1990 - Humble Beginnings

The founder's journey began humbly as a site worker, operating without a formal company name, from his father's garage in southern Lebanon. This modest atelier specialized in small-scale tasks such as block work, plastering, and painting. Through this experience, the founder gained invaluable, hands-on expertise in construction techniques and materials, particularly in gypsum work, celebrated for its versatility and aesthetic appeal in interior building projects.

1992 - Expanding Skills

The founder expanded their skillset to include plumbing and electrical work and other related finishing works such as wall papers and carpets , building upon their previous experience in construction. With a modest budget of just $100, the company’s journey began with a single $5 hammer and a Hilti drill—simple yet significant tools that symbolized the founder’s ambitious vision and unwavering determination. Starting from the ground up, the founder not only mastered hands-on technical expertise but also gained deep insights into the challenges and opportunities within the construction industry, laying the foundation for future growth and success.

1994 - First Subcontracts

The first legal entity was established under the name "Yara Decoration," marking a significant milestone in the founder's journey. The company quickly gained expertise in finishing works and secured subcontracts with major contractors in the aftermath of the Lebanese Civil War. This period marked a transition to larger, more complex projects and the launch of a dedicated Gypsum Atelier, specializing in cast fibrous gypsum works, gypsum board partitions, and wall linings. This foundational phase became the cornerstone of the founder's transformation into a visionary entrepreneur and a respected leader in the construction and finishing industry.

1996 - Official Formation

Founded the First Dolmen under the of “Dolmen Interior Design” and successfully secured a landmark $1 million contract in finishing works, marking a significant milestone in the company’s journey. To meet the increasing demands of a growing client base, a decorative items department and a boutique workshop in Beirut were established, setting the stage for future innovation and craftsmanship.

This experience instilled a steadfast work ethic, an uncompromising attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment to excellence—core principles that would go on to define the philosophy and success of every business venture that followed.

1997 - Expansion in Downtown Beirut

Dolmen successfully completed prestigious projects, including the iconic Phoenicia Intercontinental and Le Vendome Hotel, solidifying its reputation as a leader in the industry. These achievements paved the way for significant growth, enabling the expansion of operations and the establishment of a larger, state-of-the-art office in Downtown Beirut.

Adding to its portfolio, Dolmen also delivered exceptional work for prominent financial institutions such as Arab Bank and Banque de la Méditerranée, further showcasing its expertise and versatility in handling high-profile projects across diverse sectors.

1998 - Diversification

Dolmen expanded its scope by venturing into office management and financing activities, streamlining operations and driving greater efficiency across its projects. Simultaneously, the company diversified its portfolio by entering the building material supply sector, further strengthening its market presence and reinforcing its commitment to delivering comprehensive, end-to-end solutions in the construction and design industry.

2000 - Larger Projects & In-House Manufacturing

Dolmen strategically shifted its focus to large-scale, high-impact projects, positioning itself as a key player in the industry. To support this transition, the company significantly expanded its in-house manufacturing capabilities, incorporating state-of-the-art production for metalworks, stainless steel, copper, and aluminum. This evolution not only enhanced Dolmen’s ability to deliver customized, high-quality solutions but also reinforced its reputation for excellence and innovation in the construction and design sectors.

2002 - Workforce Growth

The team experienced remarkable growth, expanding to over 400 skilled employees and establishing specialized departments dedicated to decorative items and premium finishes. This strategic expansion not only enhanced operational capacity but also elevated the company's ability to deliver bespoke, high-quality solutions tailored to meet the evolving needs of its clientele.

2004 - Branding and Image

The Second Dolmen created under the name of “Dolmen real estate Development” and formed a strategic partnership with Ice Tulip SARL, a firm specializing in graphic design, brand identity , marketing, and advertising, to elevate its professional image and strengthen its global presence. This collaboration enhanced Dolmen’s branding and communication strategies, paving the way for more impactful international partnerships and expanding its reach in competitive markets.

2005 - Diversifying Business Ventures

Dolmen established UMG SARL to provide comprehensive property management services, with a strong focus on human resources, team building, and investing in talent through training programs and participation in conferences and exhibitions. Additionally, Dolmen launched Mekal Oil SAL in collaboration with an Italian partner, introducing innovative smarts units to deliver clean energy solutions in Lebanon, further solidifying its commitment to sustainable development and advanced technological integration.

2006 - Architectural Consultancy

Dolmen established Atrium SARL and Atrium Gulf LLC, specializing in architecture and consultancy, to provide comprehensive support for its projects. These entities focus on delivering meticulously crafted execution plans and precise tender documents, ensuring seamless project delivery and reinforcing Dolmen’s commitment to excellence and professionalism in every aspect of its operations.

