Eng. Bashar Othman, Heavy Equipment Manager
Location: Kuwait
Arizona National
Arizona National’s Rise
Arizona National is a Kuwaiti-accredited civil engineering company specializing in construction services and industrial manufacturing. Recognized as a leader in transportable asphalt plant solutions, the company plays a vital role in supporting Kuwait’s road and highway infrastructure.
Driven by a commitment to innovation and sustainability, Arizona National General Trading and Contracting continuously advances asphalt manufacturing to meet the growing demand for durability and climate resilience in modern infrastructure projects.
Since its founding in 2006, Arizona National Company has emerged as a key player in Kuwait’s construction and infrastructure sectors. From its early days working alongside the American Army on modest projects to executing one of the region’s most prestigious motorsport facilities, Arizona National has consistently demonstrated agility, innovation, and excellence.
An interview with Eng. Bashar Othman explores the company’s growth, landmark achievements, and how its enduring partnership with Komatsu and its local dealer Dar Alhai has helped propel them into a new era of construction.
Engineering Ambition: From Asphalt to Formula One
Arizona National’s journey began with a dual focus: asphalt production and infrastructure development for roads and buildings. “We started small,” Bashar recalls, “but over time, we expanded our footprint across Kuwait.”
A defining moment came in 2017, when Arizona National was awarded the Kuwait Motor Town Formula One circuit project. “It was a unique and technically demanding challenge,” he explains. “Every millimetre mattered, and we had less than a year to deliver.”
Completed in just 11 months, the track remains a benchmark for engineering precision in the region. “We were dealing with Formula One’s European standards and rigorous supervision. It required an entirely new level of accuracy-less than 1% margin of error.”
This transformative project elevated Arizona National’s standing throughout the GCC and Middle East, showcasing their capability to deliver complex, high-profile developments under extreme time pressure.
Meeting the Challenge: Shifting to Advanced Construction Methods
One of the critical transitions Arizona National faced during the Formula One project was shifting from traditional methods to automation. This shift marked a significant internal transformation, especially in heavy equipment operations.
“We had to retrain our team and adopt an entirely new mindset,” says Bashar. “That’s when Komatsu entered the picture in a very meaningful way.”
With Dar Alhai’s support, Arizona National was introduced to Komatsu’s advanced automation technologies. “They didn’t just deliver machines-they educated us. They explained how automation could enhance efficiency, reduce fuel consumption, and improve operator performance. It was a game-changer.”
A Strategic Partnership Rooted in Trust
While Arizona National has worked with Komatsu and Dar Alhai for over two decades, the relationship deepened significantly over the past ten years. “We shifted from transactional buying to a strategic partnership model,” Bashar explains.
Today, Dar Alhai is involved from the earliest planning stages-advising on machine selection and supporting Arizona’s transition into newer, more sophisticated technologies. “They help us identify the right equipment for each site based on capacity and performance requirements. That guidance has become crucial for meeting our timelines and budgets.”
Their role becomes especially vital during peak construction phases. “This is when everything converges-logistics, manpower, deadlines-and that’s when Dar Alhai steps up. They’re on-site daily, responding to every call and issue without hesitation. That’s why we truly value them.”
Quality Machines, Reliable Support
When it comes to machinery, Bashar is unequivocal: Komatsu stands out. “As a Japanese manufacturer, their attention to detail is unmatched. Their equipment is fuel-efficient, durable, and user-friendly.”
Reliability is a core concern in any construction project, and Bashar notes Komatsu machines break down far less often than competitors’ models. “Less downtime means more productivity. And Komatsu consistently aligns with new environmental regulations, which is increasingly important to us.”
Bashar’s insights are informed by more than experience-he is currently pursuing a doctorate in environmental studies, with a focus on the impact of regulatory changes on the heavy equipment industry. “Komatsu is ahead of the curve in emissions control and sustainability. It’s one of the reasons we continue to invest in their machines.”
Building for the Future: Automation and Sustainability
Looking ahead, Bashar sees machine automation as a cornerstone of future residential and mixed-use development. “Komatsu’s automation systems are intuitive, accurate, and easy for operators to adopt. That level of precision makes all the difference on complex projects.”
Arizona National also favors purchasing equipment over renting, reinforcing their belief in long-term asset ownership. “It’s part of our culture. We believe in building a strong fleet that can support our growth for years to come.”
Commitment to Quality: Training and Execution
Maintaining high construction standards begins with well-trained operators. “Even the best machine can’t deliver results without a skilled operator,” Bashar notes. That’s why Arizona National emphasizes thorough training, backed by ongoing support from Dar Alhai.
“If, months after delivery, we find that an operator needs a refresher, Dar Alhai sends someone without hesitation. That level of support directly affects the quality of our work and extends the life of our equipment.”
Outlook: Kuwait’s Construction Sector Rebounds
After a decade of relatively low activity, Kuwait’s construction sector is undergoing a significant revival. “In the last two years, we’ve seen real momentum-more projects, a shift in mindset, and a renewed focus on efficiency and quality,” says Bashar. “If this trend continues, Kuwait will see substantial growth in major developments over the next five years.”
With visionary leadership, strategic partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Arizona National Company is well-positioned to help shape Kuwait’s future-and Komatsu will be right there with them.
