Pros
On paper one would think that integrated design works, but this is the furthest thing from the truth given givent the high levels of incompetence and nepotism that is prevalent in the company.
Cons
The Abu Dhabi office is fittingly run like a Banana Republic and is yes, perhaps even more disfunctional than its American counterpart - actually much worst than the US groups. Upper management only promote those with the least skills/capabilities and qualifications and encourage an environment of back stabbers and YES men. One cannot point out one group that could be said to be on par with widely accepted industry standards. The funny part is that most clients are becoming wise to this too. The best words to describe this regional office and its senior management is INCOMPETENCE, LACK OF VISION, NO UNDERSTANDING OF THE DESIGN BUSINESS and NO UNDERSTANDING OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT. I might add that the endless forms inclusive of performance review make it seem like you are in the cast of the great classic movie "Office Space". See that movie and you will know what AECOM is. Even better is that they have you do performance reviews with managers that cannot get you a raise or promote you - and there is no follow up by the useless HR Group. DO NOT WORK FOR THIS WRECK OF AN ORGANIZATION - you will regret it, run, run, run!!!. This is the worst firm that I have ever worked for in over 15 years of my professional experience. AECOM should be a shame of themselves - they have no vision except for their next quarterly earnings - very shortsighted indeed. Best of all they are completely disconnected from their US headquarters - so no synergy or common strategy, which shows why they are laying off half of their staff.