There were so many differences to adjust to - language, climate and culture but before very long they were fully immersed in the busy routine of the school. They were both actively involved in sports, mainly rugby, football and basketball, for both house and school.
 
After gaining his ‘O’ and ‘A’-levels, Nizar went on to study at The University of Manchester before securing an M.Sc. in Structural Engineering from The University of Southern California, USA. He then worked for John Laing Construction in the UK before returning to Dubai in the mid-nineties to work for the family business where he continues to be.
 
Likewise, Walid gained his ‘O’ and ‘A’-levels and completed a B.Sc. (Hon.) degree in Systems Science from City University, London. He subsequently returned to Dubai to work for the family business.
 
The brothers are happily married. In 1985, Nizar married Helen Potter, an ex-Edgehill College student whom he met while at WBS. They have five children. As Helen’s cousins (Robert and Colin Boltman) are WBS Old Boys and the family still live in North Devon, they keep up-to-date with news.
In 1987, Walid married Mona Yassin in Abu Dhabi and they have four children.
 
Headed by the two brothers, the family business has flourished over the years
 
The brothers both value the life lessons learned from WBS and feel that much of their success came from this.