6 Partridge Grove, Swaffham, Norfolk, PE37 7TQ, United Kingdom
Company Registration No 14632997
General: 0044 203 143 3341
On behalf of the whole team at Industry Middle East Magazine we would like to extend a warm welcome to our latest issue.
We are very excited to share with you all our exclusive Q&A interview with Mr. John Pagano, CEO of Red Sea Global, who confirms that enhancing nature can co-exist with development. Red Sea Global was formed more than five years ago as a key part of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious strategy, embodied in Vision 2030, to develop its tourism industry and diversify its economy. Mr. Pagano confirms, “When we began our journey, we were called The Red Sea Development Company and our mandate was to deliver one of three giga-projects announced in the Kingdom. We decided at the outset to lead by example in terms of regenerative tourism development at our flagship destination on the Red Sea coast. From Day One, our objective has been to set new standards for the industry by not just conserving the environment but enhancing it. Last year we acquired Amaala, a development further North along the coast that focuses on wellness, health, and the arts. Our remit has continued to grow, and in late 2022, we rebranded as Red Sea Global to reflect our growing portfolio and our ambition and abilities to make an impact beyond Saudi Arabia. Our hope is to inspire other property developers and tourism companies around the world to join us on our mission to make tourism a force for good.”
As Ramadan begins, we extend our warmest wishes to all. May this month bring you peace, blessings, and joy. Ramadan is one of the most important dates in the Islamic calendar, with the start date 23rd March 2023, according to the moon sighting. The announcement was made by the moon-sighting committee in Saudi Arabia – known as the Hilal Sighting Committee – who announced on Tuesday March 21 that the new moon had not yet been seen over Mecca, and that the month would therefore last for one more day. We would like to wish everyone a blessed Ramadan.
Yourssincerely, TheIndustryMEEditorialTeam
John Pagano CEO of Red Sea Global
CONTENTS
32 WASL TOWER – REACHING NEW HEIGHTS IN 2024
12 54 46 32 6
6 RAMADAN IN DUBAI –CURATED BY DUBAI FESTIVALS AND RETAIL ESTABLISHMENT, ‘RAMADAN IN DUBAI’ FESTIVITIES WILL RUN FROM MARCH 23-APRIL 21
Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of DFRE, said, “Ramadan is a unique time of year when we can reflect, appreciate the blessings of life and create special memories with family and friends. This Ramadan in Dubai, everyone is welcome to our great city to enjoy cultural moments and experience the sense of togetherness that is felt throughout the Holy Month.
12 RED SEA GLOBAL – PROOF THAT ENHANCING NATURE CAN CO-EXIST WITH DEVELOPMENT
Humanity faces immense challenges, from global warming and the loss of biodiversity to sick oceans and the loss of livelihoods that depend on them. Red Sea Global is proof that enhancing nature can co-exist with development. I’m confident that we can motivate and inspire others to join us in setting new, more sustainable standards for tourism and creating a legacy that benefits future generations.
The striking Wasl Tower along Sheikh Zayed Road will open by Q2 2024, confirm developers. Wasl Asset Management Group said the 302-metre twisting tower is “taking shape.” Wasl Tower will consist of 64 floors constituting 229 residential units, 258 hotel rooms as part of Dubai’s second Mandarin Oriental Hotel, 185,345 square feet of o ce space, and 11 parking floors. The project, with a total built-up area of 1.8 million square feet, will also feature a helipad.
46 THE AVENUES RIYADH –SAUDI ARABIA’S DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
In the near future, Saudi Arabia’s capital will be home to the Avenues Riyadh, an upcoming multi-purpose district. Situated in the north-western region of Riyadh, the urban area will be home to several businesses including international hotels, exhibitions, conference halls, residential apartments, o ces, medical facilities, and a parking lot for over 14,000 vehicles.
54 NADA DAIRY – MARKET LEADERS IN SAUDI ARABIA
Nada Dairy was established in 1982 by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdullah Al Othman in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. With a trusted base of 1400 employees, high standards of animal welfare and a wide variety of products, the company rapidly became market leaders in Saudi Arabia.
RAMADAN
IN DUBAI
March 23rd - April 21
“Curated by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, ‘Ramadan in Dubai’ festivities will run from March 23-April 21”
RAMADAN IN DUBAI
Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) has curated ‘Ramadan in Dubai’ festivities for the community.
These activities will run from March 23 to April 21, to celebrate Ramadan.
The event offers iftars and suhoors, Ramadan markets, festive citywide lighting, and retail offers. Additionally, there will be family entertainment and hotel stays, according to the state news agency, WAM.
Plans in place for Ramadan.
Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of DFRE, said, “Ramadan is a unique time of year when we can reflect, appreciate the blessings of life and create special memories with family and friends. This Ramadan in Dubai, everyone is welcome to our great city to enjoy cultural moments and experience the sense of togetherness that is felt throughout the Holy Month.
“Working with our partners across the government and private sectors, we have created a programme of exciting events and activities, exquisite gastronomy, and world-class entertainment, that will make Ramadan in Dubai a month to remember. It will bring people together, celebrate our heritage and culture with friends and family,
and provide opportunities for acts of charity and generosity.”
During Ramadan, Dubai will be transformed with beautiful lighting installations adorning the city’s landmarks, trees, roadsides, and shopping destinations, WAM reported.
These include a daily ‘Imagine Ramadan Projection’ at Festival Bay in Dubai Festival City Mall, and a stunning ‘Ramadan in Dubai Reflections’ immersive building projection accompanied by lanterns lighting the way at Al Seef.
The ‘Ramadan Fireworks Nights’ displays will be held on April 1
at The Beach, Bluewaters and JBR, on April 8 at Al Seef, and on April 15 at Dubai Festival City Mall.
Local delicacies
Visitors can enjoy daily dates and kahwa after Maghrib prayers and shop for items such as honey, dates, Arabic sweets, and decorative items.
For a relaxing break with family or even alone, the Hatta Hub will offer an inspiring ambience to sample international cuisines,
browse retail outlets, and enjoy entertainment in the evenings (March 22 to May 1).
The Al Barsha Park Ramadan Market will take place at Al Barsha Pond Park from March 22 to May 1.
Dubai Opera will offer a buffet with Arabic and international cuisine, while Asateer in Atlantis the Palm will offer traditional Iftar and Suhoor.
The Bulgari Ramadan experience will offer live food stations and live entertainment for Iftar and Suhoor, while the Habtoor Grand Resort Autograph Collection and City Walk’s Dana Tent will have outdoor Iftar and Suhoor options.
Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach will also provide Iftar and Suhoor options at several of its restaurants, while Carna by Dario Cecchini will offer a rooftop Iftar on the 74th floor of SLS Dubai.
The Ramadan Street Food Festival will take place from March 31-April 9.
Ringing the cannon
During the Holy Month, the Dubai Police will be sounding the iftar cannon at various locations across the city, starting with Satwa Grand Mosque on March 23 and 24. The cannon will continue to
RAMADAN IN DUBAI
sound at iftar time until April 21 at different locations for two days in a row at each destination.
These locations include DIFC, Zabeel Grand Mosque, Al Nahda National School for Girls, Lahbab Mosque 1, Al Aweer Grand Mosque, Ahmed Al Habbai Mosque in Al Khawaneej, Bin Dafoos Mosque in Al Twar, Al Mankhool, Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum City, Ain Dubai, Al Salam Mosque in Al Barsha, Kite Beach in Jumeirah, Nad Al Sheba Mosque, The Pointe at Palm Jumeirah.
