Saudi Projects Issue 49

ISSUE 44

AUGUST 2022 / ISSUE 49

AMAALA

REVEALS ICONIC NEW YACHT CLUB DESIGNS THE RED SEA INTL AIRPORT LIKE NO OTHER AIRPORT ON EARTH

GROUP AMANA REVEALS NEW BRAND IDENTITY

SAUDI ELECTRICITY CO. TAKING THE KINGDOM INTO A NEW ERA

Innovative Office Solutions designed for you

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103,000M2 OF THE PERFECT BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT The Business Quarter (BQ) in the Eastern Province is an elegant office park, built with the sole purpose of providing the ideal business environment.

Eight buildings, 160 offices, all supported with access to other facilities which include, business centre, lounge, prayer room, on site parking, meeting rooms, preschool, fitness centre, green areas, security, fit-out services, restaurant and more.

FEATURES

Fitness centre

Business Centre

Meeting rooms

Restaurants & Cafes

Pre-school

Fit out services

Lounge

Editors Foreword

THE WORLD IS TAKING NOTICE THE COVER STORY IN THIS ISSUE OF SAUDI PROJECTS, FOCUSING ON THE ICONIC DESIGN FOR THE TRIPLE BAY YACHT CLUB, CONCERNS A ONE-OF-A-KIND DEVELOPMENT THAT IS NOT ONLY PIONEERING BUT ALSO INSPIRING. AND IN THIS WAY, IT IS INDICATIVE OF SO MANY PROJECTS BEING UNDERTAKEN IN SAUDI ARABIA AT PRESENT – THIS IS A NATION ON THE MOVE, AND THE WORLD IS TAKING NOTICE. Certainly, The Red Sea Project is catching the attention of the international community, with its backdrop of misty mountaintops and waves lapping a pristine coast. The floating orbs on Sheybarah Island are an excellent example, with each overwater orb (villa) elevated above the water's surface and featuring a deck and an infinity pool with unobstructed views of the sea and horizon. We took the opportunity to visit the manufacturer of these orbs, Grankraft Industries LLC in Sharjah, to discover more about the design, construction and vision of this project, speaking with company director Yatindra Mudbidri.

WANT YOUR COMPANY TO APPEAR IN THE KINGDOM'S LEADING TRADE PUBLICATION

Away from The Red Sea, just 20 minutes northwest of Riyadh’s city center, lies Diriyah, ISSUE 44

which is being transformed into one of the Kingdom’s leading lifestyle destinations for heritage and culture, hospitality, retail and education. We look at how the environmental strategy being employed strikes the perfect balance at this ecological landmark.

AUGUST 2022 / ISSUE 49

There is no doubt that projects such as this, in tandem with Vision 2030, have changed opinions of Saudi Arabia globally, and we report on how recent research by CARMA, the media intelligence service provider, shows a shift in media perception of the Kingdom, which is now viewed in a much more positive light than it was even 15 months ago.

As the nation builds, so does its commitment to sustainability and the environment, and in ‘Changing the Way We Build to Reduce Waste’, we find out why sustainability is one of the construction industry's supreme challenges, both in terms of input and production – it is estimated that approximately 50% of the world’s waste comes from the construction industry.

AMAALA

REVEALS ICONIC NEW YACHT CLUB DESIGNS THE RED SEA INTL AIRPORT LIKE NO OTHER AIRPORT ON EARTH

GROUP AMANA REVEALS NEW BRAND IDENTITY

SAUDI ELECTRICITY CO. TAKING THE KINGDOM INTO A NEW ERA

There are also interviews with Simon Timmis, Smart Services Technical Director at the Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC), Neal Coote, Executive Director of Infrastructure at AMAALA, and Richard Haws Group Director of Operations – Marine at TRSDC, who takes us nicely back to the beginning of this foreword and the Triple Bay Yacht Club.

Rod Millington

05

CONTACT info@tpg.media https://saudi.tpg.media

SOCIAL MEDIA  @saudiprojectsmag  @saudiprojectsmag  @saudiprojects.mag

EDITOR

All our publications are printed using recycled paper.

BECAUSE WE CARE

06

Contents

COVER STORY

30

AMAALA YACHT CLUB

AMAALA REVEALS ICONIC NEW YACHT CLUB DESIGNS FEATURES

22

36

BEAUTY IN FORM. VALUE IN FUNCTION.

ZERO-CARBON FUTURE CITY LAUNCHED

52

54

BUILDING THE FUTURE AT SHEYBARAH ISLAND

SMART CITIES INTERVIEW WITH SIMON TIMMIS

Contents

18

07

GROUP AMANA

REVEALS NEW BRAND IDENTITY ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

11

38

PIF AND CAIN INVEST $900 MILLION IN AMAN GROUP

VISION 2030 HAS CHANGED THE PERCEPTIONS OF SAUDI ARABIA

40 CHANGING THE WAY WE BUILD TO REDUCE WASTE

76 MOU SIGNED TO BUILD NEW GENERATION OF DESALINATION PLANT

08

News

SAUDI ARABIA AGREES $7.7 BILLION OF DEALS WITH EGYPT

Saudi Arabia and Egypt signed 14 agreements valued at $7.7 billion during a visit to Cairo by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The deals cover sectors that include renewable energy, green hydrogen, pharmaceuticals and e-commerce.Saudi Arabian investment in Egypt’s private sector has exceeded $35 billion and is expected to increase by about $10 billion in the next five years.

DP World to Operate Logistics Park in Jeddah Islamic Port

providing temperature-controlled storage for cargo, in addition to its processing, labelling, fulfilment, consolidation and de-consolidation.

Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman and CEO of DP World, explained: “We are committed to enhancing the role and the status of Jeddah’s Islamic port, which is strategically located on the Red Sea and has historically played a pivotal role in facilitating the movement of trade between the East and the West. A key part of our strategy as an end-to-end supply chain solutions provider is to package logistical services for our customers and bridge any existing

DP World and the Saudi Ports Authority

The facility, according to DP World, will

gaps in the market. Facilities like these will

(Mawani) have signed a 30-year agreement

help the company expand its footprint in

enable us to make deeper inroads into the

with an investment value of more than

the area by bringing cutting-edge multi-

Kingdom, by extending our collaboration

133.33 million to build a port-centric

modal logistics solutions to Saudi Arabia.

with leading logistics service providers.”

logistics park at the Jeddah Islamic Port.

The new logistics park is expected to

The two parties plan to build a logistics

enhance Jeddah Islamic Port’s re-export

park with a total area of 415,000 m2, an

activities, reducing the time and cost of

inland container depot capacity of about

logistics for both importers and exporters.

250,000 TEU, and 100,000 m of warehousing

It is envisaged that the park will provide an

storage space, with the possibility of

integrated platform of services that connect

future expansions to 200,000 m .

port operations with last-mile activities,

2

2

The two parties plan to build a logistics park with a total area of 415,000 m2

News

ACWA POWER AND SAUDI WATER PARTNERSHIP COMPANY TO RECONFIGURE SHUAIBAH 3

Bids Invited for Various Projects in Eastern Region

A NEW SEAWATER REVERSE OSMOSIS PLANT WILL REPLACE SHUAIBAH 3 IWPP AND PRODUCE 600,000 M3/DAY, PARTIALLY POWERED BY SOLAR ENERGY

Bids have been invited

to investors or will be

for several projects in

announced in the near

the Eastern Region in

future…several incentives

the health, tourism

are offered to investors to

and farming sectors.

facilitate the implementation

A large specialised hospital

lower bank guarantee and

Eastern port of Khobar,

a tax exemption for 10%

cafes and restaurants on

of the contract’s period,” a

the Khobar Corniche, an

statement from the Eastern

agriculture nursery in the

Region Secretariat said.

ACWA Power, a leading Saudi developer, investor and operator

city, an entertainment centre

of power generation, desalinated water and green hydrogen

and horse stables in nearby

plants worldwide, Shuaibah Water Electricity Company (SWEC),

Dammam, and other projects

and Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC), the off-taker of

have been launched by the

Shuaibah 3 IWPP, have signed an agreement to restructure the

Eastern Region Secretariat.

Shuaibah 3 Independent Water and Power Project (IWPP).

The projects are part of plans

The agreement entails the conversion and replacement of the IWPP

to attract local and foreign

from an energy-intensive power generation and thermal desalination

investment to develop the

facility to a greenfield seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) desalination

Eastern side of the Kingdom.

plant under the name ‘Shuaibah 3 Independent Water Project (IWP)’.

of the projects, including

and a medical city in the

“These projects are part

As such, operations of Shuaibah 3 Independent Water and Power

of nearly 230 investment

Project (IWPP) will cease in 2025, saving nearly 45 million tons of carbon

opportunities which have

dioxide emissions and 22 million barrels of light crude oil annually.

either been presented

“These projects are part of nearly 230 investment opportunities which have either been presented to investors or will be announced in the near future”

09

10

News

DOOSAN ACQUIRES EPC CONTRACT FOR $640 MILLION SAUDI WATER PROJECT

South Korea’s Doosan Enerbility has

power generation complex with a new

won the engineering, procurement,

saltwater reverse osmosis (SWRO)

and construction (EPC) contract for the

desalination facility. As a result,

Shuaibah 3 Independent Water Project.

Shuaibah 3 IWPP activities will finish in

The $640 million desalination project is

2025, saving 22 million barrels of light

being developed by Shuaibah Three Water

crude oil yearly and roughly 45 million

Desalination Company, a special purpose

tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.

vehicle established by Acwa Power and

The Shuaibah 3 IWP is slated

Water & Electricity Holding Company

to be the world’s largest reverse

(Badeel), a Saudi utility developer owned

osmosis desalination facility.

Solar Power

by the PIF sovereign wealth fund.

Shuaibah Water Electricity Company

As stipulated in the EPC contract,

(SWEC), Saudi Water Partnership Company

Doosan Enerbility (formerly Doosan

(SWPC), the off-taker of Shuaibah 3

Heavy Industries & Construction) will

IWPP, and Acwa Power, a leading Saudi

construct a 60 MW solar power plant

developer, investor, and operator of

in addition to a desalination facility

power generation, desalinated water,

with a daily capacity of 600,000 cu m.

and green hydrogen plants worldwide,

The project’s work is anticipated to

signed an agreement to restructure the

begin in September 2022, and it is planned

Shuaibah 3 Independent Water and

to be completed in May 2025. When

Power Project IWPP) in June 2022.

finished, the desalination facility will

According to the agreement, the

provide two million people with potable

Shuaibah 3 Independent Water Project

water. The desalination plant will receive

(IWP) would be replaced as an energy-

electric power from the solar farm.

intensive thermal desalination and

said: “Aramco is a very important partner of

ARAMCO AND SINOPEC SIGN MOU

Sinopec. The two companies have yielded fruitful collaborations and developed a deep friendship over the years. The signing of the MoU introduces a new chapter of our partnership in the Kingdom. The two companies will join hands in renewing the vitality and scoring new progress of the

The Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Aramco)

Belt and Road Initiative and Vision 2030.”

and the China Petroleum & Chemical

“The two companies will join hands in

Corporation (Sinopec) have signed a

renewing the vitality and scoring new progress

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

of the Belt and Road Initiative and Vision 2030”

outlining a number of potential areas

Assessing opportunities for petrochemical

for cooperation in Saudi Arabia.

and refining integration, engineering, relationship with Sinopec and leverage our

procurement, construction, oilfield services,

partnership between the two companies

mutual strength and reach while creating a

upstream and downstream technologies,

and their current joint ventures in China

path to bring our long-standing cooperation

and collaboration between carbon capture

and the Kingdom and identifies avenues

in China to our facilities in Saudi Arabia. This

and hydrogen processes are just a few of

for further strategic cooperation.

latest collaboration will help to further advance

the many possible areas of cooperation.

our strategic relationship with Sinopec into key

Additionally, Aramco and Sinopec will

The MoU promotes the long-term

Mohammed Y. Al Qahtani, Aramco Senior Vice President of Downstream, explained: “We are delighted to be able to extend our

areas of mutual benefit within the Kingdom.”

Yu Baocai, President of Sinopec Corporation,

discuss the potential for developing a local manufacturing hub in King Salman Energy Park.

News

11

PIF AND CAIN INVEST $900 MILLION IN AMAN GROUP The Public Investment Fund and Londonbased Cain International have invested $900 million in the hotelier company Aman Group, which values the Swiss hospitality brand at $3 billion.

The investment will fuel the development

Aman has a pipeline of further initiatives in nations including the US, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and across Europe

of new Aman and Janu-branded properties as well as the hospitality company's plans

Vlad Doronin, the owner, Chairman, and CEO of the Aman Group, commented: “My longterm strategic vision has been to continue to grow the Aman brand in key markets, all with Aman Branded Residences, as well as creating an ultra-luxury ecosystem which offers the complete Aman lifestyle.”

The 34 hotels in 20 countries that make up the

“The investment from PIF and Cain

to expand its portfolio of luxury hotels

Aman Group feature Aman Branded Residences

International is a vote of confidence in my

and branded residences across the globe.

in 12 of those hotels, and nine other hotel and

vision and the work the team has done

Furthermore, it will assist in the purchase

residence projects are now under construction.

over the last eight years, cementing the

and development of additional sites.

Sixteen of the 34 hotels are owned wholly or

brand’s evolution and ability to deliver

partially by affiliates of Aman, however, these

this vision at pace. Together we will deliver

ownership stakes were not included in this deal.

considerable growth and maximize the

“Our investment in Aman Group reflects PIF’s belief in the current potential of the hospitality and tourism industry, both internationally

Aman has a pipeline of further initiatives

and in Saudi Arabia,” said Turqi Alnowaiser,

in nations including the US, Japan, Mexico,

deputy governor of PIF and head of the fund's

South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and across

international investments division. “The

Europe. Aman opened its New York hotel

investment is in line with PIF’s strategy to invest

and private residences, which are situated

in promising sectors to achieve sustainable,

on the upper floors of Manhattan's landmark

attractive returns in Saudi Arabia and globally.”

Crown Building, in early August.

extraordinary potential of Aman .”

The investment will fuel the development of new Aman and Janubranded properties

12

News

KEIR INTERNATIONAL CO. ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH QUADRATICS DEVELOPMENT

Parsons Awarded $223 Million in Contracts Global engineering firm Parsons has announced in a statement as part of Q2 2022 results that it has awarded a new $148 million contract for program management on the Riyadh Metro program, which is the largest metro system development project in the world.

Another new contract worth more than $75 million relates to developing the rapidly expanding entertainment industry in line with the Saudi Vision 2030 program’s objectives for economic diversification.

The company’s total revenue for Q2 increased by $129 million, or 15%, KEIR International has

and acoustics insulation

signed a partnership

as well as fire resistance.

agreement with US-

It is a system widely

based Quadratics

accepted by real

Development LLC to

estate developers and

deploy the Quadratics

government entities in

system in Saudi Arabia.

the Kingdom, having been

With the use of

to $1,009 million.

developed to provide

light gauge steel and

cost-effective and high-

lightweight concrete,

specification building and

the Quadratics system

construction solutions for

is an efficient and

the housing, education,

environmentally-friendly

commercial, hospitality,

building technology that

and logistics sectors.

Hotel Construction Rate To Nearly Triple In 2023

responds to market calls

Efficient delivery of

Since almost half of the projects

projects, with approximately 80 new

for new methodologies

the Quadratics system

now in the pipeline are scheduled

hotels to be completed.

aligned with Saudi

to the Saudi market,

to be completed next year, the rate

Similar data, recently revealed by

Vision 2030 goals. It is

even to remote building

of hotel building in Saudi Arabia is

global hospitality analytics provider

compliant with prevailing

and construction sites,

anticipated to practically triple in

STR, indicates that Saudi Arabia led the

building and construction

will be possible with

2023.

Middle East in new hotel construction

codes of regulatory

full-cycle production

authorities and addresses

locally, including through

rooms in the database coming online,

2022, with some 37,654 rooms being

requirements for heat

mobile factories.

up from the 9,207 keys from this year’s

created.

