Saudi Projects Issue 50

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ISSUE 44

FEBRUARY 2023 / ISSUE 50

INTRODUCING

A WHOLE WORLD OF INTERIORS WILD IN RIYADH PAVING THE WAY FOR GENDER EQUALITY IN THE REGION

RED SEA GLOBAL WORKING WITH RED SEA GLOBAL THE REQUIREMENTS AND BENEFITS

GROUP AMANA HOW DIGITALIZATION IS RESHAPING THE INDUSTRY

Designing Experiences worth sharing!

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JEDDAH Level 7, Murjana Tower, Prince Sultan Street, Al Rawdha, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia T +971 (0)4 277 64 86 E info@odg-design.com DUBAI Office 505, Building 2, Emaar Business Park, The Greens, Dubai, UAE T +971 (0)4 277 64 86 E mfabbrini@odg-design.com

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Editors Foreword

THE NIGHT SKY, MARINE LIFE, AND WILD WOMEN! THEY SAY THAT A WEEK IS A LONG TIME IN POLITICS. WELL, IT’S CERTAINLY A LONG TIME IN SAUDI ARABIA WHERE THINGS ARE MOVING ALONG AT A FURIOUS PACE, WITH ANNOUNCEMENTS MADE ALMOST EVERY WEEK ABOUT NEW PROJECTS AND DEVELOPMENTS – MANY OF WHICH MAKE YOU GASP WITH THE SHEER AMBITION AND AUDACITY OF THEM! You will read about a number of these projects in this issue of Saudi Projects, as well as enjoy interviews with leading lights from globally recognized companies such as Gensler, Red Sea Global, and Altavia.odg.

There is an entirely new section in the magazine too, focusing on interiors and taking in everything from design through to fit-out. And we begin with two in-depth interviews

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with those clever people from Altavia.odg, who talk about how they turn such places as stores in leading international airports into destinations in their own right.

FEBRUARY 2023 / ISSUE 50

We will also take a peek at the design plans for the Red Sea Marine Life Institute at AMAALA, in addition to finding out if the night sky really is the final frontier in sustainability. NEOM’s first island development, Sindalah, is covered too, and, as a main gateway to the Red Sea offering, we discover that it is scheduled to start welcoming guests in early 2024.

And for those companies that want the opportunity to work with Red Sea Global, we talk to Ben Edwards, Group Head of Cost, Commercial & Procurement, who brings us up to date on current needs, the benefits of working with RSG, and how to reach out to discover more.

It’s not all glamor and sunshine, though, because we head underground, metaphorically speaking, when we report on how the Kingdom wants to activate its mineral resources and, with this in mind, the recent completion of a whole industrial city to process aluminum from raw materials and bauxite to final value-added products.

As always, there is a lot more besides, including a few surprises, such as an ingenious and creative group of WILD women! So, I won’t hold you up any

INTRODUCING

A WHOLE WORLD OF INTERIORS INTERIORS A WHOLE WORLD OF INTERIORS BROUGHT TO YOU BY ALTIVA.ODG

RED SEA GLOBAL WORKING WITH RED SEA GLOBAL THE REQUIREMENTS AND BENEFITS

GROUP AMANA HOW DIGITALIZATION IS RESHAPING THE INDUSTRY

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

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

longer. I hope you enjoy this issue of Saudi Projects as much as we enjoyed putting it together.

Rod Millington EDITOR

05

All our publications are printed using recycled paper.

BECAUSE WE CARE

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Contents

COVER STORY

58

INTERIORS

INTRODUCING A WHOLE WORLD OF INTERIORS FEATURES

28

30

SUSTAINABILITY

AMANA VERTICAL FARM

54

82

PROJECT FOCUS - SEA MARINE LIFE INSTITUTE

WORKING WITH RED SEA GLOBAL

Contents

74

TRAVEL RETAIL

WITH HUGO VANDERSCHAEGH, ALTAVIA.ODG ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

08

26

NEWS

THE CASE FOR GREEN URBANISM

50

106

RICHARD ABBOUD AT GROUP AMANA

GIGA PROJECTS

07

08

News

THE NEW MURABBA: WORLD’S LARGEST MODERN DOWNTOWN TO BE DEVELOPED IN RIYADH

be one of the largest built structures in the

Plans were unveiled to develop the world’s

980,000 square meters of retail space, as well

architectural style, will be the world’s first

largest modern downtown in Riyadh

as 1.4 million square meters of office space,

immersive destination, giving an experience

when Crown Prince and Prime Minister

620,000 square meters of leisure assets, and 1.8

developed by digital and virtual technology

Mohammad bin Salman announced the

million square meters of community facilities.

with the most advanced holographics. The

launch of the New Murabba Development

The project is scheduled to be finished in 2030.

‘Mukaab’ will include a tower atop a spiral

world, standing 400 meters high, 400 meters wide, and 400 meters long. The cubic nature of the ‘Mukaab’ will ensure the definitive utilization of space to accommodate the technologies required to develop the icon.

The ‘Mukaab’, inspired by the modern Najdi

Company (NMDC), for which he is Chairman.

base, as well as a structure with two million

community activities. It will also include an

It will be one of the largest built structures in the world, standing 400 meters high, 400 meters wide, and 400 meters long

iconic museum, a university of technology and

Within a 15-minute walking radius, the

unlock the possibilities of promising sectors,

design, a multipurpose immersive theater, and

New Murabba project will provide a one-of-

enable the private sector and expand local

over 80 entertainment and culture venues.

a-kind living, working, and entertainment

content, contribute to the development of

The New Murabba project will be designed around the notion of sustainability, with green areas, walking and cycling pathways, and other amenities that will improve the quality of life by fostering healthy, active lifestyles and

square meters of floor space that will be a premium hospitality destination with a variety of retail, cultural, and tourist attractions, as well as residential and hotel units, commercial spaces, and recreational facilities.

The creation of NMDC is part of PIF’s goal to

The project will be located near the

experience, as well as its own internal

real estate projects and local infrastructure,

intersection of King Salman and King Khalid

transportation system. It will take about

and diversify the Saudi economy’s sources

roads to the north-west of Riyadh, covering

20 minutes to drive from the airport.

of income. It is expected to boost non-oil

an area of 19 square kilometers and housing

NMDC will develop the project and build

GDP by SR180 billion and create 334,000

hundreds of thousands of residents. The project

the ‘Mukaab’, an extraordinary iconic

direct and indirect jobs by 2030.

will have more than 25 million square meters of

landmark featuring the latest state-of-the-

floor space, with more than 104,000 residential

art technologies. The design of the ‘Mukaab’

units, 9,000 hotel rooms, and more than

includes first-of-its-kind facilities and will

News

The First Carbon-neutral Building In Jubail

The building will accommodate more than 3,600 employees

SABIC has opened the doors of its new landmark building in Jubail which, LEED Gold certified for its smart resource management and energy efficiency measures, will accommodate more than 3,600 employees. It has been constructed using SABIC steel, with 77% of mechanical, electrical and finishing work being acquired locally.

The building’s design is fuelled by SABIC’s core values: inspire, engage, create, and deliver, and is developed from a crystal pattern, symbolizing the nature of SABIC’s work in which many aspects harmonize in one fabric.

It embodies SABIC’s 45-year journey of innovation and sustainability.

ATKINS SECURES DELIVERY PARTNER ROLE FOR THE LINE Atkins has been appointed as a Delivery Partner organization for THE LINE at NEOM. A civilizational revolution that will have no roads, cars, or carbon emissions, THE LINE is set to provide an unprecedented urban living experience.

