The Principles That Built Us: A Conversation with Founder Isam Khatib
- Feb 3
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 4
Year: 2010 ] Category: Founder’s Insights / Legacy
(Editor’s Note: In this archival interview from 2010, founder Eng. Isam Khatib discusses the core philosophy of honesty, technical precision, and resilience that established I. Khatib & Partners as a market leader. While the market has evolved over the last 15 years, our commitment to these foundational standards remains unchanged.)
Setting the Benchmark in Amman
Amid the challenges the real estate sector has historically faced, few examples of steadfastness in the local market stand out like I. Khatib & Partners. With a reputation for setting the benchmark for developers in Jordan, the company has maintained a consistent rhythm of accomplishment for over three decades.
Utilizing reputable knowledge obtained from the United States and rich experience gained from world-renowned firms in Saudi Arabia, Eng. Isam Khatib has always sought to create value by implementing advanced working methods and unparalleled standards of quality.
In this classic interview, Mr. Khatib reveals the secrets behind the company's enduring success.
On the Secret to Longevity
Q: I. Khatib & Partners is known for setting a benchmark in the local market. What is the secret to your success?
Isam Khatib: On top of the success factors is the dedication I give to my work. This effort is backed by an unparalleled knowledge of our city. I know each and every distinguished area in Amman because I was born and brought up here.
Another reason for our success is our unique design philosophy. A Master of Science degree from the United States, in addition to two years of intensive work experience with Saudi Arabia’s leading contractor, the Binladin Organization, gave me an edge over other developers early on.
Thus, we select the best available locations and support them with the most suitable and efficient interior and exterior designs. Furthermore, the materials we use in all processes are of the best quality. But our most important element of success is honesty in dealing with our customers.
On Managing the Full Lifecycle
Q: Do you manage all processes—planning, financing, construction, and marketing—under one umbrella?
Isam Khatib: Yes. All these processes are managed under the umbrella of I. Khatib & Partners. We handle the planning, execution, and marketing—and, of course, the financing through local banks.
When it comes to construction, we do assign local contractors to execute certain phases of the development, yet on the higher management level, our own staff is in charge. Additionally, all materials that need to be imported are brought through trusted local agents to ensure quality control.
On Green Building & Sustainability
Q: How far do you go with the market’s "green" trends?
Isam Khatib:Â Since our earliest development stages, we have concentrated on proper heat insulation for the exterior walls and roofs of all our buildings. We have consistently used:
5cm-thick polystyrene boards with hollow concrete blocks.
Double-glazed aluminum windows for thermal efficiency.
Thermally insulated aluminum shutters with externally constructed housing.
Underfloor heating systems, which we introduced over a decade ago.
Because we know the importance of these details, we prioritize them to help save energy and control heating fuel consumption. in major projects like our work in Abdali, we applied greywater diversion systems. In other projects, we utilized solar panels for domestic water heating.
These measures help save at least 25% of energy consumption. While they add approximately 10% to the initial development cost, we insist on using them without even consulting our customers because we realize their necessity.
On Premium Pricing & Value
Q: Clearly, your projects do not follow the standard property prices set by surveyors. How do you set the prices of your apartments?
Isam Khatib:Â We are often asked why we set higher prices for our apartments and offices. The answer is simple: our customers know that our units are well worth the difference.
We choose the prime locations for our buildings, implement the most efficient interior and exterior designs, and use the best construction materials. Our prices are strictly set on the basis of cost. Because we choose the best plots in Amman, land cost usually constitutes 50% of the price of the unit. We cannot adopt standard surveyor prices because they often do not take these premium amenities and location values into consideration.
On Marketing & Exclusivity
Q: What marketing strategy do you adopt? Is it true you rely heavily on word-of-mouth?
Isam Khatib:Â Yes, it is largely a "word of mouth" policy. We serve a specific segment of clients who come to us to find exactly what they are looking for. We have a very strong customer base of people who appreciate what we offer, and they continue to deal with us for their children and grandchildren.
While some might view this as a quiet marketing policy, it is suitable for the size of our investments and the exclusivity of our properties. We are satisfied with our market share because we prioritize quality over quantity.
On the Future of Amman Real Estate
Q: Jordanian end-users are becoming more sophisticated. Do you see a change in buyer behavior?
Isam Khatib:Â Definitely. There is a change in the taste of end-users, and their demands are increasing. Some buyers now hire engineers when they buy apartments, demanding more sophisticated control systems and advanced luxury amenities.
I am always optimistic. I believe that our country has massive potential for a prosperous future. Jordan has built a strong infrastructure to attract regional and international investors. I encourage individuals and corporations to capture the opportunity of current prices to buy apartments and offices, because in the near future, the value of prime Amman real estate will only increase.