Douglas starts his new job today and will oversee construction of the £4.5bn first phase of the Khalifa Port and Industrial Zone, a massive city development covering 40,000ha that will start operations in 2012.

The area is equivalent to combining Southampton and Portsmouth and all the space between.

Previously Douglas headed the Terminal Five project for BAA, before leaving to join Laing O’Rourke as chief operating officer for two years. He suddenly left last November when it became clear he would not succeed Ray O’Rourke as was first planned.

At the time O’Rourke said he had decided to stay on as the recession started to hit.

Since leaving this senior position in contracting, the only industry job he accepted was as non-executive director at demolition contractor Keltbray in March.

He gained experience of working practices in the United Arab Emirates during his time at Laing O’Rourke.

Douglas said: “I am thrilled to be joining Abu Dhabi Ports Company at this time with the company taking centre stage in the diversification of Abu Dhabi’s economy, and there are exciting times ahead.

“Our remit is broad – from managing ports throughout the emirate, supporting partners with their infrastructure projects, ensuring trade is encouraged to creating one of the world’s largest concentrations of industry and business at the Khalifa Port and Industrial Zone.”