To open the door for better opportunities, I decided to study for the PMP. In 2013, I was called for an interview at Saudi Binladin Group. During the interview, as the manager noticed my PMP studies on my CV and to verify, he asked, “Do you know what a PMO is?” I replied, “Yes, it’s the Project Management Office.” That moment changed everything. I was offered my first pure cost management role in the Holy Haram expansions PMO.

That job ignited a passion for cost management that became my new career path. I wanted to learn everything about cost, not just to perform the role but to master it. After obtaining my PMP and CCP, I set my sights on the MRICS, knowing it was the gold standard in the profession.

In 2015, while working as a QS in my next company, I began searching for a counselor to guide me through the MRICS process. It was mandatory to have one, but finding someone willing and qualified was a struggle. After months of searching, I finally connected with a kind professional on LinkedIn who agreed to mentor me. However, since we worked in different locations, it was difficult to meet regularly, and my first submission was referred.

I realized then that I was still far from the level of competency that RICS required. Determined not to give up, I enrolled in an RICS-accredited MSc in Quantity Surveying in 2019. After completing the degree, I submitted my work again, but I was referred again!

Then, I decided to invest in coaching services. That decision proved to be a turning point. The guidance I received was invaluable, and I finally passed the MRICS assessment in 2020. Ever since, whenever anyone asked me how to achieve MRICS, my response was always the same: “Invest in quality coaching – it will save you time, effort, and money.”

Throughout my career, I also noticed some unsettling patterns in the industry. Innocent but damaging cost and commercial management practices were being carried out simply because professionals relied solely on experience without reference to science and best practices. 

I wanted to be part of the change. I wanted to help elevate industry standards and provide a structured path for others to achieve internationally recognized qualification. I launched the coaching service, which eventually became Arab Quantity Surveying Academy.

Today, the Academy is a community of partners and professionals, all committed to raising the standards of cost, procurement and commercial management in the region.. 

Ahmed Elhalouty,

Founder