Harish Muhammed Bashir : An Oil & Gas Industry Wizard With Onshore & Offshore Experience
Harish Muhammed Bashir
CEO & Managing Director
However, it took decades for the Arabian Peninsula to capitalize on this fortune. By the 1990s, when the world was ready to take flight with the technology revolu -tion, the Middle East was establishing itself as a global powerhouse, being the world's energy source. Amidst such a competitive market, the industry intrin -sically became competitive and profes -sionals who would go on to become the beacon of this industry had their baptism of fire.
When Harish Muhammed Bashir, CEO & Managing Director, Astra Engineering & Construction Group joined Galfar-Oman in 1999, he was immediately exposed to enormous challenges the industry posed. Clutching his passion, perseverance, and sheer willingness to learn and adapt fast, Harish came out on top. After Oman in 2001, he joined companies in the UAE, working with offshore fabricators, installation companies, and government oil and gas operators, further deepening his industry expertise and network. Something he did exceptionally well was gain experience in both onshore and offshore projects, which eventually led to his entrepreneurial venture.
The Middle East oil and gas market is projected to grow significantly and reach $1,405 billion by 2030. Having already manifested exceptional growth prospects over the past seven years, Astra Engineering & Construction Group is emerging as one of the fastest-growing companies in the region under Harish's aegis. CEO Insights recently got the opportunity to interview Harish, and he walked us through his entrepreneurial journey, challenges and latest endeavors. Below is an excerpt from the interview.
You have had a stellar professional career in the Middle East, leading to your entrepreneurial venture. What have been some of the most important mile -stones in this journey?
A mechanical engineer by education, I have always had a deep passion for the oil and gas industry. My journey in this field began in 1999 when I secured a position with Galfar-Oman for PDO projects, where opportunities in the thriving oil and gas industry were hard to come by. That was the biggest turning point in my career. Subsequently, I worked on diverse onshore oil and gas projects before moving into offshore fabrication with prominent companies such as Lamprell. My career then progressed to offshore installations, specializing in pipeline installation, showcasing my adaptability across onshore projects, offshore fabrication, and offshore installations.
Following this, I joined a government Oil & gas Operator based in Dubai, contri -buting to project controls, budgeting, and project management efforts. In 2018, I embarked on an entrepreneurial journey by founding Astra Engineering & Cons -truction Group. Over the past eight years, Astra Engineering & Construction Group has grown into a thriving multi -million-dollar company. In 2024, we achieved a remarkable turnover of $100 million, supported by an impressive order book exceeding $300 million, which positions us for
continued growth and success.
Tell us how your diverse experience in Onshore and Offshore projects contributed to your success as an entrepreneur.
In the oil and gas industry, profes -sionals often tend to specialize in one area, either onshore or with offshore projects throughout their careers. However, starting with onshore projects, I transitioned to offshore fabrication company, which involved larger structural projects, including the fabrication of massive offshore rigs, FPSO modules, Platforms. This shift demanded adapt -ability and a commitment to self-learning, particularly when resources like the internet were inaccessible.
Later, I got opportunity to be a part of offshore pipeline installation projects across the Middle East, Indonesia, and India, among other regions. My involvement extended beyond execution to bidding processes, project estimation, and cost control, laying a solid foundation in project planning and management. These experiences equipped me with valuable skills in managing budgets, ensuring cost efficiency, and meeting project deadlines which are critical competencies that later became integral to my entrepreneurial journey.
When I founded my company, Astra Engineering & Construction Group, these skills became crucial toward effectively controlling costs, delivering projects on time, and adhering to budgets, ensuring client satisfaction. My background in project planning and cost control became instrumental in achieving success, as timely completion and budget management are pivotal to delivering value to clients. These principles have guided me in building Astra Engineering & Construc-tion Group into a thriving organization.
In addition to this know-how, what other USPs have given Astra Engineering & Construction Group a competitive edge in the market?
Starting as a construction contractor in the UAE, Astra Engineering & Cons-truction Group has come a long way to become a leader in EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) projects with a specialized approach. Today, Astra Engineering & Cons- truction Group is recognized as a one-stop solution for clients, particularly ADNOC, the leading operator in the UAE. Our comprehensive offerings span the entire project lifecycle, from concept engineering, detailed design to procurement, fabrication (supported by its own fabrication yard), construction, and commissioning.