Expo City Dubai will also host a charitable initiative in the form of Hattan, a collection of clothing donation boxes that have been decorated by young artists from schools in Dubai with paintings inspired by the city’s culture and traditions. The boxes will be available for donations from March 22-April 22, offering an opportunity to give to those in need.
Dubai Festival City Mall will offer special rewards to shoppers, including tickets to Bounce X, access to Glowland, an Al-Futtaim gift card, besides the opportunity to win Dhs200,000 for users of its Blue App.
Visitors to the mall can check out the Zehi Exhibition, which will feature local
businesses offering a range of curated products such as abayas, perfumes, jewellery, and home accessories.
Families can take their children to AstroLab in Nakheel Mall, where they can participate in free space, science, and art workshops (March 24-April 16).
From March 24 to April 16, visitors to Nakheel Mall can view the work of Emirati artist Azza Al Qubaisi at the Nakheel Mall Gallery Exhibition. Some of the artworks on display will include The Abaya, Between the Dunes, and 7 Falcons.
In addition, visitors can enjoy live traditional entertainment, including oud and qanun players and pianists, after Iftar every weekend between 24 March and 23 April.
Ramadan can be celebrated every weekend at Freej Al Khawaneej in Al Khawaneej Walk and Last Exit Al Khawaneej.
Community members can enjoy traditional celebrations and a host of activities, such as live music, free kids activities, Hakawati storytelling, and Ramadan quizzes from March 24-April 16.
Mall of the Emirates will host the Ramadan market activation, Ramadaniyat Zeman Awwal, available both online and in-person (March 22- April 25).
Every Tuesday during the Holy Month, visitors can attend the Ramadan Talks, held in the Zeman Awwal Majlis Cinema, covering topics such as Ramadan etiquette, healthy F&B habits, modest fashion, and more.
Al Seef will host Ramadan Art Nights & Lights (March 23-April 22), featuring a Ramadan street market, dining options, art and lighting installations, live music, Ramadan quiz nights, storytelling for kids, and a fireworks display.
Bluewaters will offer a range of fun activities and authentic Emirati hospitality every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday between March 23rd and April 21.
Visitors can enjoy a photo booth with traditional props and clothing, a free henna session, and performances by oud or qanun players.
From April 6-18, visitors to Al Marmoom Heritage Village can celebrate Emirati culture and experience preserved Arabian traditions at the Al Marmoom Heritage Festival. Ramadan Wonders at Global Village will offer the perfect place for a night out with family and loved ones. Visitors can enjoy the Ramadan Market, Majlis of the World, and a variety of delicious cuisines for iftar and suhoor.
RED SEA
GLOBAL
Proof that Enhancing Nature can coexist with Development
“Humanity faces immense challenges, from global warming and the loss of biodiversity to sick oceans and the loss of livelihoods that depend on them.”
Q&A RED SEA GLOBAL
Red Sea Global is proof that enhancing nature can co-exist with development – We find out more with Global First Media’s exclusive interview with John Pagano, CEO of Red Sea Global.
1. When did you become CEO of Red Sea Global (TRSDC previously) ?
Can you please discuss your history and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve worked in the international commercial property business for more than 40 years, with experience in Europe, North America, the Caribbean and now Saudi Arabia. I’ve been fortunate to have had a broad exposure
to the industry, from master planning and project structuring to financing, construction and asset management. I joined Red Sea Global (RSG) as CEO in 2018, when we were still called The Red Sea Development Company.
Before joining RSG, I headed my own company, Old Fort Capital Investments Ltd., which specialized in providing strategic advice and services to landowners, investors, and developers, with a focus on large-scale real estate projects. Prior to that, I spent more than 23 years in various roles at the Canary Wharf development in London.
I also worked for four years as President of Baha Mar Development Company Ltd. in the Bahamas. This $3.6 billion property development included four new hotels, a convention center, and a Jack Nicklaus
Signature championship golf course.
I graduated from the University of Toronto with a BASc degree in Mechanical Engineering. I got my first taste of business as an eight-year-old delivering newspapers.
2. In your own words, please give me an overview of Red Sea Global, when did it all begin?
Red Sea Global was formed more than five years ago as a key part of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious strategy, embodied in Vision 2030, to develop its tourism industry and diversify its economy. When we began our journey, we were called The Red Sea Development Company and our mandate was to deliver one of three giga-projects announced in the Kingdom. We decided at the outset to lead by example in terms of regenerative tourism development at our flagship destination on the Red Sea coast. From Day One, our objective has been to set new standards for the industry by not just conserving the environment but enhancing it.
Last year we acquired Amaala, a development further North along the coast that focuses on wellness, health, and the arts. Our remit has continued to grow, and in late 2022, we rebranded as Red Sea Global to reflect our growing portfolio and our ambition and abilities to make an impact beyond Saudi Arabia. Our hope is to inspire other property developers and tourism companies around the world to join us on our mission to make tourism a force for good.
3. Will Red Sea Global always be owned by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia?
We are extremely fortunate to have the full support of the PIF, our shareholder, as well as the energetic backing of our chairman, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Our first phase on both projects is fully funded, although we have
already welcomed external investors to participate and continue to receive interest from other parties. Last year for example, we announced that Al Mutlaq Group had signed a joint venture to develop our Jumeirah property on Shura Island at The Red Sea.
4. How many projects are taking place at Red Sea Global, and how many phases of development are there going to be?
Our focus is on developing The Red Sea destination and Amaala. We will open our first three hotels at The Red Sea this year, and 13 more in 2024. We plan to raise that number to 50 hotels in the second phase. At Amaala, we are developing eight hotels in the first phase and plan to welcome our first guests there in 2024.
We also have several other projects that we will announce publicly at the
appropriate time. In total, we’re working on a dozen projects up and down Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast.
5. What contribution will the development have on the Kingdom’s economy when completed?
As part of our support for Vision 2030, we are committed to creating opportunities for the Kingdom and its people. Our model of responsible development will drive economic growth, both in local communities and on a national scale. Before the pandemic, tourism accounted for 1 in every 10 jobs worldwide, and Red Sea Global expects to create upwards of 120,000 direct and indirect jobs through Amaala and The Red Sea alone. Many of these jobs will appeal especially to younger Saudis entering the work force.
We will also make a significant contribution to diversifying the Kingdom’s economy, spearheading efforts to put Saudi Arabia on the international tourism map. Tourism on average generates 10% of global GDP, but in Saudi Arabia that share is closer to just 3%. So, we foresee tourism making a larger contribution to Saudi GDP and becoming a pillar of the economy, with Red Sea Global leading the way.
6. Since the development first began, how has the project performed and grown? Ahead of schedule or on time? Has the development had any problems which have caused a delay at any stage? If so, what were they?
Work is on schedule at both of our destinations. Any delays have
been minor, thanks to careful planning and the hard work and commitment of our employees, partners, and stakeholders. We have proven that we can deliver on our promises and are on track to welcome first guests this year. We recently received the first shipment of our iconic over-water villas for our resort being built at Sheybarah Island as part of phase one of The Red Sea. Last year we landed our first flight at the Red Sea International airport.
7. What role has training, and recruitment played at Red Sea Global?
de Lausanne. We’re proud to have awarded 170 scholarships to high school students for this program to date, with 50 more set to be announced later this year. We also created the Elite Graduate Program, which has brought in
Training is vital to our success. We’re basically contributing to the building of a new industry in Saudi Arabia, so we must develop the talent and human resources we need to fill hundreds of different roles. While nearly 50% of our staff are Saudi citizens, we aim to build on this and create new opportunities for ambitious young Saudis as part of our commitment to planet and people.
