Time to say goodbye

industry to progress forwards, Big Project ME now stands clear as a voice for the industry.

Of course, I can’t not mention Simon Cobon, our indefatigable art director and the creative vision behind the magazine. He’s someone I’m indebted to for making my words look good on the page. It is these people (and many more) that make me proud to have been a part of this title, and to have contributed, in some small way, to its legacy.

Over the last decade, Big Project ME has undergone a tremendous shift in direction, growth, and perception in the GCC construction sector. From a simple print magazine, we have grown into a brand that encompasses multiple summits and conferences, awards nights, and a formidable online presence.

All of this would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of Big Project ME’s founder and managing director, Raz Islam, and the tireless contributions of a number of staff who have come and gone over the last 10 years – from Jude Slann, our long-serving commercial director who retired last year, through to our current sales director, Raed Kaedby and our latest recruit, Madeleine Martin.

Of course, I would be remiss not to mention the editorial staff who’ve served on this title as well over the years. Their words and contributions have been crucial for this title’s reputation both locally and abroad, and thanks to their utmost commitment to telling quality stories and developing the narratives necessary for the regional construction

This will be my last issue as Head of Editorial and Content for Big Project ME, and by the time this issue is out in print, I will have left CPI Trade Media. It is with mixed emotions that I’ll be departing – sadness, for sure, as it’s been a part of my life for more than 10 years and I’m very fond of everyone on the team; but also with a sense of satisfaction and pride, knowing that I’m leaving it in great hands for the future. Taking over from me will be Jason Saundalkar, a familiar name to most of you, but someone I absolutely trust to take Big Project ME on to new heights in the future, and of course Raz, Raed, and the rest of the team will still be there.

As for myself, I’ll be taking a short break before recommencing my journey elsewhere, but rest assured, I’ll be keeping a close eye on what this wonderful title is doing in the future.

Farewell and good luck!

Gavin Davids HEAD OF EDITORIAL & CONTENT

gavin.davids@cpitrademedia.com