STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP SHAPING THE FUTURE OF CONSTRUCTION.
The Foundation of Our Success
At the heart of Absal Paul’s success is a Senior Management Team comprised of industry veterans with a proven track record of delivering complex, high-value projects. Our leaders combine international expertise with deep regional knowledge, ensuring that every project—from mission-critical infrastructure to luxury hospitality—is executed with precision and a commitment to excellence.
Driven by a culture of safety, innovation, and client-centricity, our management team provides the strategic oversight necessary to navigate the challenges of modern construction. We believe that strong leadership is the foundation of every successful build, and our directors are dedicated to fostering the partnerships and talent required to shape the built environment of tomorrow.
Saad Mehmod holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom, and brings with him over 36 years of distinguished experience in the construction industry, with a career spanning the United Kingdom, Europe, and the Middle East. He is the founding force behind the establishment of ABSAL PAUL Contracting, where his vision and leadership were instrumental in setting up the company’s operations in both Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. Since its inception in 2011, Saad has served as the company’s Managing Partner, overseeing its strategic growth and guiding its evolution into one of the region’s most respected construction firms.
Under his leadership, ABSAL PAUL has successfully delivered a wide range of high-value, technically complex projects for leading multinational clients. His expertise covers diverse sectors including research and development facilities, pharmaceutical production complexes, data centres, logistics hubs, as well as landmark commercial, hospitality, and luxury residential developments.
Saad’s approach combines technical precision, commercial acumen, and a deep commitment to quality and innovation, which continues to shape the company’s reputation and long-term success in the region.
Email: info@absalpaul.com
Call: +966 11 210 7277
Adrian Joseph Gavin is a driving force behind our strategic growth, leveraging 30 years of vast experience in the construction industry across the UK, Ireland, and the UAE. Adrian is highly skilled in identifying new market opportunities, building strong client relationships, and developing winning bid strategies that lead to successful project awards.
His extensive background includes pre-construction planning, contract negotiation, and market analysis. Prior to his current role, Adrian held positions as Technical Director and Project Director, overseeing significant projects such as the KAFD Public Investment Fund HQ, Riyad Bank HQ, Saudi Research & Media Group (SRMG) in KAFD, and the renovation of the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA) HQ. Adrian’s leadership consistently delivers value-driven proposals and positions organizations for long-term success.
Email: info@absalpaul.com
Call: +966 11 210 7277
Ali Slim is our Financial Associate Director and a key leader within our financial team. Having joined Absal Paul Contracting in January 2013, Ali has demonstrated consistent growth and expertise throughout his tenure.
Ali began his journey with us as an Accountant in January 2013, a role he held until June 2022. He then advanced to Accounts Manager (Financial) in June 2022, serving in this capacity until November 2024. Currently, Ali holds the position of Financial Associate Director, a testament to his dedication, financial acumen, and significant contributions to the company’s success. His progression reflects a deep understanding of our financial operations and a proven ability to lead and innovate within the financial sector.
Email: info@absalpaul.com
Call: +966 11 210 7277
As the FFE Director, Michael Joseph (MJ) is responsible for leading the FFE Division’s business strategy and expansion, including project delivery for the MENA region. He has over 26 years of international experience working on multi-disciplined construction projects in KSA, Bahrain, and UAE. One of our longest-serving Absal veterans, MJ was part of the original Absal Investment leadership team and construction firm, holding a number of different project and country management roles throughout his star-studded career.
MJ brings with him a proven track record in strategic project development and delivery for global hospitality elites, including Four Seasons, Shangri-La, Conrad, DAMAC, and Rocco Forte, in addition to delivering projects of national interests for PIF and the Saudi Central Bank. He places personal emphasis on building strong client relationships and delivering projects safely and defect-free—consistently aiming not only to meet but to exceed client expectations and delivering customer delight.
Email: info@absalpaul.com
Call: +966 11 210 7277
Rony Rifi is an accomplished Mechanical Engineer with over 16 years of experience in the construction industry, including a decade specializing in Mission Critical Environments such as transportation and industrial sectors. He holds a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science in Digital Transformation and Business Consulting; both earned in France.
Previously, as an MEP Manager, Rony contributed to mega projects in the region, including the Riyadh Metro. As MEP Operations Manager at Absal Paul Contracting, he now has overall responsibility for the MEP Services function across all areas of the company. His strong technical expertise, complemented by a solid understanding of business and digital transformation, enables him to align engineering excellence with organizational objectives.
Throughout his career, Rony has demonstrated exceptional leadership and project management skills, guided high-performance teams and delivered high-value results for global clients. His analytical mindset, problem-solving ability, and deep understanding of the construction industry reflect his commitment to quality and operational excellence.
Email: info@absalpaul.com
Call: +966 11 210 7277
Mubeen Geldenhuys is the Operations Manager, bringing 18 years of extensive experience in managing large-scale construction projects across residential, commercial, infrastructure, and industrial sectors. He joined in 2024 as a Project Manager and worked on the Riyad Bank HQ Bronze Tower Fit-Out project (SAR 667 million).
