The second of the two appointments is a sign of growing importance of the region to the UK-based firm’s revenues – now around 30% of the total.

This is thanks to continued infrastructure project wins in Qatar. It picked up a $112mn contract on the Doha Expressway project in June last year, then landed a $124mn order – the biggest in its history – to handle a five-year framework covering local roads and drainage works. It then picked up a further $65mn Doha Expressway project in September. It also recently began handling tenders for a strategic nationwide reservoirs project.

Hyder also completed transport projects at Abu Dhabi’s Midfield Terminal and the Najmat development in the UAE capital; 29 Boulevard in Dubai; the Muharraq STP & Flow Conveyance Scheme; and a project to improve the utilities network in Al Ain.

Projects currently being worked on include City Walk in Dubai for Meraas and the iconic Dubai Frame tourism project for Dubai Municipality.

Total revenue is up 20% from the previous year and headcount is up by almost 30% compared to 2013.

Allan is fluent in Arabic and has international experience of running global businesses in Japan, China, Germany, the UK and USA. He said: “It has been a challenging year in terms of operations but a satisfactory pipeline.

“Looking ahead, the right resources are the main limiting factor and companies who can scale up successfully will reap the benefit. The region is in growth mode but be mindful of uncontrolled growth.”