The next year will see around 63,753

by the end of the second quarter of

News

13

THE SKY’S THE LIMIT AT JEDDAH CITY AIRPORT The company plans to begin construction in 2023, with full project completion by 2028

By developing the western entrance to the

high-speed trains. The trip from KAIA to

and its Austrian partner, AVORIS, utilizing both

Kingdom for business, tourism, hospitality,

Madinah takes 75 minutes. Currently, it

domestic and international financial models.

sports, culture, worship, education,

transports over 60 million people every year.

wellness, leisure, and entertainment,

A Bold Plan

Sultan Bin Ali Al Harbi, chairman of SARH, explained: “Jeddah Airport City will introduce

Jeddah Airport City at King Abdulaziz

SARH Development Company (SARH) is

a variety of uses, building types, and amenities

International Airport (KAIA), the country’s

responsible for the planning and construction

to create a 24/7 destination at the juncture of

busiest and largest, is conceivably raising

of Jeddah Airport City, which is a component

KAIA and Jeddah’s evolving urban area, serving

airport-centric development to a new level.

of ‘Kingdom Vision 2030’, a bold plan for

the needs of visitors and locals, while evolving

economic and social transformation that

Jeddah as a world-class city. The broad range

opens Saudi Arabia to the outside world.

of uses and amenities will generate significant

Located next to and connected to Jeddah Airport City, King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) Terminal One’s 810,000m2

The company plans to begin construction in

non-aeronautical revenues and financial

will enable KAIA to accommodate 45 million

2023, with full project completion by 2028. The

returns while improving the competitiveness

passengers annually by 2030. After 2035,

first phase of construction will be completed

and branding of KAIA and Jeddah.”

KAIA’s expansion plans may well increase this

in 2026 and will include the parking podium

capacity to 114 million passengers per annum.

and lifestyle center, which will contain a

Plan identifies 2,000,000m2 of built-up area

shopping district, city terminal, office space,

framed on each side of the Haramain High-

which was inaugurated in 2019 and links KAIA

a university for culinary arts and hospitality,

Speed Rail over four quadrants, including

with Jeddah and Makkah, is located in the

co-working space, co-retail space, restaurants,

Zone One (Exhibition Circuit), Zone Two

center of Jeddah Airport City. Additionally,

entertainment, and a 20,000 seat arena. The

(Business District), Zone Three (Fun Precinct),

King Abdullah Economic City and Al Madinah

estimated $4.5 billion total investment in

and Zone Four (Calm Community).

Al Munarwarh are connected to KAIA via

Jeddah Airport City will be paid for by SARH

The Haramain High-Speed Rail Station,

The Jeddah Airport City Concept Master

14

News

SEC AWARDS NEW CONTRACT TO ZAMIL The Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) has recently awarded Zamil Air Conditioners contracts for the supply and installation of various HVAC systems in Jeddah.

At multiple SEC substations in Saudi Arabia’s western region, the company will also provide and install air conditioning systems and equipment, including testing and operational work in compliance with the highest international quality and safety standards.

Additionally, a team of technicians with expertise in periodic and preventative maintenance work will be made available to SEC in Dammam by Zamil Air Conditioners. This will guarantee the HVAC systems’ optimal performance as well as adherence to quality and safety requirements.

Saudi Arabia Among The World’s Fastest Growing Economies The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has forecasted a 7.6% growth in the Saudi economy this year in its annual report (World Economic Outlook, 2022), the highest growth rate among world economies.

The IMF praised the Kingdom’s economy and financial position in its preliminary statement last June, reiterating the Saudi economy’s positive economic horizons in the short and medium term, with the continued recovery of economic growth rates, containment of inflation, and a growing external economic position.

The IMF forecasted 4.2% non-oil growth in the Kingdom, a 17.4% increase in the current account surplus, and overall inflation of 2.8% on average, noting that economic activity in Saudi Arabia is seeing a strong improvement supported by high oil prices and the reforms carried out by the government’s implementation of Vision 2023.

16

News

Alfanar to Sponsor Global Innovation Award

CONRAD GARGETT TO DESIGN MISK FOUNDATION HEADQUARTERS Australian architecture firm, Conrad Gargett has won an international competition to design the Misk Foundation Headquarters, which will be located in the heart of the Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City in Riyadh.

Misk's principal goal is to empower youth and foster innovation and entrepreneurship,

Alfanar Construction, along with several

and, from beautiful outdoor gardens where people can relax and exchange innovative

other companies, has reached an agreement

ideas to expansive views of the wadi and Riyadh's skyline, every aspect of the new

to sponsor the $10 million ‘Global

headquarters is specially designed to foster collaboration and creativity.

Innovation Award in Water Desalination’ at the recently concluded Innovation Driven Desalination Conference in Jeddah.

Alfanar’s Executive Vice President, Engineer Amer Al Ajmi, commented: "Alfanar is proud to be one of SWCC’s partners for the international award for innovation in desalination. Alfanar Construction specializes in the development of water projects, whether desalination, treatment, or strategic storage projects, and is always keen to adopt initiatives to support modern innovation in order lower the cost of treating water.”

Umm Alqura to Complete Work on Makkah Mall by 2026 Umm Alqura for Development and Construction has announced plans to

Alfanar Construction specializes in the development of water projects

build a mega shopping destination, Masar Mall in Makkah, at a total investment of $719 million.

The project, being developed as part of Masar Destination, a cultural project in the western part of Makkah, is due for completion in 2026.

News

ALMOSAFER REVEALS SUMMER TRAVEL TRENDS FOR 2022 IN SAUDI ARABIA

17

SAUDI SUMMER TRAVEL TRENDS - 2022

Almosafer, the Middle East’s leading travel brand, has experienced its best month ever for consumer travel bookings in Saudi Arabia in June 2022, with volumes exceeding pre-pandemic levels in June 2019 by 28%.

The growth in bookings reveals a strong appetite for consumer travel as pent-up demand is unleashed with the removal of pandemic restrictions across the world. Data collated from across

2019

Almosafer’s omnichannel booking platforms has revealed the booking behaviours of Saudi travellers for this summer period.

Booking Volume

Saudi travellers continue to enjoy luxury experiences, opting to

Summer season

book stays at luxury accommodation, with five-star hotels accounting for almost 50% of hotel bookings this summer. As people return to travel, they are spending more money for meaningful experiences as average order values for bookings have increased by 66% for hotels and 19% for flights, compared to the summer travel season in 2019.

2022

BOOKING BEHAVIOUR

The volume of bookings in Saudi Arabia for consumer travel in June 2022 has exceeded the prepandemic levels of June 2019 by 28%

38% 10% 2%

50% of bookings are 5 star hotels

Travellers are also displaying resilient confidence in the travel industry

Average order value

as they continue to book their holidays in advance, with an average

2019 vs 2022

booking window of 36 days in summer 2022. With travel restrictions

+ 66%

being eased, or removed entirely, across the world, there are now much fewer sudden changes to international travel rules which could jeopardise travel plans leading to growing consumer confidence.

+ 19%

Hotels

Flights

Spending on domestic travel in Saudi Arabia has also increased by 7% as Saudis continue to explore the many attractions in the Kingdom. Abha, the culturally rich capital of the Aseer region, is becoming an increasingly popular destination this summer with bookings up by 125% compared to the summer of 2019.

For international travel, Dubai, London, Cairo, Paris and Sharm El

TOP DESTINATIONS - 2022

Sheikh ranked as the most popular destinations for Saudi travellers.

Bookings for London this summer have increased by 133% compared to

Top Destinations

summer 2019, driven by the introduction of the electronic visa waiver for

International

Saudi nationals on 1 June 2022. Bookings for Paris this summer have also increased by 65% compared to summer 2019 as Saudis eagerly return to a longstanding favourite destination as pandemic restrictions are lifted.

Dubai

London

Cairo

Paris

Sharm El Sheikh

18

News

GROUP AMANA REVEALS NEW BRAND IDENTITY Regional leader in design-build construction,

including Adnoc, Emaar, The Red Sea

with national initiatives across the GCC that

Group AMANA has announced a new brand

Development Company, Qiddiya Investment

are driving the renewables agenda, such

identity that showcases its capabilities.

Company, and Wasl Properties among others.

as the UAE Green Agenda 2015-2030 and

Now organized into three verticals:

Over the past two years, DuBox, an AMANA

Vision 2021 and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

Construct, Manufacture and Enhance, the

company, has bagged several contracts

transformation reflects the Group’s offerings

for high-profile clients in KSA, such as the

than 80,000,000 kWh of clean solar energy,

for an evolving business landscape and the

Qiddiya Investment Company and The Red

enough to power 3,239 homes for one year,

drive to build cleaner, greener, and smarter.

Sea Development Company (TRSDC), shifting

saving AED 18.25 million on energy costs and

85% of construction from sites to the factory.

preserving 200,000 trees since 2018. With

AMANA’s revitalized brand identity is

AMANA has helped clients produce more

almost 500,000m2 of industrial buildings and

focused around a circle, reflecting strength

DuBox is a specialist in next-generation

and harmony, and speaks to its promise of

offsite volumetric modular construction,

associated rooftops constructed yearly, AMANA

delivering certainty. The new tagline, ‘We

which offers a safer building environment,

is a pioneer in building rooftop solar power

Build with You’ epitomizes its strengths

potentially reducing material waste by up to

plants. AMANA was one of the first contractors

in collaboration and intelligence.

30% and improving work safety by up to 70%.

approved by DEWA (Dubai Electricity and

These numbers are proven, not projected.

Water Authority) to provide installation and

Riad Bsaibes, President and CEO of Amana Investments, said: “Group AMANA has built a formidable reputation over three decades of operations in the region, with our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and digitalization. While our name remains the same, our evolution reflects our realigned business strategies for the future and our collaborative approach to realizing successful projects. AMANA is poised to seize the opportunities of the future, and to partner with the GCC region in its economic growth.”

AMANA Construct includes AMANA Contracting and AMANA Aviation Fueling

Group AMANA’s three verticals, Construct, Manufacture and Enhance, have a distinct brand identity aligned with the Group’s offerings for an evolving business landscape

and builds on a 30-year legacy of industrial construction. Since being founded in 1993,

The final products are easily relocatable,

AMANA has constructed more than 1,500

further enabling the client to shift and relocate

buildings in the region, for clientele including

in sync with market demands. DuBox is

AD Ports Company, Abu Dhabi National Oil

supporting the Kingdom’s national agendas

Company (ADNOC), Almarai, Amazon, Coca-

of sustainability, nurturing Saudi talent and

Cola, DHL, Emirates Airlines, Jebel Ali Free

supporting economic diversification.

Zone, KIZAD, Landmark Group, Majid Al Futtaim Properties, Mars, Nestle, Noon and Unilever.

AMANA Manufacture leverages the

AMANA Enhance supports the region’s sustainability agenda and is helping businesses achieve their green ambitions

transformational potential of manufacturing

with its brands AMANA Solar and AMANA

construction through AMANA companies,

Energy-Saving. The UAE has set a 2050 target

DuBox and DuPod. Together they have

to achieve net-zero emissions, followed by

delivered over 130,000m2 of built-up area

Saudi Arabia and Bahrain in 2060. These

(BUA) in modular construction for clients

sustainability ambitions are well aligned

maintenance services for solar energy systems in early 2015. This classification coupled with AMANA personnel certified by DEWA as ‘solar PV experts” makes AMANA the go-to contractor of choice for designing, installing, and maintaining roof-mounted solar power plants.

With over 8,000 employees in 11 cities across seven countries, AMANA continues to evolve, from a traditional construction company into a modern, diversified change engine that can unlock innovation and collective success.

The revitalized brand identity reflects unity and harmony and speaks to Group AMANA’s promise of delivering certainty.

The new tagline, ‘We Build with You’ epitomizes strengths in collaboration, intelligence, and certainty.

News

 RIAD BSAIBES, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF AMANA INVESTMENTS

19

20

PIF News

REPORT CLAIMS PIF APPLY TO ACQUIRE STAKE IN STARBUCKS MENA AND CENTRAL ASIA According to a Reuters report, the Public Investment Fund (PIF) has been shortlisted to buy a stake in the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia Starbucks franchise, currently operated by Alshaya Group. The PIF could purchase up to 30% of Kuwait-based Alshaya Group’s minority share.

Alshaya, the region's leading brand franchise

PIF AND CAPITAL BANK GROUP ANNOUNCE SIGNING OF SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT

owner, hired investment banking firm, JP Morgan,

The Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Capital Bank Group, one of the largest

in 14 countries, including approximately 1,000

banking groups in Jordan, Iraq and the MENA region, have announced the

stores in the MENA region and 300 in Saudi Arabia.

signing of a subscription agreement, through which PIF becomes a strategic

last year to sell a significant minority stake in the business, which could generate up to $5 billion.

The Starbucks franchise in the region has outlets

The projected investment is the latest sign of

investor in the Group. Upon the successful completion of the deal, PIF will

Saudi Arabia's efforts to boost coffee production

have a 23.97% interest in the Group’s capital, at a value of approximately

and heritage recognition. The Saudi Coffee

$185 million, and represented by the issuance of 63 million in new shares. The

Company, a government-backed organization

completion of the deal is subject to completing the conditions in the relevant

entrusted with increasing the Kingdom's coffee

agreements and obtaining the required approvals from regulators and the

production, was created in May by the PIF.

relevant government authorities.

The deal aims to increase the Group’s capital, thereby raising its total

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture has designated 2022 as 'The Year of Saudi Coffee'.

shareholders’ equity to around $846 million, and bolstering the Group's ability to execute its strategy and expand its business through introducing new services and products in Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and other markets where it operates, including through the Group’s investment arm, Capital Investments. In addition, the deal will strengthen the Group’s digital transformation plans by offering the most up-to-date electronic services, including the launch of digital banks.

This deal is in line with PIF's strategy, which includes exploring new investment opportunities in the MENA region that support the creation of long-term strategic economic partnerships to achieve sustainable returns that contribute to maximizing the Fund's assets and diversifying Saudi Arabia’s economy in line with Vision 2030.

The investment contributes to the Capital Bank Group's initiative of positively impacting the Jordanian economy, and highlights the growth prospects that the Bank offers, especially given the Group’s solid position in terms of equity. The Group enjoys a strong financial and credit position following its acquisition of the assets and branches of Bank Audi in Jordan and Iraq, as well as Société Generale – Jordan, in less than a year.

PIF will have a 23.97% interest in the Group’s capital, at a value of approximately $185m

The Starbucks franchise in the region has outlets in 14 countries

PIF News

PIF INVESTS $1 BILLION IN SWEDISH GAMING INDUSTRY The Public Investment Fund made its second $1 billion investment in the Swedish gaming industry as part of a global push to increase holdings in video game developers and e-sports companies.

TAfter acquiring nearly 100 million shares in Embracer Group AB, the PIF's Savvy Gaming Group will become the second-largest shareholder in the Karlstad-based company. Savvy made a similarsized acquisition in January when it bought Modern Times Group's e-sports subsidiary for $1.05 billion.

The PIF is stepping up its efforts in the continually expanding and evolving gaming industry. The fund bought a 5.01% interest in Nintendo in May of this year, making it its third investment in a Japanese video game company.

Embracer's CEO Lars Wingefors said in a statement that the partnership with Savvy will allow the company to establish a regional base in Saudi Arabia from which it will be able to make investments in the region. The funds raised from the stock offering will be utilized to continue the company's acquisition strategy.

PIF's Savvy Gaming Group will become the second-largest shareholder in the Karlstadbased company

The fund bought a 5.01% interest in Nintendo in May of this year

21

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Group Amana

Group Amana

25

GROUP AMANA: WE BUILD WITH YOU W

WATCH OUR BRAND FILM

ITH 8000+ EMPLOYEES WORKING IN OVER SEVEN COUNTRIES, AND WITH MORE THAN 130 REPEAT CLIENTS, GROUP AMANA IS RENOWNED FOR ITS RELIABILITY, TRUSTWORTHINESS, AND WIDE SCOPE OF EXPERTISE. AS THE REGION’S MOST TRUSTED DESIGN-BUILD COMPANY, DELIVERING TURNKEY SOLUTIONS FOR FAST-TRACK PROJECTS, REPEATEDLY, IT PROVIDES CERTAINTY BY BALANCING COST, TIME, AND QUALITY. SAUDI PROJECTS SPOKE TO RIAD BSAIBES, PRESIDENT AND CEO, AMANA INVESTMENTS, AND KAREN KASSOUF, HEAD OF MARKETING, GROUP AMANA, TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THIS DISTINCT AND INNOVATIVE COMPANY AND ITS ROLE IN THE GROWTH OF THE ‘NEW’ SAUDI ARABIA.