Atkins has been awarded a five-year contract under a framework agreement for consultancy services on THE LINE. In collaboration with NEOM and other Delivery Partner organizations, Atkins will provide project and construction management consultancy services for the design, procurement, construction, testing, and commissioning of the project, together with the management of the critical interfaces that the linear city shares with adjacent NEOM projects and logistics.

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10

News

HONEYWELL AND KAFD TO COLLABORATE ON ADVANCED SUSTAINABLE CITY DEVELOPMENT Honeywell will provide direct technical support and act as a trusted and longterm technology advisor to KAFD Honeywell and King Abdullah Financial

Honeywell’s ready-now solutions will

Honeywell will provide direct technical

District (KAFD) have signed a Memorandum

help optimize operational efficiencies

support and act as a trusted and long-term

of Understanding (MoU) to help create a

and support KAFD on its smart city

technology advisor to KAFD, utilizing smart

sustainable smart city experience at the

strategy focused on sustainability targets

solutions to optimize the experience of tenants,

prime business and lifestyle destination.

through the deployment of energy-saving

visitors, businesses, and city operations.

initiatives across its assets and facilities.

Estedamah Set To Commission New CDE Soil Washing Plant Estedamah, a Saudi Arabia-based fully integrated environmental solutions service company, is expanding its waste recycling capabilities by investing in a contaminated soil wash plant designed and engineered by CDE. The wash plant will be commissioned at Estedamah’s facility in Dammam city, where it will process a range of oil-contaminated waste materials from across Saudi Arabia.

News

11

stc and Ericsson Cooperate to Reduce e-waste in Saudi Arabia The program minimizes the potential environmental impact of e-waste

SAUDI ARAMCO AND SCHLUMBERGER TO COLLABORATE Plans to work together and

Olivier Le Peuch, CEO at

create a digital platform that

Schlumberger, explained: “Aramco

would offer sustainability

and Schlumberger are hoping

solutions for challenging

to draw on our long history of

industrial sectors have been

collaboration and partnership

made public by Schlumberger

to deliver a digital sustainability

and Saudi Aramco. Companies

ecosystem that enables global

in sectors such as oil and gas,

organizations to manage their

chemicals, utilities, cement,

carbon emissions and realize

and steel will be able to use

ambitious sustainability goals.

the proposed platform to

The sustainability platform

collect, measure, report,

will be a game changer for

and verify their emissions

the energy and hard-to-abate

while also analyzing various

industry sectors as they look

decarbonization pathways.

toward a lower-carbon future.”

As part a Memorandum of

digital enabler in the region, stc

Understanding (MoU) to jointly

strives to create an immensely

explore sustainable initiatives,

positive impact within the

stc and Ericsson partner to

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and

manage and dispose of stc’s

align with Saudi Vision 2030.

obsolete equipment as part

In line with the sustainable

of the Ericsson Product Take-

development goals of the country,

Back Program. The program

we are proudly cooperating

aims at minimizing the

with Ericsson to dismantle the

potential environmental impact

equipment that has reached end

associated with the disposal

of life in the network and recycle

of decommissioned end-of-

the material with the highest

life electrical equipment.

industry standards. We are proud

Maha Alnuhait, General Manager

of our latest cooperation and

of the Sustainability Program at

are certain our efforts will bring

stc, commented: “As a leading

great benefits to the country.”

“The sustainability platform will be a game changer for the energy and hard-toabate industry sectors”

12

PIF News

RIYADH PLANS TWO-KILOMETER TALL TOWER!

PUBLIC INVESTMENT FUND (PIF) IS CONTEMPLATING PROPOSALS T HE FOR A TWO-KILOMETER-TALL TOWER AS PART OF AN 18-SQUARE-

KILOMETER MASTER-PLANNED DEVELOPMENT TO THE NORTH OF RIYADH. The proposed structure will be more than

Saudi Arabia has previously designed tall

twice as tall as the world's tallest building,

skyscrapers. The PIF was exploring proposals

Dubai's Burj Khalifa, which stands at 828

for a 1.2km-tall tower in King Abdullah

meters. According to contractors that have

Financial District (KAFD) on a property

quoted megatall skyscrapers in the region, a

known as KAFD X. In 2019, consultants

structure of this height would cost around $5

were working on project designs.

billion to build, depending on the final design.

The 1,008-meter Jeddah Tower Scheme is A design competition for the record-breaking

another tall tower that has been envisioned.

tower is underway, with a $1 million

Construction on that began around 10

participation fee, with up to 10 firms having

years ago and halted when the construction

been invited to take part. Some of the world's

reached roughly 70 stories. Attempts to

finest architectural companies are involved,

resurrect the project have failed because

and they were chosen based on their previous

firms are unwilling to accept any obligations

work on other megatall structures and

from contractors and consultants who

distinctive designs around the world. These

previously worked on the scheme.

include US-based practices Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF),

A supertall structure is one that is more than

Adrian Smith & Gordon Gill Architecture,

300 meters tall, while a megatall building is one

and Gensler; 10Design, part of France’s

that is more than 600 meters tall, according

Egis; and Dubai-based firm, Killa Design.

to the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban

A design competition for the record-breaking tower is underway

Habitat (CTBUH). As stated by the CTBUH, EY undertook the feasibility study for the

there are currently 173 supertalls and only

development, which is located west of the

three megatalls completed worldwide.

existing King Khalid International Airport.

This tower is just one of several large projects

According to the tall building database

planned for the city's northern fringes.

Emporis, only two completed structures in the Middle East are megatall: the Burj Khalifa

Other tall buildings are planned throughout

and the 601-meter-tall Mecca clock tower.

Saudi Arabia, and the scale of the towers underlines Riyadh's confidence in delivering Vision 2030 objectives through a succession of self-styled giga-projects.

This tower is just one of several large projects planned for the city's northern fringes

PIF News

SAUDI PIF GENERATED 25% RETURN LAST YEAR Bloomberg, citing a bond prospectus, has reported that Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), delivered a shareholder return of 25% last year.

The prospectus for the PIF’s debt green bond sale, states that the yields more than doubled from an annual average of 12% between 2017 and 2020.

According to the report, PIF shareholders’ return last year was about in line with that of S&P 500 Index investors, who had a 27% increase during the same timeframe.

Returns in line with S&P 500 Index With around $620 billion in assets under management, the state fund is developing a global portfolio of investments while simultaneously making local investments in initiatives that will lessen Saudi

PIF ACQUIRES A STAKE IN GIP’S OFFSHORE WIND COMPANY SKYBORN The Public Investment Fund (PIF) has purchased a stake in Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) offshore wind firm Skyborn Renewables, with plans to invest in further sustainable energy projects.

Skyborn has a more than 7 GW offshore wind portfolio, with five operational and under-construction projects in Germany, France, and Taiwan, as well as a 30 GW pipeline of diverse offshore wind projects in various stages of development.

PIF has been investing in the low-carbon sector, including electric vehicles and solar energy projects, as part of a pledge to develop 70% of the Kingdom’s renewable energy by 2030. In 2021, together with the Tadawul Group, it introduced a voluntary carbon market initiative, which, in October 2022, held an inaugural auction of 1.4 million tons of carbon credits, the biggest ever carbon credit sale.

Skyborn has a more than 7 GW offshore wind portfolio Turqi A Alnowaiser, Deputy Governor and Head of the International Investments Division at PIF, commented: “This investment opportunity enhances our objectives to increase our portfolio of investments in the low-carbon sector, which now includes solar, power generation, electric vehicles and offshore wind energy.

Offshore wind has a key role to play in driving global decarbonization and we see significant growth opportunities for Skyborn.”

Arabia’s dependency on oil.

