Growing a $5 Billion Resort in the Middle East: Seedlings and International Teams

📅 November 13, 2025 ⏱️ 41:09 🎤 Jim Cali, Simon Smith, Jason New

Chapters

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0:00

Introduction to the Project

Simon introduces the scale of the resort project in the UAE, highlighting the immense horticultural task ahead with half a million plants and 7,000 trees to be planted by February 2027.
0:36

Simon's Career Journey

Simon recounts his career path from the UK to Australia and then to the Middle East, detailing his various roles in horticulture and landscape management across different continents.
0:10

Project Scale and Innovation

Simon explains the $5 billion integrated resort project, emphasizing its innovative approach to equipment, training, data management, and the unique Western Australian work methodology being implemented in the Middle East.
0:16

Global Plant Sourcing & Logistics

He describes the complex logistics of sourcing plants and trees globally, including building a dedicated nursery, managing quarantine, and transporting massive quantities of vegetation.
0:26

Building an International Team

Simon details his strategy for assembling a diverse, 9,000-person international team, focusing on structured hiring, comprehensive training, and fostering a collaborative environment.
0:30

Designing Operational Efficiency

He outlines how the team is designing efficient operational structures, including customized equipment, vehicles, and a detailed scheduling system that accounts for local climate and cultural factors.
0:34

Comprehensive Training Program

Simon elaborates on the intensive, multi-lingual training program designed to standardize horticultural practices and empower employees with certificated skills, aiming to create the best horticulturists in the Middle East.
0:39

Leaving a Legacy

Simon expresses his pride in developing a highly skilled workforce, knowing that the training provided will enable individuals to excel in their careers globally.

Speakers

Jim Cali

Host — principles and coaches of McFarland Stanford

Simon Smith

director of horiculture and landscape for the Wind Resort

Jason New

Host — co-founder and principal at McFarland Stanford

Key Takeaways

✦

Embrace global talent: Don't limit your hiring to local talent; actively recruit internationally to find the best expertise and diverse perspectives, especially for large or specialized projects.

✦

Invest in infrastructure early: For significant projects, dedicate resources to building essential support infrastructure like custom nurseries, specialized equipment, and dedicated training facilities from the outset.

✦

Standardize processes and training: Develop a comprehensive, standardized training program for all employees, regardless of prior experience, to ensure consistent quality and adherence to company standards.

✦

Prioritize employee development: Create opportunities for continuous learning and certification for your team members, empowering them with valuable skills that can advance their careers and enhance the overall quality of your work.

✦

Plan for environmental and cultural factors: Integrate local climate challenges, cultural practices, and regulatory requirements into your operational planning and scheduling to ensure smooth execution and compliance.

✦

Implement robust data management and tracking: Utilize QR coding, GPS location, and specialized software (like Maximo) for precise tracking of materials, assets, and maintenance schedules, ensuring accountability and efficiency.

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