26

Group Amana

K AREN​ KASSOUF, HEAD OF MARKETING, GROUP AMANA

“AMANA’S REVITALIZED BRAND IDENTITY IS FOCUSED AROUND A CIRCLE, REFLECTING STRENGTH AND HARMONY”

R IAD BSAIBES, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF AMANA INVESTMENTS

Group Amana

27

Saudi Projects: Group AMANA has announced

partners. Our new tagline, ‘We Build with You’

Riad Bsaibes: Modular construction is becoming

a new brand identity that showcases its

epitomizes our strengths in collaboration and

increasingly popular because the industry has

capabilities. Tell me about this and how

intelligence. To give you one example - at AMANA,

recognized that it is a time-saving, no wastage,

the Group has approached this change?

we champion intelligent solutions like Building

super safe, and clean process that benefits all

Karen Kassouf: Our new brand identity

Information Modelling (BIM) that improve

stakeholders - developers, contractors, and

showcases our capabilities. Group AMANA is

efficiency and ensure time savings and cost

the environment. The turnaround time on the

now organized into three verticals: Construct,

reductions. BIM enables collaboration through

projects is shorter with modular construction

Manufacture and Enhance, a transformation

cloud-based and network servers and enhances

and it prevents cost overruns by reducing

that reflects the Group’s offerings for an

project coordination between teams and clients.

material wastage and labor requirements by

evolving business landscape and the drive

BIM enabled us to design and integrate our

30%. It also improves workplace safety and

to build cleaner, greener, and smarter.

key projects in Saudi Arabia for The Red Sea

reduces environmental impact when compared

Development Company. Our project delivery

to traditional on-site construction. The ability

AMANA’s revitalized brand identity is focused

team worked with engineers in different offices

to upscale and downscale whenever you want

around a circle, reflecting strength and harmony,

and countries to design and build in real-time

is the key benefit and modular buildings can

and speaks to its promise of delivering certainty.

as both design and construction progressed,

be constructed in 50-75% of the time of a

The new tagline, ‘We Build with You’ epitomizes

enabling us to deliver the project in record time.

conventional site-built project of comparable

its strengths in collaboration and intelligence.

size. For example, DuBox, an AMANA company, SP: Modular construction has a long history

has the expertise to design and deliver complete

SP: The Group’s new tagline ‘We Build with You’

(in 1908, Sears Roebuck in the US began

single or multi-story buildings in concrete

suggests increased collaboration, but what does

selling home kits that contained all the

using modular methodologies, according to

this mean on a day-to-day basis for clients and

materials needed to build a home), but can

client and site requirements. Entire buildings

partners?

you talk about the latest developments in

are manufactured off-site in the DuBox factory

KK: Group AMANA has a three-decade legacy of

the sector and why modular buildings are

where the pre-finished modules are then

delivering certainty to our people, clients, and

becoming an increasingly popular solution?

shipped to job sites, where they are installed.

SP: How is modular construction a ‘green’ method?

RB: Modular techniques are more efficient, leaner, and result in less waste production, meaning that modular is the greener option. Up to 85% of the construction can be completed away from the site, in the factory. The building components are pre-assembled in the factory and shipped to the site to be installed. Unlike traditional construction that is done on-site, building components in modular construction are manufactured off-site, then delivered for assembly and installation. In modular construction, components are manufactured in a lean and efficient environment with lowered labor requirements. Off-site manufacturing required in modular construction also ensures consistent standards throughout the project, providing better value for end-users. Shortened build times provide owners with an earlier return on investment and a faster time to market.

28

Group Amana

“GROUP AMANA WORKS WITH CLIENTS ACROSS INDUSTRIES, INCLUDING AGRICULTURAL, AUTOMOTIVE, AVIATION, FOOD PROCESSING, INSTITUTIONAL, MANUFACTURING, MEDICAL, OIL, POWER, WATER, AND RETAIL”

“WE HAVE BUILT A FORMIDABLE REPUTATION OVER THREE DECADES OF OPERATIONS IN THE REGION”

Group Amana

29

SP: Group AMANA is currently working on giga-

We continue to invest in state-of-the-art

contractor of choice for designing, installing, and

projects such as The Red Sea Project – can you

construction technology across our verticals:

maintaining roof-mounted solar power plants.

tell me about these, what your brief is and how

Construct, Manufacture, and Enhance.

things are progressing?

SP: What are you most excited about at present

RB: The Red Sea Development Company

Leveraging technologies such as Building

and why?

awarded Saudi AMANA Contracting, an AMANA

Information Modeling (BIM) in a manufacturing

KK: We are most excited about what the

subsidiary, the contract to design and build

environment, smart machinery, the Internet of

future holds for Group AMANA. We have built

a 150-room hotel at the project site. The

Things (IoT), 5G, and robots, we are transforming

a formidable reputation over three decades of

management hotel is part of the Coastal Village

building design and construction from concept

operations in the region, with our commitment

initiative providing accommodation, office space,

to completion. Technologies such as AI, big

to sustainability, innovation, and digitalization.

and supporting amenities to approximately

data, and analytics are helping to make the

Our brand transformation reflects our re-

40,000 employees and staff who will work at

construction sector more reliable, efficient, and

aligned business strategies for the future

the Red Sea Project pre and post-development.

sustainable. There have been advancements

and our collaborative approach to realizing

AMANA was selected as the contractor for

even in areas beyond the field and factory

successful projects. AMANA is poised to seize

this project with DuBox, an AMANA company,

operations. For instance, the ERP software

the opportunities of the future and partner

for its track record in delivering pre-finished

used by AMANA enables real-time reporting

with the GCC region in its economic growth.

modular units to a high standard of quality.

that covers all areas such as procurement,

Work is progressing smoothly - and we expect to

HR, and business and development.

deliver all units by the agreed timeline. Modular

As the region is pivoting towards a decarbonized future, we foresee AMANA’s expertise in

projects, including The Red Sea Development

SP: The Group is an industry leader in solar

manufacturing, construction, and sustainable

Company delivered by AMANA, have won

power, too - what are you working on currently in

technologies playing a key role in the striving for

prestigious industry awards and recognition, and

this sector?

a circular economy. Innovation, the adoption of

are a testament to our work in the Kingdom.

RB: Group AMANA is supporting the region’s

new technologies, and a shift toward sustainable

sustainability agenda and helping businesses

practices will put us on the fast-track to growth.

SP: Aside from these big projects, Saudi Arabia

achieve their green ambitions through its

has a huge shortage of housing - this is surely a

vertical Enhance with its brands AMANA Solar

SP: In 20 words or less, can you answer the

huge opportunity for the Group?

and AMANA Energy-Saving. The UAE has set

question, “Why work with AMANA?”

RB: Group AMANA works with clients across

a 2050 target to achieve net zero emissions,

KK: Being an AMANAian is the opportunity

industries, including agricultural, automotive,

followed by Saudi Arabia and Bahrain in

to be part of an agile, evolving, diverse and

aviation, food processing, institutional,

2060. These sustainability ambitions are well

innovative disruptor in construction.

manufacturing, medical, oil, power, water, and

aligned with national initiatives across the

retail. Since being founded in 1993, we have

GCC that are driving the renewables agenda,

constructed more than 1,500 buildings in the

such as the UAE Green Agenda 2015-2030 and

region. We are now the regional leader in the

Vision 2021 and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

design-build of industrial and commercial facilities. In Saudi Arabia, housing, hospitality,

AMANA has helped clients produce more

and entertainment mega projects have

than 80,000,000 kWh of clean solar energy,

driven demand for construction. To meet

enough to power 3,239 homes for one year,

this demand, we set up a 94,000m2 factory

saving AED 18.25 million on energy costs and

in Rabigh in 2019, and we will continue to

preserving 200,000 trees since 2018. With

invest in off-site construction methods that

almost 500,000m2 of industrial buildings and

can reduce project timelines and boost

associated rooftops constructed yearly, AMANA is

cost-effectiveness for large-scale projects in

a pioneer in building rooftop solar power plants.

KSA across housing and other segments.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT GROUP AMANA AND DISCOVER HOW IT IS CHAMPIONING INTELLIGENT SOLUTIONS THAT IMPROVE THE ENTIRE BUILDING PROCESS.

AMANA was one of the first contractors SP: How has digitalization and evolving

approved by DEWA (Dubai Electricity and

technology helped the Group to evolve?

Water Authority) to provide installation and

RB: Digitalization is at the heart of what we do

maintenance services for solar energy systems

at AMANA. To fulfill this, we have embarked

in early 2015. This classification coupled

on an ambitious brand transformation

with AMANA personnel certified by DEWA as

across the construction value chain.

‘solar PV experts’ makes AMANA the go-to

GROUP AMANA VISIT WEBSITE

30

COVER STORY - AMAALA, YACHT CLUB

COVER STORY - AMAALA, YACHT CLUB

31

AMAALA REVEALS ICONIC NEW YACHT CLUB DESIGNS A

MAALA, THE ULTRA-LUXURY DEVELOPMENT LOCATED ALONG SAUDI ARABIA’S NORTH-WESTERN COAST, HAS REVEALED ITS ICONIC DESIGN FOR THE TRIPLE BAY YACHT CLUB. AMAALA, the ultra-luxury development

Drawing design inspiration from two sets of

located along Saudi Arabia’s north-

geometry, HKS first looked to the unique rock

western coast, has revealed its iconic

formations on the Saudi Red Sea coastline to

design for the Triple Bay Yacht Club.

create the club’s bespoke cantilevered terraces, which echo the natural shape of the surrounding

Set within the Triple Bay Marina of the Prince

cliffs, eroded over time by wind and sea.

Mohammed bin Salman Nature Reserve, AMAALA’s new Yacht Club is a keystone

“We were clear from the outset that we wanted

development with a captivating free-flowing

to create a building of its place, with the design

structure that aims to create a one-of-a-kind

drawing inspiration from local landscapes and

meeting point between land and sea.

culture, alongside the nature of the marine lifestyle. The team wanted to reimagine the yacht

“AMAALA is one of the flagship Saudi Vision 2030

club as a modern concept, a home from home for

projects and remains central to the Kingdom’s

nautical enthusiasts from all backgrounds, from

ambition to become a global tourism leader.

leisure to elite sport,” said Dan Flower, HKS Design

We anticipate that AMAALA will become an

Director and Lead Architect for AMAALA Yacht Club.

international hub for luxury yachting, and as such, the yacht club required a world-class

The second inspiration is drawn from

design, influenced by the surrounding natural

mankind’s relationship with the sea and

elements and Arabic heritage, and underpinned

maritime history. This nautical edge will

by our commitment to sustainability,”

ensure the building sits seamlessly within the

said John Pagano, CEO, AMAALA.

marina as a central hub and focal point.

“HKS has created a signature piece of

Alongside the ‘sea meets land’ concept, the design

architecture at the heart of Triple Bay, and I

references the concept of a traditional Arabian

look forward to seeing the concept become

house with a simple smooth white exterior that is

a globally iconic meeting place for luxury

cut back to reveal luxurious metal externally and a

yachting enthusiasts from all over the world.”

rich palette of natural and locally sourced materials internally such as stone, timber and leather.

FRONTED BY AN 80M QUAI D’HONNEUR FOR YACHTING EVENTS, REGATTAS, LAUNCHES AND PASSEGIATA

“AMAALA offers an unparalleled opportunity to shape a new tourism destination and a new home for yachting on the Red Sea. It is a privilege to be involved as designers of this iconic yacht club, which is a centerpiece for the marina and set to evolve the guest experience,” explained Kevin Underwood, Global Head of Hospitality at HKS.

32

COVER STORY - AMAALA, YACHT CLUB

DESIGN IS INSPIRED

BY LOCAL ERODED ROCK FEATURES AND TRADITIONAL AIR MOVEMENT ARCHITECTURE

“We brought together the global expertise of

The interior of the club, also designed by

our firm, using our experience of creating luxury

HKS, along with the landscaping detail, is

destinations to create something truly innovative

as visually stimulating as the exterior, with

and contemporary. Sustainability in all aspects is

unparalleled attention to detail to ensure

at the heart of our design, seamlessly integrating

guests remain connected to the landscapes

the building with the stunning mountain and

around them. Utilizing local materials with

marine landscape of the Red Sea,” he added.

a focus on stone, timber and metals, and embracing a luxurious, yet authentic brass

Covering 7,900m and set on four levels,

champagne colour scheme, the lounges and

the ultra-luxurious club is set to create a

restaurant blend seamlessly together with

home from home for its members whether

an infinity loop-like shape throughout.

2

to do business, relax, entertain or take part in a calendar of yachting events.

Complementing the yacht club’s functions, the 10-hectare basin hosts a 120-berth

Arrival is a key moment for guests by land or

marina for yachts up to 130m in length

by water, with the entrance set within an arch

and is designed for residents and yachting

that forms a shaded plaza and frames dramatic

events, regattas and launches. Deepwater

views of the Red Sea. The area has a mirrored

superyacht berths, fuel dock and personalised

vaulted ceiling over a star-lit floor which creates

service ensure Triple Bay’s future rating

an alternative night sky for guests in the evening.

as a destination for visiting superyachts, international regattas and domestic cruising.

SUPPORTED BY A FULL-SERVICE MARINA WITH 120 BERTHS FOR YACHTS UP TO 130M IN LENGTH AND A UNIQUE PORTE-COCHERE FOR DISCREET ARRIVAL BY YACHT TENDER

COVER STORY - AMAALA, YACHT CLUB

Set across 4,155km2 and due to welcome

riyals, with nearly one billion riyals awarded

its first guests in 2024, Triple Bay spans

in the first quarter of this year alone, as

three natural bays along the coastline.

delivery of the project ramps up on site.

The destination is designed to create a one-of-a-kind global wellness hub and is

A further 1.2 billion riyals is expected to

underpinned by a commitment to sustainable

be awarded in the second quarter of the

development. The whole development is

year and an RFP for the Utilities PPP has

targeting a minimum LEED Gold standard

already been issued to the market, to ensure

for environmental sustainability.

the development meets its sustainability

FEATURES INCLUDE A TERRACE RESTAURANT, INFINITY POOL DECK AND ROOFTOP CABANA LOUNGE

ambitions. The destination will be off-grid, Phase One of Triple Bay is on track to

powered solely by renewable energy.

complete in 2024. It consists of eight resorts offering upwards of 1,300 hotel keys and

AMAALA is a core component of the Vision

will also feature a range of luxury F&B

2030 strategy to diversify the economy by

outlets, retail, and leisure facilities.

enabling rapid growth in the tourism sector.

The project is expected to create upwards of

Work is well underway on-site to progress

50,000 new direct, indirect and induced jobs for

enabling infrastructure, groundwork, and

Saudis, as well as upwards of 11 billion riyals

key assets with more than 1,000 workers

to the country’s GDP once fully operational.

33

already on site. More than 250 contracts have been awarded to date in excess of 5 billion

AMAALA VISIT WEBSITE

34

Appointments

Imagination Boosts Saudi Arabia's Leadership Team

 PAULO NOVOA

Imagination, an award-winning design

Clare Baarda, who has been named Logistics

firm, has added a new creative director

Director, will also be joining the team. Clare has

and logistics director to its Saudi Arabia

over 15 years of event management expertise

office, bolstering its senior leadership

and has worked with large brands such as Audi,

team in preparation for expansion and

L'Oreal, and Ericsson. Baarda joins Imagination

growth. The announcement comes after

after working on successful projects with

Imagination opened a new office in

the company for the KSA Ministry of Culture,

Riyadh, strengthening the company's

the G20 Cultural Programme, and NEOM.

presence and ability to produce worldclass experiences in the Kingdom.

Paulo Novoa, the new Creative Director,

Both Novoa and Baarda will be headquartered in Imagination's new office in Riyadh, giving a greater range of specialised in-country

comes to Imagination from TOLD, where

disciplines. They'll engage with a wide

he was Associate Creative Director. Paolo

range of existing clients, including both

oversaw projects from conception to

government and private-sector companies,

completion, leading the creative team to

to assist Imagination's core offers.

develop solutions and brand strategies for clients. He comes to Imagination with nine years of senior creative experience.

BOTH NOVOA AND BAARDA WILL BE HEADQUARTERED IN IMAGINATION'S NEW OFFICE IN RIYADH

 CLARE BAARDA

Saudi Electricity Company Engineer Khalid Hamad Algnoon as CEO Saudi Electricity Company has appointed Engineer Khalid Hamad Algnoon as its new CEO. An industry veteran with more than 35 years of experience working in diverse engineering and leadership positions, Algnoon had been the acting CEO since June 2021 when Fahad Al Sudairi stepped down from his post due to personal reasons.

Algnoon has previously held several major positions, including Executive Director, Distribution and Customer Services in the Saudi Electricity Company.

ALGNOON HAD BEEN THE ACTING CEO SINCE JUNE 2021

Appointments

35

Investcorp Appoints Mashaal AlJomaih as Managing Director Investcorp, a leading global alternative

Since 2008, Investcorp has been one of the

investment firm, has announced the

most active private equity players in Saudi

appointment of Mashaal AlJomaih

Arabia, deploying about $1.4 billion across 16

as Managing Director of Investcorp’s

investments in diverse sectors. The group has

Private Wealth for the KSA market,

supported many leading family businesses

who will be based in Riyadh.

in their journey toward going public on

Yasser Bajsair, CEO of Investcorp KSA, commented: “We are delighted to welcome

the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul).

