Fahad Azmi: Leading with innovation

Few people walk the line between technical expertise and leadership as seamlessly as Fahad Azmi. A civil engineer with over 12 years of experience, Fahad has made a name for himself by applying innovative approaches to project management and construction execution. Currently working as a Project Manager on one of Dubai’s most ambitious residential projects, Fahad represents a unique blend of technical knowledge, creativity, and leadership. This blog explores his inspiring career, his leadership philosophies, and how innovation is shaping his work.

These early experiences laid the foundation for Fahad’s strong technical expertise and gave him a nuanced understanding of structural systems. However, his curiosity and desire for broader exposure pushed him to explore new opportunities in construction, leading him to one of the global epicentres of architecture and development—Dubai. 

The move to Dubai marked a turning point in Fahad’s career. Transitioning from structural design to the hands-on execution side of construction, Fahad became deeply involved in every stage of project development—from excavation to final handover.

“Managing every phase of building development allowed me to develop a well-rounded skill set,” Fahad notes. This emphasis on detail, combined with his broader understanding of on-site challenges and stakeholder coordination, transformed him into a highly effective project manager ready to tackle large-scale projects. 

Currently, Fahad leads the construction efforts for the Imperial Avenue in Dubai, a luxurious 45-floor residential project boasting 423 high-end apartments, six villas, ten penthouses, eight swimming pools, and other world-class amenities such as a squash court and gym. Spanning a massive 1.45 million sqft of built-up area, the project’s scale, quality, and meticulous attention to detail easily categorise it as a standout in Dubai’s real estate landscape.

“This project is not just a testament to architectural excellence but also showcases what’s possible with a collaborative and innovative approach,” says Fahad.

The efforts of Fahad and his team have not gone unnoticed. Imperial Avenue received the prestigious Team Excellence Award 2025, standing out among 800 nominees within the organisation. This recognition underscores the high level of commitment and innovation that brought the project to life. 

For Fahad, technology is an essential driver of innovation in the construction industry. At AtkinsRéalis, the company he proudly works for, Fahad leverages advanced tools such as BIM 360 for project coordination and HoloBuilder to capture progress through 360-degree visuals. Additionally, AI tools like co-pilots are simplifying daily tasks, enabling the team to focus on more strategic challenges.

“I believe innovation starts with every idea that’s shared. For instance, I use GIFs and videos in client presentations to provide a ‘live’ feel of our progress. This simple change has set my communication apart and improved client understanding,” he explains. Additionally, the Accuris platform within our internal site offers professional content. Special thanks to Mary Grace for introducing this valuable resource to him. Fahad strongly recommends that others utilize this platform as well.

By remaining adaptable and integrating market-leading tools, Fahad continues to push construction practices forward, crafting a culture of continuous improvement and technological alignment. 

Beyond his technical expertise, what truly sets Fahad apart is his leadership philosophy, built on the pillars of kindness, active listening, and empowerment.

“To me, leadership is about creating a space where even the most basic questions are welcomed,” Fahad shares. “Every individual is on their own learning journey, and it’s important to give them a platform to grow. True leaders take responsibility when things go wrong and give credit to the team when things go right.”

Fahad credits much of his growth as a leader to the mentorship he has received from seasoned professionals, such as Chris Moult and Debabrata Mukherjee, whose approach to leadership has left a lasting impression on him. 

“‘No phones, no emails during weekends unless it’s urgent.’ This advice has been a game-changer for me, and I make sure to implement it,” Fahad says with a smile.

The work culture at AtkinsRéalis has played a big role in supporting this balance. Fahad applauds the company’s inclusive environment, where everyone’s voice is heard, and contributions are equally valued, free from hierarchical barriers. 

Fahad Azmi is not just a project manager; he’s a leader, innovator, and mentor to those around him. His commitment to pushing boundaries, both in technology and leadership, sets a remarkable standard within the industry.

With ambitious aspirations to continue delivering landmark projects alongside his team at AtkinsRéalis, Fahad is shaping the future of construction, one innovative idea at a time.