CEO Insights Magazine

While oil industry has grown by leaps and bounds, one might stop to wonder who led the industry to its heights. Every player in the oil field sector has lived through a cut throat competition. Some have perished, some flourished. The mantra is to ‘Keep Going'. Saad Al-Hajri, CEO of Abraaj Energy Group imparts the same message and also lives by it. In this rendezvous with CEO Insights, he walks us through his leadership journey and shares how he brought Abraaj Energy to its helm of success with his ‘never give up’ attitude.

Acquaint us with a glimpse of your professional background and experiences. Whatinspired you to engage your profession in Kuwait's Oil & Gas sector?
It came quite naturally, especially for a child born and raised in the Ahmadi Township, to be inspired by the activities that went around in his town. The Ahmadi Township was the capital of Oil & Gas activities in Kuwait. As the famous saying goes, the apple never falls far from the tree, I followed the previous two generations of my family and joined the national manpower that served the most important sector in the state of Kuwait.

It came quite naturally, especially for a child born and raised in the Ahmadi Town ship, to be inspired by the activities that went around in his town. The Ahmadi Township was the capital of Oil & Gas activities in Kuwait. As the famous saying goes, the apple never falls far from the tree, I followed the previous two generations of my family and joined the national manpower that served the most important sector in the state of Kuwait.

Tell us about the challenges you have faced during the initial stages of your journey. What is your business mantra that ferried you to achieve the position you are at now?

Abraaj Energy's journey is a story of young professionals who kept pushing their comfort zone and challenging the imaginary limits in people's mind that simply does n't exist for them. Like any startup, Abraaj Energy's biggest challenge was penetrating the long established market of Kuwait. Abraaj Energy was able to overcome this challenge with a major breakthrough in the mentality, business setup, and modern leadership, by providing added value services to clients and with a strong vision of course.

Keep Going! This is a Business Mantra that I follow and that I have attached with my company, Abraaj Energy, as well. As quoted by G.G. Renee Hill, Keep going even when the going is slow and uncertain. Despite this,it is also important to keep evolving oneself to sustain and standout in what he/she does.

You have more than 15 years of experience in IOCs & NOCs across asset acquisition, project management, EPC, Drilling & Drilling Supports activities, Planning, Engineering & PMC. What do you bring from those experiences to Abraaj Energy?
I believe all of it. Abraaj Energy takes it all. Abraaj Energy is active in field of Oil field services where premium and value added services are being offered to all our clients. Abraaj Energy being a mix of experience and its uniqueness enables it to be the number one destination when it comes to Energy services, Project management, Asset acquisition, Innovation and Market disruptive startup.

Define Abraaj Energy as an organization and where is it placed in the industry? Take us around Abraaj Energy's portfolio of solutions and services.

We believe in our motto ‘Keep going'. We constantly differentiate ourselves with our unique exceptional network and understand our client's needs. As a company that started its journey 15years ago, we are capable of introducing comprehensive solutions for emerging business prospects leading to provide multi services across the Middle East. Our capabilities span a wide variety of services in Oil & Gas, Heavy Transpor tation, Representation & Partnerships, Construction & Infra structure, Refining, Petrochemical, Renewable & Conventional Power and Water sectors.

What gives Abraajenergy the competitive advantage over its rivals?
Abraaj Energy is a learning organization. It leverages its human capital to always stay ahead of the game. Our biggest competitive advantage is our people. The professionalism, experiences, support and insight that they bring to the table is all what keeps us on our feet, ready to take-up new opportunities and face any challenges in our way.

What would be your advice to budding entrepreneurs in the sector?
To believe in their vision and keep moving forward! As quoted by Winston Churchill, ‘If you're going through hell, keep going'. Some thing that I personally follow and would advise my peers is to have clear personal values, continuous dedication, and quality of education. They need to keep adapting to changes as well. These are very important in today's time to endure.

With respect to the market's future, what are your goals and how do you plan to take them forward?
Abraaj Energy is eyeing several growth opportunities in the fields of oil & gas, renewable energy, fertilizers and FinTech (Financial technology)to automate, improve and make life easy for people. Abraaj Energy aims to continue to diversify its portfolio to capture a bigger market share within and outside Kuwait and offer its clients with the best and wider scope of services.

Saad AL-Hajri, CEO, Abraaj Energy Group
Saad is an award winning entrepreneur with more than 15 years experience in working with IOCs & NOCs.