13

14

THE FUTURE MINERALS FORUM

SAUDI ARABIA TO ACTIVATE ITS MINERAL RESOURCES SECOND EDITION OF THE FUTURE MINERALS FORUM HAS BEEN T HE HELD UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF THE CUSTODIAN OF THE TWO

HOLY MOSQUES, KING SALMAN BIN ABDULAZIZ, WITH THE EVENT LOOKING TO DEVELOP DIALOGUE ON THE FUTURE OF MINERALS AND INVESTMENT IN MINING AND ENHANCE COLLABORATION THROUGHOUT THE REGION EXTENDING BETWEEN AFRICA AND WEST AND CENTRAL ASIA.

Several Saudi ministers revealed a

from raw materials and bauxite to final

diversified mineral portfolio, emphasizing

value-added products used in the automotive

that the Kingdom wanted to activate its

industry and food packaging. He stated that

natural riches and utilize them for peaceful

the Kingdom has succeeded in developing

reasons, as well as the transition to clean

an indispensable and significant role in the

energy and future technologies.

mining sector, initiating a productive discourse in the industry and achieving rewarding

His Excellency Mr. Bandar bin Ibrahim AlKhorayef, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, unveiled the completion of a whole industrial city to process aluminum

cooperation between different countries.  HIS EXCELLENCY MR. BANDAR BIN IBRAHIM ALKHORAYEF, THE MINISTER OF INDUSTRY AND MINERAL RESOURCES

According to al-Khorayef, the Forum was an effort to bridge the gap in the mining sector

THE FUTURE MINERALS FORUM

15

The Forum drew 2,000 participants from 130 countries and 200 speakers

while progressing Saudi Arabia's minerals strategy. He noted that Africa, Central, and West Asia account for 33% of the world's mineral resources, but that the

His Excellency, Mr Bandar Al-Khorayef, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, unveiled the completion of a whole industrial city to process aluminum from raw materials and bauxite to final value-added products

region needs a platform for companies, institutions, and organizations to collaborate. "Our region lacks a platform that brings together relevant parties from governments, the mining sector, companies, financial establishments, civil society organizations, service providers, and academic circles."

He emphasized that the platform would also expand the region's contributions to global mineral supply chains while ensuring that this is done in the best possible way and with the most potential social and economic benefit.

The Forum drew 2,000 participants from 130 countries and 200 speakers, including state officials, industry workers, investment executives, technology suppliers, and intellectuals.

Khorayef explained that as part of Vision 2030, the Kingdom has devised a number of programs to assist the mining sector.

He highlighted that authorities had completed a thorough evaluation and update of the mining investment system, which serves as the sector's regulatory foundation and provides a transparent and straightforward environment for investors.

16

Serco 2023 forecast

SERCO’S 2023 BUSINESS OUTLOOK FOR SAUDI ARABIA A BRITISH TRANSPORT, DEFENSE, AND PUBLIC SERVICES PROVIDER, HAS S ERCO, ANNOUNCED ITS 2023 BUSINESS OUTLOOK FOR SAUDI ARABIA, WHICH PREDICTS

DEVELOPMENT IN THE OUTSOURCING INDUSTRY, THE SPACE SECTOR, FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICES, AND THE EMERGENCE OF A ONE-CONSULTANCY APPROACH.

Serco 2023 forecast

17

According to Serco Institute, the company's

It suggested that the space sector will receive

To begin with, many employees, particularly

research arm, 76% of respondents in the

increased attention in the Middle East

the younger generation entering the

Kingdom believed that the government

throughout 2023, notably in the Kingdom.

employment market, choose firms with

should collaborate with overseas

Space exploration has been shown to

a clear mission. As a result, individuals

enterprises to improve service quality and

be an effective catalyst for technological

need to feel empowered by an attachment

cut costs, stating: “The need for delivering

advancement in a number of countries

to strong business values, and ESG will

improved customer experiences across

throughout the world. As a result, it will be

become a vital element of this fabric

all fronts, at the same time as increasing

equally important in this region, as technology

in the region moving forward.

flexibility and ensuring cost efficiencies,

transfer and the development of local

outsourcing will become paramount for

science and engineering capabilities play an

In the case of Saudi Arabia, this means not just

the public and private sectors alike.”

important role in countries' national goals.

setting the highest possible standards, but also creating possibilities for young job seekers.

Serco also anticipates a favorable shift toward

Consequently, strong nationalization rules are

privatizing fire and rescue services in the

critical to ESG in the Kingdom and elsewhere.

Kingdom, driven by generating world-class living conditions through the development

Second, the study indicated that there will

of exciting new urban centers of excellence.

be a greater emphasis in the region on advisory services to assist various entities and

Many organizations have the difficulty of

companies in embracing and implementing

not specializing in fire and rescue services;

relevant ESG practices into their organizations,

however, it is a fundamental safety requirement

not as a ‘nice to have’, but as a fundamental

that must be met, so considering outsourcing

strategic imperative, as legislation and

is becoming a practical imperative for

operating standards will demand a stricter

decision-makers. This will gather momentum

adherence to critical ESG measures.

in 2023, with Serco’s dynamic approach to

76% of respondents in the Kingdom believed that the government should collaborate with overseas enterprises to improve service quality and cut costs

training allowing it to provide an accredited

If these forecasts come true, the Kingdom

and certified fire and rescue workforce either

can expect to make significant progress

through the use of its own training facilities,

toward achieving the Vision 2030 blueprint

at its International Fire Training Center in the

and reinforcing its position as a regional

UK, in the Middle East, or at client facilities.

industrial hub and economic powerhouse.

GREENWASHING The study was also upbeat about growing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) developments in the region.

With the recent hosting of the UN Climate Change Conference in Egypt and the upcoming one in the UAE, ESG strategies will become a strategic priority and a business imperative for many enterprises and organizations.

Despite the ubiquity of greenwashing in corporate reporting, there will be a concerted shift toward incorporating ESG indicators as a fundamental component of yearly reporting procedures. This will be driven by two major elements.

ESG strategies will become a strategic priority and a business imperative for many enterprises and organizations

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Appointments

HKA APPOINTS HUSAM GAWISH AS HEAD OF KSA OPERATIONS HKA, a leading global consultancy in risk

partner leadership team,” explains Haroon

mitigation, dispute resolution, expert

Niazi, Partner, and Head of Middle East.

witness, and litigation support services,

“HKA has an exciting growth strategy in

has announced the appointment of Husam

the Kingdom and working alongside an

Gawish as Head of KSA Operations.

experienced and strong team, I look forward

To support HKA’s strategic growth area in

to helping strengthen HKA’s operations to

the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and following

achieve the best possible outcomes, whilst

the successful launch of the HKA Riyadh office

always delivering exceptional services to our

last year and with its existing Jeddah office,

clients at all times,” said Husam Gawish.

the firm is delighted to announce that it is

Jad Chouman, Partner & Head of Middle

strengthening its local business organization.

East, said: “We are confident that with this

“We are pleased to announce Husam Gawish,

new structure, HKA will be best placed

Partner, will be relocating to head the HKA

to service our valued clients, who are

Operations in Saudi Arabia. Husam’s valued

contributing to the significant growth of the

experience will further enhance the regional

construction industry within the Kingdom.”

growth strategy, leveraging our in-Kingdom decade-long track record and working closely alongside John McKevitt, Partner, and Tim Whealy, Partner, forming a strong three-

“HUSAM’S VALUED EXPERIENCE WILL FURTHER ENHANCE THE REGIONAL GROWTH STRATEGY”

 CLARE BAARDA

Mott MacDonald Appoints New MD for Saudi Arabia Rick Hopper has been named as Mott

with 15 of those years spent in the Middle East

MacDonald's new managing director for the

and the rest in the United States and the United

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Kingdom.