On his appointment, AlJomaih said: “I

Mashaal, who brings with him over 20 years of

am excited to be joining Investcorp at this

experience in investment banking. His deep

time in its growth journey and I look forward

knowledge and understanding of Saudi Arabia’s

to helping lead the expansion of the firm’s

market, which is a key market for Investcorp, as

footprint in Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom is

well as his experience in wealth management,

an incredibly exciting and dynamic market

make him ideal for this role. We believe the

with a wealth of opportunities emerging

economic transformation of the Kingdom

as its economy diversifies. Investcorp has

and the evolution of the family business

an excellent opportunity to capitalize on

model have created opportunities to establish

this transformation and I am focused on

higher value and larger-scale businesses that

implementing a strategy that delivers growth

require complex and sophisticated processes

and value for our shareholders, stakeholders

and enhanced management capabilities.

and the communities within which we operate.”

As Managing Director for Private Wealth, Mashaal will also support the expansion of our client base in Saudi Arabia.”

“WE ARE DELIGHTED TO WELCOME MASHAAL, WHO BRINGS WITH HIM OVER 20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN INVESTMENT BANKING”

Alison Rehill-Erguven Appointed as New CEO of Arabian Centres Company Arabian Centres Company (ACC), the largest owner, developer, and operator of contemporary lifestyle centres in Saudi Arabia has announced the appointment of its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Alison Rehill-Erguven.

Joining in August 2022, Alison joins Arabian Centres from her position as Head of Commercial Real Estate at Brookfield Properties, based in Shanghai, China. Here, she was responsible for all retail assets, including shopping malls, offices, and mixed-use developments.

36

Project Focus

ZERO-CARBON FUTURE CITY LAUNCHED A

LNAMA Smart City is planned to become a zero carbon destination,

promoting sustainable living in a 10-squarekilometer community with various hubs, including residential, educational, commercial, tourism and medical.

Derived from the Arabic word ‘thrive’, Riyadh’s smart city is planned to provide 11,000 residential units for a population of 44,000 people. The 1,000-hectare development

ALNAMA IS A NEW BENCHMARK FOR FUTURE SMART CITIES THAT WILL ENABLE PEOPLE, THE PLANET AND PROFIT TO THRIVE IN BALANCE

will create 10,000 jobs in various sectors,

CEO of URB, Baharash Bagherian, who

including green-tech industries to create

has masterminded designs of various

a green circular economy for the city.

sustainable cities including recently launched projects such as The Sustainable

The project is masterminded by URB and

City in Yiti, The Sustainable City Yas Island,

provides the highest standards of social,

Nexgen Sustainable City and many more

gardens, wadis and carbon-rich habitats

environmental and economic sustainability.

yet to be revealed, explains ALNAMA as

are key features of the development’s

Various hubs will transform the city

the next evolution in smart cities.

innovative & resilient landscape design.

into a unique destination as well as an

The city was planned through the design

attraction for eco-tourists and medical

“ALNAMA aims to be the next generation

of its landscape, rather than its buildings.

tourists. The green-tech hub will provide

of the self-sufficient city, producing all

This creates urbanism that is more socially

an innovative ecosystem for urban-tech

the city’s renewable energy needs, as

inclusive, more economically valuable,

companies related to food, energy, water,

well as the resident’s caloric food intake

and more sensitive to the environment.”

waste, mobility and building materials.

on site. Biosaline agriculture, productive

Project Focus

100% RENEWABLE ENERGY, WATER RECYCLING AND WASTE RECYCLING

Eco-friendly glamping lodges, eco resorts

Ultimately, ALNAMA will become a work,

as well as a nature conservation centre are

live and visit destination where people,

key components of the hospitality hub,

the planet and profit can thrive in balance.

which will promote ecotourism. An autism

It will become a new benchmark model

village, wellness centre and clinics within the

for all future cities to be planned to

medical hub will promote medical tourism.

promote greener economies that center around food, water, energy and waste.

37

38

Vision 2030

VISION 2030 HAS CHANGED THE PERCEPTIONS OF SAUDI ARABIA ACCORDING TO RECENT RESEARCH FROM CARMA, THE MEDIA INTELLIGENCE SERVICE PROVIDER, SAUDI ARABIA'S VISION 2030 HAS CHANGED THE WORLD'S OPINION OF THE KINGDOM, WITH VARIOUS SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC PROGRAMS ATTRACTING ATTENTION.

Vision 2030

R

esearch conducted on the shift in

Vision 2030, according to Nahawi, will

media perception of Saudi Arabia

continue to play a significant part in Saudi

from 2020 to the first quarter of 2022, clearly

Arabia's future coverage. “While Vision 2030

illustrates that Vision 2030 has become

media coverage now has grown by 74% from

the most significant single contributor

2020 until today, it still represents just 33%

to the Kingdom’s global media coverage.

of overall coverage: we see a lot of upsides

Consequently, it is now viewed in a more

and expect this share to grow over time.”

VISION 2030 MEDIA COVERAGE NOW HAS GROWN BY 74% FROM 2020

positive light than it was 15 months ago.

In comparison to 2020, there was a major swing in perception in 2021, with overall positive reactions increasing by 9%.

Taken as a whole, generic references to

KSA SOCIAL, ECONOMIC & POLITICAL OUTLOOK

economic concerns were the second most common topic in mainstream media pieces,

19%

accounting for 18%, followed by Oil & Gas (11%), and Tourism & Culture (9%).

Mazen Nahawi, CEO of CARMA, explained: “The Kingdom’s overall positive share of coverage has increased from 2020 to

Overview of 2020 39% 42% 19% Social

Economic

42%

Political

39%

2021 from 66% to 72%. The coverage analysed was across 30 major markets and over 1,800 major international titles from broadcast, online and print media.

21%

“Our research undoubtedly shows that purpose-led projects within Vision 2030 are clearly capturing the interest of global media.

In the past, Saudi Arabia’s media coverage was heavily focused on oil and politics.

This has clearly changed, and we now see

Overview of 2021 44% 35% 21% Social

Economic

44%

Political

35%

a diversity of social and economic projects not just taking the lead in overall coverage, but also in how the Kingdom’s reputation is being re-shaped across the world.”

Conversations about social changes taking place within the Kingdom are also increasing, according to the research, around key topics such as female empowerment, tourism, improved quality of life, moving beyond oil, digital infrastructure and transformation, human capital efficiency, and intensifying diplomacy.

Another interesting conclusion of this research was that economic coverage climbed from 39% to 44% between 2020 and 2021, while social concerns increased from 19% to 21%.

IN COMPARISON TO 2020, THERE WAS A MAJOR SWING IN PERCEPTION IN 2021, WITH OVERALL POSITIVE REACTIONS INCREASING BY 9%

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CARMA

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40

Green and Sustainability

CHANGING THE WAY WE BUILD TO REDUCE WASTE

IT IS ESTIMATED THAT APPROXIMATELY 50% OF THE WORLD’S WASTE COMES FROM CONSTRUCTION (THAT’S CLOSE TO ONE BILLION TONNES), SO ISN’T IT TIME WE ABANDON THE OLD WAYS OF BUILDING AND START USING THE MATERIALS WE ALREADY HAVE?

Green and Sustainability

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Green and Sustainability

onstruction and demolition waste can range from bricks and electrical

cables to cardboard packaging, plastics and tree stumps, and it's notoriously difficult to get rid of because it's frequently produced in large quantities. It's usually disposed of in an industrial waste landfill, where lead and other toxic compounds can contaminate groundwater.

These vast quantities are driven by the construction industry’s tendency to buy new materials, which puts intense pressure on what are already limited natural resources.

In addition, many of the materials used, such as concrete, are hazardous to both the environment and human health when manufactured. Because of this raft of considerations, sustainability is one of the construction industry's supreme challenges, both in terms of input and production.

We continue to build and generate massive amounts of waste as the world's population, and the cities in which they live, continue to expand. The answer to this conundrum, though, is ‘simple’: in conjunction with the global construction industry, reimagine how to utilize waste to create new building materials.

It’s basically taking note of the old motto kids learn in school - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

ENHANCING THE PARTNERSHIP WITH THE UN On 13 June 2002, the Kingdom’s commitment to this sustainability philosophy was underlined when Faisal Alibrahim, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Economy and Planning, and Nathalie Fustier, United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, signed the ‘United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework’ (UNSDCF 2022-2026).

“AT TIMES OF GREAT GLOBAL CHALLENGES, OUR RESPONSES MUST BE COORDINATED, COLLABORATIVE AND TRULY GLOBAL IN SCALE”

The agreement aims to enhance the

2030 Agenda, as well as the socioeconomic

global in scale. Signing the UN Sustainable

partnership between Saudi Arabia and

ambitions of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

Development Cooperation Framework takes us another step closer to delivering exactly this.

the UN to accelerate their joint efforts to deliver progress on sustainable

Commenting on the agreement, Faisal

development in Saudi Arabia and meet

Alibrahim said: “At times of great global

“Through the framework, we are enhancing

the goals outlined in the 17 Sustainable

challenges, our responses must be

our partnership with the United Nations at a

Development Goals (SDGs) under the UN

coordinated, collaborative and truly

time when international partnerships have

Green and Sustainability

never been more critical. By working closely with our partners, Saudi Arabia can capture the economic opportunities that stem from the urgent need to deliver inclusive human, social and economic development – at both the local and international levels.

IT’S BASICALLY TAKING NOTE OF THE OLD MOTTO KIDS LEARN IN SCHOOL - REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE.

“Through our collaboration, we can further enhance Saudi’s evolving economy to diversify our industrial mix, forge critical future knowledge in emerging sectors and create new jobs for future generations who can unleash the full potential of our globally competitive economy.”

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Green and Sustainability

STAYING AHEAD OF THE CURVE

However, KSA is trying hard to keep ahead

These future generations were no doubt

of the curve, implementing plans and

at the front of his mind when HRH Prince

strategies designed to save the environment

Mohammed Bin Salman unveiled the ‘Saudi

and ‘clean up’ the construction industry.

Arabia Green Initiative’ and the ‘Middle East Green Initiative on 27 March 2021.

The Public Investment Fund's various

The Prince stated in his declaration that

giga-projects, for instance, are required

KSA will strive more to conserve the land

to implement properly planned waste

by lowering carbon emissions, combating

management programs. Meanwhile, The

pollution and land degradation, and

Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC)

preserving marine life, explaining: “As a

has established a program to clear up

leading global oil producer, we are fully

ocean debris and has joined the United

aware of our responsibility in advancing the

Nations' public action initiative #ACT4SDG

fight against the climate crisis, and that just

as an official partner. TRSDC is working

as we played a leading role in stabilizing

to remove rubbish that washes up on the

energy markets during the oil and gas era,

islands and mainland shorelines within

we will work to lead the coming green era.”

the project’s boundaries regions, as well as raising local understanding about waste

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's (KSA)

disposal techniques and how to reduce,

population growth, of course, has

recycle, and reuse these materials.

necessitated the expansion of the country's housing and infrastructure inventory, resulting in an inevitable accumulation of construction and demolition waste (C&D).

Green and Sustainability

45

THE MARKET WILL BENEFIT FROM THE GROWING USAGE OF AI-BASED ROBOTICS IN SORTING AND SEPARATING WASTE The Public Investment Fund's (PIF) Saudi

To assist in this, artificial intelligence and

Investment Recycling Company (SIRC)

IoT-based devices are being widely deployed

launched its first construction and demolition

in the construction industry, providing a

waste recycling plant in 2020 and is another

slew of lucrative opportunities. Indeed, the

great example of how the Kingdom is tackling

market will benefit from the growing usage

the waste challenge. Signalling the first step

of AI-based robotics in sorting and separating

towards meeting the national ambition of

waste to provide high-value and high-purity

diverting 60% of construction and demolition

commodities from mixed construction.

waste from landfills by 2035, as the Kingdom

AI-integrated recycling facilities, IoT-based

accelerates its transition to a circular economy,

gadgets, and robotic technologies are all

it is located in northern Riyadh and can

gaining a foothold in the global market.

treat up to 600 tonnes of waste per hour and achieve recycling rates of over 90%.

As a result, the Saudi waste market has a lot of potential - for public-private partnerships,

IT CAN TREAT UP TO 600 TONNES OF WASTE PER HOUR AND ACHIEVE RECYCLING RATES OF OVER 90%

for new technology promotion and adoption, and for considerable economic gains in terms of how business is conducted.

The rewards will be substantial, while the hazards for organizations that do not take their responsibilities seriously are set to grow.

The Saudi construction sector has seen a lot

TREMENDOUS POTENTIAL

of changes, but unlike in the past, the bottom

The use of recycled construction raw

line is no longer the key driver of the market's

materials has acquired a lot of traction

evolution. Sustainability is now increasingly

among well-known builders and developers.

vital and will be critical to construction

These materials have many advantages,

companies' competitiveness in the coming

including environmental friendliness, cost-

years. Consequently, to ensure success,

effectiveness, procurement flexibility, and

forward-looking companies need to become

ease of availability. According to industry

early adopters and industry role models,

experts, recycled coarse concrete can assist

making them preferred partners that lead

reduce the expenses of traditional building.

the way toward a more sustainable future.

As a result, the cost-effectiveness of recycling is piquing the interest of many companies.

Experts say that recycling construction waste can conserve raw material, energy and water, as well as reduce the production of greenhouse emissions and other pollutants that can contribute to climate change.

46

Green and Sustainability

CRTKL RELEASES ANNUAL SUSTAINABILITY REPORT FRAMED AROUND THE 17 UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS CRTKL, A GLOBAL CULTURAL AGENCY SPECIALIZING IN ARCHITECTURE, PLANNING AND DESIGN, HAS RELEASED AN INDUSTRY-LEADING ANNUAL SUSTAINABILITY REPORT PLEDGING THAT ALL PROJECTS WILL ANSWER THE UNIVERSAL CALL TO ACTION TO END POVERTY, PROTECT THE PLANET AND ENSURE PEOPLE ENJOY PEACE AND PROSPERITY BY 2030.

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RTKL has outlined its commitments

“We have been carbon neutral since 2020,

CRTKL has implemented climate-neutral

to developing projects that are

leading a planet-positive design revolution.

operations since 2020, building on successes

planet-positive, promoting the 17 integrated

At CRTKL, we adopt a human-centric

each year, and has pledged that all projects will

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),

approach to sustainable development and

be climate positive for operation by 2030 and

key drivers of sustainability in the region

are at the forefront with our significant strides

extend to climate-positive materials by 2040.

and adopted by all United Nations Member

recognized through the AIA 2030 challenge,

These ambitious goals take into consideration

States in 2015. This commitment to the

an actionable climate strategy that provides

both operational and embodied carbon. Where

SDGs recognizes that action in one area

a set of standards and goals for reaching

operational carbon refers to the total carbon

will affect outcomes in others and that

net-zero emissions in the built environment.

produced from all energy sources used to keep

development must balance social, economic

We are proud to be forward-thinking and are

our buildings warm, cool, ventilated, lighted

and environmental sustainability.

using advanced digital design to empower

and powered; embodied carbon refers to

people to live full, healthy lives and shape a

the greenhouse gas emissions arising from

better, more sustainable world,” he added.

the mining, logging, harvesting, extracting,

Preeti Mogali, Associate at CRTKL commented: “We are pleased to see the

processing, manufacturing, transportation,

progress of the SDGs in the region and

SUSTAINABILITY MINDSET

installation, maintenance, and disposal of

we are committed to driving reliable and

CRTKL embeds a sustainability mindset into

all the materials that go into a building.

sustainable solutions to the biggest issues

everything it does, influencing consumers

of both today and the future. Countries in

to be more planet-positive. Resources in

SDGS IN THE MIDDLE EAST

the Middle East have pledged to leave no

projects are used efficiently, providing for

The upcoming major UN-led environmental

one behind and the built environment will

both immediate needs as well as long-term

events in the Arab World, COP 27 in Egypt and

be significant in solving complex challenges

benefits to support all life on this planet and

COP 28 in UAE, will showcase the importance

as buildings are currently responsible for

contribute to safe and affordable access to

of SDGs for public and private stakeholders

40% of greenhouse gas emissions.”

varied human needs in the community.

to build a healthy and prosperous future for the region. As momentum builds to

Green and Sustainability

47

“BUILDINGS ARE CURRENTLY RESPONSIBLE FOR 40% OF GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS”

build back better and support long-term

REDUCED CARBON FOOTPRINT

growth, CRTKL is embedding sustainability

CRTKL is mitigating the environmental

in projects to protect the planet, improve

impact of design projects as buildings

health and increase resilience.

are estimated to consume 50% of global materials and contribute to approximately

The annual sustainability report outlines

half of global solid waste. CRTKL will

the seven SDGs most applicable to CRTKL

continue to take climate action, and

operations and the positive action taken

support the development of sustainable

in advance of the landmark UN events.

cities and responsible consumption.

