Craig International to fast track Middle East growth

Oilfield procurement outfit Craig International is ramping up its presence in the Middle East following a deal to manage a $55 million (£38.4m) client spend with a major operator in Qatar.

Jill MacDonald, joint managing director of Craig International

The five-year outsourcing contract has led to the Aberdeen-based business – part of privately-owned shipping and energy services firm Craig Group – opening a base in Doha and another in Dubai.

The new offices will initially employ nine people with more planned as the company expands its business in the region. Craig International already has bases in Calgary, Cape Town, Hamburg, Houston and Warsaw.

Joint managing director Jill MacDonald said: “This prestigious contract has allowed us to bring forward our plans for the Middle East, a region we have been eyeing for some time.

“We have worked hard in the last few months to find and move into suitable premises and employ qualified people, both nationals and ex-pats.”