Rick will collaborate with important public

Rick will oversee Mott MacDonald's Saudi

and private sector clients and partners to drive

operation as it enters a critical new phase of

sustainable development in the kingdom,

development as a newly formed separate entity

expanding on the firm's track record of success

headquartered in Riyadh.

in the infrastructure, energy, transportation,

He will position the company to deliver

and building markets.

strategic guidance and early-stage engineering

Rick has a thorough understanding of KSA’s

consultancy to major Saudi clients, drawing

ambition for growth and development, having

on Mott MacDonald's leadership of prestigious

spent the previous six years in Riyadh in

infrastructure and development projects across

operational leadership and strategic business

the world and deep industry expertise.

development roles for consultancies AECOM and Atkins.

A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Building, Rick has over 25 years of experience leading design and construction supervision teams,

RICK HAS OVER 25 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE LEADING DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION SUPERVISION TEAMS

Appointments

19

KEO International Announces New Appointment KEO International Announces New

he is a member of the Association of Project

Appointment

Management, the Construction Management

KEO International Consultants has announced

Institute of America, and the Australian Institute

the appointment of Jason Morris as the

of Project Management.

new Managing Director of its Project and

Commenting on his appointment, Morris said:

Construction Management division.

“I am excited to be joining KEO, an organization

Prior to joining KEO, he worked for a

that shares so many of my own values. The

worldwide multi-disciplinary consulting

legacy that KEO’s PM/CM teams have thus

business for 18 years, rising to the position of

far forged in the region provides the perfect

Vice President in the delivery of PMC services

springboard for continued growth.”

in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Australia, and other GCC countries.

His qualifications include an MBA in Construction and Real Estate, BSc and Post

JASON MORRIS WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR OVERSEEING KEO’S INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS

Graduate Diploma in Project Management, and

Compass Project Consulting Appoints New Regional Director Compass Project Consulting has appointed

line, developed in response to increasing

Richard Cushnan as the new regional

demand from clients for turnkey solutions

director of construction management.

to their construction and fit-out needs.

With over 25 years of experience in the industry, including a decade in the Middle East, Richard is set to lead the firm’s evolved construction management service

RICHARD IS SET TO LEAD THE FIRM’S EVOLVED CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SERVICE LINE

Turner & Townsend Appoints New Sustainability Lead in the Middle East Turner & Townsend, a professional services

“Within my new role, I plan to play my

company, has named Lindsey Malcolm as its

part in delivering a commitment to

new Middle East sustainability lead. Lindsey,

transformational change across the

a Chartered Engineer and experienced

wider industry,” Lindsey commented.

leader in sustainable design and strategy development, has worked in the built environment for over 15 years in the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific.

LINDSEY HAS WORKED IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT FOR OVER 15 YEARS

20

EVENTS - WILD RIYADH

 EMMA BURDETT, WILD FOUNDER

EVENTS - WILD RIYADH

21

WILD IN RIYADH THE REVOLUTIONARY FEMALE NETWORKING PLATFORM, COMES W ILD, TO KSA FOR ITS SECOND WILD RIYADH EVENT ON 28 FEBRUARY FROM

8.30 AM TO 10:30 AM AT VOV GAMING, THE ZONE. A LINE-UP OF FEMALE GUEST SPEAKERS WILL OFFER THEIR VIEWS, KNOWLEDGE, EXPERTISE, AND INSPIRING STORIES OF HOW THEY SURMOUNTED HURDLES IN THEIR LIVES AND CAREERS, PAVING THE WAY FOR GENDER EQUALITY IN THE REGION. The guest speakers include the Founder

The event partner for WILD Riyadh is the

and CEO of WILD – Emma Burdett; Director

design and build company, INC Group,

feeling motivated and inspired. The event

of Architecture, Red Sea Global – Reem

which worked on the host venue. “It is a

is also the official launch of our unique

Abuzeid; Project Director, Diriyah Company

traditional gaming center with gaming seats

membership, WILD Women Collective. The

– Theresa Maher; Associate at PIF – Noha

and huge screens. The message overall is

only women’s platform to connect women

Zagzoug; and Group Chief HR Officer, ROSHN

gaming is not just for men,” Emma says.

across borders.” Emma concludes.

– Nasreen Al-Dossary. Participants can expect to hear from and network with current

Nermeen Zeineddine, Design Lead – KSA at the

and future leaders in the region. The event

INC Group, states: “The INC Group is pleased

will highlight the significance of creating

and excited to support this second WILD event

communities in which women can engage,

in KSA. At the INC Group, being a female-led

connect, be heard, and prosper, all critical

workforce, we believe in the importance

elements in the pursuit of gender equality.

of women in the workplace and the added value they give to the spirit, productivity, and

Emma has been in the region for nine years,

discipline of the office. Hence, the decision to

working in the corporate sector, initially in the

get involved in WILD was an easy decision. At

manufacturing industry. “My degree is in supply

INC, we believe WILD is the perfect platform

chain management, although I’ve always had

for all female colleagues and invited guests

business development roles,” she explains. “I

to connect, collaborate, and conquer in their

founded WILD in 2018 and wrote the concept

lives and professional careers. It will help to

from scratch after creating a smaller women’s

continue to provide equal rights and empower

network in 2016 on behalf of a company I

all females to grow and pursue success in their

worked for. I spotted a niche in the Middle

respective careers. Stay Wild, Inspire More.”

East for a women’s platform to bring both existing and future leaders together, to share

“We are so incredibly excited about our

knowledge and expertise, collaborate and

expansion into KSA. This second event

support one another in the quest for gender

will see 100 women from the region come

equality. WILD is for the corporate woman.”

together, network with purpose and leave

At INC, we believe WILD is the perfect platform for all female colleagues and invited guests to connect, collaborate, and conquer in their lives and professional careers

WATCH VIDEO

Participants can expect to hear from and network with current and future leaders in the region WILD WOMEN COLLECTIVE VISIT WEBSITE

Innovative Office Solutions designed for you

Contact us now to find out how you can take your business to the next level +966 559 581122 info@business-quarter.com www.business-quarter.com

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

24

Green Building Focus - Urban Design and Landscaping

THE CASE FOR GREEN URBANISM FRAMEWORK FOR ZERO-EMISSION AND ZERO-WASTE A CONCEPTUAL URBAN DESIGN THAT EMERGED IN THE 1990S, GREEN URBANISM

ADVOCATES COMPACT ENERGY-EFFICIENT GROWTH, METAMORPHOSING AND RE-ENGINEERING EXISTING CITIES, AND REVITALISING POST-INDUSTRIAL URBAN CENTERS.

Green Building Focus - Urban Design and Landscaping

25

An ongoing international discussion on ecocity theory has taken shape and evolved as a relevant research subject over the past half a century, probing the future of urbanism and the very existence of the city itself.

Several architectural schools of thought have been instigated during this time.

Technical Utopianism is one such discipline - a technological idealism that focused on a quick 'techno-fix,' as articulated, for example, in the work of Archigram - an avant-garde London-based architectural group formed in the 1960s that was neofuturistic, anti-heroic and pro-consumerist, drawing inspiration from technology in order to create a new reality that was solely expressed through hypothetical projects.

Other early writing on Green Urbanism may be found in Ebenezer Howard's 1902 book, 'Garden City of Tomorrow’, with the ideas within its pages having recently made a comeback due to their political and social agendas. In 1969, Reyner Banham, an English architectural critic and writer best known for his theoretical treatise ‘Theory and Design in the First Machine Age’ (1960) and for his 1971 book ‘Los Angeles: The Architecture of Four Ecologies’, put forward the idea that technology, human needs, and ecological difficulties should be considered essential components of design. At the time, these were radical thoughts and concepts.