2007 - Real Estate Development

Dolmen launched Dolmen Real Estate Development SAL, specializing in high-end residential and commercial projects, showcasing a commitment to excellence and innovation in the real estate sector. Expanding its global footprint, Dolmen entered the Italian market through strategic collaborations with the Italian Chamber of Commerce, CComedit. This partnership proved pivotal in opening doors to renowned factories and major corporations. The endeavor was further bolstered by the invaluable support of Dr. Francesca Brigandi, the Chamber's President, and her Deputy, Professor Ali Mesmar, whose guidance played a critical role in fostering these international connections.

2008 - Modular Solutions

Dolmen expanded its portfolio by founding Modulor SAL, a company specializing in furniture and building materials, designed to offer high-quality, customized solutions to meet diverse client needs. Further broadening its expertise, Dolmen launched Tierra SARL, a firm dedicated to land surveying and topography, reinforcing its ability to deliver comprehensive, end-to-end services across the construction and design sectors. These initiatives reflect Dolmen's commitment to establishing a fully integrated, in-house process that streamlines operations and ensures excellence at every stage of project execution.

2009 - The Phoenician Holding

Dolmen established The Phoenician Holding SAL, uniting a network of specialized companies under one cohesive umbrella. This strategic move was designed to deliver holistic development services, seamlessly integrating expertise across diverse sectors to provide clients with comprehensive, end-to-end solutions. This innovative structure reinforced Dolmen’s position as a leader in multidisciplinary development and elevated its ability to execute projects of unparalleled quality and scope.

2010 - Research & Development Innovations

Dolmen expanded its vision with the launch of Dolmen Contracting SAL, a specialized entity dedicated to delivering high-end luxury projects both in Lebanon and internationally. To stay at the forefront of industry innovation, the company established an R&D hub, focusing on the development of cutting-edge materials and advanced technologies, ensuring its offerings remain both creative and sustainable.

Furthering its commitment to social responsibility, Dolmen founded Golden Ratio, a non-governmental organization aimed at fostering community development and championing creative initiatives that align with its values of excellence and innovation.

2011 - Facilities Management

The founder collaborated with prominent Lebanese investors to establish Dolmen Facilities Management SAL, a company specializing in site-based facilities management, operations, maintenance, and consulting services for building and mall projects throughout Lebanon. Demonstrating remarkable success, the company has completed over 1,500,000 m² of projects with a total budget exceeding one billion dollars, solidifying its reputation as a leader in the industry and a trusted partner in delivering large-scale, high-quality solutions.

2012 - Sustainability Commitment

Dolmen Development SAL Created and achieved a significant milestone by becoming a member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. By adopting internationally recognized green construction standards, the company integrated practices that promote environmentally responsible and energy-efficient buildings, solidifying its position as a leader in sustainable development and green-certified projects.

2013 - Energy Efficiency Partnerships

Dolmen forged a strategic partnership with the Lebanese Center for Energy Conservation (LCEC) and the Ministry of Energy and Water (MEW), underscoring its dedication to sustainability and innovation. This collaboration focuses on implementing energy-efficient practices and promoting sustainable development across all projects, aligning Dolmen's operations with national and global initiatives for environmental conservation and renewable energy. In the same year Dolmen became a member of the World Energy Council Lebanon National Committee, while also launching a new entity focusing on international luxury projects. The R&D department continued to innovate with high-end materialsand bespoke design solutions.

2014 - Real Estate Leadership

Dolmen expanded its expertise by delivering turnkey solutions that encompass comprehensive planning, development, and execution of projects. With a growing portfolio spanning Lebanon, the GCC, Copenhagen, Italy, and Mozambique, Dolmen has demonstrated its ability to adapt to diverse markets, seamlessly managing complex projects while maintaining the highest standards of quality and innovation on a global scale.

2015 - Green Certification Leadership

Dolmen Development took a pioneering step by collaborating with the Lebanese Center for Energy Conservation (LCEC), positioning itself among the top five companies in Lebanon driving the adoption of green building practices. The company excelled in projects adhering to globally recognized certifications, including LEED, LEA, BREEAM, and NEEREA, solidifying its reputation as a leader in promoting sustainable development and advancing a green culture in the construction industry.

2016 - Sakani by Dolmen

Dolmen pioneered the Sakani Process, an innovative approach to revolutionizing mass production in building projects by introducing a tailored, client-focused methodology. This groundbreaking initiative envisions evolving into a full-fledged Sakani Software, designed to scale seamlessly for larger, more complex projects. The Sakani Process marks the end of traditional mass production and the beginning of mass customization, redefining industry standards.

