A company synonymous with success, Moderna Building Contracting LLC is a business that prides itself for achieving the triple bottom line. A company, which is lauded for its vast achievements in real estate and banking industries, is a privately held entity with pearling roots.
Talking about the company’s tremendous growth, Haleema Al Owais, Director of Real Estate Management, Moderna, says: “The company was established in 1972. We were initially into trade, pearl and gold trading businesses. After the Japanese Pearl was introduced and took over the market, we decided to diversify our business and ventured into different sectors including real estate, manufacturing and banking industries. It is a matter of immense satisfaction for us to claim that we are a self-sufficient organization.”
A company that prides itself of being self-sufficient, Moderna – unlike its competitors – manages its entire business operations and maintenance. “We like to stay behind the scenes, which is mainly the reason why we have not ventured into retail yet,” comments Haleema.
With the mantra of keeping employees happy in addition to possessing a realistic view of profits, Moderna emphasises on an environment that enables people to grow.
This is perhaps why Moderna has rapidly risen to immense success. “I do believe it is all about hard work and most importantly investing in our employees. If they are eager to improve professionally, we assist them in that. If they want to move to other department, they are more than welcome to do that.
Moreover, we have an open door policy so that anyone can come and talk to us. I think this is the reason why we have retained our employees and possess an exceptionally experienced and loyal team,” she opines.
Adding, she says: “We have always been a self-sufficient business for we staunchly believe in being conservative in our business approach. While many organisations suffered due to the last recession, it did not affect us in any way. If our cash flow is at a 100 per cent when the market is at the optimum level,
it is generally at 70 per cent during recession time. So we might not be making profits but our business would still be growing steadily. It is essential for us to be conservative and not indulge in drastic strategy. We are certainly not interested in immediate results, as the company’s vision roots in having
long-term, sustainable development and growth.”
Moderna Building Contracting has also started operations in Dubai. The establishment successfully nabbed prestigious projects amounting to 500,000 square feet of built-up area.Moreover, the company is also able to cater to requirements pertaining to electro mechanical, plumbing, cutting and aluminium cladding and glass projects, by strategically implementing vertical integration through its own subsidiary companies
Sharing her thoughts and insights on being a highly experienced entrepreneur, Haleema remarks: “To launch a successful business, you need a good business plan. Start with asking people for their advice. Market research is another important factor that needs to be included in your business mode of action. Take your time to be inspired, give your business idea the time it needs to evolve and most importantly, do not think purely of monetary results. Yes it is important to build your business financially but it is passion and hard work that also drive a good business.”
“We have come a long way and I think women have really taken over with the encouragement of our
visionary leaders. Women in the UAE are empowered and I don’t think we have anything to complain
about. Take a look at the public as well as private sectors; we have women ministers, entrepreneurs,
lawyers etc. I have also worked briefly in the government early on my career and and have always found
support without any discrimination for being a new mother at that time,” she expounds. A thriving business that knows no bounds, Moderna’s illustrious management eyes expansion within its own field of operations such as real estate, industrial work and F&B etc. “We want to grow in sectors relevant to our business. And if we choose to have a venture with other companies, it will be those with similar mindset,” she concludes.