We’ve launched a wide variety of training initiatives, including a program with Saudi Arabia’s University of Prince Mugrin offering both theoretical and hands-on experience that’s accredited by the École hôtelière
nursery employees. These programs are already making a meaningful impact where it counts.
These programs equip participants with the skills to build up the Kingdom’s tourism industry. With talented, trained individuals at the helm, the future of the industry and the wider Saudi economy is extremely bright.
180 graduates for on-the-job training over the last four years in full-time roles, with the next batch set to join early this year. This is a once-in-a-lifetime project -- an opportunity for graduates to learn from the best local and international talent.
In addition, we’ve provided 1,500 vocational training places; successful trainees will be employed by us or our partners. This number is set to grow ten-fold. And we have various targeted training programs for people in the local community to prepare them for full-time roles at our destinations. For example, we’re training 40 boat captains and upwards of 100 landscape
8. Are you working with any universities? Have you provided any scholarships?
As I mentioned, we operate a highly successful degree program with the University of Prince Mugrin that’s accredited by Switzerland’s École hôtelière de Lausanne, arguably the most famous hospitality school in the world. We’re also working with the University of Tabuk’s College of Hospitality & Tourism to train local students for jobs in tourism and hospitality; they’ll earn a diploma that’s accredited by Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
On the operational side, we work very closely with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, or KAUST. We partner with scientists from KAUST in various projects, and many of our senior experts have taught there. This kind of collaboration strengthens our science-led approach to regenerative development. We are relentless innovators, and we value like-minded partners in the academic world.
9. To ensure quality of the highest standards what measures have been taken?
Red Sea Global’s biggest asset is nature, including pristine islands and one of the world’s most vibrant and thriving coral reefs. Protecting and enhancing the quality of this natural environment is our top priority. So, before we stuck our first shovel in the ground, we
RED SEA GLOBAL
sent in scientists to catalogue and assess the stunning biodiversity of The Red Sea project area. Based on what they learned through a large-scale Marine Spatial Planning exercise, we decided to develop just 1% of the entire 28,000 square-kilometer area – a site that’s almost the size of Belgium – and to leave the rest untouched. We also set a target of achieving a 30% net conservation benefit to the area by 2040 – a goal we also applied to Amaala.
We’ve been just as meticulous in terms of design, construction and the quality of our resorts and our offerings to guests. We engaged some of the world’s most innovative designers and architects -- Kengo Kuma, Foster+Partners and Killa Design, to name just a few. An example of their creativity is the futuristic, stainless steel, orb-shaped villas that we’re installing at our Sheybarah island resort. We had these villas built in the United Arab Emirates and shipped to us; we
10. Cybersecurity is something we focus on a lot. What do you have in place at the Red Sea International Airport?
We have safeguards and protocols in place at the airport that are designed and constantly updated to guard against cyber-attacks and ensure data protection and business continuity.
In addition, we have a unique mobility and baggage-handling
choose otherwise). When their stay is over, a smart check-in and baggage transfer facility will let our guests maximise their time at the resorts and arrive at the airport at their chosen time before departure.
Cybersecurity will safeguard these operations and uses of data and will optimize the guest experience. For example, outbound guests will be able to track their bags and know when their bags will reach the airport.
use off-site manufacturing techniques like this whenever possible, to minimize impact on the local environment during construction.
What’s more, The Red Sea will be the biggest tourism destination in the world powered completely by renewable energy. From vehicles to boats to aircraft, our mobility network will be 100% electric or powered by hydrogen. We’re setting new standards for sustainability in our industry, and we hope to inspire others to join us in a transition to regenerative development.
system to ensure that the vast majority of our guests’ bags will be taken directly to their resorts, without guests needing to wait at airport carousels. Guests will proceed to their destinations in electric vehicles, boats, or seaplanes, while their bags travel separately (unless they
Of course, cybersecurity is also a key consideration for the Red Sea Global group and for our destinations in general.
11. How has the environment been protected? What strategies do you have in place to reduce your carbon footprint?
Protecting and enhancing the environment have been core priorities for Red Sea Global from the beginning. At The Red Sea destination, we’re developing only 22 of more than 90 islands. We’re preserving the remaining 75% of those islands, nine of which we’ve designated as special conservation zones. Our resorts will generate zero waste to landfill and ban all single-use plastics. We’re also capping our annual number of visitors at both The Red Sea and Amaala to protect our precious ecosystems.
One of our first steps at The Red Sea destination was to thoroughly assess a pristine lagoon at the heart of the project site, using marine spatial planning. We drew up a list of actions to help ease pressure on the lagoon’s environment, from cleaning beaches to rebuilding fish stocks. A peer-reviewed scientific journal in Switzerland even published our study. In a separate effort, we surveyed the wildlife and habitats of 200 kilometers of coastline; no property developer has done a bigger environment survey. This survey serves as a baseline for us to track progress toward our goal of achieving a 30% conservation benefit by 2040.
We’re also farming corals and planting and restoring mangrove trees, one of nature’s best defenses against global warming. We use treated wastewater from our constructed wetlands sewage treatment plant -- the biggest of its kind in the Middle East -- to irrigate our landscape nursery. To reduce our carbon footprint, we’re installing the world’s largest microgrid supplied exclusively by renewable energy. We’re building the world’s biggest battery storage facility, and our water desalination plants and our vehicles on land, sea and air will be electric or hydrogen-powered.
12. Electromin are assisting in the supply of an electric bus fleet. Could you please tell us more about this and other green initiative plans?
Our agreement with Electromin and Energy International Corporation has made us the owner of Saudi Arabia’s first-ever fleet of carbonneutral electric buses. It’s just one part of our e-mobility and zero-carbon strategy. We’ve also partnered with a company called ZeroAvia to develop seaplanes powered by hydrogen fuel cells. And we’re investing in a battery storage facility that will, at 1,200MWh, be the largest of its kind, enabling The Red Sea destination to be powered by 100% renewable energy day and night. Both The Red Sea and Amaala will run exclusively on renewables.
We have a multitude of other initiatives, including our installation of innovative floating nurseries for corals. These offshore nurseries have achieved a 90% success rate, and our findings may contribute to protecting coral reefs in other parts of the world. We’re also planting and restoring millions of mangroves. Independent research suggests that tree for tree, mangrove forests can sequester up to four
RED SEA GLOBAL
times more carbon than other land-based forests. They’re also hotbeds of biodiversity. Our landscape nursery, the largest in the Middle East, is already home to more than two million plants and trees which will beautify our destinations but also create new terrestrial habitats.
And our decision to develop only 1% of the total area at The Red Sea destination speaks for itself. Once the Red Sea and Amaala become operational, we will cap the number of visitors at both destinations to help protect our habitats and wildlife, including the critically endangered Hawksbill sea turtle and the regionally endangered sooty falcon.
13. What about safety, how important is this to Red Sea Global?
The safety of our employees and future guests is of paramount importance. For example, we have secured ISO 45001 Health & Safety Management System accreditation, setting new standards to ensure the safety of everyone who works at Red Sea Global. We’ve also won numerous regional awards that are testament to our prioritization of safety and worker welfare.
14. What are the biggest operational challenges that the development faces? How are these overcome?
Our original project at The Red Sea was a remote greenfield site, with minimal infrastructure of any kind. This presented a basic challenge. And because we prioritized the environment, we
had to blaze our own trail in terms of regulations and solutions.
Although this has been a challenge, we’ve turned it on its head and made it an opportunity to do things the right way from the very beginning -- to put nature at the heart of what we do.