As a result, nothing really changed for a while.

Cities such as Tokyo, Sao Paulo, Mexico City, Mumbai and Beijing developed to become seemingly endless urban landscapes by the end of the twentieth century, with these megacities demonstrating the difficulty of systematic planning and strategic management. It was clear that something had to change, and slowly it has begun to happen.

Several architectural schools of thought have been instigated during this time - Technical Utopianism being one such discipline

26

Green Building Focus - Urban Design and Landscaping

Green Building Focus - Urban Design and Landscaping

Cities such as Tokyo, Sao Paulo, Mexico City, Mumbai and Beijing developed to become seemingly endless urban landscapes

A PHILOSOPHY FOR THE

Today, an architectural design must

TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY

embrace the use of energy in the city’s

There is a new Green Urbanism philosophy

or building's upkeep and changes in

for the twenty-first century that attempts to

use, in addition to the principal energy

convert current cities from fragmentation

expended for its operation, which includes

to compaction. The goal of eco-city

lighting and temperature regulation.

27

theory is to improve the link between the city and nature, with Saudi Arabia

A COMMON SENSE SOLUTION

leading this revolution, particularly with

Every conurbation has its own distinct set

its giga-projects on the Red Sea coast.

of characteristics in terms of orientation, weather topography, noise, and air pollution,

Within this transformation, globalization,

among other things. Climatic conditions are

urban sustainability, ecology, communication

a fundamental influence in the design of any

technologies, and other related fields are

project and a major way of understanding the

being investigated by prominent sociologists

site and its context, which is essential at the

and urban theoreticians. Of course, Green

beginning of any sustainable design project.

Urbanism is interdisciplinary by definition; it

And by working with the existing landscape,

necessitates the collaboration of landscape

topography, and infrastructure, it is possible

architects, engineers, urban planners,

to optimize orientation and compactness to

ecologists, transportation planners,

help reduce the city’s heat gain or losses, thus

economists and other specialists, as well

achieving a minimized environmental footprint.

as architects and urban designers.

Retaining complexity in the system Green Urbanism strives to reduce the use

(whether biodiversity, environment, or

of energy, water, and materials at every

neighborhood design) is at all times desired,

stage of a project’s lifecycle, including

and a high degree of complexity is always

the embodied energy in the extraction

advantageous to society. Refining the

and transportation of materials, their

opportunities provided by topography and

fabrication, assembly into buildings, and,

natural surroundings results in a city that is

finally, the ease and value of recycling

appropriately tailored to the local climate

when an individual building's life is over.

and ecosystem. Due to the unique qualities of each region, individual cities must develop their own methodologies and specialized schemes in order to achieve sustainability and capture the essence of the place.

Green Urbanism is largely common sense urbanism and must become the norm for all future city projects.

There is a new Green Urbanism philosophy for the twenty-first century that attempts to convert current cities from fragmentation to compaction

28

SUSTAINABILITY

COMPANIES IN THE MIDDLE EAST FIND THE REAL VALUE IN ENVIRONMENTAL FOOTPRINTS

BY FEDERICO PIRO, PARTNER, BAIN & COMPANY, AND HARRY MORRISON, PARTNER, BAIN & COMPANY

A CAPABILITY GROWS UP Many executives complain that in its current form, footprinting is becoming increasingly outmoded. Full assessments are timeconsuming - often taking many months of manual work for detailed life cycle assessments - and typically are unscalable.

The analysis, which often covers only a portion of a company’s product portfolio, usually is divorced from the operational realities and day-to-day decisions that companies face.

Moreover, assessments are frequently a one-time exercise that needs to be updated every few years and often cannot be compared directly to competitor assessments, as methodologies can vary greatly.  FEDERICO PIRO, PARTNER, BAIN & COMPANY, AND HARRY MORRISON, PARTNER, BAIN & COMPANY

Footprint assessments have been a key tool for

techniques when estimating greenhouse gas

companies in the Middle East that are trying

emissions, for example. And those choices vary

to understand the environmental impacts of

depending on the situation. They depend on

their operations, value chains, and products

whether the company is measuring its own

or services. They’re often used to assess

footprint, that of the entire value chain, or

multiple impact categories such as carbon

trying to assess the environmental impact of

emissions, water or land use, and resource

a single product or broader portfolio. Worse,

depletion on the full journey from sourcing

the end results often can’t be compared

to manufacturing to use and disposal.

across competitors or product categories and result in data that is not useful for strategic

Large companies across the region rely on

decision-making. And different footprinting

environmental footprinting techniques

methodologies lack compatibility.

(including corporate reporting, lifecycle assessments, and environmentally extended

More troubling, the time and effort dedicated

input-output analysis) to back up sustainability

to backward-looking measurement can

claims and reporting, and the footprinting

distract companies from focusing on the

industry is growing as methodologies and

necessary transformation of the business

standards proliferate. Growth is expected

to a more sustainable future. When they

to continue as regulatory moves.

deploy footprinting without a clear view of strategic goals, companies waste an

However, many companies find lifecycle

opportunity to spur innovation and improve

assessments and other currently available

the customer value proposition or to

footprinting techniques to be imperfect

inspire levels of commercial excellence that

solutions. Companies need to choose from

enable them to outpace competitors.

among many competing standards and

Many executives complain that in its current form, footprinting is becoming increasingly outmoded

SUSTAINABILITY

29

The goal is to make environmental data on par with financial data to be used for day-to-day decision-making and reporting. Rather than estimating data across a product’s lifecycle, for example, companies will receive upstream data directly from suppliers and in turn provide environmental data to their customers at the point of sale. Data collection and tracking systems will be scalable, dynamic, and fitfor-purpose - designed with the strategic imperative and commercial motion in mind.

In the future, there will be a blurring of lines across methodologies, with a need to slice

The goal is to make environmental data on par with financial data to be used for dayto-day decisionmaking and reporting

data in different ways to answer different questions (such as looking at the carbon impact of a product across its lifecycle for

measurement to forecasting and scenario

to use their data to inform transformation

a product environmental label and looking

analysis capabilities. Environmental data

across the value chain, creating market

at the carbon emissions of a company

will be tracked through a tech infrastructure

demand and attractive commercial models.

over the course of a year for reporting on

built on common approaches that enable

progress on science-based targets). Critically,

high levels of comparability and calculate

Companies also will need to find ways to

leaders will move from backward-looking

product or company footprint data at scale.

engage consumers through different value propositions. To that end, environmental

GETTING THERE

impact data will allow them to provide

That’s the quickly arriving future. As these

consumers with facts on the impact of new

capabilities swiftly evolve, winning companies

products and to clearly articulate product

will be those that set out to take full advantage

benefits with a solid communications plan

even before a footprinting effort begins,

and marketing messages. But to advance to

using it as an opportunity to propel change

the next level, they also need to identify the

at an unprecedented scale and pace.

right customer segments and the key issues for each, and to rely on the data for insights that

For starters, they will differentiate by designing

will inform pricing and channel strategies.

