26 April 2007 (Dubai, UAE): Mega construction and development projects in the UAE are still capable of attracting the best technical talent from around the world, according to global Human Resource (HR) consulting company, Beresford Blake Thomas, which operates out of Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Fresh new technical engineering talent is arriving in Abu Dhabi from around the world to work on the Al Raha Beach resort, one of the most prestigious new developments taking shape in the capital. Cansult Maunsell, the Project Managers for the development, turned to Beresford Blake Thomas (BBT) for the task of recruiting the best talent from the global skills pool, harnessing BBT's 15 years of international experience and specialist skills in the technical/construction sector.

The roles cover both design and site including Highway / Bridge Engineers, Water Services Engineers, Marine engineers and Environmental Engineers / Scientists. BBT has already filled four of the 14 senior technical roles, after a recruitment campaign focusing on heavyweight industry advertising.

Most of the successful candidates so far were recruited from the UK, where BBT undertook initial screening interviews on behalf of Cansult Maunsell.

Edward Twaite, Operations Director - Middle East for BBT, comments: "This assignment was a perfect fit for BBT because of our global reach and technical experience. We advised Cansult Maunsell on where and how to locate the skills required and the response of high calibre candidates to our campaign was excellent. We are still working through the applications! Our ability to screen candidates in the UK was a significant advantage, in terms of time and cost, allowing us to identify the best candidates before introducing them to the client.

"Based on BBT's global experience including the boom period in Asia in the late 1990's, there is no doubt that the top technical talent around the world is looking for prestigious developments to add to their experience and to build their CVs. Despite the relatively high cost of living and some currency exchange rate concerns for some professionals, the UAE and the wider Gulf is still capable of attracting the best in the world."

BBT works with Architectural Practises, Surveying and Project Management Companies, Main Contractors, Consulting Engineers and Property Developers / Real Estate Companies throughout the MENA region.

BBT recently extended its UAE presence with a second office, in Abu Dhabi, in response to the increase in demand from organisations in the emirate for specialist HR services, as the local economy is set to continue its strong growth track. The new office in Abu Dhabi is staffed by a team of senior HR consultants, offering the full portfolio of BBT's bespoke HR solutions, including consultancy - covering organisation and management development - and training and development. The new office in Abu Dhabi is an initial step towards extending its operations across the wider GCC region. BBT has operated successfully in Dubai for three years and the new team of consultants in Abu Dhabi, in addition to meeting local demand, will also play a leading role in servicing regional demand for HR consultancy, as BBT rolls out its plan to open additional new offices in the GCC.

"The key growth sectors in the UAE and wider GCC are those in which we are especially experienced, such as hospitality, healthcare, energy and construction, so the prospects for growth are excellent," adds Edward Twaite.

BBT works as a full service HR consultancy, focusing on several industry sectors, including Technical/Construction, Banking & Finance, Sales & Marketing, Hospitality & Leisure and Healthcare. BBT also offers bespoke services including organisation development and change, management and leadership development, talent management, HR process and policy and training solutions.

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About BBT
BBT was founded in the UK in 1990 and is part of the Vedior group, one of the world's leading staffing services companies which successfully introduces over one million candidates to clients, every year. BBT operates globally through a network of offices, positioning the company to counsel, plan and deliver HR strategies to a diverse range of local, regional and international organisations, across a broad range of sectors. BBT has over 600 members of staff working in 45 offices across five continents.

About Al Raha Beach
Spread lavishly over 500 hectares, the Al Raha Beach development is located on the beach side of the main highway leading into Abu Dhabi from Dubai. It is made up of eight precincts, each with their own distinct personalities and appeal. Some are relaxed beachfront communities, some offer a vibrant caf society lifestyle, while others are home to businesses looking for a uniquely inspirational setting. Al Raha Beach will be an incredible waterfront home to over 120,000 residents and a monumental landmark to tourists and visitors, creating a magnificent new gateway into Abu Dhabi.

Issued on behalf of BBT by WPR.
Media contact:
Jonathan Walsh
WPR
Dubai
Tel: 050-4588610

© Press Release 2007