- Pioneers of employee owned partnerships and global expansion into markets including GCC and Africa.
- Embracing decarbonisation, smart tools like PARA OS, and resilience amid evolving infrastructure demands.
Dar Al-Handasah and the birth of a partnership model
In the 1970s, Dar introduced a novel ownership structure giving 60 % of equity to senior employees based on merit. This democratic ethos fuelled growth, and by the late 1980s, Dar acquired firms such as Perkins+Will (Chicago) and Penspen (London), transforming into a global multidisciplinary consultancy.
Since rebranding as part of Sidara—the “house of specialist brands”—in 2023, Dar has strengthened collaboration across a portfolio of 17 firms including Perkins+Will, T.Y. Lin and Penspen. With around 19,000 employees across 300 offices, including design hubs in Beirut, Cairo, London and Warsaw, the group ranks consistently among the top international design firms.
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Industry context: headwinds and innovation
The global engineering and construction sector faces mounting pressures—from decarbonisation and resource scarcity to rising client expectations for lifecycle value. Buildings contribute to 39 % of global energy related CO₂ emissions, with operational emissions alone accounting for 28 %. To tackle this, Dar is spearheading digital innovation and sustainable design.
At the 2025 Sustainability Delivery Awards, Dar’s PAR A OS platform was recognised for reducing energy consumption by 28 % at its Cairo headquarters, and achieving LEED Gold O&M certification. This AI driven building management tool, now UL certified, integrates occupancy data, virtual metering and predictive analytics—helping close the performance gap between design and operation.
Meanwhile, at the European International Contractors (EIC) conference in April 2025, Dar’s Director of Sustainability, Balsam Nehmeh, emphasised the firm’s pledge to reach net zero operational emissions by 2030. The company continues to engage in COP29 and Passenger Terminal Expo, demonstrating leadership in sustainable infrastructure and airport design.
Beyond sustainability, Dar faces challenges in integrating digitalisation across its project workflows, responding to fluctuating commodity prices and navigating geopolitically volatile markets. Yet its competitive edge—rooted in long-term partnerships, strategic acquisitions, and internal innovation—positions the firm to thrive.