IT systems that serve their own specific operational and commercial outcomes. Going

And companies will need to create lower-

far beyond the step of measuring footprints,

impact value chains. After understanding

they’ll run an effective change management

how different packaging materials or

process to build the internal tools and

different feedstocks provide lower-impact

capabilities they need and embed real-time

options, for example, building a successful

environmental data into day-to-day decisions.

sustainability strategy requires that companies

Ultimately, what’s more important than the

engage with suppliers and develop the right

data is how leaders use it to develop more

commercial model, balancing cost and

sustainable products, meet customer needs,

impact. These are moves that draw on a

and enhance their value chains. Success

company’s cost management muscles as well

depends on leveraging data together with

as procurement and supply chain strategies.

other capabilities, including commercial excellence, product R&D, pricing, and channel

As footprinting becomes more common,

strategy, to create more sustainable and

more complex, and more aligned with

successful models. Without a clear plan to

operations, winning companies will

translate footprint data into customer value,

avoid the trap of focusing too heavily

it will remain largely an academic exercise.

on the data instead of the end goals.

The best companies will establish a roadmap

30

GROUP AMANA - VERTICAL FARM

GROUP AMANA - VERTICAL FARM

31

GROUP AMANA DELIVERS THE WORLD’S LARGEST VERTICAL FARM IN DUBAI SOUTH LEADER IN DESIGN-BUILD CONSTRUCTION, GROUP R EGIONAL AMANA HAS MARKED A MAJOR MILESTONE AS IT HAS

DELIVERED ITS FIRST-EVER VERTICAL FARM IN THE REGION, WHICH WILL BOOST LONG-TERM FOOD SECURITY AND SELF-SUFFICIENCY IN THE UAE.

The high-tech hydroponic facility

to push the boundaries of innovation

in Dubai South was constructed by

using the latest building techniques.

AMANA Contracting in collaboration

Being a part of a revolutionary project

with Crop One Holdings and Emirates

in the UAE’s agriculture industry to

Flight Catering (EKFC). The $40 million

ensure long-term food security and

Bustanica hydroponic farm, which

strengthen national resilience is a

spans 330,000ft and is located in Dubai

great privilege for the AMANA team.”

2

World Central, will produce more than a million kilos of high-quality leafy greens

To construct the world’s largest vertical

with 95% less water than conventional

farm, AMANA brought in the best and

farming and will boost the UAE’s food

latest innovations in building and

security. The produce will be available

construction. The construction leader

on certain Emirates flights and for

executed and installed specialized systems

consumers to purchase across stores in

to ensure maximum sustainability and

the UAE under the Bustanica brand.

environmental conservation. The project was completed on time, by leveraging

Joe Labaky, General Manager of UAE and Emerging Markets, AMANA Contracting, said: “AMANA continues

advanced to maximize output on-site.

32

GROUP AMANA - VERTICAL FARM

 JOE LABAKY, GENERAL MANAGER OF UAE AND EMERGING MARKETS, AMANA CONTRACTING

The $40 million Bustanica hydroponic farm, located near Dubai World Central, will produce more than a million kilos of highquality leafy greens with 95% less water than conventional farming

GROUP AMANA - VERTICAL FARM

AMANA Contracting delivered the project while adhering to the highest quality and safety norms, using off-site construction techniques. The company executed and installed specialized systems throughout the project, such as LED lights in the grow room and germination room, grow

33

AMANA also achieved a health and safety milestone of more than one million work hours without any lost time injury at the project

fans, grow room controls, pack house equipment, grow kit, racking, nutrient dosing systems, and germination room equipment, among other facilities.

AMANA leveraged BIM technology to develop all the workshop drawings and executed MEP using offsite construction. Given that modular techniques are more efficient, leaner, and result in less waste production, AMANA ensured that the project was executed in the most sustainable way possible. AMANA also achieved a milestone of 1+ million work hours without any LTI at the project.

Offsite construction is becoming increasingly popular because the industry has recognized that it is a time-saving, no wastage, super safe and clean process that benefits all stakeholders – clients, contractors, the workforce, and the environment. The turnaround time on the projects is shorter and cost overruns are significantly reduced. It also improves workplace safety and reduces environmental impact when compared to traditional on-site construction. This made it the most ideal building solution to develop the world’s largest vertical farm here in the UAE. Last month, Group AMANA revealed its revitalized brand identity. Now organized into three verticals: Construct, Manufacture and Enhance, the transformation reflects the Group’s offerings for an evolving business landscape and the drive to build cleaner, greener, and smarter. AMANA has built a formidable reputation over three decades of operations in the region, with its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and digitalization.

The 330,000ft2 facility was built using innovative off-site construction methodologies, saving time, reducing waste, and reducing work hours

34

GROUP AMANA - VERTICAL FARM

“We’ve used intelligent solutions across several key projects for our clients such as The Red Sea Global, NEOM, Al Muhaideb Group in Saudi Arabia.”

As a fast-growing multinational organization

SP: How is BIM helping AMANA with

with employees spread across multiple

projects? What are your most recent

geographies, it is important for us to

projects completed on BIM?

drive seamless interconnectivity, offer

RA: AMANA has made significant investments

remote accessibility, and implement

in digitalization, migrating to the Revit BIM

a data-driven modern performance

platform to enable integrated project delivery,

management and rewarding tool.

shortening production cycles, and fostering

With Oracle Cloud Applications, we can provide

collaboration amongst various departments.

a consistent employee experience across

Recently, we leveraged modular construction

devices, realize significant efficiencies across

to deliver the world’s largest vertical farm

departments, and enable one source of truth

– Bustanica – in Dubai South, spanning

for HR data to improve decision-making on

330,000ft2. It was built using innovative

one integrated platform spanning the entire

off-site construction methodologies such

employee life cycle, from hire to retire.

as BIM, saving time, and reducing waste

SP: What technology is at the

and work hours. We’ve used intelligent

center of AMANA strategy?

solutions across several key projects for

RA: I would say BIM has been a key

clients such as Red Sea Global, NEOM,

enabler for AMANA’s digital transformation

Nupco, and Veolia in Saudi Arabia.

initiatives, helping us to fulfil our goal to build more efficiently.

GROUP AMANA - VERTICAL FARM

This technology has enabled us to design and integrate our key projects in Saudi Arabia for Red Sea Global, NEOM, Nupco, and Veolia.

Our project delivery team worked with engineers in different offices and countries to design and build in real-time as both design and construction progressed, enabling us to deliver the project in record time.

SP: What do you think are the major challenges in digital transformation?

RA: Overhauling legacy systems is a challenge.

In some instances, financial constraints and lack of proper training also affect digital adoption. But project managers must leverage software to make their construction business more interconnected and agile, both internally and externally. The industry will also need to

35

“As a fast-growing multinational organization with employees spread across multiple geographies, it is important for us to drive seamless interconnectivity, offer remote accessibility, and implement a data-driven modern performance management and rewarding tool.”

look beyond the obvious cost and efficiency benefits of digital transformation and see how

SP: What other emerging technologies

it is driving many environmental benefits.

do you currently have your eyes on in the construction sector?

“Encouragingly, the regional construction industry is also improving its performance on sustainability, diversity, and inclusion by increasing investments in connected construction, leveraging technology and innovative methodologies.”

SP: What do you think the construction

RA: Robotics, AI, and ML are shaping the future

industry will look like five years down

of construction. The use of technology in

the road if digital transformation has

the construction sector is expanding quickly

the impact that is envisaged?

with the goal of improving productivity and

RA: The benefits of true digital transformation

sustainability on the job site. Construction

are enormous for the construction sector.

robotics and connected construction site

Innovation, the adoption of new technologies

are examples of developing technologies.

like AI and robotics, and a shift towards

At AMANA, our focus will be on start-ups and

sustainable practices will put the construction

scaleups that foster innovation and boost

industry on the fast track to growth. It’s

intelligence in these fields, but it's also crucial

time for the industry to recognize that the

to maintain a shared data environment where

repetitive, simplified, and standardized factory

data from building initiatives is preserved

operating process promotes safer, healthier,

and easily accessible to everyone.

and cleaner working conditions, with far lower wastage rates than an open construction

As the GCC is accelerating towards a

site. Encouragingly, the regional construction

decarbonized future, the construction industry,

industry is also improving its performance

responsible for one-third of global carbon

on sustainability, diversity, and inclusion

emissions, will play a key role in fulfilling

by increasing investments in connected

green agendas for a circular economy.

construction, leveraging technology, and innovative methodologies. The future over the next five years looks quite promising for the regional construction industry if more

GROUP AMANA

technology is adopted to boost efficiencies.