Astra Engineering & Construction Group's USP lies in providing integrated project solutions under one roof, ensuring seamless execution and faster delivery. One of the significant trends in the oil and gas industry in the UAE and the Middle East is the shift towards faster project delivery methods, including Early Production Facilities(EPF).
Traditionally, project timelines ranged from 24 to 36 months, but with the introduction of EPF projects, we expedite field development to meet production demands swiftly. Astra Engineering & Construction Group has pioneered this approach, completing projects in less than 12 months. For instance, last year, we successfully delivered a field development project within 10 months, receiving high praise from our clients for our timely and efficient execution.
Our recent success has earned us direct qualifications and significant project awards from ADNOC, reflecting our commitment to excellence and
Tell us how your diverse experience in Onshore and Offshore projects contributed to your success as an entrepreneur.
In the oil and gas industry, profes -sionals often tend to specialize in one area, either onshore or with offshore projects throughout their careers. However, starting with onshore projects, I transitioned to offshore fabrication company, which involved larger structural projects, including the fabrication of massive offshore rigs, FPSO modules, Platforms. This shift demanded adapt -ability and a commitment to self-learning, particularly when resources like the internet were inaccessible.
At Astra Engineering & Construction Group, people are at the heart of our success, and we emphasize the impor- tance of our people as the strength of our organization
Later, I got opportunity to be a part of offshore pipeline installation projects across the Middle East, Indonesia, and India, among other regions. My involvement extended beyond execution to bidding processes, project estimation, and cost control, laying a solid foundation in project planning and management. These experiences equipped me with valuable skills in managing budgets, ensuring cost efficiency, and meeting project deadlines which are critical competencies that later became integral to my entrepreneurial journey.
When I founded my company, Astra Engineering & Construction Group, these skills became crucial toward effectively controlling costs, delivering projects on time, and adhering to budgets, ensuring client satisfaction. My background in project planning and cost control became instrumental in achieving success, as timely completion and budget management are pivotal to delivering value to clients. These principles have guided me in building Astra Engineering & Construc-tion Group into a thriving organization.
In addition to this know-how, what other USPs have given Astra Engineering & Construction Group a competitive edge in the market?
Starting as a construction contractor in the UAE, Astra Engineering & Cons-truction Group has come a long way to become a leader in EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) projects with a specialized approach. Today, Astra Engineering & Cons- truction Group is recognized as a one-stop solution for clients, particularly ADNOC, the leading operator in the UAE. Our comprehensive offerings span the entire project lifecycle, from concept engineering, detailed design to procurement, fabrication (supported by its own fabrication yard), construction, and commissioning.
Astra Engineering & Construction Group's USP lies in providing integrated project solutions under one roof, ensuring seamless execution and faster delivery. One of the significant trends in the oil and gas industry in the UAE and the Middle East is the shift towards faster project delivery methods, including Early Production Facilities(EPF).
Traditionally, project timelines ranged from 24 to 36 months, but with the introduction of EPF projects, we expedite field development to meet production demands swiftly. Astra Engineering & Construction Group has pioneered this approach, completing projects in less than 12 months. For instance, last year, we successfully delivered a field development project within 10 months, receiving high praise from our clients for our timely and efficient execution.
Our recent success has earned us direct qualifications and significant project awards from ADNOC, reflecting our commitment to excellence and
innovation. To ensure sustainable growth and stream-lined operations, we have divided our company into specialized divisions, namely Integrated Modular Projects to deliver Fast-Track Projects, Fabrication, Cons-truction, Offshore Projects (including offshore islands in Abu Dhabi), and other key business segments. This structure allows us to focus on delivering quality solutions to our clients while maintaining agility and efficiency in project execution. Above all, we are an advocate of partnerships rather than client-vendor relationships.
Where does safety align with this competitive advan- tage?
Since its inception, Astra Engineering & Construction Group has maintained an exemplary record of being an LTA (Lost Time Accident)-free company. Recently, we successfully completed a project involving nearly a million man-hours without any LTAs, manifesting our unwavering commitment to safety. At Astra Engineering & Construction Group, safety is deeply embedded in our organizational culture, from the top to the bottom. Our highest priority is to consistently adhere to rigorous safety standards.
