Dr Naser Bustami, CEO of World-Class Quarrying Company Stevin Rock Group

In a career spanning more than three decades, Dr Naser Bustami, the CEO of Stevin Rock Group,  a world-class quarrying company that has been operating since 1978 in the UAE in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, has risen to become one of the country’s most experienced leaders in the sector.

Naser Bustami manages numerous projects in the region, with values totalling many billions of dollars and, as one of the leading commercial figures in Ras Al Khaimah, has played a key part in the economic success of the UAE’s northernmost Emirate, which has one of the most diversified economies in the Middle East.

His positions include the Board Director and Chief Executive Officer of Stevin Rock, RAK Rock and Raknor. Combined, these companies have an annual turnover in excess of $550million, employing nearly 3700 people.

The foundation of success: education and continuous learning    

Whilst many CEOs are keen to emphasise their attendance of the ‘school of life’, Naser Bustami also is a passionate advocate for the importance of conventional education. “Education was so important to getting me where I am today,” he tells CEOWorld. He has twice returned to education over the course of his 33-year career, for a Master’s and then a Doctorate.

His full academic resume includes a BSc in civil engineering from Bradley University in Illinois, an MBA from Leicester University, and a Doctor of Business Administration from Sydney Business School. He credits the “incredible opportunity to learn in different major cities across the world” as giving him vital experience for later negotiations with partners from different cultures.

Passion for purpose: turning resources into impact   

A keen interest in your work may be an obvious requirement for any career, but to Naser Bustami this genuine passion is fundamental to maintaining a strong work ethic.  “You have to be enthralled by the process,” he explained. “Turning abundant resources beneath our feet into something functional, valuable, even beautiful – that is what is what fascinates me, and that’s what drives the team at Stevin Rock. Our success is a testament to each employee of the company putting in their all to each of the projects which, I have to believe, comes from engaging in something both challenging and stimulating – to you personally.”

The fruits of these efforts are clear: Stevin Rock is one of the largest crushed rock producers in the world, and their three sites with sister company RAK Rock have a current capacity of over 80 million tonnes per year of limestone, gabbro and dolomite, as well as combined reserves of 4.5 billion tonnes. They have been involved in all of Dubai’s megaprojects, including The World Islands, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Metro, Dubai Mall and the expansion of Dubai International Airport.

Stevin Rock is one of the UAE’s great success stories 

Stevin Rock was founded in 1975, with its operations commencing three years later in Ras Al Khaimah. From the ouset, the company has provided high quality materials and services to a variety of industries, including the construction, cement, steel, mining, glass, and chemical sectors, in the Gulf region and beyond.

In 1996, the company was purchased by the Government of Ras Al Khaimah, allowing the company to enter an era of expansion. In 2007, Naser Bustami led Stevin Rock’s takeover of RAK Rock, helping it grow into one of the world’s largest quarrying companies. Today, their wide product range includes fine sand to coarse aggregate for asphalt, ready-mix plants, land reclamation, white beach sand, core and armour rock for sea defence/breakwater marine projects for the construction industry as well as feedstock for the cement, steel, chemical, glass and mining industries.

Stevin Rock Group now has over 3,700 employees and has continuously grown over the past 41 years to become one of the UAE’s greatest success stories, particularly since Naser Bustami has been at the helm of the company.

Commitment to sustainability: leading by example 

Naser Bustami has always been in awe of the beautiful landscape of Ras Al Khaimah, and has endeavoured to ensure that Stevin Rock is a leading environmental steward. Conscious of the maxim that actions speak louder than words, under Bustami’s leadership, recent years have seen environmental control measures account for as much as 10% of the company’s capital expenditures.  Stevin Rock has also implemented and maintained an Environmental Management System that goes above and beyond regulation.

Dr Bustami underscored that he is “immensely proud of Stevin Rock’s Go-Green initiatives”, which include “the planting of trees, flowers and grass as well as waste management, water saving through recycling, a reduction in energy usage and CO2 emissions, and more”. He has personally overseen many of these projects.

Dr Bustami furthermore ensures that the entire workforce undergoes environmental training to ensure that the standards of Steven Rock adhere to internationally recognised levels, to minimise the company’s impact on the environment and to improve the reputation of the industry as a whole.

Looking ahead: expanding horizons  

The vision, Dr Bustami says, is “to maintain and build on Stevin Rock’s position as the leading quarry operator in the Gulf & Asia Regions, and to be an industry leader in sustainability.”

Stevin Rock is planning to grow its presence in India and Bangladesh – in particular in limestone supply – and to re-enter the Qatari market, where the company is in talks over a new world-class Construction and Demolition Recycling Plant, as part of its carbon emission reduction and sustainability commitments.

While Stevin Rock has an ambitious few years ahead, Naser Bustami remains humble. Asked what tips he would have for those hoping to emulate his success he gives the following advice: “Don’t chase a legacy, and don’t let success be the thing you aim for. Do something that fascinates you and don’t be afraid to surround yourself by people who challenge you, because you cannot afford to stop learning. Do this – and work hard – and the so-called success will take care of itself.”

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