Shariff says Houston is considered a strategic inroad to the US market because of its ties to the oil and gas industry. But SGI Global isn't all about energy, Shariff tells GlobeSt.com. It also has a strong background in urban infrastructure and industrial development. That expertise will lead to local projects, he says.

SGI Global is known for its large development projects in the Middle East. In 1979, SGI Global, Bechtel Corp. and 137 other companies built two petrochemical and industrial cities in Saudi Arabia. Currently, the company is the developer, contractor, architect and co-owner of a $10-billion development located just 50 kilometers from Riyadh. SGI Global also is building six commercial buildings in American Fork, UT, marking its first US investment, says Shariff. That project is scheduled to break ground in 60 days.

SGI Global's New York City office will house its CFO and finance and accounting divisions and Tyson's Corner, VA will serve as the company's worldwide headquarters. "By expanding our global operations to the US, we will be able to develop significant projects that generate additional jobs and revenue for both the US and the Middle East," explains Shariff.