Leadership is not always about titles; it is about evolution. Leadership at AtlasBlue, a leading swimming pool and wellness specialist, is ushered in through self-discovery and grows through a purpose-driven interaction with others. It is the art of setting clear goals, planning strategically, following through diligently, motivating the team, and achieving the targets, each step paving the way to a meaningful accomplishment. Leadership for Adel Y. Alshamali and Frank Hussain Dashti, partners at Atlas Blue, have been on a shared journey. In 2014, Adel Alshamali met his colleague Frank Dashti, and their conversation turned toward something more profound than business; it was a vision. The duo’s common passion sparked a partnership that would redefine not only Atlas Blue but the pool and wellness industry in Kuwait. This shared purpose led to a game-changing vision to take Atlas Blue, Kuwait’s first swimming pool company (established in 1982 by the late Mr. Hussain Dashti), into its next chapter.
Atlas Blue has defined its vision to become the most innovative, reliable, and professional swimming pool company in Kuwait, redefining the aquatic spaces through best-in-class design, quality, and sustainability. The company also lives up to the mission to deliver inspiring aquatic and wellness environments that enhance lifestyle and wellbeing, through state-of-the-art technology, expert craftsmanship, and a deep commitment to client satisfaction and environmental responsibility. With over 40 years of experience and a highly skilled team of 135+ professionals, Atlas Blue delivers fully integrated, custom-designed aquatic solutions across residential, commercial, and government sectors. Headquartered in Kuwait, the company’s operations span design, construction, renovation, service, and maintenance of swimming pools, jacuzzis, steam rooms, saunas, fountains, and wellness centers.
Atlas Blue is Kuwait’s first company to integrate modern pool-building techniques with eco-conscious practices. Atlas Blue has earned a trusted reputation by delivering numerous landmark projects over the years, including some of Kuwait’s first animated fountains and Olympic-sized swimming pools. From sleek infinity pools and hydrotherapy spas to advanced filtration and energy-saving systems, the company crafts environments that embody elegance, durability, and engineering excellence. However, the most significant achievement is the enduring relationships it has built with clients across generations. Today, Atlas Blue prides itself on constructing pools for the grandchildren of clients who first partnered with the company in the early 1980s. Remarkably, many of the pools built in those early years are still being serviced by the team, a true testament to the company’s lasting quality, commitment, and trust.
Harnessing Success with the Power of Planning
At the heart of Atlas Blue’s success lies a simple but powerful belief: ‘When you plan right, half the job is done.’ Thus, taking a cue from this saying, the duo worked on a consistent 36-month roadmap spanning January 2026 to December 2028, a 360-degree vision that guides all aspects of the business. This planning established not only goals but also ensured the alignment of operations across all divisions. “We traveled, we learned, we connected with international manufacturers, designers, and thought leaders to ensure we stayed at the cutting edge. Challenges came, and they still do. But we knew that with clarity of purpose, aligned thinking, and unwavering commitment, results would follow,” says Adel Alshamali. Today, the company emerged as a champion and tasted success by successfully developing a custom-built software system tailored to the swimming pool industry. Designed and implemented over 24 months, it now forms the digital backbone of its operations, enhancing transparency, traceability, and efficiency. “The fuel of our passion lies in witnessing the happiness, satisfaction, and motivation of our co-workers as they achieve milestones throughout Atlas Blue’s journey of success. We see it in their eyes and sense it in their mindset, the unspoken message: We can do more. Give us more challenges,” he adds.
Breaking Barriers: Translating Challenges into Breakthroughs
The chemistry of Adel Alshamali and Frank Dashti has been the driving force of Atlas Blue’s success. The duo’s like-minded thinking, shared values, and trust enabled vision to become strategy and strategy to become success. As leaders, their job is to break barriers, give direction, and encourage performance, ultimately leading to a decade of development, achievement, and innovation. “We believe in solutions, not problems. We motivate our staff to own, innovate, and turn challenges into triumphs. ‘If there is a will, there is a way’ is not a slogan; it’s our management credo. With this attitude, no obstacle is insurmountable, and no goal is unreachable,” he adds.
Future Aspirations: Becoming a Regional Icon
Atlas Blue’s next aspiration is to become the most recognized swimming pool and wellness brand in the GCC. This goal is driven by the expertise and dedication of its skilled team. With their commitment and the continued trust of clients and consultants, the company is confident that the next decade will surpass the successes of the last.
To future leaders and entrepreneurs, Adel Alshamali’s message is simple: never let obstacles derail your goals. Break through barriers and keep moving forward, success will follow. Determination remains the defining trait of true leadership. Stay focused on your mission, and everything else will fall into place.