As an engineering solution, it addresses the intricate dynamics between developers, consultants, and contractors by positioning itself as the essential link between all three. This approach enables design adaptation for architects and consultants, streamlines construction processes for contractors, and boosts profitability for developers. By bridging gaps and optimizing collaboration, the Sakani Process and its future software aim to transform the construction industry, delivering efficiency, adaptability, and enhanced value across all project stakeholders.

2017 - Global Expansion

Dolmen continued its global expansion with the launch of The Hub under Zanette by Dolmen, positioning itself as a premier brand offering sustainable, luxurious materials tailored to the needs of modern architecture. This groundbreaking initiative includes the establishment of Europe's largest factory dedicated to the fabrication of advanced engineered facades, further solidifying Dolmen's leadership in cutting-edge architectural innovation and sustainable design solutions. By combining state-of-the-art technology with a commitment to excellence, The Hub exemplifies Dolmen's vision of shaping the future of the global construction and design industry. 

2018 - ISO Certified

Dolmen proudly achieved prestigious ISO certification for construction management, highlighting its steadfast commitment to quality assurance, operational excellence, and strict adherence to international standards across all projects. Further solidifying its reputation for innovation and excellence, Dolmen received the esteemed Proceedings of the IASS Symposium 2018 Award at MIT, Boston, USA. This recognition was for the design and construction of the skylight for The Spot Choueifat Mall in Beirut, Lebanon, which featured cutting-edge supports configured to meet rigorous earthquake-resilient design standards. These achievements underscore Dolmen's leadership in engineering ingenuity and its dedication to delivering world-class solutions.

2019 - International Leadership

Dolmen achieved remarkable international growth by establishing Partnerships and offices in the UAE, Italy, and Benin, further strengthening its footprint in key global markets. This strategic expansion cemented Dolmen's reputation as a worldwide leader in real estate development and construction, celebrated for its innovative projects, sustainable practices, and unwavering commitment to excellence. A pivotal milestone in this journey was the establishment of a strategic partnership with Exim Finance Dubai, providing robust financial support to drive the success of Dolmen's ambitious projects, ensuring continued growth and innovation on a global scale.

2020 - Expansion to the UK

Dolmen Development Ltd UK was founded, specializing in development contracting, comprehensive services, and global trading. Building on its expertise, the company became a strategic partner of Samos CCP Ltd UK, further enhancing its capabilities in engineering management and delivering innovative solutions to complex projects. This partnership underscores Dolmen's commitment to excellence and collaboration in driving industry-leading developments in addition of all of that the partnership with Ultraspazio.

2021 - West Africa & Dubai Expansion

Dolmen expanded its global footprint by establishing Dolmen Development Benin SARL, dedicated to delivering high-quality projects across West Africa, including the UMOA (Union Monétaire Ouest Africaine) countries. Simultaneously, Dolmen launched Dolmen General Trading Co LLC in Dubai, strategically positioning itself to trade building materials and furniture worldwide. These ventures reflect Dolmen's commitment to driving excellence in construction and trade while fostering growth in diverse international markets.

2022 - Strategic Partnerships & Growth with UKEF

Dolmen Development UK Ltd has successfully entered the UK Export Finance (UKEF) program, positioning itself as a qualified supplier and EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) firm. This strategic move enables Dolmen to execute projects and provide high-quality materials across West Africa, leveraging UKEF's support to enhance its competitive edge in international markets. This milestone reflects Dolmen's commitment to fostering sustainable growth and expanding its reach through innovative solutions and strategic partnerships.

2023 - Entering the European Market

Dolmen France was established with a dedicated focus on high-end residential projects and luxury developments, bringing Dolmen’s hallmark of excellence, innovation, and attention to detail to one of the world’s most prestigious markets. This expansion underscores the company's commitment to delivering sophisticated, bespoke solutions that cater to the discerning demands of elite clientele, further enhancing Dolmen's reputation as a leader in the global luxury real estate sector.

2024 - USA & The Caribbean Expansion

Dolmen Development USA LLC was officially registered in Delaware, heralding a new era of sustainable and luxury development. This milestone expanded Dolmen's reach to include ambitious projects across the United States and the Caribbean islands, reinforcing the company's commitment to delivering innovative, high-end solutions while adhering to the principles of environmental stewardship and cutting-edge design.

2025 - AI & 3DCP Integration

Dolmen Development launched the AI Department and 3DCP Lab under the visionary Dolmen Development Research Lab (DDRL), revolutionizing the fields of design and construction. These initiatives focus on pioneering cutting-edge technologies and delivering innovative solutions, enabling the integration of artificial intelligence and 3D concrete printing to redefine industry standards and push the boundaries of creativity and efficiency.