In the mid-1970s, the United Arab Emirates was still taking its first steps as a young nation. The spirit of unity, forged just four years earlier in 1971, was beginning to reshape the desert into a landscape of dreams and determination. Roads stretched across once-empty sands, ports began to connect the Emirates to the world, and Dubai’s first modern landmarks — such as the World Trade Centre — were still under construction. The foundations of a new nation were being laid, both literally and symbolically.
It was in this era of national ambition that Engineering Contracting Company (ECC Contracting), one of the UAE’s oldest contracting companies, came into being in 1975, established by Mr Hatem Farah. While the world was stepping into a digital age — with the birth of Microsoft and the invention of the first digital camera — ECC Contracting was laying the groundwork for Dubai’s physical future. What began as a modest contracting firm would soon evolve into one of the UAE’s oldest and most trusted engineering companies, helping to build the nation’s skyline and spirit over the next five decades.
The 1970s: Beginnings and Bonds
When ECC Contracting opened its first site office, the UAE was still discovering its rhythm — a land of promise transforming with every new road and rising tower. The world, too, was changing fast: Star Wars was taking audiences to galaxies far away, and Apple was introducing the first personal computer. Amid this global wave of imagination and innovation, ECC Contracting began shaping the future closer to home.
It was during these early years that Mr Hatem Farah was joined by Mr Khodr Aldah, a trusted partner whose friendship and shared vision would become the cornerstone of ECC Contracting’s journey. Together, they formed a formidable alliance — one built on integrity, resilience, and an unshakable belief in Dubai’s potential. What began as a collaboration soon grew into a lifelong partnership that would steer the organisation to new heights, defining ECC Contracting’s strength for generations to come.
The 1980s: Engineering Innovation
As the UAE’s ambitions soared, the 1980s became a decade of transformation — not just for the nation, but for the world. From the birth of mobile phones to the launch of compact discs, innovation was redefining how people built, connected, and imagined the future. Dubai, too, was rising with purpose — its skyline beginning to mirror its aspirations.
Amid this momentum, ECC Contracting, one of the most trusted engineering contractors in the UAE, took bold strides forward. In 1982, the company constructed the Al Tayer Jaguar and Range Rover Showroom, introducing Dubai to a new era of construction with the city’s first steel-structure building — a symbol of progress and precision. This landmark project marked a turning point in Dubai’s architectural landscape, showcasing ECC Contracting’s engineering expertise and its ability to blend strength with sophistication.
By 1985, as Emirates Airline took to the skies for the very first time, ECC Contracting was already in the construction industry for 10 years and shaping the city’s foundations of healthcare — delivering the Al Towar and Al Mankhool Health Centres, Dubai’s first modern community clinics. That same year, ECC Group’s vision expanded beyond construction with the founding of Abanos, one of the UAE’s leading interior fitout and joinery companies.
The 1990s: Preserving the Past, Building the Future
The 1990s ushered in a new era for Dubai — one where the city’s past and future began to intertwine. The UAE’s rapid urban growth was gaining global attention, yet amid the cranes and construction, there remained a deep desire to preserve the nation’s heritage and soul. Across the world, technology was transforming lives: the world’s first website went live, and humanity entered the fast-paced era of the internet and connectivity.
In 1991, while the world was logging on for the first time, ECC Contracting, a renowned heritage construction company in Dubai, was restoring one of Dubai’s oldest landmarks — the Dubai Clock Tower. More than a renovation, it was a revival of history, a moment that reflected ECC Contracting’s respect for the city’s origins even as it built its future.
Two years later, in 1993, as Jurassic Park captivated audiences with its recreation of the prehistoric world and Dubai opened its first shopping malls, ECC Contracting undertook the reconstruction of Hatta Heritage Village — reviving traditional Emirati homes, a fort, and a mosque. While others reimagined history through screens, ECC Contracting preserved it in stone, craftsmanship, and care.
By 1994, when Amazon was born in a garage and the Channel Tunnel connected nations beneath the sea, ECC Contracting was modernizing one of the region’s oldest marketplaces, Bur Dubai Souk. That same year, ECC Group established United Masters Electromechanical (UME), which has since become one of the UAE’s most respected and trusted electromechanical and plumbing contractors.
The decade continued with ECC Contracting expanding into residential and commercial landscapes — from the Spinneys Umm Suqeim retail hub in 1995 to Al Musalla Tower in 1997 and Skywalk Towers in 1999. As Dubai’s skyline reached new heights, ECC Contracting’s reputation as one of Dubai’s oldest and most reputable contracting companies became firmly established — a company that could build the future without ever forgetting where it began.
The 2000s: Vision and Growth
The dawn of the new millennium marked a time of curiosity, innovation, and rapid change — both globally and in the UAE. The world was embracing technology as Google became a household name, while Dubai itself was evolving into a cosmopolitan hub, with ambitious projects that reflected the nation’s forward-thinking vision.
In 2000, ECC Contracting brought imagination and learning to life by constructing Children’s City, the UAE’s first edutainment and science discovery centre. As the world embraced technology and exploration, ECC Contracting was supporting the education sector by shaping a space that nurtured curiosity and inspired young minds right in the heart of the city.
By 2003, while Facebook was still a year away from connecting billions online, ECC Contracting, one of the UAE’s oldest engineering companies, was connecting communities in reality — constructing 1,370 villas for Emaar’s The Springs, one of Dubai’s first freehold villa communities. These neighbourhoods became spaces where families grew, friendships flourished, and memories were made, reflecting ECC Contracting’s commitment to shaping lives, not just structures.