15. Supplychain is a very important part to any business. How is this managed?
Alongside our growing team of commercial and procurement experts, we use the SAP Ariba platform to manage our pre-registered businesses, issue RFPs to market, and manage the tender process from start to finish -- all in a way that meets international standards for fairness and transparency.
Of course, the procurement process also takes into account our desire to work with like-minded partners who care about people and planet and want to share in our drive to change the development business for the better. We will always welcome working with innovators who share this vision.
16. The company has awarded more than 1300 contracts, who are they and how do you keep a great relationship with them?
The bedrock of our relationships with contractors, both domestic and foreign, is cooperation and collaboration. Red Sea Global seeks to combine international expertise with local knowledge. For Saudi companies, we want to be their contractor of choice by delivering on our promises, paying them in full and on time, and showing that we’re making tangible progress developing our destinations.
Our Saudi contracting partners include: ACWA Power, which leads a consortium that’s installing our renewable energy facilities and microgrid; a joint venture between Nesma & Partners Contracting Company and Almabani General Contractors to develop infrastructure at our Red Sea International Airport; Al Bawani, the builder of civil and structural works at our Southern Dunes resort; and Contracting & Construction Enterprises, which is building infrastructure at The Red Sea village that will house the 14,000 people who will eventually work at the destination. Most recently, we awarded an infrastructure and utility contract for the Amaala project worth nearly 1 billion riyals to AL-AYUNI Investment and Contracting Company.
Aside from our outstanding global hotel company partners, the international contractors we’re working with include: Greece-based Archirodon, which designed and built the Shura bridge to The Red Sea’s hub island; Swiss timber construction firm Blumer Lehmann; and Ireland-based daa International, operator of our airport.
17. How did the likes of Foster + Partners, Nesma, Turner & Townsend win tenders? How does the process work?
All of our partners register on the SAP Ariba platform, and we go
through a fair and transparent tender process to award all of our projects. Sometimes, with architecture and design, we launch worldwide competitions in which firms submit designs for us to consider.
18. What are the time frames for the development and each individual project?
Our first three hotels at The Red Sea will open this year – the Six Senses Southern Dunes, The St. Regis Red Sea Resort and the Nujuma Ritz-Carlton Reserve. We’ll add 13 more resorts in 2024. That’s all in the first phase of the destination.
For subsequent phases, we plan to take that total to 50 hotels and develop more supporting infrastructure and experiential assets.
We are working on eight hotels in the first phase at Amaala, where we expect to welcome our first guests in 2024 and will reveal more details about upcoming phases in due course.
19. The future, how is it looking for Red Sea Global?
This is an exhilarating time for our company. We’re ramping up to open our first hotels in just a few months, and our recent re-branding underscores our intention to blaze a worldwide trail of regenerative development. Our portfolio has expanded from a single destination to more than a dozen projects. We’ve shown that we deliver on what we promise, for planet and people, and now we’re poised to take our business to a higher level.
Red Sea Global is creating jobs and giving back to the communities where we operate.
At the same time, we’re leading by example and forming partnerships with purpose to amplify our message that the world needs urgently to put nature first.
Humanity faces immense challenges, from global warming and the loss of biodiversity to sick oceans and the loss of livelihoods that depend on them. Red Sea Global is proof that enhancing nature can co-exist with development. I’m confident that we can motivate and inspire others to join us in setting new, more sustainable standards for tourism and creating a legacy that benefits future generations.
ENERGY INTERNATIONAL GLOBAL
to Deliver Zero-Emission Electric Buses to Red Sea Global
Energy International Global to Deliver Zero-Emission Electric
Buses to Red Sea Global
Red Sea Global to be the owner of Saudi Arabia’s first fleet of carbon-neutral buses
Energy International Global is playing a major role in revolutionizing transportation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with the announcement of the sale of a fleet of all-electric, zero-emission buses to Red Sea Global (RSG).
The purchase agreement with Energy International Global will make RSG the owner of Saud Arabia’s first-ever fleet of carbon neutral buses.
RSG, the developer behind The Red Sea and Amaala destinations, aims to enhance Saudi Arabia’s luxury tourism and sustainability by offering responsible and regenerative tourist destinations, going above and beyond to not only protect the natural environment, but to enhance it for future generations.
Now, with the purchase of Energy International’s electric buses, RSG is taking a bold step towards a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Emission-free transportation aligns with RSG’s broader commitment to set the standard for regenerative tourism. A fully
clean, green, emission-free transportation network is a key element to achieving the goal of carbon-neutral operations across The Red Sea destination area.
Rami Fawaz, Managing Director of Energy International Global, expressed his excitement about the sale and the impact it will have on the region. “We are thrilled to be partnering with Red Sea Global on this historic purchase. This marks a significant milestone in the transition to clean energy and sustainable transportation in Saudi Arabia. We are honored to be at the forefront of this movement and look forward to working with more companies in the future to make
EIC’s Parking & Transportation Division, headquartered in Dubai, UAE, installed the first automated parking system in Dubai in 1988 and currently provides technical support to the Dubai Roads and Transportation Authority (RTA) including the development, installation and management of an automated ticketing system to service the Emirate’s bus and rail fleet.
solution was key to achieving that goal.”
Energy International Global, with assistance from the Energy International Controls o ce in Riyadh, KSA, set up a meeting with RSG to introduce them to the Eurabus 3.0.
sustainable transportation a reality.”
Energy International Global has a long history of innovation in the region. Parent company Energy International Corporation (EIC) has been supplying quality HVAC, electromechanical and fire safety components and systems to major construction projects throughout the Middle East and North Africa for more than 40 years.
EIC operates out of o ces in Lebanon, Jordan, Qatar, United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia representing an impressive list of leading manufacturers including Twin City Fan & Blower, Armstrong Fluid Technologies and BLE Smoke & Fire Curtains.
“RSG conducted comprehensive analysis of the total land, sea and air transport needs to meet the goal of The Red Sea becoming carbon neutral by 2030,” said Fawaz.
“The need for a fully-green, emission free transportation
“We were able to show RSG how the Eurabus 3.0 met all of their requirements and after a few months of negotiations and with the assistance of Icons Consulting, LLC we were able to secure the order for the first units.”
Eurabus, headquartered in Berlin, Germany, is a world leader in clean transportation
specializing in the design and construction of sustainable e-city, e-coaches and e-special all-electric buses.
The Eurabus 3.0 Series are state-of-the-art vehicles equipped with the latest in electric propulsion systems and advanced safety features, such as collision avoidance and automatic braking systems.
The initial fleet of seven buses (four 8.5-meter and three 12-meter vehicles) will be used to service regular routes for employees between their homes in the purpose-built Turtle Bay to their jobs at the destination, , which will accept guests later this year.
The fleet will grow to become part of a comprehensive fullyintegrated mobility network that will include transporting guests in luxury, carbon-neutral vehicles from the destination’s international airport to one of 50 resorts and 1,000 residential properties situated across 22 islands.
The Eurabus 3.0 features a lightweight modular aluminum design inspired by aircraft construction. Modular construction delivers a bus that is lighter than competing vehicles while providing a unit that is easier to assemble and repair.
The exterior also features cataphoretic coated exterior, anodized aluminum bumpers and permanent anti-corrosion protection.
Power comes from Li-ion batteries with a total capacity from 350 kWh up to 550 kWh. Its powerful battery eliminates the need for a complex infrastructure allowing operators the benefit of utilizing low electricity rates when charging the buses at night.