These include good health and wellbeing, quality education, gender equality,

The company is transparently tracking

decent work and economic growth,

carbon calculations using the GHG Protocol,

reduced inequalities and a commitment

developed by the World Resources Institute

to working in partnership for the goals.

and the World Business Council for Sustainable

BUILDINGS ARE ESTIMATED TO CONSUME 50% OF GLOBAL MATERIALS AND CONTRIBUTE TO APPROXIMATELY HALF OF GLOBAL SOLID WASTE

Development, and is the world’s most widely used greenhouse gas accounting standard.

THIS COMMITMENT TO THE SDGS RECOGNIZES THAT ACTION IN ONE AREA WILL AFFECT OUTCOMES IN OTHERS

Successes in 2021 for CRTKL include a reduction of electricity footprint by more than 30%, largely based on right-sizing selected

CRTKL

office spaces based on hybrid work models and a paper carbon footprint reduction by over 60% based on reduced paper usage as digital communication became fully embedded.

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48

SAUDI ELECTRICITY CO. (SEC)

SEC: TAKING THE KINGDOM INTO A NEW ERA SAUDI ELECTRICITY CO. (SEC), THROUGH ITS SUBSIDIARIES, GENERATES, TRANSMITS, AND DISTRIBUTES ELECTRICITY AS WELL AS OPERATING FIBER OPTIC NETWORKS, ENGAGING IN TRADING, AND UTILIZING RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES. IT GENERATES GAS IN COMBINED, STEAM, AND DIESEL POWER PLANTS AND, IN ADDITION, CONSTRUCTS AUTONOMOUS POWER PLANTS ON A BUILD-OWN-OPERATE BASIS. IN THE CENTRAL, EASTERN, WESTERN AND SOUTHERN SECTORS, THE COMPANY DISTRIBUTES POWER TO CLIENTS IN TOWNS, CITIES, AND COMMUNITIES. AS OF JULY 2022, SEC HAS A MARKET CAPITALIZATION OF $26.89 BILLION, MAKING IT THE WORLD'S 622ND MOST VALUABLE COMPANY.

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Saudi Arabia can play a significant role in the spread of solar energy in the whole MENA region, too, given its dominance in the Middle East. The Kingdom’s solar energy initiative might soon make it a net exporter of solar power.

The Kingdom also has plans for further investments in countries across the Middle East and North Africa, which could make Saudi Arabia a key supporter, if not producer, of solar power throughout the region.

he company’s commitment to

Arabia is a desirable location for both CSP

With Saudi investment and local support

innovation and ensuring power for

and PV power generation due to the huge

for solar power, these investments could

future generations will see SEC continue to

sand resources that may be used in the

establish a new sense of collaboration and

lead the field too. The Kingdom, for instance,

production of silicon photovoltaic cells.

renewable investment in the region.

has made considerable efforts in recent

These initiatives will not only protect the

In late 2020, SEC awarded five stars to

years to harness the power of the sun and

environment but also safeguard valuable

the Waad Al Shamal integrated solar and

wind to produce electricity, and SEC has

reserves of oil and gas that could otherwise

combined cycle power plant project for

been at the forefront. Of course, Saudi Arabia

be exported or turned into goods with

Environment, Health and Safety (EHS), which

has considerable potential for renewable

added value. Considering that energy usage

illustrated its determination to stay on top of

energy. It is geographically situated close to

increased by 60% in the ten years preceding

quality and performance. Fahad H. Al-Sudairi,

the Sun Belt, and there are plenty of empty

2019, diversifying the electricity mix is crucial.

the then President and CEO of SEC, said:

desert stretches that might house solar

By 2030, demand is anticipated to have

"At SEC, we continuously assess progress

power generation facilities. Moreover, Saudi

increased even further, from 62.7 GW in 2019.

against strict measures meant to ensure

SAUDI ELECTRICITY CO. (SEC)

“SEC IS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING HIGHQUALITY IT AND COMMUNICATION SERVICES ACROSS SAUDI ARABIA BASED ON THE HIGHEST INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS”

or information entrusted to the company by third parties. An information security management system is a systematic approach to managing sensitive company information so that it remains secure. ISO/ IEC 20000-1 promotes the adoption of a service management system to provide value and consistency for both the customer and the service provider. These certifications validate SEC’s focus on its customers through establishing international communication

49

CONSIDERING THAT ENERGY USAGE INCREASED BY 60% IN THE TEN YEARS PRECEDING 2019, DIVERSIFYING THE ELECTRICITY MIX IS CRUCIAL

centers supported by new technologies that comply with global standards.

Waqas Ahmed, Area Manager for the

transfer of assets, liabilities, and contracts.

SPPC and SEC also signed energy

Eastern Region at Intertek presented the

conversion agreements, bulk supplies, and

award to Zaid A. Al-Jendel, Executive Director

fuel supply innovations, all effective from

of SEC and the Senior Management team

1 July. Alongside that, SEC, SPPC and the

during a special ceremony held at SEC

Ministry of Finance signed a fuel inventory

headquarters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

sale agreement, which stipulates that the

Speaking at the event, Zaid A. Al-Jendel

ministry shall pay SEC its net book value for

said: "Information Technology and

the fuel inventory. The sale price shall be

Digital Transformation are at the heart

calculated based on the book value of SPPC’s

of many core activities that businesses

net assets at the end of the second quarter of

and individuals conduct every day, and it

2022. SEC does not expect the carve-out of

is crucial for an industry leader like SEC

SPPC to negatively impact its business since

to implement and maintain the highest

SPPC possesses no material tangible assets.

international standards and to continue

Finally, SEC has appointed Engineer

occupational safety and health across all

to enhance them. Our customers trust

Khalid Hamad Algnoon as its new CEO. An

our offices, existing facilities and projects.”

us for this continuous commitment and

industry veteran with more than 35 years of

drive. Having these two certifications from

experience working in diverse engineering

ISO CERTIFICATION

Intertek demonstrate that we are steadfast

and leadership positions, Algnoon had been

Underlining and in recognition of its pro-

about ensuring that we always implement

the acting CEO since June 2021 when Fahad

active stance in the energy sector, SEC has

best-in-class management system practices

Al Sudairi stepped down from his post due

recently been awarded two ISO certificates

and provide high-quality services.”

to personal reasons. Algnoon has previously

for complying with international standards

Sandeep Vig, Director, Business

held several major positions, including

of ISO/IEC 20000-1:2018 for Information

Assurance – MENAP and India added: “SEC

Executive Director, Distribution and Customer

Technology Service Management and ISO/

is committed to providing high-quality IT

Services in the Saudi Electricity Company.

IEC 27001:2013 for Information Security

and communication services across Saudi

Management. Intertek, a leading Total

Arabia based on the highest international

energy sector, not least within the

Quality Assurance provider to industries

standards. Getting certified for 68 services

arena of solar power, and will remain a

worldwide, presented the certificates,

enables the company to manage its IT

vital cog in the evolution and success

following up on two ISO certifications it

systems more efficiently while further

of Saudi Arabia in the years ahead.

awarded two years ago. These were bestowed

mitigating any security risk to the business.”

SEC continues to set the pace in the

for continuing to uphold global standards and expanding its scope across 68 different

CONTINUALLY MOVING FORWARDS

services within the SEC’s Information

SEC has transferred its entire stake in the

Technology and Digital Transformation.

Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC)

Using the ISO/IEC 27000 family of standards

SAUDI ELECTRICITY CO. (SEC)

to the Saudi government. SPPC is now an

helps organizations manage the security

independent company wholly owned by

of assets such as financial information,

the government, following completion

intellectual property, employee details

of all legal arrangements for the sale and

VISIT WEBSITE

50

Project Focus - Diriyah Sustainability

DIRIYAH ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGY STRIKES THE PERFECT BALANCE

DIRIYAH, LOCATED JUST 20 MINUTES NORTHWEST OF RIYADH'S CITY CENTRE, IS BEING TRANSFORMED INTO ONE OF THE WORLD'S LEADING LIFESTYLE DESTINATIONS FOR CULTURE AND HERITAGE, HOSPITALITY, RETAIL AND EDUCATION. AND WITH THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY INCREASINGLY TURNING ITS ATTENTION TO A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE, SAUDI ARABIA IS SEEN TO BE TAKING THE LEAD IN RESTORING A HISTORIC CITY INTO A WORLD-RENOWNED ECOLOGICAL LANDMARK.

WORKING NONSTOP TO DEV AN ENVIRONMENTAL STRAT THAT STRIKES THE PERFE BALANCE BETWEEN TOURIS THE CITY'S RICH HISTOR

Project Focus - Diriyah Sustainability

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he Kingdom has left no stone

SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS

The DGDP is historically and culturally

unturned in its quest for the Diriyah

The DGDA and the Oil Sustainability Program

significant because the Turaif area

Gate Development Project to become a

(OSP) recently inked a Memorandum of

was Saudi Arabia's first capital.

global tourism destination, as envisioned in

Understanding (MoU) to encourage the

its Vision 2030 blueprint, and it is currently

use of sustainable polymer construction

SAUDI CONSTRUCTION

working nonstop to develop an environmental

materials in the project. The OSP, which

COMPANIES WIN CONTRACTS

strategy that strikes the perfect balance

is being overseen by the Ministry of

Jerry Inzerillo, group CEO of DGDA, speaking

between tourism and the city's rich history.

Energy, ensures that hydrocarbons are

at the Future Hospitality Summit, stated

used as efficiently and sustainably as

that women make up 36% of the project's

possible in the global energy mix.

workforce, with the management sector

One aspect of this is that the Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) is working

alone employing 16% of women. He further

to create a specialized ecotourism region

As part of the MoU, DGDA will restore and

revealed that the Diriyah Gate Project's

to the south of the city, which will include

rehabilitate the historic city by employing

workforce is made up of 40% Diriyah residents.

the Barari Diriyah Wildlife Conservation

traditional Najdi architecture principles

Center and the Palm Heritage Center

that have given the Kingdom's central

After completion, the project will have

for Research and Development.

region its distinct long-held identity.

20,000 residential units, and the contracts

VELOP ATEGY ECT SM AND RY

to build these have been handed to Another intriguing component of the

Saudi construction companies.

initiative is that it has prioritized people in its development. With this in mind, it also intends

The DGDA has also recently partnered with

to raise public awareness concerning the need

the international luxury hospitality chain Four

for environmental protection and maximizing

Seasons to construct a new hotel on the site.

the economic return from the city, which will

There will be 150 rooms and suites, as well as

soon become a major tourist destination.

large meeting and event spaces, a wellness spa, and a fitness facility inside the hotel.

A DGDA spokesperson explained: “We

The hotel will be positioned next to Diriyah's

at Diriyah are within the intersection of

culturally important district along the Wadi

multiple issues, contemplating innovative

Hanifah escarpment, with breathtaking views

yet practical ways to create the right

of At-Turaif, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

solutions. Some of these issues deal with environmental sustainability, and others

“When people start putting the pictures up

relate to maximizing the economic return

of every place they’ve been, people will say,

from cities as tourist destinations.

‘where is that?’ People collect pictures of themselves in front of great icons of the world -

“Other issues concern how to raise awareness

the Acropolis, Eiffel Tower - and now they need

of people’s ecological conduct and impact,

a picture in front of Diriyah,” said Inzerillo.

including administering legislation - both existing and desired - that governs, or should govern, human environmental conduct based on sustainable objectives, requirements, and standards.”

DIRIYAH

According to the DGDA, once completed, the project is expected to draw over seven million tourists per year, which is in keeping with

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Vision 2030's goals of creating a sustainable economy, a vibrant environment, and a bustling community inside the Kingdom.

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52

THE RED SEA DEVELOPMENT COMPANY - Grankraft

BUILDING THE FUTURE AT SHEYBARAH ISLAND WITH ITS IMAGE OF FLOATING ORBS ON SHEYBARAH ISLAND, THE RED SEA DEVELOPMENT COMPANY HAS CREATED WAVES ACROSS THE DESIGN WORLD. EACH OVERWATER ORB (VILLA) IS ELEVATED ABOVE THE WATER'S SURFACE, MINIMIZING THE IMPACT OF THE GROUND FOUNDATION, AND FEATURES SLIDING DOORS THAT OPEN TO A DECK, A SEATING SPACE, AND AN INFINITY POOL WITH UNOBSTRUCTED VIEWS OF THE SEA AND HORIZON.

PLAY VIDEO

THE RED SEA DEVELOPMENT COMPANY - Grankraft

“WE ARE BUILDING ABOUT 73 OF THESE VILLAS, 38 OF WHICH WILL BE OVER WATER VILLAS”

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farm and supplied with fresh water from a solar-powered desalination plant. “Everything about this project is about sustainability, Yatindra says. “And the first thing has been,

Saudi Projects took the opportunity to visit

steel structure (Marine Grade 316L), while the

don’t build it in Sheybarah, because that goes

the manufacturer of these orbs, Grankraft

skin is stainless steel. The stainless steel, the

against the principles of sustainability. So the

Industries LLC in Sharjah, to discover

raw material, is produced by Outokumpu in

solution we provided to the client is we build

more about the design, construction

Finland, and we process the steel over here. It

it here in Sharjah, where we take out all the

and vision of this project, speaking with

comes to us in sheets, and we have a process

possibilities of waste and disposal of waste.

company director Yatindra Mudbidri.

that starts with pre-polishing; we form the

Secondly, we are using recyclable material

sheets and then we cut them to shape, and

and our stainless steel comes with very high

“We got involved in the project when the design

then another round of polishing. Then we

recyclable content. The third thing revolves

of the villas started, so we were involved with

put them together like a jigsaw puzzle.”

around Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs),

the architects and the structural engineers, ”Yatindra begins. “We geared up our input and were able to help the design to come to a stage where it could actually be constructed.”

REDUCING THE VISUAL IMPACT Sheybarah Island Resort on the Red Sea archipelago was designed by Killa Design in Dubai and comprises a series of overwater

SUSTAINABILITY IS AT THE HEART OF SHEYBARAH ISLAND RESORT, WHICH IS DESIGNED TO BE A LEED PLATINUM

which create environmental problems. We are using systems that have VOCs that are within the limits required for LEED Platinum.

And we’re doing it in Sharjah, so we’re not spoiling the environment on the Red Sea. The final thing is a very efficient transportation and placing methodology, which involves a lot less impact on the coral reefs. If you look at the whole ‘orbs’ project, it’s almost like plug

and inland villas. Located on the uninhabited

n’ play, and over the lifecycle of the project,

Sheybarah Island, home to a highly diverse

only 5-10% of the work is carried out on-site.”

environment with mangroves, sandy beach,

Of course, when people think of steel and

and some of the most beautiful coral reefs

water, one of the first thoughts is rust. As

Furthermore, the manufacturing process

in the world, it will house over 70 villas, as

Yatindra says, though, this is well in hand

being undertaken by Grankraft was created

Yatindra explains: “We are building about 73 of

at Sheybarah Resort. “There are three ways

exclusively for this project and has never

these villas, 38 of which are over water. There

in which we can stop the stainless steel

been utilized anywhere before. Meanwhile,

will be a wooden boardwalk that connects all

from rusting. If you look at the finish of

Mammoet, a global leader in engineered

these water villas; the land access is through

the stainless steel, that plays an important

heavy lifting and transportation, has been

the boardwalk. The villas come in different

role in producing anti-rust properties. We

tasked with transporting the prefabricated

sizes: one-bedroom (18-meter diameter),

have chosen an extremely polished surface,

villas from Grankraft's yard to the

two-bedroom (22-meter diameter) and

and when you have this it repels dust, that

construction site and installing them on their

three bedroom (26-meter diameter). Each

is number one. The second thing is the

foundations: on the beach and over water.

villa weighs approximately 120 tonnes.”

stainless steel itself, which has anti-rusting

The approach to the façade design has been

properties. And third, very important, is

THE RED SEA DEVELOPMENT COMPANY'S

periodic cleaning and maintenance.”

partners' creativity in design and production

to reduce the visual impact with each villa

is closely matched with the Saudi Vision 2030

having polished stainless steel cladding that

PLUG N’ PLAY

aspirations, and this spectacular new resort

reflects the sea, the sky, and the reef. This

Sustainability is at the heart of Sheybarah

really embodies the Kingdom's tourist future.

material is the key feature of the project, with

Island Resort, which is designed to be a LEED

Yatindra saying: “We are using two types of

Platinum, off-grid, zero energy, and zero water

metals. One is for the structure, which is a

development, powered by a centralized solar

GRANKRAFT  +971 6 544 0366

THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS BEING UNDERTAKEN BY GRANKRAFT WAS CREATED EXCLUSIVELY FOR THIS PROJECT AND HAS NEVER BEEN UTILIZED ANYWHERE BEFORE

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54

The Red Sea Development Company - Smart Cities

 SIMON TIMMIS, SMART SERVICES TECHNICAL DIRECTOR AT THE RED SEA DEVELOPMENT COMPANY (TRSDC)

MAKING NATURE SMARTER

The Red Sea Development Company - Smart Cities

I

N A NUTSHELL, A SMART CITY IS A FRAMEWORK, PRIMARILY COMPOSED OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES (ICT), THAT DEVELOPS, DEPLOYS, AND PROMOTES SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PRACTICES TO ADDRESS GROWING URBANIZATION CHALLENGES. BUT WHICH SMART SOLUTIONS ARE BEING INTRODUCED ON THE RED SEA PROJECT AND HOW DOES THIS TIE IN WITH PROTECTING NATURE AND THE ENVIRONMENT. WE ASKED SIMON TIMMIS, SMART SERVICES TECHNICAL DIRECTOR AT THE RED SEA DEVELOPMENT COMPANY (TRSDC).

