UAE: Khalid Bekka Named Managing Director, Gulf Arab States for HDR

June 4, 2013
HDR has named Dr. Khalid Bekka managing director, Gulf Arab States, based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

HDR has named Dr. Khalid Bekka managing director, Gulf Arab States, based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

In his new role, Bekka reports to John Scales, international director for HDR Engineering, Inc.

Bekka previously served as HDR’s economics and finance director, based in the firm’s Silver Spring, Md. Office. He has been with HDR since 1998.

HDR currently has architecture and HDR|HydroQual offices in Dubai, and an engineering office in Abu Dhabi. HDR’s current engineering work in the region includes:

  • Partnering on design-build opportunities for transit programs
  • Partnering on design-build opportunities for wastewater programs
  • Conducting feasibility studies for rail projects
  • Providing several strategic advisory services.

"The culture in the Middle East is all about relationships, and trust is a key. It is critical to HDR’s success to have local presence and build trust," Bekka said. "Clients want to see that there is a commitment to the region, and they are expecting good value from companies like HDR."

Bekka will work closely with Randy Edwards, vice president and managing principal, Middle East, for HDR Architecture.

"HDR Architecture has established a strong reputation in the Middle East for value consulting for clients in key markets such as healthcare and science and technology," Edwards said. "We will develop an integrated approach going forward, as many of the clients for our architecture and engineering services will be the same."