that its forthcoming listing would launch from a position of financial strength, its continuous exposure to new business over recent months bodes well for its future financials - and expansion plans. It will therefore be well geared to manage potential challenges that global financial markets may cause.

The company's proposed listing reaffirms its commitment to, and positive outlook for, the region - and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) as a whole. As such, DSI is set to continue its course by seizing growth opportunities geographically across the MENA region, and moving into new customer segments through selective acquisitions and joint ventures.