Saif Kaddoura on Contrax’s growth and impact in the asset management landscape

Since its inception seven years ago in the Middle East, Contrax has grown into a leading player in the region’s asset management sector, and expanded its wings internationally. A discussion with Founder and Managing Director Saif Kaddoura on the firm’s growth and what sets Contrax apart in the asset management landscape.

After working on several mega projects in the Middle East, such as Princess Noura University and the Riyadh Metro, Saif Kaddoura in 2017 established Contrax in Dubai, with the aim to provide project management and consulting services for construction-focused developments in the region.

“Our primary focus of Contrax has always been the asset management space,” said Kaddoura. “A specialist in whole-life asset performance, we ensure that our clients benefit from comprehensive asset strategies that meet international standards, including ISO 55000 compliance. By combining advanced tools and best practices, we empower clients to maximise the value of their assets, supporting long-term cost control and sustainability.”

Building on its expertise, Contrax quickly gained traction, and was appointed to support numerous high-profile projects across the region. “Projects within sectors like transportation, healthcare, and public-private partnerships (PPP) laid the foundation for the development of Contrax.”

Notable public transport projects the firm worked on in the GCC include Riyadh Metro, Dubai Metro, Etihad Rail, Neom Rail-Backbone, in Cairo Contrax worked on Cairo Metro Line 4, and over in Morocco, the consultancy is currently contributing to rail initiatives in preparation for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

Meanwhile, in the healthcare sector, Contrax has led service delivery and asset management strategies for hospital PPPs across Saudi Arabia and the UAE, providing expertise in facility management, lifecycle cost optimisation, and compliance with health and safety standards.

A more recent engagement, one of its most prestigious, is the recent appointment to Neom, a ground-breaking new development at the northern tip of the Red Sea which has the bold ambition to redefine the concepts of building and living. “We are today playing an important role in Neom’s development, providing asset management and lifecycle planning expertise to support the visionary city’s infrastructure,” said Kaddoura.

From Dubai to the world

The firm’s strong track record in the region has laid the foundation for an international expansion campaign. “Over the years, we’ve entered several new markets, mainly across North America and Europe. The international project portfolio we’ve built underscores our expertise in managing large-scale, high- stakes infrastructure projects.”

In the US, Contrax was engaged to support the California High-Speed Rail project in areas such as asset management, track development, and financial modelling. “This initiative highlights our capability to integrate lifecycle planning and asset optimisation into large-scale transport infrastructure projects.”

In Canada meanwhile, Contrax provided a comprehensive facility management solution to the developers of the Ontario Subway Line, developing operations methodologies, lifecycle cost models, and strategic planning for the 30-year public-private partnership. “This project exemplifies Contrax’s ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder infrastructure projects with a focus on long-term asset performance.”

In Europe, Contrax worked as a consultant to the T-Bane Metro project in Norway’s capital city Oslo, offering technical subject matter expertise in developing operations and maintenance plans.

Alongside broadening its impact across the global map, Kaddoura said that the international experience also benefits the firm’s development, including in areas such as capturing global best practices, insights in varied regulatory and operational environments, and access to advanced asset management solutions. “This experience helps us continuously improve our services in order to meet the distinct needs of our clients.”

Pioneering sustainable asset management

Sustainability remains at the core of Contrax’s approach, said Kaddoura, with a focus on lifecycle asset management to support financial sustainability while safeguarding environmental factors. “Our commitment to sustainable business practices ensures our clients remain competitive and aligned with evolving environmental standards, enhancing both operational resilience and long-term cost-effectiveness.”

This goal has seen Contrax invest in technological capabilities, with technology offering infrastructure developers a range of opportunities to unlock both bottom-line and green benefits. “By integrating data analytics and advanced lifecycle management systems, we empower clients to optimise resource utilisation, reduce waste, and meet global sustainability goals.”