 +971 2 642 8383 VISIT WEBSITE

36

SUSTAINABILITY - GENSLER

BRINGING TRANSCENDENT ENVIRONMENTS TO REAL WORLD SITUATIONS IN 1965 AND WORKING GLOBALLY WITH MORE F OUNDED THAN 4,000 CLIENTS ACROSS MORE THAN 29 PRACTICE

AREAS SPANNING THE WORK, LIFESTYLE, COMMUNITY, AND HEALTH SECTORS, GENSLER IS THE BIGGEST PURELY ARCHITECTURAL, PLANNING AND DESIGN FIRM IN THE WORLD. OPERATING OUT OF 52 LOCATIONS AND WITH MORE THAN 7,000 TEAM MEMBERS NETWORKED ACROSS THE AMERICAS, EUROPE, GREATER CHINA, ASIA PACIFIC, AND THE MIDDLE EAST, GENSLER UNDERSTANDS THE NEED TO BE FLEXIBLE BECAUSE IDEAS, REQUIREMENTS AND AMBITIONS EVOLVE. IN OTHER WORDS, DESIGN IS NOT A PRESCRIPTIVE PROCESS, WITH THE FIRM ADAPTING TO SUIT A PROJECT’S NEEDS.

SUSTAINABILITY - GENSLER

 L TO R: STEPHANIE KINNICK OPERATIONS DIRECTOR, TIM MARTIN MANAGING DIRECTOR, THOMAS WILLIAMS STUDIO DIRECTOR, ARTHI BALASUBRAMANIAN STUDIO DIRECTOR

37

38

SUSTAINABILITY - GENSLER

 HIR AERIAL WITHOUT TREES

“We are guided by our mission to create a

down, but the firm has been successful and

a 50-50 gender mix, Gensler has hired 28

better world through the power of design and

will continue to be. We’re going to continue

new personnel in the last year alone, and

believe the source of our strength is our people.

to grow in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and within

designed more than 10,250,00ft2 of space.

Our approach to design is unique. No other firm

the GCC, and we’ll thrive going forward as

has integrated architecture and interior design

we continue to shape the future of cities.”

as thoroughly as Gensler, explains Stephanie Kinnick, Operations Director, Middle East.

With 40 new projects won across 13 countries serviced from the region, and

Indeed, in 2022, Gensler achieved considerable

20 office collaborations across the global

growth and success in the region, now having

Gensler network, the firm serves a broad

“Since we have 52 Gensler offices around

five studios with 90 staff and operations

portfolio of discerning clients, including

the world, this provides the firm with a

in the UAE and KSA, with a new Abu Dhabi

those from the governmental, large-scale

unique, broad view of its clients’ needs.

location and the Riyadh office opening

development, and corporate sectors.

There have been economic cycles up and

soon. Moreover, with 29 nationalities and

SUSTAINABILITY - GENSLER

39

DESIGNING GREAT BUILDINGS SUSTAINABLY

many of our repeat clients have trust in

“We’ve had the opportunity to work with some

Gensler has grown consistently throughout

Gensler and our amazing team to keep

of the biggest names in various industries,”

its entire history and is increasing its global

delivering world-class projects.”

Stephanie explains. “By combining our design

footprint with expansion into Saudi Arabia

knowledge with our clients’ rich history and

and the wider Middle Eastern market to

Gensler contributes to each project with

philosophies, we’ve created some of the world’s

support strong demand in numerous practice

a wealth and depth of knowledge that is

most noteworthy buildings, including the Dubai

areas, ranging from urban planning to retail,

fused to the client's individual wishes and

International Financial Center (DIFC) Gate

and hospitality to workplace design.

needs. It values personal relationships

Building and our award-winning Unified Real

with its clients and takes immense

Estate Diplomatic Quarter Mall the 1364 project,

“We think our clients are really looking

satisfaction in being involved from project

in Riyadh. 1364 is a mixed-use development

for the best ideas and we help them with

inception to completion and beyond.

with a focus on retail and F&B that celebrates

that,” Stephanie says. “We are proud that

the pedestrian nature of our urban fabric.

40

SUSTAINABILITY - GENSLER

 HIR TERRACE

 STEPHANIE KINNICK

 HIR HIGH STREET

SUSTAINABILITY - GENSLER

41

The concept of the project is inspired by natural strata formations prevalent in the rugged landscape that surrounds Riyadh.

The curvilinear forms of the buildings entice breezes from the northwest for cooling as well as pedestrian movement into the main open central space.

Of course, addressing the various environmental concerns, including climate change, is the business imperative of our time, with Stephanie commenting: “The countries in the Gulf region are leading the way in the development of smart city plans as part of their economic diversification to develop safer and more livable cities with better infrastructure and services, as well as enhancing environmental sustainability by reducing pollution and protecting the environment.

“As governments continue to implement stricter regulations on emissions, designing for a more sustainable future that protects the long-term viability of investments, Gensler is forging ahead into this new era of smart sustainability. Our 2020 portfolio was already designed to save over 17 million metric tons of CO2 from being emitted on an annual basis - an important milestone on the path toward our firm’s aggressive goal of eliminating all carbon emissions in our work by the year 2030.”

The Gensler ‘numbers’ are impressive and include: 

600+ million square feet of sustainable work

 110 million square feet of LEED-certified projects 

1.2 billion gallons of water saved annually



1,200+ LEED accredited professionals

With companies ever more focused on environmental, social, and governance considerations, the value proposition of resilient design is undeniable, with Gensler seeing design as a strategy in action, focused on results. “We help our clients envision a better future and get there successfully,” Stephanie says. “We help them leverage design’s power to generate innovative  HIR EASTERN DROP-OFF

solutions that affect real transformation.”

42

SUSTAINABILITY - GENSLER

 DIFC, THE GATE BUILDING, DUBAI, UAE

SUSTAINABILITY - GENSLER

43

 DIFC, THE GATE BUILDING, DUBAI, UAE

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION Construction output growth in Saudi Arabia is anticipated to rise by 3.2% in 2022, with a further annual average growth rate of 4% between 2023 to 2026 as indicated

by Global Data. As of October 2022, the Kingdom held a 35% market share with a recorded $31 billion worth of contract awards against an overall MENA total of $87 billion as tracked by MEED Projects.

In the entertainment industry alone, there is significant growth and expansion, with film being a key focus of the Kingdom’s plan to develop its entertainment industry as part of the Vision 2030 initiative to diversify its economy.

Saudi’s focus on the entertainment industry is a strategy aligned with Gensler’s, with

Gensler shares information on best practices

We grow and empower the industry’s top talent

Stephanie saying: “We’ve just announced

all over the world, so a client doesn’t just

to pursue their passions and make a difference.”

that Bob Weiss, the former president of Walt

see what’s going on in the Middle East, they

Disney Imagineering, has joined Gensler as our

see what is going on all over the world.

Gensler approaches each project with a

global immersive experience design leader.”