The batteries power a permanent magnet motor with continuous power up to 190kW and peak power 260kW (8.5-meter bus) and continuous
power up to 260kW and peak power of 370kW (12-meter bus). Top speed is 90 km/h with a range of 250 km.
Charging options include an AC type 2, 63A, 44kW onboard charger or 2*63A onboard charger, 66 or 88kW. A DC option includes CCS2, up to 500A or 2*CCS2, 2*500A. Charging time (full charging) is two to 10 hours depending on defined charging power and battery capacity.
Buses are equipped with Eurabus automotive qualified BMS, functional safety systems and an emergency cut off system near the driver, rear compartment charging inlet and service disconnect for safe maintenance.
Passengers will enjoy a comfortable ride in a cabin equipped with a full electric HVAC system and tinted windows with UV protection.
The 8.5-meter buses are configured to seat 22 passengers with
standing room for up to 33 additional passengers depending on maximum gross vehicle weight.
The 12-meter models can be configured to seat 26 or 30 passengers (excluding driver) with standing capacity up to 64 passengers, depending on seating configurations. Both buses have a su cient number of straps fixed to horizontal handrails.
technology led e-mobility solutions
Providing a complete solutions from consultancy through to network operation and maintenance for Individuals, Businesses and Governments
WHO ARE WE?
Electromin is a technology led e-mobility solutions provider focusing on 3 areas of excellence.
1. Providing a complete turnkey solution from in-depth consultancy through to network operation and maintenance for:
− Individuals
− Businesses
− Governments
2. We are building a charging network to offer a seamless charging experience for EV drivers across the Kingdom
3. We have key partnerships from around the world to ensure that Electromin can provide the knowledge and experience to a market which is in its infancy in KSA & GCC.
Electromin will be alongside you every step of the way as your future needs develop.
EV CONSULTANCY WHERE DO I START?
Vision Discovery
We understand the bigger picture solution needed to
achieve your immediate and long term objectives. We don’t stop asking questions until we’re confident we can create your perfect solution
Planning Approval Process
Ensuring the proposed solution meets the relevant government policies and is aligned with the countries standards
E- mobility Adoption Analysis
Using data analytics, we will work with you to ascertain how, when and which vehicles you can electrify.
EV INFRASTRUCTURE
CAN I ORDER MY CHARGER AND HAVE IT INSTALLED ?
EV Chargers
We offer every type of EV Chargers for home to workplace to public, from Slow to fast to ulltra fast, we’ve got you covered.
Site Survey
Pre-installation inspection of site to determine the full scope of works required to complete the solution.
EV Installation
To be completed by our certified and qualified team to ensure the full scope of works meet the regulations.
Charger Servicing
We provide comprehensive service and maintenance to ensure the continuity and operation e ciency.
Infrastructure
EV CHARGE POINT OPERATION
HOW DO I OPERATE MY CHARGER? (PEACE OF MIND)
Charge Point Management Services
We track, manage and control your network of charging stations flexibly and e ciently.
Operational Maintenance
Comprehensive Service Level Agreements covering operation, fault response and resolution times, you can count on us when things go right, and if they go wrong.
Charge on the Go App
We have a mobile app to locate public chargers, plan your trip, see the status and pay for your charge
24/7 Call Centre
A dedicated call center to guide and help EV users with charging, faults or any technical error that users may encounter.
Charge Point Operations
VEHICLES, MAINTENANCE AND FUNDING ELECTROMIN ECOSYSTEM
Electric Vehicles, Passenger Cars Vans, Trucks, Maintenance OLEV Buses, EV Buses, Electric & Hybrid Taxis Logistic Vehicle Construction Vehicle Sanitation Vehicle
We provide a unique solution for worry-free motoring by offering full life cycle support in the EV aftermarket ecosystem, leveraging our vast network of over 700 locations in Saudi Arabia with further locations across GCC and other countries.
SUMMARY OF ELECTROMIN CAPABILITIES UNIQUE FROM DAY ONE
• The only company in the MENA region that has the most extensive expertise in e-Mobility solutions.
• The only company in KSA which can effectively provide electric chargers, electric vehicles, installation, operations, and maintenance.
• We are brand agnostic and we choose the best chargers and right vehicles for your requirement.
• Readily available world class human capital in mobility and electrification domain.
• Highly experienced leadership team in the e-mobility ecosystem.
• Demonstrated capabilities in exceptional execution of mobility and service operations across KSA – 100 chargers nation wide, 1000+ Service touchpoints.
• The only operational charging network in Saudi Arabia which is expanding to include the rest of the GCC.
Sharjah Cement & Industrial Development Co.
P.O. Box 2083, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Tel: +971 6 5695666 Fax : +971 6 5683171 E-mail: scidcho@eim.ae Website: www.sharjahcement.com
Manufacturers of: Ordinary Portland Cement / Sulfate-Resisting Portland Cement/Moderate Sulfate-Resisting Portland Cement/ Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag/CEM III A / CEM III B & Oil Well Class-G Cement / Blended Oil Well Cement (All available in Bag or Bulk). For inquiries: sales@sharjahcementfactory.ae
Leading manufacturer of Multiwall, glued / pasted valve type empty Paper Sacks (in2,3,4,5&6plies&printupto3colours),intheMiddleEastforpackingCement, Fertilizers, Chemicals, Flours, Minerals, etc.
Largest synthetic rope, baler twine and Jumbo Bags manufacturer in U.A.E. established in 1994. Manufacturing synthetic ropes (in 3 & 8 Strand) under the brand name FALCON inclusive of HDPE, PP, Nylon, PPMF, Polyester, Double Braided Ropes, Mooring Tails, Cable Fillers and Baler Twine. Ropes are produced from 2mm dia to 120mm dia in size, in various colours.
“The striking Wasl Tower along Sheikh Zayed Road will open by Q2 2024, con昀椀rm developers. Wasl Asset Management Group said the 302-metre twisting tower is “taking shape.”
Wasl Tower – Reaching new Heights in 2024
The striking Wasl Tower along Sheikh Zayed Road will open by Q2 2024, confirm developers. Wasl Asset Management Group said the 302-metre twisting tower is “taking shape.”
Wasl Tower will consist of 64 floors constituting 229 residential units, 258 hotel rooms as part of Dubai’s second Mandarin Oriental Hotel, 185,345 square feet of o ce space, and 11 parking floors. The project, with a total built-up area of 1.8 million square feet, will also feature a helipad.
Structural works on 56 floors of Wasl Tower have been completed, and façade works have reached level 13, whereas MEP works are now at level 52.
UNStudio, in collaboration with Werner Sobek, was invited by the Wasl Development Group to design a new kind of high-rise for the city of Dubai that would act as a benchmark for both the region and for the Wasl Development Group itself.
The project is located in an exceptional central position in Dubai’s network – along Sheikh Zayed Road, the main thoroughfare that connects
the Emirates north to south – and directly opposite the Burj Khalifa. When completed the Wasl Tower will be one of the world’s tallest ceramic facades.
Dubai’s reputation as a transfer hub is rapidly transforming into one of a long stay destination, especially during the cooler winter months. The city also enjoys an impressive infrastructure. When arriving at night by plane or car it resembles an ever evolving organism in the dark dessert; connecting places, people and culture.
The design concept for Wasl Tower – a slender 300 metre tall super-high-rise –reflects the notion of these connections. Adopting a classic ‘contrapposto’ movement, the mixed-use tower faces in almost every direction and offers public areas high up in the building. Taking cultural sustainability, health and innovation to the next level
Ben van Berkel: “As the project strongly relates to and interconnects with Dubai’s urban experience, the aim is to make a visit to the Wasl Tower as attractive and contemporary as possible. As such a dedicated concept of health, comfort and well-being throughout was developed for the building.”
