Executive Management
The prominent members of Drake & Scull’s Executive Management are highly esteemed industry veterans who have led the way in shaping the iconic skylines of the Middle East. Their collective experience, knowledge, vision and wisdom steer the company towards success and distinction. They are committed to maximising shareholder value, delivering powerful results and longevity. The management continues to set and achieve higher goals for DSI.
Group Chief Executive Officer
Mr. Muin El-Saleh
With over 25 years of extensive experience in the engineering, construction, and infrastructure sectors, Muin Al Saleh serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Drake and Scull International PJSC (DSI), a global leader specializing in contracting services for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP), as well as oil and gas and water and wastewater treatment projects.
Mr. Al Saleh has held executive leadership roles at prominent engineering and construction firms across the Middle East and international markets, earning a reputation for driving operational excellence, cost optimization, and market expansion. His leadership is characterized by a commitment to delivering world-class infrastructure solutions, fostering innovation, and enhancing project execution to meet and exceed client expectations.
Since joining DSI, Mr. Al Saleh has focused on revitalizing the company’s operations, strengthening project delivery capabilities, and positioning the organization for sustainable growth. Under his guidance, DSI aims to reinforce its status as a trusted partner in delivering cutting-edge engineering services and infrastructure projects across the region.
Mr. Al Saleh’s proven track record in strategic leadership and operational efficiency ensures DSI’s continued success in delivering high-performance projects and creating value for its clients and stakeholders.
Group Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Khalid Sukhon
Khalid brings over 25 years of extensive international and regional experience across finance, investment, and enterprise transformation. He plays a pivotal role in developing and executing our strategic plan, streamlining financial operations, and driving digital transformation initiatives across systems and reporting.
His prior leadership roles include senior finance positions at Al Hilal Bank, Aldar Properties (Provis Estate Management), KPMG and PwC, both in the UAE and the UK.
He holds a Master’s degree in Finance & Investment from the University of Exeter (UK), a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Jordan, and is a certified member of both the ACCA (UK) and the Association of Corporate Treasurers (UK).
CEO – Contracting
Mr. Khayyam Abdu
Khayyam is the CEO - Contracting of Drake & Scull Contracting, leading the Group’s main contracting, engineering, and project delivery operations across civil, MEP, and infrastructure projects. With over 25 years of experience across the UAE, GCC, and Australia, he brings deep technical expertise and a proven record in executing complex, large-scale construction projects.
Since his appointment, Mr. Abdu has driven operational excellence, strategic growth, and efficiency improvements across the contracting business. He oversees a diverse portfolio of projects ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and to the highest quality and safety standards.
Over the course of his career, Mr. Abdu has held senior leadership roles at Crown Craft Contracting and Pivot Contracting. His leadership spans business development, contract negotiation, client management, and operational turnaround initiatives, underpinned by strong technical knowledge of electrical engineering, civil works, MEP, and infrastructure delivery.
Khayyam, holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the British University and a B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering from An-Najah National University. He is a Project Management Professional (PMP) with additional certifications in cost engineering, LEED, PV systems, and facilities management.
Khayyam continues to guide Drake & Scull Contracting into its next phase - delivering technically complex projects, expanding contracting capabilities, and supporting DSI’s broader strategic growth objectives, ensuring sustainable value creation for clients, partners, and stakeholders.
CEO, Passavant Energy & Environment Gmbh
Mr. Mokhtar Haddad
Mr. Haddad has 19 years of rich experience in Advisory, Consulting, and Audit across Africa, Asia, and Europe continents spanning different industries including water, energy, and finance. He possesses strong business acumen with a strategic, analytical, and financial background.
Mr. Haddad has been with Drake & Scull group since 2012 with progressive roles until the CEO position within Passavant Energy & Environment GmbH in 2019.
Mr. Haddad holds Bachelor's degree in finance & a Master's degree in tax from Carthage University, Tunis. He is a CPA, CISA, and has passed the level 2 CFA charter holding exam.
Group General Counsel
Mr. Ahmed El-Bayouk
Ahmed brings a wealth of legal expertise, particularly in the fields of construction, infrastructure, and dispute resolution. He is qualified as a Solicitor in England & Wales, registered as a Legal Consultant with the Dubai Legal Affairs Department, and is authorized to appear before the DIFC Courts.
He also has a practice as an arbitrator and is regularly nominated by parties and called upon by the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC) to act both as sole arbitrator and as co-arbitrator on domestic and international tribunals.
With a strong track record in dispute resolution and risk management, Ahmed has represented clients in complex, high-stakes disputes across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. Ahmed also obtained specialist experience in insolvency and restructuring and spent time in-house working in the nuclear and renewable energy sector.
In addition to his contentious practice, Ahmed also has secondary experience in non-contentious matters, including non-contentious construction, financing agreements, power purchase contracts and general commercial law.
He holds an MSc in Law and Business and a Graduate Diploma in Law from the University of Law (UK), both with Distinction, and a Law (LLB Hons) degree from the University of Aberdeen. He has recently been appointed a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.