Philadelphia-based staffing and engineering services company CDI Corp. (NYSE: CDI) said it's forming a joint venture to create a Kuwait-based engineering, procurement and construction management firm. The partner in the venture is Emtiaz Engineering & Energy Holding, a firm focused on oil and gas, energy, drilling and other projects in the Middle East and Africa.

The joint venture, CDI Gulf International, will be 51% owned by Emtiaz and 49% owned by CDI. It will take part in oil and gas and other projects in Kuwait and the Gulf states.