UNStudio’s design is closely interlinked with the engineering and sustainability concept developed by Werner Sobek. This close cooperation defines scale, light, building physics and materialisation. In addition, smart access, communication and security provide a seamless technological base which is integrated with the architecture.
Clean materials, interactive light levels, in addition to good acoustics are implemented in all spaces throughout the building.
Particularly on the public levels, when combined with a specific food experience, hosting and aesthetics, they will result in a seductive activation of the human senses. Wasl Tower will be one of the world’s tallest ceramic facades. In consultation with the client, clay was chosen as a basic material, as such the facade fins will be manufactured as low-tech, glazed ceramic elements.
The geometry of the tower achieved its holistic appearance by means of innovative parametric design and high-tech engineering. The available sustainable measures required in the broader region have been seamlessly implemented into
the design.
On the facade a fine lace of inclined fins over the basic skin literally veils the geometry and provides the required ‘closed’ surfaces. These fins not only provide shade, but also reflect daylight deep into the tower’s interior.
Mada Gypsum is supplying Drywall Partitions and Ceiling solutions on this prestigious project for applications such as demising walls, internal walls, bathroom walls with tile loading, kitchen walls with heavy shelf loading, shaft wall systems, facade terminations, acoustic Ceilings, aluminium tile ceiling, gypsum tile ceiling, concealed gypsum ceiling, Access Panels, and other finishing products. MGC’s approach on Al Wasl Tower has been to collaborate with other disciplines such as the interior design team, the MEP team, facade team etc to review jointly structural design requirement’s, compliance to the fire & acoustic standards, and at times required our tech team to supply customized solutions in-line with the client Al Wasl project specifications & requirements.
The open seam that runs the full height of the tower forms a ‘vertical boulevard’, which
is topped by infinity pools on the tower roof. This seam is created by a stacking of outdoor balconies and forms a green vein which also affords a glimpse of the interior of the building. The boulevard connects the outdoor with the indoor and is a unique feature for the region.
Facade lighting housed behind the fins and developed with Arup Lighting, is programmed as a rhythmic animation that breathes with the cadence of this 24-hour metropole and provides a visual connection to the city. This facade lighting is powered the energy cube pv panels located on the car park building.
The inside of the tower is equally sustainable. The mixed-use programme, comprising o ces, guest rooms, public areas and apartments, presented a challenging core configuration. A smart structural concept – with three 300 metre high shear walls in the core that connect 4 large outriggers on strategic levels – gives the tower an almost free, highly e cient floorplate. Meanwhile a vertical transport strategy is implemented to facilitate separate access to the
various programmes. Three high-speed express lifts connect the four main lobbies (ground / spa / sky and rooftop) which contain most of the public programme and the main access for the hotel (at 150 metres).
Four o ce and four guestroom lifts share the same lift shaft, while the residential apartments on the higher levels have their own designated lift-group, making direct access via the basement parking possible. In total the building provides 17 lifts, of which 5 are service elevators.
The tower is supported by a low rise car-park building which, uniquely, also houses a large, column-free ballroom on the first floor. Programming this element in this location provided the advantage that the ground floor lobby now spans the full premises and creates a ‘walled’ garden, providing shade and cooling, even during the Summer months. The roof of the car park building is a large outdoor pool deck and is connected to the spa lobby in the tower via a pedestrian bridge, which provides access for all guests and visitors.
MADA GYPSUM
Industry ME Magazine speaks with Mr. Greg Smith, President
How long have you been with Mada Gypsum Company? Can you please discuss your history and how you got to where you are today?
I joined MADA Gypsum Company (MGC) in August 2017 as Vice President - Sales & Marketing and within a short span commenced repositioning MADA from a KSA focused drywall supplier to regional “Systems & Solutions” provider. This involved upskilling our internal sales and technical capabilities, expanding the product offering, whilst ensuring we did not lose focus on our core strength of being a plasterboard manufacturer.
In this endeavour, I was able to draw upon my extensive experience having been involved in the drywall industry throughout my entire career, starting at the age of 19 working as a tradesman in Australia, before moving to Malaysia, where he established an installer training centre for an MNC drywall company, and expanding these contacts and relationships with the installers and main contractors to build a technical sales team in Malaysia. I then headed up the technical sales divisions for the MNC to roll-out this model across 10 countries in Asia. So, when approached to take up a role with the leading gypsum manufacturer in the Middle East it was a simple decision.
In your own words, please give me an overview of Mada Gypsum Company.
Over the last several years MADA Gypsum Company (MGC) has been repositioning itself and building internal technical and operational capabilities
around a clear strategic direction, with a focus on promoting itself as a Drywall System Provider.
This shift by MGC from being a pure plasterboard supplier to a full systems & solution’s provider is an important differentiator allowing MGC to leverage the knowhow of internal technical team, with the strength we have in our suite of products such as Metal profiles, Ceiling Tiles, Glass Matt Sheathing, Fiber Cement boards, and Joint Compound.
Our journey at MGC from being the best product supplier to complete system supplier and now to a solution supplier is a natural continuation of our journey as we have the structure, people, and products in place.
This move further along the value chain, is not a shift in Strategy, but a natural evolution from product sales to systems sales and now to solutions sales. This needs to start with the way we look and feel, both internally as well as in the market, and this is the first step towards a Modern Identity, fully reimagined, for today, tomorrow, and the future.
Our Brand Promise is Support/Collaboration, Trust, and Reliability, reflecting the Competence, Innovation, and Sophistication of the solution’s offered to our customers leading to building excellence.
Where are your headquarters?
Yanbu Industrial City/Saudi Arabia
How many sites and how many employees are there at Mada Gypsum Company?
Otherthanourheadquarter,exportso ce &factory in Yanbu, we have sales o ces & warehouses in Riyadh, Dammam & Dubai plus a sales o ce
in Jeddah. We also have sales representation in Egypt, Qatar, Greece/Europe & India.
When did Mada Gypsum Company come to the Middle East?
Mada was established in the year 2005.
Who and where are your customers?
Overall Saudi Arabia, GCC & other Middle East countries, Africa & Indian Peninsula.
Since opening in the Middle East, how has the company performed and grown?
Established in 2005 in Yanbu Industrial City, the company originally started with one plasterboard line, gypsum calcination and gypsum powder plant.
Since then, Mada has greatly extended its plasterboard and stucco lines and added a wide range of related products and accessories. MGC currently manufactures plasterboards, gypsum plasters, metal framing systems for walls and ceilings, cement boards, laminated gypsum ceiling tiles, as well as wet and dry mix products
What impact is Saudi Vision 2030 having on the company?
All Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region is changing. Saudi Vision 2030 is Saudi Arabia’s roadmap to an economically sustainable future, where its citizens andresidentsenjoyequalrightsandhighstandards of living. Vision 2030 brings with it a substantial change in the Construction Industry scenario of KSA where usage of sustainable building materials is preferred. That is certainly a stimulus for MADA to stay up to the challenge in the Saudi Market in particular, and the GCC market in general with its green products.
What has been your involvement with Al Wasl Tower?
MGC is supplying Drywall Partitions and Ceiling solutions on this prestigious project for applications such as Demising walls, Internal walls, Bathroom walls with Tile loading, kitchen walls with heavy shelf loading, Shaft wall systems, facade terminations, Acoustic Ceilings, Aluminium tile ceiling, Gypsum tile ceiling, Concealed gypsum ceiling, Access Panels, and other finishing products.
