GHD has announced that Andrew Parker has rejoined its urban planning and design team in the UAE. Parker previously worked at the firm from 2007 to 2013 as principal urban planner, working on projects such as the Khalifa Industrial Zone.

According to a statement from GHD, 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.

“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. 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,” Parker said.

GHD also said that it has been operating continuously in the UAE since 2000, and employs approximately 130 people in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Commenting on Parker’s appointment, Warwick Hatfull, manager of urban planning and design at GHD in Dubai, added, “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.”