ISG Middle East – Delivering Excellence in Live Hospitality Environments

27 October 2025

Ross Hopwood

Head of HSQE, ISG Middle East

At ISG Middle East, we understand that delivering projects in luxury hospitality environments demands more than technical precision, it requires a culture of care and collaboration, with an undivided attention to safety and quality. Our teams operate within spaces that are usually architecturally complex and operationally live, where guest experience and brand reputation are paramount.

Embedding HSQE as a Strategic Enabler

We’ve established a reputation for delivering some of the region’s most prestigious hospitality destinations. Whether it’s the transformation of the Al Bahar Villas, the refurbishment of the iconic Mina A’Salam, or the delivery of Kempinski, our approach is guided by one principle, HSQE excellence. This priority is not a compliance exercise, but rather strategic enabler of client trust and business continuity.

Our framework integrates safety, quality, and environmental responsibility from design to handover. This means every project starts with a tailored HSQE strategy aligned to operational realities, including guest presence, service continuity, and stakeholder coordination. Through proactive engagement with hotel operators, consultants, and supply chain partners, we identify potential risks early and build mitigation plans that protect both people, performance, and programme.

Safety and Quality in Live Luxury Settings

Working in live five-star environments brings unique challenges. There’s no margin for disruption, noise, or visual impact that could affect guests’ experience or brand perception. Our teams therefore adopt a ‘live mindset,’ underpinned by continuous risk assessment, innovative isolation techniques, and clear communication channels.

For instance, during Jumeirah’s Mina A’Salam refurbishment, works were sequenced in close coordination with hotel operations to ensure uninterrupted guest flow and minimal disturbance. Temporary acoustic screening, dedicated logistics routes, and non-intrusive work schedules allowed construction to progress safely, without compromising the guest experience. The overall scope covered approximately 138,000 sq ft and seven floors of the hotel, which included 291 rooms and suites, two Royal Suites, and the expansive Two Bedroom Ocean Terrace Suite spanning 3,050 sq ft.

This meticulous approach is complemented by a strong emphasis on competence and accountability. Every operative, supervisor, and staff member is briefed through our Safe Start Activity Briefing programme and ongoing behavioural safety sessions. The result is a workforce that takes ownership of safety, quality, and delivery outcomes.

Managing Complexity Through Coordination and Innovation

Hospitality projects often involve multiple stakeholders, tight programmes, and concurrent trades. ISG Middle East’s strength lies in managing this complexity with clarity. Our HSQE systems provide real-time visibility of performance data across inspections, observations, and actions, ensuring informed decision-making and consistent standards.

At Al Bahar Villas, for example, phased construction within occupied areas required exceptional coordination. Through digital reporting tools and daily interface meetings, our teams aligned logistics, safety protocols, and quality checks, enabling efficient progress while upholding the highest HSQE benchmarks. The transformation began with the complete demolition of each of the 19 villas back to shell and core. ISG Middle East reconfigured the interior architecture to align with new layouts and spatial planning, followed by a full suite of construction and fit-out works.

Choose Safe, Choose Health

Our commitment to HSQE excellence extends beyond individual projects. It’s about shaping a culture where every decision, from material selection to method of work, contributes to a safer, more sustainable future. By embedding this ethos across all levels of delivery, ISG Middle East continues to set the benchmark for quality, safety, and operational excellence in live environments.

Whether in hospitality, commercial, or luxury residential sectors, we remain focused on one goal: delivering places that help people and businesses thrive. This vision supports our clients while protecting the wellbeing of those who build, occupy, and experience them

ISG Middle East - HSQE

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