MGC’s approach on Al Wasl Tower has been to collaborate with other disciplines such as the interior design team, the MEP team, facade team etctoreviewjointlystructuraldesignrequirement’s, compliance to the fire & acoustic standards, and at times required our tech team to supply customized solutions in-line with the client
Al Wasl project specifications & requirements.
Are you involved in certain industries, or do you cover many of them in the Middle East?
Yes, of course, we are the leading gypsum & drywalls industrial company in Saudi Arabia, GCC & other Middle East countries.
Whatroledoestrainingandrecruitment play at Mada Gypsum Company?
Our employees are our assets, and training plays an essential role in keeping the teams updated & prepared to the industry challenges and developments. On the other hand, we keep expanding and attracting talent to be part of our expansion strategy.
To ensure quality of the highest standards what measures have been taken?
Our strict quality controls ensure that every new or regular customer can always find the highest quality gypsum products and superior customer service for their projects.
Our ISO 9001 certification shows that Mada uses a World Class Manufacturing (WCM) approach toachieve the highest standards of a consistent production process. Our products have been certified and approved by the world’s leading test laboratories such as Intertek, UL etc.
How do you better the environment? Do you have strategies in place to reduce your carbon footprint?
Sustainability is no longer a catchphrase or marketing gimmick. Companies that are not evolving and incorporating sustainable business models in their operations may face growth
challenges.
MGC is committed to maintaining the highest standards of EHS (Environment, Health, and Safety) management, as these policies help improve worker safety and well-being, and minimize the environmental impact of the work we do.
Mada has invested in new recycling technologies such as gypsum recycling and an ammonium scrubber line to remove 100% of the Sulphur from flue gases. Our site trainings ensure minimal wastage during construction phase, widespread distribution network ensures we are closer to the project with optimum transportation needs etc. thus reducing our carbon footprint in the environment.
What about safety, how important is this to the company?
Mada has a strict safety culture on its premises and on project sites, making sure this culture is spread, respected, and followed by each one of its team members & external stakeholders.
What are the biggest operational challenges that the company faces? How are these overcome?
In a fast-changing global outlook, it is believed the biggest challenges are the pandemic’s impact and aftermath, shortage of competitive logistics costs, rising raw material & energy costs, delayed supplies due to supplier backlog of orders.
This directly impacted our industry and is forcing us to seek and look for new methods to keep the company’s performance and service to customers within the norms.
Howcompetitiveisthemarketplacethese days and how challenging is it to maintain market position?
MGC has from the outset focused on supplying and
selling drywall systems and we are the only one of the seven local producers that have fully tested and third-party certified all the systems we sell.
Our ability to supply the complete range of drywall products, produced and certified according to international standards complemented with the best people allows MGC to be renowned as one of the market leaders amongst the multinationals present in the region.
To maintain market position, we are also focused on recruiting & developing talented employees from the industry, keeping up with changes in sales & distribution strategies, transitioning to digital resources etc.
Who are your main competitors and how do you stay one step ahead?
Being the customer preferred manufactures & Suppliers of drywall systems & solutions in Saudi Arabia market and one of the leading players in GCC in the same field, our competitors are multinational manufacturers of similar products & services.
Supply-chain is a very important part to any business. How is this managed? Who are your top 10 suppliers and how do you keep a great relationship with them?
1. How is Supply Chain managed?
Supply Chain is managed via key activities and deliverables. Main ones are:
Securing ideal stock level of materials through a proper MRP execution
Qualifying multiple sources of key materials
Ensuring cost-effective procurement process
Proper warehouse management and FIFO implementation
E cient logistics services
2. Top main suppliers are:
Mada Gypsum Company has a wide range of local, regional, and multinational suppliers working together to make sure Mada’s customers receive the best-in-class products and services.
3. How do we keep great relationship with our suppliers?
· Fair allocation strategies
· Maintaining confidentiality
· Periodic commercial and technical meetings
· Proactive approach towards potential risks and challenges
· Continuous product innovation and strategic developments
Whatmajorplansdoesthecompanyhave for the next 12-18 months? Expansion? New markets? Investment? Projects?
Mada Gypsum Company is always evolving. We are expanding in product range, solutions, and territories consistently as we have done since 2005. Such expansions and investments are always announced on time.
Auerbach Pollock Friedlander is a globally-recognized theatre design and audio-video/technology consulting firm with an extensive portfolio of award-winning projects.
Our services are focused on the needs of our clients—artists, audiences, designers, managers and technicians while also supporting the broadest palette of architectural expression. Our process leads to exceptional mission-driven destinations.
www.auerbachconsultants.com
THE AVENUES RIYADH
Saudi Arabia’s Development Project
“ In the near future, Saudi Arabia’s capital will be home to the Avenues Riyadh, an upcoming multi-purpose district”
Situated in the northwestern region of Riyadh, the urban area will be home to several businesses including international hotels, exhibitions, conference halls, residential apartments, o ces, medical facilities, and a parking lot for over 14,000 vehicles.
The Avenues Riyadh will consist of 390,000 square meters of land area, a rental area measuring 400,000 square meters, and over 1.7 million square meters of shopping mall area. In total, the project is said to be worth SAR 14 billion (or $3.7 billion).
Each building will implement contemporary architectural designs in addition to green spaces. In fact, the Avenues is being constructed with environmental sustainability in mind, with the project already having obtained the Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification by the American Green Building Council.
Shomoul Holding is the owner of the urban district. The company was established in 2014 as a joint venture with Mabanee Company of Kuwait, Al Fozan Holding, and Mohammed Hamoud
Alshaya. In the fourth quarter of 2021, it awarded the Avenues Riyadh to the Saudi construction company, NESMA & Partners, with construction commencing earlier this month.
In fact, the Avenues Riyadh is just one of a handful of projects being managed by Shomoul Holding. The second project in question is the Avenues Al Khobar, which will be similar to the Riyadh project. It will consist of an area of 197,000 square meters with 180,000 square meters of rental area, and extending over an area of 209,000 square meters. The project, which is said worth SAR 67.16 million (or $18 million), was awarded to HSSG Foundation Contracting LLC in the fourth quarter of 2021.
The Saudi British Bank (SABB) has signed a financing agreement with Nesma & Partners Contracting Company Ltd. for the construction of The AvenuesRiyadh mall.
The agreement was signed at Nesma’s head o ce in Al-Khobar by Mr. Yasser Al-Furaih, general manager of large corporates at SABB and Samer Abdul Samad,
CEO of Nesma & Partners, in the presence of Majid Najm, deputy managing director of corporate and institutional banking at SABB, and Rami Al-Truki, vice president at Nesma & Partners, along with
a number of senior o cials from both parties.
Under the terms of the agreement, SABB will provide Nesma & Partners for three and a half years to support the cash flow for the
construction of the Avenues-Riyadh mall, which will be located at the intersection of King Fahd Road and King Salman Road in Riyadh.
The project’s overall size is 390,000m2 at a cost of $1.7bn (SAR6.4bn), and it will include more than 1,300 businesses and stores.
“This agreement aligns with the bank’s strategy of supporting
THE AVENUES RIYADH
the kingdom’s development and achieving Vision 2030 goals,” stated Najm, adding that The Avenues-Riyadh project is one of the most promising in the commercial, tourist, and entertainment sectors.
