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Project development requires a holistic approach

21 December 2023

In the region’s dynamic real estate market, identifying unmet needs is crucial for success. Omar Delawar, CEO of Dubai-headquartered Omni Project Development Consultancy, has recognised a growing demand for comprehensive project development services as the sector evolves.

Founded earlier this year, the firm offers a range of services that start from a project’s inception. "At Omni, we take a holistic approach to project development, beginning with site selection, feasibility studies and strategic planning," says Delawar.

"Our aim is to provide clients with a seamless, end-to-end service, catering to both local and international markets."

A key differentiator for Omni is its focus on project development management from the early stages, including land purchase and initial design.

"We engage with opportunities from the ground up, sometimes even before land acquisition, to ensure every aspect aligns with market trends and client objectives," he says.

“Conventional project management consultanciеs bеar thе responsibility of ovеrsееing costs, mitigating commеrcial risks and еnsuring compliancе with projеct scopе and contractual agrееmеnts. On thе other hand, dеvеlopmеnt managеmеnt focusеs on maximising projеct profitability, minimising both projеct and financial risks and dеlivеring valuе еnginееring solutions.” 

For clients reluctant to build a large in-house team, Delawar recommends using an outsourced development manager. This approach benefits new market entrants, organisations where real estate is not the core business and smaller developers seeking agility without a large team.

Aligning interests

Drawing from his experience, which includes previous roles at holding company Meraas and at Dubai's Engineering Office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, Delawar says: "One of the main challenges I have encountered in my 30 years in the Middle East is developing project briefs that align with operational needs, profitability and market dynamics within client constraints."

He further emphasises the importance of aligning interests and preventing change later on in the project.

"Effective project development management is crucial in the early stages. It provides clarity and guards against potential deviations during the design and construction phases."

Growing client base

As Omni Project Development Consultancy continues to grow, it is securing projects locally and further afield.

"One of our recent projects involved an international client looking to invest in real estate developments in the US, UK, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Nigeria," says Delawar, highlighting the company's global reach.

“In our local operations, we take great pride in our collaboration with Dubai Police, one of our esteemed clients. We are privileged to have received the contract to manage the new Dubai Police Academy, a cutting-edge institution for law enforcement education that will stand as a benchmark in both the Middle East and the global context.

"Additionally, we are engaged in various other projects with Dubai Police; however, the details of these projects are held in strict confidentiality," he says.

Delawar also mentions Omni's partnership with Innovo Group: "We also take pride in our collaboration with Innovo Group, which currently extends to many projects internationally.”

Looking ahead, Omni plans to diversify its reach geographically and extend its range of services.

"In the coming years, we aim to expand our international presence and diversify our services. We anticipate playing a pivotal role in shaping the real estate industry by introducing innovative project development methodologies and promoting sustainable and responsible development practices," Delawar concludes.

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Colin Foreman

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