Dr. Ahmed Salimsaleh Al-Junaibi, CEO, Al Ghalbi International Engineering and Contracting
In the stillness of the Omani desert, where the blazing heat of the day, the chill of the night, and sweeping sandstorms are part of daily life—one must learn patience or perish. But for Dr. Ahmed SalimSaleh Al Junaibi, those storms became metaphors for life, with each grain of sand teaching him resilience, patience, and perseverance that shaped him into who he is today. “I grew up in a harsh environment, far from technology, which taught me patience and perseverance,” he says with a tone filled with appreciation. Today, he serves as CEO of Al Ghalbi International Engineering and Contracting, harnessing that desert-forged enduring spirit to lead one of Oman’s most dynamic companies.
From Military Discipline to Business Excellence
Before stepping into boardrooms and participating in strategic decisions, Dr. Ahmed took a very different path—from military service to academia. His military background shaped his character with discipline and precision, as he learned the value of commitment and planning. “Military service taught me the importance of discipline and organization – the foundation of any organization striving for excellence,” shares Dr. Ahmed.
But what attracted Dr. Ahmed to Al Ghalbi in 2005 wasn’t just ambition. It was a clear call to build something from the ground up. “I saw potential where others saw limitations,” he explains. Starting as head of transportation, he quickly rose through the ranks, thanks to his dedication to instilling a culture of excellence. As director of human resources, he focused on talent development, laying the foundation for a stronger, more capable workforce. By 2023, he had assumed the role of CEO, and under his visionary leadership, the company grew into a regional powerhouse with a turnover exceeding OMR 20 million and a workforce of 878 employees.
Challenging Storms: A Strategy for Crisis
Running a successful engineering and contracting firm isn’t without its challenges. For Dr. Ahmed, the toughest part was finding the right balance between internal growth and external changes. He didn’t want to just imitate his competitors, but rather to outperform them. He focused on quality and safety, but he realized that the sector was changing rapidly and required more. Therefore, he made diversification a core focus of the company’s future strategy. He says, “We are moving towards diversifying investments, including modern technologies, and we are building a highly qualified professional team and developing sustainable projects that promote long-term growth.”
Leadership Philosophy: Empowerment, Innovation, and Sustainability
At a time when many leaders rely on external expertise, Dr. Ahmed chose to invest in internal resources through a leadership approach based on empowerment and motivation. He explains: “I follow a leadership style based on empowerment and motivation, and I believe in the importance of selecting a qualified team and motivating them to achieve the best results.”
He has launched initiatives to develop talent and create a stimulating work environment that promotes innovation and responsibility. He emphasizes: “Institutional development stems from creating a stimulating work environment and building a qualified team.”
Balancing Professional Ambitions with Personal Pursuits
Despite the complexities of his work and responsibilities, Dr. Ahmed makes it a point to prioritize both professional excellence and personal well-being. He frequently speaks of balance—not only between tradition and innovation, but also between institutional progress and individual growth, and between professional ambition and personal life. He believes his military background has given him the ability to delegate and focus. He also emphasizes the importance of family time for mental renewal and professional clarity.
Vision for the Future: Purposeful Growth
When asked about his vision for the future, Dr. Ahmed responded with clarity and conviction: “We are moving towards diversifying investments in various fields, most notably modern technologies, building a highly efficient professional team, and developing sustainable projects that enhance the company’s ability to meet future challenges and achieve sustainable growth.” He aims to expand the company’s global footprint and strengthen its position as a global competitor in the fields of renewable energy and smart infrastructure.
In a world of rapid change and short-term thinking, Dr. Ahmed SalimSaleh Al-Junaibi stands out as a rare leader—rooted in values, with a long-term vision and unwavering principles. His story is not just about engineering excellence or institutional growth, but about resilience, accountability, and reinvention. Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Ahmed shares practical advice for the future generation of aspiring professionals: “Focus on developing skills that meet the demands of the future. The world is witnessing an astonishing digital transformation and everyone must keep pace to survive in the job market.”
“Success does not come easily; it requires patience, commitment, and continuous improvement,” he concludes with words drawn from the lessons of the Omani desert.