Maher Merehbi on leadership, ethics and ACC’s role in shaping the Middle East.
Arabian Construction Company (ACC) Founded in 1967, is one of the Middle East’s leading construction contractors, renowned for delivering some of the region’s most technically complex and architecturally significant projects. With operations spanning Saudi Arabia, the UAE and key international markets, ACC has built a legacy defined by engineering excellence, disciplined project delivery and strong governance.
Over nearly six decades, ACC has delivered landmark developments across high-rise, hospitality, religious, cultural and mixed-use sectors. Its portfolio includes globally recognised projects such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, Jabal Omar Development in Makkah, Etihad Towers, World Trade Centre Abu Dhabi and Sky View in Dubai. Today, under the leadership of CEO Maher Merehbi, ACC continues to play a critical role in supporting national development agendas, including Saudi Vision 2030, through selective growth and long-term partnerships.
SAUDI PROJECTS: How does ACC balance traditional family values with modern management practices in its construction projects?
MAHER MEREHBI: Our traditional family values centre on relationships, shared purpose and alignment of family members and, by extension, our team members and wider company personnel. These relationships promote a sense of responsibility at every level across ACC and form the foundation of our owner-managed philosophy.
This environment enables ACC to embed and maintain its core values of ethics, commitment, discipline and robust controls, while encouraging a continuous pursuit of excellence and improvement across the organisation. Together, these principles allow our teams to develop, perform and achieve their best, successfully balancing tradition with modern management practices.
SAUDI PROJECTS: What drives your emphasis on leadership through ethics, and how does it impact project outcomes?
MAHER MEREHBI: Ethics form the foundation of sustainable leadership and long-term success at ACC. In construction, decisions have far-reaching implications for safety, quality, financial performance and reputation. Transparency, responsibility and accountability are therefore central to how we lead.
When ethics guide leadership, teams operate with clarity and confidence, risks are managed more effectively and trust is strengthened across stakeholders. This approach reduces disputes, improves collaboration and ensures consistent performance under pressure, all of which directly enhance project outcomes.
SAUDI PROJECTS: Can you share a challenging project where adaptability was key to success?
MAHER MEREHBI: Many of our landmark projects have required a high degree of adaptability due to their scale and complexity. High-rise towers and large mixed-use developments in dense urban environments demand constant adjustment in planning, logistics and sequencing.
Across several projects in Saudi Arabia, evolving designs, accelerated timelines and supply chain challenges required rapid re-planning and close coordination with clients and consultants. ACC’s strength lies in adapting without compromising quality or safety, supported by experienced teams, strong controls and disciplined decision-making.
SAUDI PROJECTS: How does ACC prioritise resource efficiency on high-rise and complex projects?
MAHER MEREHBI: Resource efficiency begins with rigorous early-stage planning. Constructability reviews, digital engineering and BIM allow us to optimise sequencing, logistics and material use while reducing waste and rework.
Equally important is our focus on people. We deploy cohesive teams with proven experience working together, strengthening coordination and productivity. Combined with disciplined logistics planning, selective prefabrication and close supply-chain collaboration, this approach delivers measurable efficiency and sustainable outcomes.
SAUDI PROJECTS: What are some of the most iconic projects ACC has delivered?
MAHER MEREHBI: Projects such as the Jabal Omar Development in Makkah, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Etihad Towers, World Trade Centre Abu Dhabi and Sky View in Dubai stand out for their architectural significance, engineering complexity and cultural importance.
What makes them iconic is not just their scale, but the precision, technical excellence and ingenuity required to deliver them under demanding conditions.
SAUDI PROJECTS: Can you discuss ACC’s role on the Trump Tower Jeddah project?
MAHER MEREHBI: Trump Tower Jeddah is a landmark, high-profile development that reflects the scale and complexity ACC is known for. Following completion of the enabling and foundation works, ACC was awarded the main works contract by DarGlobal.
Projects of this nature demand meticulous planning, advanced methodologies and close collaboration with all stakeholders. Our experience in premium high-rise developments positions us well to deliver to the highest standards of quality and reliability.
SAUDI PROJECTS: How do you see the Middle East construction market evolving over the next five years?
MAHER MEREHBI: The market will remain active, but more disciplined. We are moving away from scale for scale’s sake toward prioritised delivery, portfolio optimisation and long-term value. Governments and developers are placing greater emphasis on governance, risk management and performance certainty.
ACC’s role is to remain a trusted partner for complex, high-value projects, particularly in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, aligned with national development priorities and sustainability objectives.
SAUDI PROJECTS: What is the biggest misconception about family-owned construction businesses?
MAHER MEREHBI: One common misconception is that success is defined by succession alone. In reality, it is continuity of purpose, values and leadership standards that sustains a family business.
At ACC, nearly six decades of success have been built on disciplined growth, strong governance and a long-term mindset, not scale at any cost.
SAUDI PROJECTS: How does ACC attract and retain top talent?
MAHER MEREHBI: We offer exposure to some of the region’s most complex and prestigious projects, supported by clear career pathways, leadership development and a culture of recognition and accountability.
Many of our senior managers have been with ACC for more than 20 years, reflecting a culture built on trust, professionalism and long-term commitment.
SAUDI PROJECTS: Looking ahead, what is your vision for ACC’s future?
MAHER MEREHBI: My vision is for ACC to remain one of the region’s most trusted and technically capable contractors, recognised for integrity, engineering excellence and strong governance.
By 2030, our legacy will be defined not only by the projects we deliver, but by the strength of our organization, our people and the standards we set for responsible and sustainable construction across the region.
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