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IT'S ALL ABOUT MAKING THE GUEST JOURNEY SEAMLESS AND EFFICIENT, AND FEELING LIKE THEY'VE GOT A CONCIERGE WITH THEM Uber from a hotel, it’s a similar experience.

Also, we’re looking to attain Dark Sky

Unlike Dubai, London or wherever it may be,

Certification, which means our lighting is

though, we are running everything within the

kept to an extreme minimum so that we

destination - we are in control of everything.

can actually see the night sky here. And for that we have to control lighting and the

So, for example, we know, because we are

potential areas for light pollution; we have

monitoring heavily, where all the flora and

to get data on the lighting of the huge areas

fauna are, and particularly where the sea

involved. For that, we have to use technology

creatures are, the turtles and the dolphins. If we

to ensure that we keep in compliance with

so choose, we can take that data, for instance,

the certification and remain certified, which

to assess the turtle population and put that

is important to both the board and to us.

together with information for the captain of a boat to inform the guests traveling from one

The third aspect is environmental monitoring.

island to another, “by the way there is a pod

We have committed to the world, and not just to

of dolphins over there” or “turtles are coming

Saudi Arabia or the Gulf, that we will not interfere

Saudi Projects: What exactly do smart city

just beneath us.” All of this data is used and

with nature while we’re constructing, but rather

initiatives include at TRSDC?

shared to enhance the guest experience.

look to improve the area significantly - improve

Simon Timmis: The main initiatives are

the corals and other key habitats, improve the

there to deal with guests and to make the

Regarding the city, we need to bring it into

flora and fauna, increasing the net conservation

city more efficient. It’s a significant area,

complete efficiency and harmony because we

benefit of the site. So for that, we have to record,

the size of Belgium in landmass, but when

are totally off-grid. At night we will be on battery

and we are recording now, through a range of

you put all the developments, micro-

power and are in fact constructing the world’s

sensors across the marine environment and

developments, together for the islands, it’s

largest battery storage facility at the site.

the land environment to prove it to the world.

technology and city smart services. Then we

So for that reason, we have to be extremely

SP: It’s a huge undertaking, what are the

have services for the environment, such as

energy efficient; electricity-efficient, as in cooling

specific challenges - is it the sheer scale?

environmental monitoring and observation,

and heating efficiency, but also water-efficient

Simon: It’s not necessarily scale, because

because that's extremely important for us.

because we are undertaking desalination and

although it’s a very large area, the development

virtually a city in its own right. So we have city

although we're doing it very, very carefully,

plots are relatively small - we’re developing

It's all about making the guest journey

and considerately, it's still a process that

less than 1% of the total area. The challenge

seamless and efficient, and feeling like they've

needs to be efficient because you do not want

for us, and the reason we did a lot of design

got a concierge with them when they don't

to produce water when you don't need to.

work at the very beginning before we went

necessarily have to have a physical concierge.

to market for tenders, is because it’s heavily

The entire development’s mobility is run by

So city technology is there to ensure

interconnected. So services share data with

us and contained by us. So to get from one

efficiency for the guests, so it's running as

other services and they share it through a

resort to another for a meal, or maybe staying

clean as possible, as efficiently as possible,

big platform we call the Smart Destination

one night in one resort and then moving

and so that we can effectively run the city

platform. This is a singular data platform with

to another, that requires us to move them

carefully with the environment in mind.

artificial intelligence and machine learning.

around. And the mobility, whether it be boat, car, seaplane, all of that is controlled by us through a mobility service, basically an Uber of the Red Sea. That linked together with the hotels and all of the different systems, are there to create a frictionless guest experience.

So very much like a guest would book an

SO SERVICES SHARE DATA WITH OTHER SERVICES AND THEY SHARE IT THROUGH A BIG PLATFORM WE CALL THE SMART DESTINATION PLATFORM

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The Red Sea Development Company - Smart Cities

 SIMON TIMMIS, SMART SERVICES TECHNICAL DIRECTOR AT THE RED SEA DEVELOPMENT COMPANY (TRSDC)

WE’RE LOOKING TO ATTAIN DARK SKY CERTIFICATION, WHICH MEANS OUR LIGHTING IS KEPT TO AN EXTREME MINIMUM

another service, which will add benefit; it will give meaning and be an interesting guest experience, and this is important to us.

Equally, we have metered all of the apartments that our employees live in, and we do that to

The challenge is not the individual services.

Going back to seeing a pod of dolphins

keep a balance concerning the utilities that we

The challenge is in the data mesh, the

or a number of turtles or a school of fish

have. At the same time, it will give a granular

data web, which puts all that together

move across the water -we need to record

measurement on the environmental impact of,

so we can be as efficient as possible.

that for environmental reasons, but at the

for instance, a member of staff running the oven

same time give the same information to

in their apartment for a certain amount of time.

The Red Sea Development Company - Smart Cities

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THE WAY WE’VE DONE THINGS IN THIS PROGRAMME REVOLVES AROUND INTENSE DESIGN AND WORKING TOGETHER WITH THE STAKEHOLDERS BEFORE IT GOES TO TENDER, SO ALL PARTIES ARE ALL SIGNED ON THE APPROACH AS WE MOVE Simon: I think each project gives different

Simon: What we’ve done for flexibility’s

challenges. The ones I’ve been involved in

sake is create framework contracts in the

recently, the Dubai Expo, the World Cup in Qatar

procurement packages to the bidders to

and the Olympics, all are time-bound projects.

underline that things do move fast. It’s a jigsaw puzzle and we’re moving it at speed

So your technological cutting-edge is a little

together. We’ve done as much as we can

less, mainly because the likes of FIFA and the

to keep it flexible and to keep it moving.

IOC like to do it the way that they've always done it before. The technology challenges are

SP: Finally, in the future do you think smart

therefore a bit different. The projects are still

cities and destinations will be determined

quite leading edge because FIFA and the IOC

by how well they connect with each other to

like to show something new, and of course,

form an ecosystem?

the hosting countries like to show something

Simon: Our situation is interesting because

innovative too. The challenge on those projects

as The Red Sea Development Company, we

is purely time, so you sometimes pull away

launched with The Red Sea Project but acquired

on technology advances because you haven’t

additional responsibilities, first in AMAALA, and

got the confidence it can be delivered in time,

now with a growing portfolio of other projects

and time is crucial. The Qatar World Cup was

along the west coast. We spent a lot of time

awarded a lot earlier than other World Cups,

on design work for The Red Sea Project, and I

so time for us was a bit of an anomaly, almost

expect this experience will mean those other

a hindrance, because we were designing

projects are going to be easier to do – they

a lot earlier than you would normally. And

are also going to be data interconnected and

the problem with that is that you have to go

share the similar experiences. Consequently,

back to them a couple of years later because

we will end up having a technology spine

things have gone out of date. With those

running the length of the west coast, and we

projects, it’s all about time, technology,

are working in tandem with NEOM and KAUST,

and advancement, with a connection.

and the other projects and key stakeholders to learn and share information. As we all grow,

With the Red Sea, it’s definitely all about time

we are going to be an interconnected smart

– our ambition and the drive of our leadership

city, and at the same time, our experiences

So, we are approaching this very differently;

will not allow us to go slow. At the same

will blend into other smart cities to improve

even for our employees this is a personal

time, we have a little more flexibility in some

their performance and reliability.

commitment to live and breath sustainability.

aspects, and the way we’ve done things in this programme revolves around intense design

SP: On a personal level, you’ve been involved

and working together with the stakeholders

in some of the world’s major events, from

before it goes to tender, so all parties have

Football World Cups to the Olympics and

signed off on the approach before we move.

THE RED SEA DEVELOPMENT COMPANY

onto the planning for major transportation systems – how does TRSDC stack up against

SP: The world is moving fast and things

these? What excites you about this project?

will change, so how flexible is TRSDC when it comes to growth and upgrading?

VISIT WEBSITE

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The Red sea Development Company - Airport progress

LIKE NO OTHER AIRPORT ON EARTH

PLAY VIDEO

The Red sea Development Company - Airport progress

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ITS ARCHITECTURE WILL BE INFORMED BY THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF THE SURROUNDING LANDSCAPE

T

HE RED SEA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, WHICH IS SET TO SERVE AN ESTIMATED ONE MILLION ANNUAL TOURISTS VISITING THE RED SEA BY 2030, IS SCHEDULED TO OPEN AS PART OF PHASE ONE, SEEKING TO BE BOTH ELEGANT AND ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY.

The project has passed many significant

STRIVING FOR 100% RENEWABLE ENERGY

milestones too, including:

The project has also had its fair share of

 11 million m3 of earth balancing works

challenges, not least two years of Covid-19

to establish the new Runway Safety

restrictions, incorporating challenging

Initiative (RSI) airport footprint

logistical shipping problems and electronics

 Terminal excavation works (included

components shortages on a global scale.

a total excavation of 280,000 m3)

TRSDC has had to create ‘workarounds’

 14 km of perimeter secure boundary fence and perimeter road

for all staff and workers during this period, especially in relation to worldwide and regional

In line with The Red Sea Development

 16 km of open channel drain system

lockdowns. The force of nature has had to be

Company’s (TRSDC) sustainability goals,

 Main Primary Runway – 3.7

contended with too, with 400km of specialist

the new airport has an eco-friendly and sustainable design, led by world-renowned architects Foster + Partners. Its architecture is informed by the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape and represents the

km (75 meters width)  Dedicated Seaplane Runway – 525m (42 meters width)

cables having to be replaced in record time due to the original cables being destroyed in extraordinary flash floods in Europe.

 Parallel Taxiway – 3.7 km (56 meters width) with four Link Taxiways

overarching vision of The Red Sea Project.

 One dedicated isolated parking

SIGNIFICANT MILESTONES

 Contact Stands (a designated

stand for emergency vehicles

The Red Sea International Airport will be powered by 100% renewable solar energy, implement a full prohibition on single-use plastics, and deliver overall net neutrality, to

To date, over 2,800 people have worked

area where an aircraft could use a

set new norms in sustainable development

around the clock to deliver the airside works.

Passenger Boarding Bridge)

across design, construction, and operation. The

Strict health and safety rules have been

 Remote Stands (parking area for aircraft):

airport will be accessible by 80% of the world’s

implemented throughout all construction

12 Seaplane Stands, 12 Business Jet

population in fewer than eight hours of travel.

works, resulting in 8 million safe man-hours

Stands, and three Helipads completed

worked without a Lost Time Injury to date (LTI).

THE RED SEA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT IS DUE TO BE COMPLETED IN Q1 2023, WITH AN INAUGURAL FLIGHT PLANNED FOR Q4 OF 2022

THE RED SEA DEVELOPMENT COMPANY VISIT WEBSITE

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The Red sea Development Company - Southern Dunes Update

The Red sea Development Company - Southern Dunes Update

SIX SENSES SOUTHERN DUNES, THE RED SEA T

HE SIX SENSES SOUTHERN DUNES, THE RED SEA RESORT IS ONE OF THE TWO INLAND LOCATIONS IN PHASE ONE OF THE RED SEA PROJECT, DESIGNED BY FOSTER+PARTNERS AND RENOWNED FOR ITS ECO-CREDENTIALS. THE ARCHITECTURAL APPROACH PAYS HOMAGE TO THE NABATAEAN HERITAGE AND MAJESTIC DESERT AND SAND DUNES SURROUNDINGS.

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The Red sea Development Company - Southern Dunes Update

PLAY VIDEO

Southern Dunes will be operated by

“With its world-leading approach to

It’s the engineering under the surface that helps

Six Senses, the first of its kind to open

sustainability and wellness, and of course, famed

the resort set a new standard for environmental

in Saudi Arabia and will include:

for providing ultimate luxury, Six Senses mirrors

sustainability and the ambition is to achieve

our development's ethos. The Red Sea Project

LEED Platinum standard. The entire destination

is set to deliver a new type of barefoot luxury

has already secured the first stage of LEED

experience, underpinned by a commitment

for Cities Platinum certification, and is the

to regenerative tourism development,”

first development in the region to do so.



40 villas

 A central hotel building with 36 rooms, restaurants, a pool and a spa.

Six Senses CEO Neil Jacobs comments:

added TRSDC’s CEO John Pagano.

“The mission of early travelers was to trade, document, observe and see things in a new

The design uses sustainable, lightweight

way. Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red

materials reflecting the textures

Sea is an invitation to explore a region that

of the Saudi Arabian desert.

is undiscovered. Our job here is to tread very lightly. This has been a unique opportunity

The base structure is a modular, precast

to see how we can bring to life wellness

system that ensures the building only

and sustainability – two great values of Six

touches the ground lightly to leave most

Senses – in an exciting new destination.”

of the site undisturbed, with minimal paving to ensure the surrounding pathways remain natural and authentic.

THE DESIGN USES SUSTAINABLE, LIGHTWEIGHT MATERIALS REFLECTING THE TEXTURES OF THE SAUDI ARABIAN DESERT

The Red sea Development Company - Southern Dunes Update

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The project has:  Passed the 50% completion milestone  Has approximately 20,000 workers busy on site  Upwards of SR 25 billion has already been awarded in contracts  TRSDC expects this number to exceed SR 40 billion by the end of the year across its two flagship projects.

Work is on track to welcome the first guests in early 2023, in line with the wider completion of resorts and other key assets at the destination as part of Phase One.

IT’S THE ENGINEERING UNDER THE SURFACE THAT HELPS THE RESORT SET A NEW STANDARD FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

“THIS HAS BEEN A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO SEE HOW WE CAN BRING TO LIFE WELLNESS AND SUSTAINABILITY – TWO GREAT VALUES OF SIX SENSES – IN AN EXCITING NEW DESTINATION”

THE RED SEA DEVELOPMENT COMPANY VISIT WEBSITE

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The Red Sea Development Company - hotel signing

TRSDC SIGNS AGREEMENTS WITH THREE MAJOR GLOBAL HOTEL BRANDS T

HE RED SEA DEVELOPMENT COMPANY (TRSDC) HAS CONFIRMED THAT THREE NEW HOTEL MANAGEMENT AGREEMENTS HAVE BEEN SIGNED WITH INTERNATIONAL HOTEL BRANDS TO OPERATE RESORTS IN THE FIRST PHASE OF DEVELOPMENT AT THE RED SEA PROJECT. The agreements, signed at the Future Hospitality Summit in Riyadh, are with Ritz Carlton Reserve, Miraval Hotels, and Rosewood.

“This announcement demonstrates industry confidence in The Red Sea Project, with a total of 12 hospitality brands now confirmed, and signifies a growing appetite from global leaders to participate in the expansion of the Saudi tourism market. With two brands

Ritz Carlton Reserve is situated at the

kind world-class luxury destination. They

destination’s idyllic Ummahat Islands,

have all agreed to adhere to our stringent

whilst Miraval and Rosewood are located on

measures when it comes to embedding

Shura Island, the main hub for the resort.

sustainability, luxury and Saudi heritage

The new collection of hospitality brands

in their designs and share best practices in

collectively features nearly 500 hotel keys

terms of the environment once operational.

of the total 3,000 planned for phase one.

"These additional hotel management

“THIS ANNOUNCEMENT DEMONSTRATES INDUSTRY CONFIDENCE IN THE RED SEA PROJECT, WITH A TOTAL OF 12 HOSPITALITY BRANDS NOW CONFIRMED”

now entering the region for the first time, I believe the future of tourism in the Kingdom is bright,” said John Pagano, CEO of TRSDC.

