Let’s find your next opportunity​

{{ job.job_posting_title }}
{{item.trim() }} {{item.trim() }} {{item.trim() }}
{{ job.job_posting_title }}

{{ job.is_cms_job ? (job.cities.split(';').length > 1 ? 'Various locations' : job.location_mappings[0]) : (job.location_mappings.length > 1 ? 'Various locations' : job.location_mappings[0]) }}

saved
viewed

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.

Fahad Azmi: Leading with innovation

An engineer's journey

Born and educated in Delhi, India, Fahad Azmi's fascination with building systems and structural design guided him to pursue a degree from Mumbai, in Civil Engineering from the prestigious University of Mumbai. After graduating, he spent the formative years of his career working on challenging structural design projects across various sectors, including residential, educational, and even air traffic control facilities for military applications.

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. 

Transition to Dubai & construction execution

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. 

Project spotlight

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. 

Fahad Azmi: Leading with innovation

Innovation & technology

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. 

Leadership philosophy

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. 

Fahad Azmi: Leading with innovation

Interests & work-live balance 

When he's not managing complex projects, Fahad enjoys unwinding with family and loves exploring new concepts in quantum physics, a subject of great fascination to him. Maintaining work-life balance is a principle he takes seriously, ensuring that weekends and vacations are reserved for rejuvenation.

"'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 making lasting impact

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.

Want to be part of an organisation that champions innovation and empowers its people? Join us and be a part of an organization creating cutting-edge solutions

 

Related blogs

Image of Clare near a water body

17 years, one pencil, and a career she has never left: Clare on flood risk, Brownies, and being yourself

From “real life geography” to global adventures, read how Clare’s passion, people first leadership, and purpose continue to drive her forward.

Card link for 17 years, one pencil, and a career she has never left: Clare on flood risk, Brownies, and being yourself

“Visibility changes perception”: Milena on leadership, confidence, and her journey from London to Dubai

Discover Milena’s path to becoming one of CIBSE’s youngest Fellows, read how visibility and representation shaped her leadership philosophy.

Card link for “Visibility changes perception”: Milena on leadership, confidence, and her journey from London to Dubai
Tracey in a Jiu Jitsu match

A British champion, a regional director working part-time, and a strong believer in beautiful deviations. Meet Tracey.

From driving bold career moves to embracing fearless new beginnings, Tracey’s journey is anything but ordinary. Discover how she balances part‑time work with purpose, resilience, and growth.

Card link for A British champion, a regional director working part-time, and a strong believer in beautiful deviations. Meet Tracey.
Image of piriya sitting on a mountain top

“Your career growth is only limited by the ambition you harbour”: Piriya on 14 years, three countries, and the manager who changed everything

From Bengaluru to Ireland and back, read how Piriya built a global engineering career grounded in resilience and ambition.

Card link for “Your career growth is only limited by the ambition you harbour”: Piriya on 14 years, three countries, and the manager who changed everything
a smiling picture of Merna

Long drives, loud music, and designing spaces where people feel seen

Meet Merna, a landscape architect blending creativity with purpose. Read how she designs spaces that help people feel connected, seen, and inspired.

Card link for Long drives, loud music, and designing spaces where people feel seen
A candid picture of Eliza writing on a white board, with a marker

Creative thinking, serious impact: meet Eliza

From UX design to data leadership, Eliza’s journey is all about saying yes to opportunity. Read how she shaped a bold, global career from New Zealand.

Card link for Creative thinking, serious impact: meet Eliza
Hrudya carrying her child

“I grew up believing equality was simply the norm”: Hrudya on three generations of independent women, motherhood, and Chartership

From designing the foundations that shape our world to empowering the people around her, read how Hrudya’s journey showcases passion, resilience, and possibility.

Card link for “I grew up believing equality was simply the norm”: Hrudya on three generations of independent women, motherhood, and Chartership

From classical dance to construction data: Advika’s remarkable journey

She trained as a classical dancer, reads 23 books a year, and helps build some of the biggest projects in North America. Meet Advika.

Card link for From classical dance to construction data: Advika’s remarkable journey
Image of Anna on a horse

From policy to pinch-me moments: Anna on natural capital, neurodivergence, and never following a straight line

Discover Anna’s path from policy to practice, where impact, authenticity, and a non linear career come together.

Card link for From policy to pinch-me moments: Anna on natural capital, neurodivergence, and never following a straight line

From reinvention to recognition: My journey to becoming a chartered project professional

What does it take to rebuild your career — and rise even higher than before? Kajal’s journey is a story of courage, reinvention, and earning one of the highest recognitions in project management.

Card link for From reinvention to recognition: My journey to becoming a chartered project professional

Starting over: how I saved my civil engineering apprenticeship

Setbacks don't define you – how you respond does. See how I turned my first one into a win.

Card link for Starting over: how I saved my civil engineering apprenticeship
AtkinsRéalis logo

My future in civil engineering: why an apprenticeship was the right choice

Here's how my apprenticeship is helping me grow in confidence and real-world skills.

Card link for My future in civil engineering: why an apprenticeship was the right choice

Related jobs

We are sorry there are no jobs that match your exact criteria. Try a new search term, or use the filters to continue browsing for available opportunities.

group of people talking to each other

Everyone belongs

We empower each individual to shine and contribute to our collective impact. We believe in the power of unique perspectives. It’s how we’re engineering a better future every single day.