Focused on hospitality, commercial and residential projects, Fino International has set a benchmark for the interior fit-out industry, with its name recognised for its years of experience, vast knowledge-base, and highly skilled and committed team of employees. We speak to Mr Talal Saeed, Managing Partner at Fino International, to find out more not only about the company’s work and ambitions, but also the health and underlining trends in the industry as a whole.
Emirates Projects: What do you feel is the biggest strength of the company right now?
Talal Saeed: Our strength is in our manufacturing facilities. We own six manufacturing units for various trades, such as marble, joinery, metal, metal doors, and FF&E. This allows us to execute all of our projects in-house, dictating that we don’t rely on subcontractors and therefore keep a tight control on quality standards at all times.
I’m proud of our team and all of the achievements they have accomplished throughout the last 15 years
EPM: When it comes to Fino International, what are you most proud of?
TS: I’m proud of our team and all of the achievements they have accomplished throughout the last 15 years. We have delivered some of the finest and most prestigious landmark projects in the UAE, including Burj Khalifa –The Armani Hotel, The Address Downtown, Hyatt Regency, and MBR Library.
EPM: What are you most excited about at the present time?
TS: I am excited to have to review our policies for various markets and network in our business plan to suit the current market trends.
EPM: What are the key underlying fundamental trends at the present time in the industry?
TS: The trends at the moment in the industry are for contemporary residential buildings and ultra-luxury five-star and business hotels.
EPM: Why are you so passionate about what you do?
TS: The fit-out industry is a genuine passion for me, and it makes my team and me proud when we deliver important and esteemed projects such as the Dubai Metro and The Address hotels.
EPM: How do you maximise the potential of your workforce?
TS: We maximise the potential of our teams by focusing the specialist knowledge of individual employees into the areas of the project where they can perform best. We put together bespoke teams that are created in response to the exact requirements of project. Furthermore, we maximize the potential of our workforce by educating them on the concept of ownership of a project.
“We put together bespoke teams that are created in response to the exact requirements of project”
EPM: How do you ensure sustainability and high environmental standards?
TS: Throughout the manufacturing process, we follow the standard international procedures, such as ISO 14001, 9001 and QHSAS 18001, as well as the standard government regulations for environmental sustainability. Fino International adheres to ISO 14001, 9001 and QHSAS 18001 standards during the manufacturing process.
EPM: How would you describe the health of the industry in general prior to the pandemic; what other challenges was it facing, and what opportunities are now presenting themselves?
TS: Prior to the pandemic, the industry was facing various challenges. The number of properties being built was fewer than before, with the large developers also reducing the size of properties and focusing on three and four-star business hotels. Following the pandemic, there will be a growing number of opportunities to complete the unfinished properties and to refurbish the existing ones. This will be the perfect time for them to upgrade their interiors.