Our approach aligns seamlessly with the 100 percent HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment) compliance requirements set by clients such as ADNOC, and we continuously meet these high standards. Astra Engineering & Construction Group is an ISO-certified company backed by a highly qualified safety team comprising over 35 pro-fessionals, including safety engineers and managers, dedicated to upholding safety excellence throughout our operations.
Beyond safety, work culture is the pivot of every company’s success. Tell us about Astra Engineering & Construction Group's work culture, especially concer -ning the company’s growth plans.
At Astra Engineering & Construction Group, people are at the heart of our success. From the leadership team to every employee, we emphasize the importance of our people as the strength of our organization. While customer focus remains our priority, we firmly believe in taking care of our people first, and they, in turn, take care of our customers. This philosophy drives our transformation and growth.
We aim to achieve a significant milestone by 2030, which is launching an IPO. A comprehensive five-year plan is already in place. Over the past few years, Astra Engineering & Construction Group has experienced remarkable pro- gress, evidenced by our increasing workforce. From a team of 1,000+ employees, we are currently recruiting an additional 500 professionals to support our expanding operations.
Going forward, we have invested in a state-of the-art fabrication yard spanning 45,000 square meters in Abu Dhabi, dedicated to catering to oil and gas projects. Additionally, we have developed a 5,000-square-meter engineering office in Abu Dhabi to enhance our operational excellence.
Harish Muhammed Bashir, CEO & Managing Director, Astra Engineering & Cons -truction Group
With more than 25 years of experience in the highly competitive oil and gas industry in the Middle East, Harish has been instrumental in Astra Engineering & Construction Group's exceptional growth over the past eight years. Today, Astra Engineering & Construction Group is emerging as one of the fastest-growing companies in the region.
•Hobbies: Travelling and exp-loring new destinations (Harish established a travel company in 2022 — Aftha bHarish Tours LLC)
•Favorite Cuisine: South Indian Cuisine
Where does safety align with this competitive advan- tage?
Since its inception, Astra Engineering & Construction Group has maintained an exemplary record of being an LTA (Lost Time Accident)-free company. Recently, we successfully completed a project involving nearly a million man-hours without any LTAs, manifesting our unwavering commitment to safety. At Astra Engineering & Construction Group, safety is deeply embedded in our organizational culture, from the top to the bottom. Our highest priority is to consistently adhere to rigorous safety standards.
Our approach aligns seamlessly with the 100 percent HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment) compliance requirements set by clients such as ADNOC, and we continuously meet these high standards. Astra Engineering & Construction Group is an ISO-certified company backed by a highly qualified safety team comprising over 35 pro-fessionals, including safety engineers and managers, dedicated to upholding safety excellence throughout our operations.
Beyond safety, work culture is the pivot of every company’s success. Tell us about Astra Engineering & Construction Group's work culture, especially concer -ning the company’s growth plans.
At Astra Engineering & Construction Group, people are at the heart of our success. From the leadership team to every employee, we emphasize the importance of our people as the strength of our organization. While customer focus remains our priority, we firmly believe in taking care of our people first, and they, in turn, take care of our customers. This philosophy drives our transformation and growth.
We aim to achieve a significant milestone by 2030, which is launching an IPO. A comprehensive five-year plan is already in place. Over the past few years, Astra Engineering & Construction Group has experienced remarkable pro- gress, evidenced by our increasing workforce. From a team of 1,000+ employees, we are currently recruiting an additional 500 professionals to support our expanding operations.
Going forward, we have invested in a state-of the-art fabrication yard spanning 45,000 square meters in Abu Dhabi, dedicated to catering to oil and gas projects. Additionally, we have developed a 5,000-square-meter engineering office in Abu Dhabi to enhance our operational excellence.
Harish Muhammed Bashir, CEO & Managing Director, Astra Engineering & Cons -truction Group
With more than 25 years of experience in the highly competitive oil and gas industry in the Middle East, Harish has been instrumental in Astra Engineering & Construction Group's exceptional growth over the past eight years. Today, Astra Engineering & Construction Group is emerging as one of the fastest-growing companies in the region.
•Hobbies: Travelling and exp-loring new destinations (Harish established a travel company in 2022 — Aftha bHarish Tours LLC)
•Favorite Cuisine: South Indian Cuisine