Leading global professional services company GHD said Andrew Parker, an industry veteran, has rejoined the firm as it grows the urban planning and design team in the UAE.

Parker has more than 20 years of experience in the planning and design of large-scale urban developments in the Middle East, Australia and Europe, said a statement from the company.

As a principal urban planner at GHD from 2007 to 2013, Parker has worked on some of the Middle East’s most exciting and iconic projects, including the Khalifa Industrial Zone, which GHD masterplanned in 2007, it added.

On his comeback, Parker said: "This is an exciting time to be rejoining GHD and returning to the UAE. Our team is currently involved in a number of high-profile residential, industrial and tourism masterplanning projects. We are looking to grow our business further to support client projects across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the northern emirates."

He pointed out that there was always a gap between a plan and the reality.

"In the UAE, clients are more sophisticated than ever, seeking plans that are implementable, sustainable and profitable. Our planning work is complemented by our comprehensive range of services as we take clients on the journey from vision to reality," he noted.

Lauding the appointment, Warwick Hatfull, the manager of urban planning and design at GHD in the emirates, said:  "Parker’s experience and wealth of knowledge will assist the team in delivering technical excellence by creating environmentally, socially and economically viable developments that meet and exceed client and community expectations, and most importantly improve the quality of life for workers and residents."

GHD has been operating continuously in the UAE since 2000, and employs approximately 130 people in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.-TradeArabia News Service