Leading with Vision
Ahmed has been with Zutari for 14 years and now leads the Bridges and civil Structures teams in Dubai, Tshwane, and Cape Town. Under his leadership, this department has grown into one of the most dynamic and coveted bridge design departments in the country.
Recognised by clients and peers alike as a technical authority, Ahmed brings more than just engineering excellence to the table; he brings strategic foresight and an unwavering client-first mindset. His PMP accreditation is a testament to his ability to manage complex, multidisciplinary projects with precision, while fostering long-term partnerships that fuel Zutari’s business sustainability.
Ahmed’s influence can be seen in every aspect of Zutari’s Middle East bridges portfolio, from concept to construction, from technical advisory to long-term planning.
Engineering Entrepreneurship in Action
What sets Ahmed apart is his entrepreneurial spirit. When his mentor, Zutari’s former Bridges Lead, left the business four years ago, Ahmed, then a Senior Engineer in a small team, didn’t just step up. He propelled the team into a new era of growth. Through sheer determination and strategic business development, he helped grow the team from three to 17 engineers, turning it into one of Zutari’s most impactful bridge design powerhouses.
In the past six months alone, Ahmed has secured projects exceeding R100 million, most of which were awarded directly due to his technical credibility and client trust. His project pipeline exceeds R350 million, underscoring his pivotal role in Zutari’s long-term business strategy in the region.
Ahmed’s initial value engineering efforts were ideal for customers seeking low-cost, high-performance infrastructure solutions. His ability to dissect complex problems into easy engineering answers continues to generate repeat business and strategic recommendations in the Middle East.
Signature Projects, Global Impact
Ahmed’s technical knowledge spans a broad range of bridge categories, from suspension and cable-stayed to post-tensioned and balanced cantilever. His familiarity with Australian and AASHTO design codes only adds to his global reach and adaptability.
Some of his most remarkable achievements are:
The Tower at Dubai Creek Harbour: A proposed 1,300m megastructure where Ahmed helped design the draped anchor cable structures for stability, showcasing his skill at groundbreaking structural systems.
Uptown Dubai Phase 2: With over 20 integrated bridges in a very dense commercial district, Ahmed led the project from concept design to completion, balancing complexity and sophistication.
Al Hudayriyat Elevated Cycle Track: Designed by world-renowned architect Santiago Calatrava, this 10 km-long series of tall, thin steel cycle bridges is a jewel of structural and aesthetic excellence.
Jebel Ali Port Container Terminal 4 Bridge: This is a utility corridor crossing with strategic significance. Ahmed’s design protected vital infrastructure while ensuring safe access.
Bluewaters Causeway: This is a second major transport link that seamlessly connects Jumeirah Beach to Bluewaters Island, once more demonstrating his ability to merge purpose with style.
These and many more projects testify to Ahmed’s ability to look beyond the drawing board and engineer icons, not just infrastructure.
Recognition Well Earned
Ahmed is professionally qualified in the UAE, Egypt, and the USA, with qualifications from Dubai RTA, Dubai Municipality, and Abu Dhabi Municipality, guaranteeing his status as a known engineer at the international level.
But his most excellent qualification is his reputation: as a mentor, leader, problem solver, and trusted advisor. His peers look up to him for humility; his clients value his dependability; and Zutari continues to relish his uncompromising pursuit of excellence.
A Lasting Legacy in the Making
Winning the Engineer of the Year award recognises past achievements and signals future promise. Ahmed Alelaimy is building bridges across landscapes and cultures, teams, and generations of engineers. He is shaping the future of engineering in the Middle East and in doing so, affirming Zutari’s purpose: co-creating an engineered impact that matters.
Congratulations, Ahmed. Your impact is undeniable, and this is just the beginning.