“We are delighted to collaborate with Nesma & Partners in providing the necessary financing solution to build this outstanding project. “
“By signing this agreement today, Nesma & Partners demonstrates the significance of its strategic partnership with SABB, which is the outcome of the two parties’ combined effort to bring the vision to reality,” Albdul Samad added. With this collaboration, one of Riyadh’s landmarks will be built, which will be truly transformative not just at the kingdom level, but also at the regional level, with all of its distinctive components aligned with Vision 2030.
“We are always committed to establishing excellence,” Al-Turki said, “as this deal with SABB is a collaboration that enables business and boosts the company’s cash flow to construct a project that will be one of the most significant investments and commercial brands in the Middle East.”
EHAF role as the lead consultant on this project was to provide the architecture and interior design at the post-schematic design stage, engineering from the concept to the tender stage and acted as the Architect of Record dealing with all authorities having jurisdiction to secure building permit for the Project.
Within their 50-years of operations, EHAF has completed 3,600 projects with a combined worth of 195 billion USD.
Among these projects were 30 towers ranging from 35 floors to 65, 210 kilometers of underground railways, 20 million SQM residential developments, 25 thousand hotel rooms, 8 thousand hospital beds, among many more projects.
According to the Engineering News Record Magazine (ENR) ranking 2022, EHAF Ranks at number 72 among international firms worldwide and number 10 among NonUS in total global construction management and program management fees.
The EHAF team consists of 2,000 highly qualified and multicultural engineers, architects and designers spread
among 10 branches across 6 countries within the MENA region that all come together sharing passion, innovation, and a continuous pursuit of knowledge. The services that are provided by this team are all-encompassing making EHAF truly a one stop destination for any development needs as they offer architectural services, project management, urban design, construction management, roads and bridges, rapid transportation systems, mechanical, electrical and structural services, interior design, landscape, infrastructure, as well as wastewater and industrial services.
The Avenues Project will include hotel towers and a commercial complex, and Nesma & Partners will employ cutting-edge construction technology to create a tourist and commercial icon in Riyadh, designed with an engineering dimension for a unique project that contributes to the expansion of commercial services in the Riyadh region.”
NADA
Market Leaders in Saudi Arabia
“Nada Dairy specialize in the production and distribution of fresh dairy, fresh juice and long-life milk.”
Nada Dairy was established in 1982 by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdullah Al Othman in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. With a trusted base of 1400 employees, high standards of animal welfare and a wide variety of products, the company rapidly became market leaders in Saudi Arabia.
Nada Dairy specialize in the production and distribution of fresh dairy, fresh juice and long-life milk. Nada produce comes from family-owned farms with an overall herd of 20,000 cows. The company adheres to an important philosophy: that the wellbeing of their herd generates quality produce. Despite facing the di culties of a desert environment, Nada farms offer grassy pastures for the cattle to graze on. The animals are given top grade
locally grown feed, quality assured, to make sure that their diet is up to scratch. Their nutrition creates superior quality products for consumption. The company strives to ‘put in the best’ to give the customer the best, and all their dairy products are made from 100% fresh milk. They also guarantee that “all Fresh Dairy products are free from powder milk, water and preservatives”
All Nada products are produced in accordance with the internationally recognized HACCP and ISO 9001 standards.
All of Nada’s produce comes from the Nada Dairy Farms, so, naturally, this is a good place to start. The Nada farm in AlHofuf is one of the largest dairy enterprises in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This farm accommodates 12,000 milking cows and 3,000 replacement stock. It generates over 40,000 cubic meters (m3) of manure per year, plus various other organic wastes, including: left over feed, residues from the on-site wastewater treatment plant, and green vegetation waste.
Nada is considering options for finding beneficial uses for their waste organic residues, including the option to compost the generated manure.
Nada currently operates in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE and Kuwait. They use many local companies in their supply chain in Saudi Arabia, but they also make partnerships with suppliers further afield in the GCC.
Some suppliers are part of national companies, and they have worked with Nada for a long time. Suppliers are specially selected to match Nada on their outstanding food and drink capabilities. It is not just the supply chain that makes Nada successful. The quality selection of products has customers trying new recipes, sharing meals with family and friends, and coming back for more. The products include, but are not limited to, Fresh Dairy (100% from Nada Farms), Fresh Flavoured Milk (delicious blends of 100% fresh milk & multiple flavours), Fresh Juice (from the best fruits around the world), Long Life Milk, Long Life Juice and Tomato Paste.
Here are just a few items from Nada’s delicious range:
Fresh Milk
Nada make fresh milk by milking their cows every day, then pasteurizing the milk straight afterwards. This provides a natural fresh
taste, and a pure product that customers return to time and time again. The fresh milk range is also available in Full Cream, Low Fat & Skimmed.
Long Life Milk
The Long-life milk range offers the taste and goodness of Fresh Milk but with the added convenience of long-life storage.
Labneh
Labneh is a type of strained yogurt and it has a soft cheese-like consistency. A popular food in the Middle East, labneh is often used as a sandwich spread or it is served with bread bites at meal time. It is one of the most popular products for breakfast in the Middle East, and it makes a great alternative to cream cheese. Nada have produced two different labnehs to cater for a wider market. One features the traditional sour tastes, and the other has a lighter, more modern taste. Labneh is one of the most versatile products in the Nada range and can be bought in 200g and 2kg containers.
Greek Yoghurt
All Nada Greek Yoghurt is made from 100% Fresh Milk, natural and authentic. It has a creamy and rich mouthfeel with a protein boost, and it comes in two varieties: Plain and Honey.
The Plain Greek Yoghurt is a versatile product with a wide range of usage, from healthy snacking to cooking. The Honey Greek Yoghurt is more of a sweet treat and it made with natural ingredients. The yoghurt is ideal as a light snack after a workout, since it has higher protein than regular yogurt with less calories.
Juices
Nada offer both fresh and long-life juices in many delicious flavours. From classic Orange to zesty Lemon and Mint, the juice range provides a perfectly balanced fruity accompaniment to mealtimes.
Nada will continue to expand their range, working on innovative new products for supermarket shelves. Their latest product, the Pineapple Flavoured Milk, is the first of its kind to the market. Released in 2016, it maintains the brand standard and is made from 100% fresh cow’s milk. The milk is then infused with fruit flavourings for a natural pineapple taste. The company describe it as ‘refreshing & irresistibly delicious’.
Old or new, classic or modern, all Nada products share one thing in common; every item from every range is made with the belief that ‘every drop should be enjoyed and savoured.’
Nada said:
‘We have always prided ourselves on delivering wonderful taste experiences that help create moments of pleasure in people’s lives every day. This is what keeps us going and gives us the greatest satisfaction.’
‘We don’t just do drinks… we do nature inspired, goodness packed, mouth-watering splashes of deliciousness that will stimulate all your senses.’
COMPLETE INGREDIENT SOLUTIONS
Dairy Ingredients
Bakery & Confectionery Ingredients
Juice & Beverage Ingredients
Culinary & Snack Ingredients
Meat Ingredients
Plant-based solutions
Pharma & Speciality Ingredients
Flavours & Taste Solutions
HOW WE ADD VALUE
Application Labs and Technical Support for Cost Engineering, Reformulation and NPD
High quality ingredients from the world’s leading manufacturers
Over 35 years of Market Knowledge and Experience in the Middle East Food and Beverage Industry
Logistics Support and round-the-clock Customer Service
Product Innovation and Marketing Support
INNOVATIVE & HEALTHIER INGREDIENTS SOLUTIONS
Plant-based Solutions
Sugar Free Solutions
Sugar Reduction Solutions Fiber Forti昀椀cation Solutions Vitamin & Mineral Forti昀椀cation Flavour Development