Mubeen’s career highlights include leading projects from concept to completion, ensuring on-time and within-budget delivery. His prior significant roles include Client Project Manager & Project Planner at IGUAL Project Managers (2022-2024), Construction Project Manager/Planner at Emcon (2019-2022), and various roles including Project Planner and Site Manager at Group Five Coastal (2008-2019). These positions involved projects such as the New Greenpoint Stadium (60,000-Seater for the 2010 FIFA World Cup), the construction of Housing Development consisting of 315 new apartments and Renovation and Fit-Out of a Multi-Storey Office Tower into a Mixed-Use Development consisting of 328-unit Hotel with amenities and Shopping Centre.
An expert in project planning, risk management, and stakeholder coordination, Mubeen is proficient in tools like Candy, MS Project, and AutoCAD. He is a member of the South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP) and the Saudi Council of Engineers (SCE).
Email: info@absalpaul.com
Call: +966 11 210 7277
Byron Gagtan serves as our Regional HSSE Manager, a results-driven leader with over 27 years of experience in Health, Safety & Environment (HSE). A Registered Civil Engineer (RCE), Certified Safety Professional (CSP), and Chartered Member of IOSH (CMIOSH), Byron has built high-performance safety cultures across diverse sectors including civil engineering, oil & gas, data centers, and high-end Fit-Outs throughout the Middle East (UAE, Oman, KSA).
His notable leadership includes the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai and critical roles on projects like the Amazon Data Center in Abu Dhabi and KAFD – PIF Tower Fit-Out Works in Riyadh. Byron champions safety excellence through behavioral initiatives and best-in-class HSE processes, contributing to our company’s exceptional performance and spearheading our environmental sustainability efforts for a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future.
Email: info@absalpaul.com
Call: +966 11 210 7277
Ridhaa Van der Fort leverages over 20 years of comprehensive experience in the construction industry. Holding an MSc in Quantity Surveying and a RICS membership, Ridhaa oversees all civil engineering facets of our projects, from initial tender support through to final handover.
His career progression, from Senior Quantity Surveyor to Commercial Manager and now Commercial Director at Absal Paul Contracting demonstrates his deep understanding of commercial processes and project lifecycle. Ridhaa has been a key figure in significant projects such as the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh Refurbishment, Riyad Bank Bronze Tower Fit-Out, and the KAFD PIF Tower Fit-Out Works. He is adept at strategic planning, procurement, and managing complex project finances to ensure successful execution.
Email: info@absalpaul.com
Call: +966 11 210 7277
Mr. Abdullah Alenazi is a seasoned expert with over 23 years of experience in navigating complex government regulations and ensuring total organizational compliance. As a dual-role Manager in Public and Government Relations and a key member of the Human Resources Committee, he plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between corporate operations and the Saudi regulatory landscape.
Abdullah is highly skilled in the strategic management of permits, licensing, and work visas, backed by a robust network of relationships with government entities. Beyond his regulatory expertise, he contributes significantly to HR policy development and workforce planning. His comprehensive approach extends to project logistics and the oversight of legal and contractual frameworks, ensuring that Absal Paul’s business operations remain seamless, efficient, and fully aligned with the Kingdom’s legal requirements.
Email: info@absalpaul.com
Call: +966 11 210 7277
As the Operations Manager for Joinery at Absal Paul, Mohammad Alshikh Darwish brings over 25 years of specialized expertise in the joinery industry, technology, and strategy to the leadership team. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mohammad excels at directing complex joinery operations with a comprehensive focus on project lifecycle management, technical compliance, and production efficiency. He is particularly skilled at overseeing high-end bespoke woodwork, ensuring that every detail meets the rigorous standards of luxury developments.
Throughout his distinguished career, Mohammad has developed a core competency in managing large-scale projects across the luxury hospitality and commercial office sectors. His portfolio includes the delivery of iconic fit-outs for prestigious clients such as the PIF Head Office, SAMA, Riyadh Bank HQ, and the Four Seasons Hotel in Kingdom Tower. By seamlessly integrating strategic planning with technical, commercial, and operational management, Mohammad consistently ensures the success of Absal Paul’s most ambitious joinery endeavors.
Email: info@absalpaul.com
Call: +966 11 210 7277
Amr Nabelsi is a Deputy HVAC Factory Manager with over 19 years of extensive experience in HVAC construction and factory operations across landmark projects in Saudi Arabia. He currently leads the HVAC Division at the company, overseeing duct fabrication operations, site execution, procurement, budgeting, and multidisciplinary technical coordination to ensure high-performance project delivery.
Amr progressed through key technical and leadership roles, throughout his career, he has successfully managed HVAC systems from concept design to completion and testing & commissioning. His portfolio includes high profile projects such as Riyadh Bank Tower (KAFD), PIF Tower (KAFD), SRMG Building (KAFD), Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), BAE Systems Building, and Princess Nourah University (PNU),
A certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and a professional member of the Saudi Council of Engineers, Amr combines strong technical expertise with strategic project management capabilities, reflecting his commitment to sustainable and high-performance building practices.
Email: info@absalpaul.com
Call: +966 11 210 7277