With four decades of experience in the GCC, Naser M. Ahmed has witnessed the region’s rapid urbanisation first-hand. As the CEO of Tanseeq Investment Group, he attributes the company’s agility to a strategy of foresight and meticulous preparation, translating regional developments and global trends into a clear vision for his team.
A key element of this strategy is backward integration. By establishing specialised subsidiaries in landscaping, water features, infrastructure, and digital services, the group maintains greater control over project quality, cost, and timelines. “This structure gives us greater control,” Ahmed notes, enabling the seamless delivery of complex projects. This is complemented by continuous investment in talent, technology, and sustainable practices.
Sustainability in Practice
Proscape, Tanseeq’s landscaping arm, works closely with architects to implement environmentally responsible designs. Sustainability is achieved through practical measures, such as using light-coloured paving materials to reduce heat absorption, installing energy-efficient LED lighting, and adopting automated irrigation systems to conserve water.
The company also prioritises indigenous, drought-tolerant plants that are well-suited to the region’s climate, naturally reducing water consumption and lowering the carbon footprint. These principles have been applied to some of the region’s most recognisable developments, including the Burj Khalifa, Expo 2020, and Dubai Harbour.
Landmark Achievements
Ahmed’s career includes several defining projects, even before Tanseeq was established in 2000. While serving as Head of the Landscape and Irrigation Department at the Engineers Office of Shaikh Mohammad from 1996 to 2000, he led the execution of the Jumeirah Beach Resort project. To achieve an immediate, mature landscape, the project involved importing exotic trees and palms from California and Florida. These plants were shipped by sea and acclimatised for 12 months under a custom-designed shade structure, a significant logistical challenge that set a new standard for resort landscaping in the Middle East.
Later, with Proscape, Ahmed oversaw the landscaping of the Burj Khalifa, a project he describes as one of the most challenging of his career. Awarded in 2007, work only began in late 2008 due to design revisions, creating an extremely tight deadline for its inauguration on 4 January 2010. By mobilising over 2,000 staff and sourcing nearly 1,000 containers of granite in record time, the team completed the project to world-class standards.
A Future-Focused Vision
Looking ahead, Ahmed anticipates a dramatic evolution in the UAE’s landscaping sector, driven by a national commitment to sustainability. He has seen the field grow from simple beautification to a cornerstone of urban resilience. The future, he believes, will focus on water-smart solutions, native species, and green infrastructure like vertical gardens and climate-resilient public spaces.
Ahmed, who rose from a Site Engineer to Group CEO, stresses that success is the result of commitment and hard work. He advises professionals to remain focused and seek employers who value ethics, respect, and integrity. “These qualities create the foundation for a meaningful and rewarding career,” he concludes.