This trio of luxury hotel companies join a stellar line-up of globally renowned brands

"Together with our collection of globally

that have already confirmed they will operate

recognized and respected partners, we are

at The Red Sea Project, including EDITION

excited to play our part in opening up this

Hotels and St Regis Hotels & Resorts, part

unique and undiscovered part of the world,

of Marriott International; Fairmont Hotel &

setting new benchmarks for sustainable

Resorts, Raffles Hotels & Resorts, and SLS

development along the way," he added.

Hotels & Residences, part of global hospitality group Accor; Grand Hyatt, part of Hyatt Hotels Corporation; Intercontinental Hotels

THE NEW COLLECTION OF HOSPITALITY BRANDS COLLECTIVELY FEATURES NEARLY 500 HOTEL KEYS

& Resorts and Six Senses, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts; and Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts.

Jay Rosen, Chief Financial Officer at TRSDC, commented: “Our impressive roster of hospitality brands are united in their commitment to help us create a one-of-a-

agreements mark the significant progress we are making as we work towards welcoming visitors from around the world. The Red Sea Project has already passed significant milestones and work is on track to welcome the first guests in less than a year when the first hotels will open. Phase one, which includes 16 hotels in total, will be complete by the end of 2023.”

The Red Sea Development Company - hotel signing

THE RED SEA DEVELOPMENT COMPANY VISIT WEBSITE

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The Red Sea Devbelopment Company News - Hotel Signing

CATERPILLAR'S SAUDI DEALER WINS RED SEA PROJECT SUPPLY CONTRACT

Caterpillar Inc. has announced that Cat® dealer Zahid Tractor has been selected by the main contractor to supply power solutions that deliver 32 MW of prime power for The Red Sea Project.

Zahid Tractor is supplying 69 generator sets capable of running on both conventional diesel

THE NEW COLLECTION OF HOSPITALITY BRANDS COLLECTIVELY FEATURES NEARLY 500 HOTEL KEYS

and B100 biodiesel to supply energy during the construction phase of The Red Sea Project.

The project leverages Caterpillar’s expertise in

Electric Power. “Caterpillar and Zahid Tractor have the advanced technologies and local expertise needed to support every phase of this high-profile project and help attain

Customer Value Agreements (CVAs), which

solutions that have enabled operation on various

maintenance at scheduled intervals, and round-

hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), biodiesel, and

the-clock, on-demand technical support.

Additionally, most of the units are equipped with Cat Connect Remote Access

and commissioned most of the generator

Monitoring (RAM), Caterpillar’s advanced data

sets in weather-resistant, sound-attenuated

visualization, reporting and alert offering.

enclosures that are currently being used

Myers, General Manager for Caterpillar Large

its business and sustainability targets.”

include customer technician training, regular

Zahid Tractor has already delivered, installed

them achieve their business goals,” said Bart

is also addressing uptime needs through

supplying and maintaining field-proven power

blended fuel products for more than a decade.

sustainability into their operations to help

“The Red Sea Project is a global showcase

to support construction activities and

for demonstrating how large-scale economic

workforce accommodations. Zahid Tractor

development projects can incorporate

CATERPILLAR VISIT WEBSITE

The Red Sea Devbelopment Company News - Hotel Signing

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FLOATING CRANE UTILIZED FOR RED SEA BRIDGE INSTALLATION

TRSDC EMPLOYS MARINE SPATIAL PLANNING TOOL TO ENHANCE BIODIVERSITY The Red Sea Development Company

Science’, the company is developing

A ‘floating crane’ has been deployed for the

(TRSDC) is using a marine spatial

across-the-board plans for enhancing

construction of a 1.2km bridge in the Red

planning simulation - utilizing

coral reefs, which involves growing coral

Sea. The bridge will connect Saudi Arabia’s

software specially developed in Saudi

nurseries and breeding healthy corals.

mainland with Shurayrah Island, which is

Arabia - to assess the developmental

TRSDC is using adaptive ecosystem-

being built as a luxury tourist destination by

impact and enhance biodiversity.

the Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC).

Marine engineering firm Archirodon contacted

Developed in partnership with King

based management for the environmental regulatory system, which will make use

Abdullah University of Science and

of observational data and associated

Mammoet to handle the transportation and

Technology, the technology plans,

modeling to provide scientific guidance for

installation of 60 pre-cast bridge-beam and

collects and analyzes oceanographic

developing and protecting the ecosystem.

edge-beam segments onto piers. The customer

data that influences marine and

originally intended for SPMTs to install the

terrestrial ecosystems and tracks

environmentally smart by utilizing the

bridge sections on a barge using SPMT's

net conservation benefits.

latest technology to enhance visitors’

suspension cylinders to lift and lower the pre-cast segments on the bridge bearings.

However, after further investigation,

“Marine spatial planning helps the

“TRSDC destinations will be

experiences. Additionally, the data will

company decide which island to develop

be uploaded and stored into a smart

and which is most important to protect

environmental platform to support

Mammoet's engineering team presented an

by integrating expert opinion, ecological

science-informed adaptive ecosystem-

alternate installation approach, including

principles, and a software-based decision

based management,” Eyouni concluded.

the use of Mammoet's mobile floating crane

support tool,” Lina Eyouni, Environmental

concept: an MTC 15 crane positioned on a

Physical Science Manager, TRSDC

barge, resulting in a 500t capacity containerised

According to a TRSDC scientific paper

floating sheer leg with a 30m outreach. This

titled ‘Reconciling Tourism Development

installation method reduces installation time

and Conservation Outcomes Through

by half, allowing contractors to complete one

Marine Spatial Planning for a Saudi

piece each day rather than one in two days.

Giga-Project in the Red Sea’, published in

The Shurayrah Bridge will become one of the main access points for guests onto the island.

the scientific journal ‘Frontiers in Marine

“MARINE SPATIAL PLANNING HELPS THE COMPANY DECIDE WHICH ISLAND TO DEVELOP AND WHICH IS MOST IMPORTANT TO PROTECT”

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AMAALA - Infrastructure - NEAL COOTE

ENABLING INFRASTRUCTURE AT AMAALA S

ET IN THE PRINCE MOHAMMAD BIN SALMAN NATURE RESERVE ALONG SAUDI ARABIA’S NORTH WESTERN COAST AND SPANNING 4,155 SQ. KM, THE YEAR-ROUND DESTINATION FEATURES A PRISTINE LANDSCAPE AND DIVERSE NATURAL ECOSYSTEMS, COUPLED WITH A UNIQUE AND INTRIGUING HERITAGE AND LOCAL CULTURE. ONCE COMPLETE, AMAALA WILL BE HOME TO MORE THAN 3,000 HOTEL ROOMS ACROSS 25 HOTELS. WE SPOKE TO NEAL COOTE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF INFRASTRUCTURE AT AMAALA, TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE CHALLENGES OF DELIVERING THIS GIGA-PROJECT AND HOW AMAALA IS ENSURING THE PROTECTION OF THE LOCAL ECOSYSTEM. Saudi Projects: AMAALA means ‘clean and pure’

SP: You had a blank slate when

Bay North Interchange, which will provide

and the environmental focus on the project is

you started, so what’s the most

access from Highway 5 and the Triple Bay

well-known, but what are you doing differently

revolutionary aspect of the project?

Primary Infrastructure which includes 31km

concerning infrastructure to ensure that the

Neal: The infrastructure objectives are to

of roads and associated utilities networks, 55

ecosystem remains at the heart of the project?

deliver high quality, resilient levels of service

drainage culverts and 12 pumping stations.

In which ways will your work respond to the

with delivery certainty and scalability,

We’re about to award the construction

area’s natural environment and heritage?

whilst maintaining low environmental and

contracts for both of these projects.

Neal Coote: The environment at AMAALA

visual impact during operations. One of the

is something we take very seriously. ESIAs

revolutionary aspects for a development of

SP: Can you tell me a little about the Triple Bay

(Environmental and Social Impact Assessments),

this type is that we will be powered solely

project – it is in a wonderful but quite remote

supported by extensive terrestrial, marine

by renewable energy, and we won’t be

location, so what challenges do you face and

and archaeological surveys were conducted

connected to the national grid. To make such

how you are navigating them?

for all the Masterplans. Areas of sensitivity

a commitment to full renewable energy at

Neal: The main infrastructure challenges are

were identified and solutions developed to

the scale of AMAALA and The Red Sea Project

the remote site with very little by the way of

minimize impact. For example, the Triple Bay

is quite unique for tourism developments.

existing infrastructure. Also, the mountainous

road network alignment is designed to navigate

topography and wadi network and the sensitive

existing escarpments and preserve wadi flow

SP: How are things moving along at

marine habitats. We’ve developed the design

paths. Special attention has been given to the

present? Is everything on schedule?

to try and minimize earthworks to reduce

turtle nesting beaches and sensitive marine

Neal: We are currently focusing on Phase

haulage of materials and were prioritizing the

environment. The AMAALA design guidelines

1 of the Development i.e. Triple Bay. The

use of local materials wherever possible.

have clear set back requirements to respect

infrastructure to support the developments is

the sensitivities and also help us achieve our

progressing well. We currently have a Utilities

SP: You will have a large workforce on-site?

commitment to Dark Skies accreditation.

PPP type RFP in the market to develop, finance,

Neal: We currently have 2,500 workers on site

design, construct and operate the major water

and expect this to peak at around 40,000. One

SP: Have you had a few surprises popping up?

and power systems, including the renewable

of the first major projects completed on-site is

Neal: Yes, we have. For instance, the

power supply and water supply for Phase 1.

Phase 1 of a large-scale Construction Village

archeological surveys discovered some high

to provide a high standard of accommodation

value archaeological findings in the Triple

SP: What infrastructure is being worked

for workers; also focusing on sustainability,

Bay area. We’re working with the Ministry of

on at the present time in AMAALA?

health and welfare, with solar for water heating,

Culture to preserve significant archaeological

We have a lot of projects at various stages,

grey water recycling, and sports facilities.

sites and burial grounds across the project

too many to mention them all. The main

area. There is also some interesting flora and

ones are the Utilities PPP, which is in the

fauna. In fact, there are many very fascinating

procurement stage, and we’ve completed

surprises on a project of this scale and location.

the design and procurement of the Triple

AMAALA - Infrastructure - NEAL COOTE

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BECAUSE WE STARTED WITH A BLANK SLATE, WE COULD ENSURE THAT IT WAS SCALABLE, HIGH QUALITY, RESILIENT INFRASTRUCTURE, WITH LOW ENVIRONMENTAL AND VISUAL IMPACT

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AMAALA - Infrastructure - NEAL COOTE

WE’RE USING BIM 360, A PART OF THE AUTODESK CONSTRUCTION CLOUD, CONNECTING WORKFLOWS, TEAMS AND DATA SP: When you were first offered this opportunity, did you feel excitement or did you wonder if you were going to get any sleep for a few years?

Neal: I was already aware about some of the amazing projects being planned and the sheer ambition of Vision 2030, so the chance of being a part of something so groundbreaking was hugely exciting. My wife and I had a baby recently, so I’m already used to not sleeping much!

ONE OF THE FIRST MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS ON-SITE IS ACCOMMODATION FOR EMPLOYEES, WHICH IS BEING CONSTRUCTED TO A VERY HIGH STANDARD

SP: What are you most proud of on the project at the moment?

Neal: Two things come to mind, the first being our commitment to the Environment and Sustainability, demonstrated by our fully renewable power supply. But I think I’m most proud of the Infrastructure team we’ve formed, starting from nothing to around 20 people and still growing. The commitment, collaboration and team spirit is inspiring.

Everyone is pulling together and supporting each other to deliver this amazing once in a lifetime project. It’s a multicultural team and we have a number of very talented Saudi graduates

SP: Has the constantly evolving technology been

We’re a forward-thinking company,

a boon for keeping things on track, particularly

always looking to the latest technologies

through the pandemic?

to support our work. On the design side

Neal: From a technology standpoint, we’ve

we’re using BIM 360, a part of the Autodesk

become accustomed to working on online

suite of software, coordinating designs

platforms such as Microsoft Teams. This

in a 3D and cloud environment.

who are part of our Elite Graduate Program.

was vital during the pandemic when we continued to progress the projects in a fast-

Another technology that has come to the

track environment. It helps us to keep work

fore lately is the use of drones. We use them

moving and communicate far more effectively,

for carrying out surveys, and we’ll continue

sharing information and documents; especially

to use them for monitoring the work as it

as we’re working with many international

moves forward. We’re also adopting smart

consultants and companies. It’s technology

technology such as smart metering, real-time

that’s been around for a while but evolved

monitoring of utility systems and irrigation

very quickly when the pandemic struck.

sensors to optimize operating efficiency and reduce water and energy usage.

AMAALA VISIT WEBSITE

AMAALA - Infrastructure - NEAL COOTE

BID DEADLINE EXTENDED AT AMAALA DEADLINE EXTENDED

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AMAALA AWARDS CONTRACT FOR SECONDARY INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT AT ITS EMPLOYEE VILLAGE AMAALA has signed a major contract for the infrastructure development of the first phase of its world-class accommodation at the Employee Village in Triple Bay. The contract was awarded to Saudi-based Haif Trading and Contracting Company, in recognition of its extensive understanding of the local landscape and capabilities in creating short and long-term residential communities, coupled with its high environmental standards.

“AMAALA will set new benchmarks in luxury community living, and this ambition starts with state-of-the-art residential facilities for the talented people who will eventually operate the destination,” said John Pagano, Chief Executive Officer of AMAALA. The AMAALA Employee Village is located on the Red Sea coast, approximately 13 km north of the wider Triple Bay masterplan and will accommodate nearly 20,000 employees.

The deadline for developers to submit bids for the AMAALA mega-tourism project, which will be implemented as a public-private partnership (PPP) utilities project, has been extended until 18 July. The bid deadline has been pushed back from 18 June.

Developers for the planned PPP multiutilities project at the AMAALA development were issued tender documents in October 2021, according to Energy & Utilities.

Prequalified developers invited to bid for the PPP package are believed to include local firms Acwa Power and Alfanar, as well as a consortium of France’s EDF and UAE-based Masdar.

AMAALA EARNS GLOBAL CERTIFICATION FOR RISK AND RESILIENCE AMAALA has been awarded two ISO

of the organization, analyzing the strategic

found AMAALA’s approach to Resilience and

certifications covering Risk Management

direction of the management system and

its components of Crisis Management and

and Business Continuity Management

comparing the current resilience controls

Business Continuity to be compliant with the

Systems – the highest level of certification

and arrangements that have been put in

standard. This competence will continue to

available by the awarding body.

place against the overall strategic goals of

be re-assessed annually to ensure the highest

the organization and its risk appetite. BSI

levels of implementation are maintained.

Audited by the British Standards Institution BSI, AMAALA’s ISO 31000:2018 certification is a result of the implementation of a rigorous process toward risk identification, analysis, evaluation and treatment that adhere to the destination’s business objectives.

The audit successfully recognized the efficiencies of AMAALA’s risk management strategy, which guaranteed confident risk reporting, successful decision making, and accountability across the organization.

For the ISO 22301:2019 certification, BSI conducted an audit on the current operations

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Amaala - Richard Haws

Amaala - Richard Haws

AMAALA YACHT CLUB:

LUXURY WITHOUT LIMITS L

OCATED ON THE RED SEA COAST, TRIPLE BAY YACHT CLUB IS THE CENTERPIECE DEVELOPMENT WITHIN THE TRIPLE BAY MARINA IN AMAALA AND IS SET TO PROVIDE GUESTS WITH UNIQUELY MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES IN A SPECTACULAR SETTING. WE SPOKE TO RICHARD HAWS, MARINE DIRECTOR AT AMAALA, TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENT’S FABULOUS FACILITIES, ITS SUSTAINABILITY ETHOS, AND THE DESIGN CHALLENGE OF PLACING AN ULTRA-MODERN STRUCTURE IN A TRADITIONAL SETTING.

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Amaala - Richard Haws

Amaala - Richard Haws

ONE OF THE MOST POIGNANT ASPECTS OF SAUDI ARABIAN HISTORY HAS BEEN ITS ABILITY TO REINVENT ITSELF

As mentioned above, the Yacht Club is

existing reef, but the location was carefully

designed in line with AMAALA’s experiential DNA.

chosen as the smallest and least inhabited

It is not just a building, it is a venue. Designed

section to remove, with a team from KAUST

to provide intimate experiences, and yet also

University spending months painstakingly

capable of hosting events over 1000 pax, the

cataloguing and relocating any corals found

ergonomics have been carefully considered

existing in the small section to be removed.

to maximize hospitality opportunities. In area terms, the high-arched ground floor creates divided entrances, allowing an open-

75

SP: What has been your biggest challenge on the project?