In 2004, as the Burj Khalifa began its ascent toward the sky and Gmail revolutionized communication, ECC Contracting delivered Zayed University, a campus designed to cultivate knowledge and ambition for generations to come. This project reflected ECC Contracting’s dedication to building not only physical structures but also opportunities for the UAE’s brightest minds.
The decade continued with landmark achievements that combined scale, precision, and global relevance. In 2005, while YouTube began hosting the first videos that would change storytelling forever, ECC Contracting completed Emirates Flight Catering Phase 2, the world’s largest airline catering facility — serving millions daily and demonstrating the company’s ability to execute projects of unparalleled magnitude.
The 2000s established ECC Contracting as the most trusted engineering contractor in the UAE, a company that could envision, plan, and deliver projects that mirrored Dubai’s own ambitions: bold, innovative, and transformative.
The 2010s: Redefining Horizons
The 2010s were a decade of ambition and transformation for Dubai, as the city became a global icon of innovation, design, and lifestyle. Around the world, smartphones, social media, and digital platforms were reshaping the way people lived, communicated, and imagined the future. Amid this digital revolution, ECC Contracting continued to redefine Dubai’s urban landscape, combining architectural vision with engineering excellence.
From 2010 onwards, ECC Contracting delivered projects that reflected both scale and sophistication. The Square at Al Mamzar and Swiss Tower at Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT) became landmarks that mirrored the city’s growing vertical identity, just as the first iPhone was revolutionizing connectivity worldwide.
In 2012, as electric cars including Tesla’s Model S symbolized a global shift toward sustainability, the ECC Group established Prime Metal Industries (PMI), a leading manufacturer and supplier of steel and aluminium in the UAE. By 2013, as 3D printing captured global imagination, ECC Contracting was pioneering innovation on the ground with the refurbishment of Burjuman Mall, while the ECC Group launched Aurora, its real estate development arm, underscoring a steadfast commitment to design-led and sustainable projects that shape the future of Dubai’s urban landscape. Aurora has successfully delivered six high-end residential projects, earning recognition such as Small Developer of the Year at the Big Project Middle East Awards 2025 (BPME), demonstrating the company’s dedication to exceptional value and creative, design-led environments.
The momentum continued in 2014 with ECC Contracting constructing Dubai Wharf and the ECC Group establishing ECC Fitout & Construction, aligning with the UAE’s announcement of the Hope Mars Mission. While the nation reached for the stars, ECC Contracting, one of UAE’s oldest construction companies, was building the foundations for intelligent, human-centered spaces — seamlessly combining sustainability, aesthetics, and functionality.
In 2016 and 2017, ECC Contracting delivered large-scale communities such as Badr Phase 1 and Mirdif Hills Development, building thousands of homes and hotel spaces that reflected Dubai’s booming urban lifestyle. Globally, Netflix went international and Amazon acquired Souq.com, while in the UAE, the Louvre Abu Dhabi opened its doors — a reminder that culture, technology, and construction could harmoniously define a nation.
By 2019, as the world captured the first image of a black hole, ECC Contracting achieved the Guinness World Record by completing the largest 3D-printed building for Dubai Municipality — a feat that showcased its leadership in embracing technology and pushing the boundaries of possibility.
The 2020s: Building Smarter, Building Greener
The 2020s began with unprecedented challenges. The global pandemic reshaped economies and slowed the world, yet Dubai remained resilient, and so did ECC Contracting, one of Dubai’s oldest contracting companies. In 2020, ECC Contracting secured major projects, including Dubai Creek Harbour Phases 1 & 2 and Vida Hotel & Residences, demonstrating its continued leadership in shaping Dubai’s skyline.
In 2021, as Expo 2020 Dubai opened its doors to the world, the ECC Group launched DesertBoard®, the UAE-based manufacturer of Palm Strand Boards (PSB®) — a sustainable, engineered wooden board. DesertBoard® transforms pruned palm fronds into a 100% sustainable building material, offering zero formaldehyde content, up to 120 minutes of fire resistance, high structural strength and superior moisture resistance.
By 2022, ECC Contracting successfully delivered Dubai Creek Harbour Phases 1 & 2, proving that innovation and quality could thrive even in uncertain times. That same year, the momentum continued with landmark projects, including collaborations with Kempinski and Seagate, while Dubai celebrated the opening of the Museum of the Future.
In 2023, ECC Contracting delivered Vida Hotel & Residences, showcasing unmatched craftsmanship and combining innovation with tradition to create spaces that reflect the UAE’s modern lifestyle. By 2024, as AI frameworks reshaped industries worldwide, ECC Contracting delivered Vida Hotel & Residences and Grand Bleu Tower (designed by the world-renowned fashion designer Elie Saab) with unmatched craftsmanship, combining innovation and tradition to create spaces that reflect the UAE’s modern lifestyle.
2025: The Golden Jubilee
Now, in 2025, ECC Contracting proudly celebrates 50 years of legacy in the UAE — a journey marked by over 9,000 employees, 400+ projects, and 8 subsidiaries. From its earliest days, constructing healthcare centers and heritage landmarks to delivering world-class residential, commercial, and sustainable developments, ECC Contracting has become one of the UAE’s oldest and most trusted engineering contractors, a company whose legacy is woven into the very fabric of the nation.
As the company commemorates its Golden Jubilee, ECC Contracting doesn’t just look back at half a century of achievement. It looks forward to the next 50 years of building smarter, sustainable, and more resilient communities.
