At Black & White Engineering, we’re proud to recognise the colleagues whose long-standing contributions have helped shape who we are today. With over 50 team members marking more than a decade with the business this year, we’re sharing some of the experiences that reflect our global culture in action.
In this article, we hear from Dubai-based team members Melissa Alvarado and Domar Buan as they reflect on their growth, challenges and what continues to drive them forward.
Melissa Alvarado, Senior Accountant – Dubai
“Even the smallest contributions are recognised. I feel trusted in my role and part of something bigger.”
“I still remember my first day. There was no accounting software in place yet, and I was learning the ropes but I immediately felt the support around me. I even remember our CEO offering to walk me through the company’s financial cycle. That level of involvement really stood out.
“In the first few years, I stayed because I genuinely enjoyed the work and felt supported by the team. As the company grew, I felt more trusted in my role and appreciated how even the smallest contributions were recognised by leadership. That sense of belonging, and the ‘One Global Team’ value, made a lasting impression.
“Everyone here is accountable, and you can see the passion in the people you work with. That’s what makes Black & White unique.
“There’s been a lot of digital transformation since then, and that brought new challenges. I had to push myself to adapt and keep up. Over time, I’ve developed stronger communication and management skills, and taken a more proactive, learning-focused mindset to become more effective in my role.
“One of the things I’m most proud of is supporting the team behind the scenes and helping others grow. Seeing that impact over time has been incredibly rewarding.
“Looking ahead, I’m excited to see Black & White continue to grow and be recognised as a leader in the industry. Knowing I’ve been part of that journey keeps me motivated to grow with the business.”
Domar Buan, Site Inspector (Mechanical) – Dubai
“The company doesn’t just talk about its values. It lives them. That’s what makes it a great place to work.”
“I remember my first day, excited and a little nervous, but the team was incredibly welcoming, and the onboarding process was thorough. That experience really set the tone.
“I was first attracted to Black & White because of its strong commitment to professional growth and the supportive team culture. The variety of challenging projects drew me in and have kept me engaged over the years.
“Black & White has grown significantly since I joined, expanding its capabilities and taking on more complex projects. I’ve grown alongside that change personally and professionally developing new skills and learning to adapt to different challenges.
“The culture of continuous learning here has helped me evolve. Every project I’ve worked on has pushed me to grow, and what I’m most proud of is how we collaborate as a team to deliver the best results. Initiative is valued here. If you take advantage of the opportunities available, you’ll thrive.
“Looking ahead, I’m excited about the company’s commitment to innovation and embracing new technologies. There’s so much potential for continued growth and impact in the industry, and I look forward to being part of that.
“If I could offer one piece of advice to new team members, it would be this: embrace every learning opportunity, be open to collaboration and don’t be afraid to ask questions.”
Inspired by Melissa and Domar’s stories?
Explore where a career at Black & White Engineering could take you. Visit our careers page to learn more.