Richard: Interfacing the iconic and modernist

kitchen deli café on the southern side to

building style into an adjacent vernacular

SP: Can you tell me a little about the

back onto the member’s entrance elevators,

more traditional in architectural style. As a

design of the Yacht Club, who is the

which ascend directly to the signature terrace

standalone structure, the Yacht Club would not

architect (why you chose them), and

restaurant and member’s lounge on +2.

look out of place in any yachting destination,

where the inspiration comes from?

Richard Haws: London-based HKS Architects

The first floor is split between a

but integrating its levels, curved endpoints,

dynamic business suite of dividable

elevated balconies and viewing spots into a low-

won a design competition for the yacht club.

rooms and an executive office for the

rise hospitality-focused community required

Their design was inspired by local landscapes

travelling professional; and a wooden-

immense creative landscaping. How to ensure

and culture as well as from mankind’s

paneled yachting-themed café bar.

the building does not overpower the village

relationship with the sea and maritime history.

Passing the member’s floor, +3 is an open

feel, but with emancipating the significance

SP: Is it important for the Yacht Club

pool terrace, with an alfresco “beach bar”

of the arrival sequence; how to retain the

to keep its Arabic identity? What marks

on the north podium, and a more intimate

unobstructed balcony views of the sea and

it out from other yacht clubs?

covered dining area to the south. For most,

mountains, without overlooking an adjacent

Richard: One of the most poignant aspects

that completes the tour, but for those renting

property; how to draw large yachts directly

of Saudi Arabian history has been its ability

the unique ‘Skylounge’, the private elevator

into the yacht club, but not also be out staged

to reinvent itself and adapt to the changing

that goes direct from the yacht-only access

by their air draft right in front of the terrace

environment. For not only is the modern desert

porte cochere at -1 to +4 presents a cabana-

restaurants… it has been these adjacencies

carved with the beds of ancient rivers that

style day suite on the southern tip of the

that have been the hardest to manage due to

once supported thriving communities, but the

yacht club, with 360-degree views from its

the integrated master planning approach.

movement of trade routes from land to sea; the

elevated terraces, and completely secure

rise of competing empires, the discovery of oil,

service for the ultimate VIP experience.

and the more recent vision of how to leverage other natural reserves show the true Saudi Arabian identity is imbedded in its people’s ability to embrace and advance. Its history is a legacy of creativity that flows through to the modern industrialized nation, and that forward-thinking use of space, light and time is what the Yacht Club design embodies.

SP: What is the timescale for completion of the project and where are we at now?

Richard: Despite all the challenges business

THE YACHT CLUB IS DESIGNED IN LINE WITH AMAALA’S EXPERIENTIAL DNA

continuity has been faced with, the Yacht Club is still on track for its 2024 launch. It is being constructed at the same time as the marina basin that fronts it, to ensure smooth phasing of groundworks, particularly with the basement areas that sit below the water table.

SP: What will the Yacht Club incorporate in terms of facilities?

Richard: While the HKS team sculpted the architecture of the building the AMAALA

SP: Is there any impact on marine life and how have you tackled this?

Richard: Triple Bay Marina and Yacht Club

Operations team carefully assessed what

are both being constructed on a greenfield rock

it means to be a modern yacht club,

outcrop, so there is no interference with existing

what it means to hold membership in the

marine habitats. The creation of the basin with

nomadic affluent world, and how should

shaded areas created by the overwater decks

these values and requirements be captured

and pontoons is expected and planned to create

within a building. Benchmarking different

new breeding grounds for sub-surface species

environments from the yacht and country

that often do not have such secure zones in

clubs to private and beach clubs, a user profile

sand environments. The access channel to

was created and the facilities formed.

the new marina basin does cut through an

AMAALA VISIT WEBSITE

76

Neom

MOU SIGNED TO BUILD NEW GENERATION OF DESALINATION PLANT

 FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: ROBERT GARNER, HEAD OF WATER SUPPLY, ENOWA. KENJI OTSUKA, CEO MIDDLE EASTERN BLOC, ITOCHU. PETER TERIUM, CEO, ENOWA. GAVIN VAN TONDER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ENOWA. PASCAL GRANTE, CEO NEAR & MIDDLE EAST, VEOLIA

THE BRINE STREAMS WILL BE USED AS FEEDSTOCK TO PRODUCE VALUABLE MINERALS AND METALS AND ACHIEVE 100% ZERO LIQUID DISCHARGE IN DOWNSTREAM BRINE INDUSTRIES FULLY DEVELOPED BY ENOWA

ENOWA, the energy, water, and hydrogen

Commenting on the MoU, Peter Terium, CEO of

subsidiary of NEOM, has signed a Memorandum

ENOWA, said: "Partnering with global leaders

of Understanding (MoU) with Japanese trading

in sustainable water solutions is key to NEOM's

circular economy we are developing to meet our

company, ITOCHU, and Veolia, a global leader

ambition to become a global benchmark

zero-carbon footprint and zero-waste goals."

in water, waste, and energy management

for integrated sustainable water systems. At

solutions. As part of the MoU, the companies

ENOWA, our vision is to create a sustainable

of NEOM with a production capacity of

have agreed to collaborate to develop a first-of-

abundance of life's most essential elements, all

500,000m3 of desalinated water per day by

its-kind selective desalination plant powered

in harmony with nature. We will be producing,

project completion in 2025, approximately

by 100% renewable energy in OXAGON, NEOM's

treating, and reusing water in one of the most

30% of NEOM’s forecasted total water demand.

advanced manufacturing and innovation city.

water-stressed regions in the world, through

In line with NEOM’s environmental goals, it

Set to produce its early water in 2024, the

The new plant will meet the water needs

sustainable, innovative and integrated solutions.

will use advanced and innovative membrane

new facility will be key to realizing ENOWA's

This new desalination plant is one example

separation technologies to produce water,

ambitions to create a sustainable, abundant

of the type of sustainable infrastructure and

as well as concentrated brine streams. This

water supply for residential, industrial, and commercial use. Aligned with NEOM's commitment to developing a circular economy the new state-of-the-art plant will use advanced membrane technology to produce separate brine streams. This enables ENOWA to produce brine-derived products, which will be developed and monetized downstream. Brine, which is usually considered a waste output of desalination, will be used to produce significant quantities of valuable industrial materials that can be used locally or exported internationally.

enables the brine to be classified as a product,

PARTNERS WILL EXPLORE COOPERATION TO BUILD A STATEOF-THE-ART DESALINATION PLANT POWERED BY 100% RENEWABLE ENERGY

rather than waste, therefore minimizing the plant’s environmental impact and redefining the entire business model for desalination facilities of the future. Brine generated from the desalination plant will be treated by ENOWA to feed industries utilizing High Purity Industrial Salt, Bromine, Boron, Potassium, Gypsum, Magnesium and Rare Metal feedstocks.

Neom

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NEOM AWARDS MAJOR TUNNEL CONTRACTS NEOM has awarded drill and blast tunneling

The first contract has been awarded to FCC

and include separate tunnels for high-speed

contracts for work on what is considered to

Construction SA/China State Construction

and freight rail services, making people

be one of the world’s largest transportation

Engineering Corporation/Shibh Al-Jazira

and cargo transit faster, safer, and easier.

and utility infrastructure projects.

Contracting Company Joint Venture (FCC/

To ensure minimal impact on natural

CSCEC/SAJCO JV), while the second has

landscapes, the rock excavated as part of

NEOM continues to meet its development

A critical building block in ensuring

gone to Samsung C&T Corporation/Hyundai

this tunnelling project will be processed and

schedule, the projects have been presented

Engineering and Construction Co. Ltd/Saudi

reused in the permanent concrete lining of

to two joint venture groups, separated

Archirodon Company Ltd Joint Venture (SHAJV).

the tunnels and future NEOM projects.

by lower and upper geographies.

The tunneling project will span 28 kilometres

THE TUNNELLING PROJECT WILL SPAN 28 KILOMETRES

NEOM LAUNCHING RE-GREENING INITIATIVE

NEOM’S INITIATIVE WILL SEE THE RETURN OF 100 MILLION NATIVE TREES, SHRUBS AND GRASSES

NEOM, the sustainable regional development in northwest Saudi Arabia, has launched its very own re-greening initiative in collaboration

NEOM

with the National Center for Vegetation Cover and Combating Desertification.

As part of its program to rehabilitate at least 1.5

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million hectares of land, NEOM’s program will see the return of 100 million native trees, shrubs and grasses by 2030 to aid the restoration of degraded land and repair of wildlife habitats.

EMAIL US

78

DIRIYAH GATE

SAUDI MINISTRY OF CULTURE, DGDA SIGN MOU TO DEVELOP EDUCATION IN DIRIYAH “WE WILL CONTINUE TO WORK WITH OUR PARTNERS AT DGDA TO MEET THE OBJECTIVES OF THIS MOU WITH A PLETHORA OF CULTURAL AND HERITAGE EVENTS, ACTIVITIES, AND MEGA-PROJECTS” The Saudi Ministry of Culture and the Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to improve cooperation between the Ministry, its connected agencies, and the authority.

The MoU lays out a specific roadmap for the coordination, development, and implementation of cultural projects, initiatives, and events. It was signed

by Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin

THE AGREEMENT CALLS FOR THE JOINT IMPLEMENTATION OF CULTURAL AND HERITAGE INITIATIVES, AS WELL AS THE DEVELOPMENT OF EDUCATIONAL ASSETS

Farhan, the Secretary-General, and DGDA Director, Ahmed al-Khateeb.

and heritage events, activities, and megaprojects in the pipeline aimed at attracting investment and achieving short and longterm sustainability,” the Prince explained.

Khateeb said: “We are honored to sign this MoU with the Ministry of Culture covering various aspects of Diriyah’s development.” He noted that the partnership will take Diriyah’s cultural and heritage events and activities to the next level, and will also create a solid platform for investment opportunities by attracting businesses of every kind.

supporting the development and preservation

Diriyah, the Arab Capital of Culture

of Saudi Arabia's cultural ecosystem. “We

for 2030, will be home to the Ministry

implementation of cultural and heritage

enter the next stage of development where

of Culture’s headquarters.

initiatives, as well as the development

we add value to this precious historic site

of educational assets within the Diriyah

while protecting the cultural heritage

creating awareness programs, events, and

Gate master plan, such as academies for

and identity of its people,” he said.

marketing activities for movies, music, visual

The agreement calls for the joint

creative writing, performing arts, music,

The agreement with DGDA, according to

architecture, Arabic calligraphy, culinary

the Minister, indicates a shared commitment

traditions, and a museum for digital art

to conserving Diriyah's unique history

and a contemporary art museum.

and generating opportunities to promote

The agreement, according to Prince Badr,

and celebrate this national treasure.

attests to the two teams' synergies and

“We will continue to work with our

excellent coordination. Partnerships, he

partners at DGDA to meet the objectives

argued, are critical to the common aim of

of this MoU with a plethora of cultural

Both entities will be able to collaborate on

and performing arts, literature, gastronomy, and design as a result of the agreement.

DIRIYAH GATE

DIRIYAH GATE PHASE I GETS PLATINUM LEED PRE-CERTIFICATION Diriyah Gate Development Authority

Group CEO Jerry Inzerillo said: "I am thrilled

(DGDA) has announced that the first phase

that our efforts have been recognized by the

masterplan of its giga-project has been

LEED precertification as climate and nature-

awarded platinum-level pre-certification for

related considerations are at the heart of our

the Leadership in Energy and Environmental

development.”With regenerative tourism and

Design (LEED) accreditation by the United

a people first development at the epi-center

States Green Building Council (USGBC).

of our philosophy, we want to ensure that

LEED certification can be achieved at

Diriyah is a shining example when it comes to

diverse levels: the building, neighbourhood,

sustainability standards internationally, and

community and city levels. The first phase

will result in a highly liveable, pedestrian city.”

of the Diriyah development has targeted the certification at both the building and city levels.

The pre-certification of LEED for buildings

THE FIRST PHASE OF THE DIRIYAH DEVELOPMENT HAS TARGETED THE CERTIFICATION AT BOTH THE BUILDING AND CITY LEVELS

Mohamed Saad, the Acting DevCo President for DGDA, said the significance

DIRIYAH GATE

of Diriyah’s preliminary LEED accreditation

and cities at a platinum level shows

cannot be overstated and has involved input

that the development has sustainability

from every portion of DGDA. "Thanks to

at its very heart, and is incorporated

this large collaborative effort, we are well

into every facet of its planning, design,

on our way to demonstrating to the world

construction and operation phases.

that our development is comprehensively sustainable at every level,” he said.

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QIDDIYA

QIDDIYA TARGETS MAJOR MOTORSPORT EVENTS A new and up-to-the-minute race track is being designed in Qiddiya to host Formula 1, but the MotoGP World Championship is also in the sights of the Qiddiya Investment Company, with CEO Mike Reininger explaining that the goal is to host a variety of major international motorsport events.

“We're building the facilities so that we can ultimately host the biggest and the best motorsports events in all categories.

And Grade 1 is, as you know, synonymous with F1, so we're hopeful that that comes to pass for us. Our project in Qiddiya is on pace for a very large first phase offering, and that'll be ready at the beginning of 2023.”

At present, MotoGP has only one round in the Middle East, in Qatar. The Lusail track is the only one that hosts night races, with no nation before having hosted a race in the GCC. The interest in hosting the championship has grown in recent years, with several countries now interested.

SAMSUNG JOINS SAUDI QIDDIYA PROJECT

“WE'RE BUILDING THE FACILITIES SO THAT WE CAN ULTIMATELY HOST THE BIGGEST AND THE BEST MOTORSPORTS EVENTS IN ALL CATEGORIES”

sports and arts destination in the Kingdom.”

Under the MoU, Samsung C&T will collaborate on the design, engineering and construction of Qiddiya’s sports complex. Samsung Electronics will become Qiddiya’s primary technology sponsor while building co-branding and naming rights for some of Qiddiya’s anchor  MICHAEL REININGER, CEO OF QIDDIYA INVESTMENT CO., AND KIM WAN-SOO, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF SAMSUNG C&T

creating an unprecedented destination that

the team working on Qiddiya following the

enriches the lives of Saudi citizens while driving

signing of a Memorandum of Understanding

social and economic diversification within the

(MoU) with the Qiddiya Investment Co.

Kingdom,” QIC CEO Michael Reininger said.

Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).

“The signing of this milestone MoU between

affiliates, such as Samsung SDS, will participate in the project as systems providers.

The Samsung Group will become part of

(QIC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Saudi

facilities, and other Samsung IT and security

Kim Wan-soo, Senior Vice President of Samsung C&T, said the deal will further

QIDDYA

cement its strategic partnership with Saudi

Qiddiya and Samsung C&T, an industry

Arabia.“We’re confident to leverage the full

leader and global pioneer, demonstrates our

capabilities of both partners to deliver the

commitment to achieving our dual goals of

most technologically advanced entertainment,

VISIT WEBSITE

ALULA

ALULA TO HOST DISTINGUISHED FILM STUDIO A major new film studio is being constructed in the Fadhla area of AlUla and will comprise two 24,000ft2 sound stages, catering, production offices, a backlot, and film clusters.

Talking to Screen at the Cannes Film Festival Film

there all year round.”

To support the studio

AlUla’s Film Commissioner,

infrastructure, a resort-style

Stephen Strachan, explained:

complex is also being built

“We are keen to support

around 15 minutes away. The

local productions, but also

compound will have around

attract more international

300 units mixed between

productions to AlUla and

accommodation and offices

building a studio (one of

to assist and accommodate

the first in Saudi Arabia)

productions, and studio staff.

will help achieve this. We

AlUla is already popular

have already been granted

within the region, registering

permission to build the

639 filming days from

studio and are currently

January to March 2022,

planning construction, with

with recent ‘wraps’

the aim of having the studio

including Gerard Butler’s

open by February 2023. We

‘Kandahar’ and ‘Cherry’,

want filming to take place

an Iraqi war story.

ALULA NOW GETS DIRECT FLIGHTS FROM RIYADH, DAMMAM AND DUBAI

Saudi Arabia’s low-cost airline, Flynas,

began operating on Thursday 23 June,

has resumed direct services to AlUla from

with a Sunday service starting on Sunday

Riyadh and Dammam, as well as Dubai.

26 June. The second domestic route from

The Dubai to AlUla service will operate

AlUla to Riyadh will run every Sunday and

every Friday and the AlUla to Dubai flight will be every Sunday. The airline said that it will

In September, Flynas, as with Dubai,

double the number of weekly return flights

plans to double the number of weekly

between Dubai and AlUla in September.

return flights between AlUla and Riyadh.

Meanwhile, the AlUla to Dammam route

FLYNAS

from Riyadh to AlUla every Friday.

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