Yehia Itani, Founder, Novarabia
The construction industry has long been a cornerstone of economic growth and development, shaping the skylines of cities and laying the foundations for progress. However, it is an arena that demands more than just technical expertise – it requires a visionary spirit, an unwavering commitment to innovation, and a deep understanding of the intricate network that weaves together local cultures and global ambitions. It is within this demanding landscape that a select few entrepreneurs have risen to the challenge, daring to chart their own course and leaving an indelible mark on the industry they hold so dear. These visionary leaders not only possess a keen eye for engineering prowess but also recognize the importance of sustainability, efficiency, and social responsibility in their projects. One such luminary whose pioneering initiatives are not only redefining the construction industry’s landscape but also inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs to embrace innovation, resilience, and social responsibility in their pursuits is Yehia Itani, the Founder of Novarabia and General Manger at Geonova.
Yehia commenced his career in civil engineering in the UAE, only to encounter the tumultuous waves of the 2008 recession while serving at the Middle East Foundation Group, the very company that laid the foundations for the iconic Burj Khalifa. Recognizing the shifting sands of opportunity, he made a strategic move into Saudi Arabia’s construction market. There, he worked with three multinational companies, each contributing to substantial revenue growth. As the construction boom in Saudi Arabia gathered momentum, driven by Vision 2030 and PIF ventures, Yehia saw a niche in business development services for companies seeking to enter this thriving market. This insight led to the creation of Nova Arabia, a platform designed to bridge international firms with Saudi opportunities, leveraging local knowledge and expertise. “Notably, Geonova emerged as our flagship venture, culminating in a strategic merger with Abdul Mohsen Tamimi Group to establish a ground engineering arm. This collaboration exemplifies our vision of fostering joint ventures to capitalize on Saudi’s construction potential,” opines Yehia. As a pioneer in this arena, Yehia aims to build a diverse portfolio of ventures, seamlessly blending local expertise with international prowess under Nova Arabia’s stewardship.
Navigating Challenges in the Construction Sector
Yehia stepped into the realm of entrepreneurship, particularly into the construction sector, inspired by the visionary economic reforms of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Witnessing the transformative impact of these reforms, especially during the tumultuous times of the COVID-19 pandemic, Yehia saw an opportunity to make a difference. He founded an organization with a mission to offer diverse choices, particularly in underserved areas. Community involvement and growth were key to his vision, but the journey wasn’t smooth sailing. Reaching out to over 3000 global companies, Yehia and his team faced numerous challenges. Many were familiar with Saudi Arabia but had hesitations from past experiences, necessitating concerted efforts to address concerns, rebuild trust, and navigate potential pitfalls. Even internally, there was skepticism about the validation of their services, as no one else seemed to offer something similar. So, to overcome this, they fostered unwavering belief in their mission and approach, emphasizing the tangible impact of their services. By educating users about real changes in the sector and tailoring their services accordingly, they gradually built trust and expanded their clientele. This evolution propelled them from serving one user to another, now providing services across various sectors like entertainment, mining, and construction, facilitating business development and growth.
Empowering Saudi Companies to Build Futures
Specializing in geotechnical services, Geonova plays a pivotal role in driving the construction sector’s growth and development in alignment with Vision 2030. Its tailored expertise in ground engineering not only enhances the quality and efficiency of infrastructure projects but also propels Saudi Arabia towards sustainable progress. “Geonova’s specific contributions include offering specialized expertise in ground engineering and enhancing infrastructure projects’ quality and efficiency. By leveraging Nova Arabia’s extensive network and resources, Geonova facilitates partnerships and collaborations, fostering innovation and driving progress in Saudi Arabia’s construction industry, “ asserts Yehia. As the inaugural venture under Nova Arabia, Geonova sets the tone for future endeavors, with a robust pipeline of ventures poised to further enrich the Kingdom’s business ecosystem.
Empowering Teams Through Knowledge and Growth
When it comes to leadership, Yehia stands out for his brave and innovative approach. Unafraid of taking risks, he fearlessly explores new ideas, even if they initially appear unconventional. He doesn’t shy away from the unknown but rather embraces it, viewing challenges as opportunities for growth. However, beneath his bold exterior lies a thoughtful strategist, meticulously analyzing every aspect before making decisions. Over the years, Yehia’s leadership approach has evolved, notably becoming more humble and inclusive. He now understands that true leadership is not about being the smartest person in the room but rather about empowering and educating those around him. Yehia is passionate about sharing knowledge and creating an environment where his team can thrive and grow. He finds fulfillment in mentoring and guiding others, helping them reach their full potential. “I believe in giving back to my team by sharing knowledge and providing opportunities for growth. As an educator of the team, I take joy in teaching and mentoring others, helping them unlock their full potential,” shares Yehla.
By fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous learning, he ensures that his team remains adaptable and resilient in the face of challenges, ultimately driving collective success.
Values at the Heart of Novarabia
As a driving force behind Novarabia, Yehia’s entrepreneurial journey is rooted in values that reflect a deep commitment to excellence and social responsibility. He firmly believes in giving back to the communities that form the backbone of his ventures, a commitment that is woven into the fabric of every project. At Novarabia, he strives to integrate social impact into their business model, ensuring that their success also brings positive change to those around them.
Professionalism is another cornerstone of his philosophy; Yehia insists on the highest standards of excellence, ensuring that each project at Novarabia not only meets but exceeds client expectations. This dedication to quality is coupled with a deep respect for local cultures, fostering trust and building strong, positive relationships. These values are actively reflected in every project Novarabia undertakes. By prioritizing these principles, Yehia ensures that Novarabia doesn’t just succeed but also leaves a lasting, positive impact on the communities it serves.
Strategic Insights for Aspiring Leaders in Construction
As a seasoned entrepreneur in the construction industry, Yehia has a wealth of experience and hard-earned insights that aspiring business leaders can learn from. First and foremost, Yehia emphasizes the indispensable need for unwavering commitment, stressing that entrepreneurship calls for nothing short of steadfast commitment and persistence. “Entrepreneurship demands round-the-clock dedication; if you’re not prepared to invest every ounce of energy and time into your project, success will remain elusive,” he affirms. He also highlights the significance of passion, noting that without genuine love for the industry, the trials ahead will prove insurmountable. In addition to commitment and passion, Yehia underscores the importance of financial planning. Before taking the leap, Yehia urges entrepreneurs to ensure they have a safety net to sustain themselves for at least a year. This financial cushion, he believes, provides the necessary focus for a project to thrive without being burdened by financial worries.
Yet perhaps the most resounding advice from Yehia is to have an unwavering belief in oneself. In the face of skepticism and doubt, he stresses the importance of self-assurance and confidence and fueling perseverance through the storms of criticism and uncertainty. Lastly, Yehia encourages embracing rejection as a catalyst for growth. “Every setback is a lesson; every ‘no’ strengthens your resolve. Perseverance is your ally; with each rejection, you evolve, gaining resilience and fortitude,” adds Yehia.
In essence, the path of entrepreneurship is fraught with challenges. However, Yehia firmly believes that by embracing unwavering commitment, sound financial foresight, unwavering self-confidence, and resilience in adversity, aspiring entrepreneurs can successfully traverse the hurdles of the construction industry and beyond.