This is driven to a large degree by the firm’s

distinct value-driven mindset. Its extensive

During his time at Disney, Bob Weiss led more

use of data, technology, and people.

expertise means that it has learned how

than 200 major projects around the world with a capital value of more than $30 billion.

to do things more efficiently, designing “A key success factor is our data-driven

for the human experience and tackling

insights,” Stephanie says. “With access

the toughest challenges facing today’s

A LOCAL FIRM WITH A GLOBAL PRESENCE

to our Gensler Research Institute, we can

cities, thus shaping a more resilient

Most successful companies are built on

predict upcoming trends based on data and

and equitable future for everyone.

differentiation: offering clients something

incorporate those into our designs. This

they value that competitors don’t have, and

has allowed us to be one step ahead when

Gensler is no different, as Stephanie explains:

providing counsel to our clients, extending

“Design is constantly evolving, and our clients

our analysis, insights, and additional

are facing different obstacles than they were 20

perspective into the original brief.”

years ago. We support them by reacting to that change, which we achieve through a level of

Gensler is also using technology to help

practice area specialization that differentiates

solve its clients’ design problems across all

us as experts. This includes our network of 29

industries, with its teams writing programs

practice areas, allowing us to provide specific

around parametric design and automating

expertise when and where clients need it.

the design process. It’s all about process innovation and looking into the future.

“We are really focused on being local and

GENSLER

understanding the local market, but our

Finally, and most importantly, is Gensler’s

practice areas are set up in a network across

people, with Stephanie concluding: “They

the world. It is one of our guiding principles

are the reason we’re here, it’s what we

- we can’t be global if we are not local first.”

thrive on and what makes us tick.

 +971 4 356 1300 VISIT WEBSITE

44

Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh

CHECK INTO ANOTHER WORLD AT ASCOTT RAFAL OLAYA RIYADH STAYED IN SOME OF THE FINEST SERVICED RESIDENCES H AVING AND HOTELS THE WORLD HAS TO OFFER, IN CITIES AS DIVERSE AS

LONDON, NEW YORK, MILAN, DOHA, AND NEW DELHI, I WAS INTRIGUED TO SEE WHAT SAUDI ARABIA HAD TO OFFER; IN PARTICULAR, THE ASCOTT RAFAL OLAYA RIYADH, STRATEGICALLY LOCATED NEAR KING ABDULLAH FINANCIAL DISTRICT. I WAS NOT TO BE DISAPPOINTED.

Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh

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An exclusive serviced residence providing efficient business support services and lifestyle facilities in a luxurious environment, Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh, housed in the Rafal Residential Tower, offers a selection of studios, and one and two-bedroom apartments, catering to both short and long-staying guests.

Mine was a relatively short stay of just a few days, but immediately I loved the charm of Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh, which does not give the routine hotel chain vibe at all.

It was extremely accommodating too, allowing me to check in early, which was a big plus.

My apartment definitely had the ‘wow’ factor

There’s an excellent rewards program too And there is no doubt that my apartment

Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh is also home to two

definitely had the ‘wow’ factor, with

of the city's most well-known meet-and-treat

contemporary furnishings, a fully equipped

destinations, Opaline and Don Puro, which

kitchenette, and spacious dining, lounge,

deliver some of the best bites in town, whether

and bedroom areas that allowed me

you're seeking exquisite Lebanese food or

to live extremely comfortably - have

gourmet specialties. The atmosphere and

you ever just melted into a bed?

service were great, with the staff going above and beyond to make the entire experience

In fact, the apartment was a genuine home-

something that I won’t forget in a hurry.

from-home, incorporating everything you could ever need, from a coffee machine and

And if all that were not enough, there is

a toaster through to a TV with a wide array

24-hour reception and room service, an

of cable channels, excellent Wi-fi, and even a

airport transfer service, a laundry and

washing machine and dryer. And the central

cleaning service, a basement car park, a daily

air-conditioning, with individually-controlled

housekeeping service, a grocery shopping

thermostats, was exceptional … and quiet.

service, and valet parking. Of course, there are fees to pay for some of these services,

EVERYTHING, RIGHT WHERE YOU NEED IT

but the prices were very fair and the services

The facilities were just as impressive, with

themselves were beyond reproach.

an exclusive range of separate amenities for men, women, and children, including swimming pools, a spa and sauna, a gymnasium, a children’s playroom, a café, a prayer area, and a resident lounge.

And being in Riyadh on business, I was delighted with the meeting rooms (there are five in all), which are fully equipped to ensure that it’s easy to ‘get the job done’.

Audio-visual equipment, business center services, courier and secretarial services, and superb Wi-fi were all readily available.

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Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh

THE ART OF MEETING YOUR HIGHEST EXPECTATIONS By now, you might have caught onto the fact that I quite enjoyed myself at Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh! So, who exactly are these people? Well, Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh is one of The Ascott Limited's premium collection of hotel apartments in over 180 cities in the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Gulf region. It is a member of CapitaLand and the global leader in branded serviced apartments, with over 30 years of experience in assisting travelers who work and live away from home. There are a variety of apartment configurations and room sizes, including Studio Executive, 45-53m2; OneBedroom Deluxe, 70-79m2; One-Bedroom Executive, 85m2; One-Bedroom Premier, 96m2; and Two-Bedroom Executive, 121m2.

There’s an excellent rewards program too, which allows members to enjoy the lowest rates, exclusive discounts, and a wide range of perks.

Audio-visual equipment, business center services, courier and secretarial services, and superb Wi-fi were all readily available

Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh

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THE NEW ASCOTT STAR REWARDS PROGRAM OFFERS POINTS EARNED WITH EVERY SINGAPOREAN DOLLAR (SGD) SPENT ON STAYS. EARNED POINTS PLUS TIER POINTS TAKE IN:  Classic: Join for FREE – 10 points 

Silver: SGD 1,000 (SAR 2788) – 12 points (20% bonus)



Gold: SGD 3,000 (SAR 8364) – 44 points (40% bonus)



Platinum: SGD 10,000 – 16 points (60% bonus)

MEMBERS’ EXCLUSIVE BENEFITS INCLUDE:  Earn ASR points for every SGD 1 spent on stays  10% off Best Flexible Rates all year round  Seasonal offers of up to 50% off the Best Flexible Rates  Birthday discount e-voucher  Room upgrades (subject to availability)  Complimentary airport transfers  Complimentary breakfast  Early check-ins and late checkouts (subject to availability) So, there you have it - Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh. I had a great experience; the staff were incredibly helpful, the apartment was wonderful, and the amenities were great. And now I’m a member, I’ll be returning every time I visit the Kingdom’s diverse and dynamic capital city!

The apartment was a genuine home-from-home

ASCOTT RAFAL OLAYA RIYADH  +966 11 408 8700 VISIT WEBSITE EMAIL US

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GETTING TO KNOW RICHARD ABBOUD, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AT GROUP AMANA

HOW DIGITALIZATION IS RESHAPING THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY STANDARD EXPLANATION CONCERNING DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION T HE IS THAT IT IS A CUSTOMER-DRIVEN, DIGITAL-FIRST APPROACH TO

ALL ASPECTS OF A BUSINESS. BUT WHAT EXACTLY DOES THAT MEAN IN THE REAL WORLD? SAUDI PROJECTS SPOKE TO RICHARD ABBOUD, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, GROUP AMANA, TO FIND OUT MORE, DIGGING A LITTLE DEEPER INTO HOW IT LEVERAGES DATA, FOSTERS FASTER AND SMARTER DECISIONMAKING, AND ULTIMATELY CHANGES CUSTOMER EXPECTATIONS AND ENHANCES NEW OPPORTUNITIES.

GETTING TO KNOW RICHARD ABBOUD, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AT GROUP AMANA

51

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GETTING TO KNOW RICHARD ABBOUD, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AT GROUP AMANA

“The focus of our digitalization initiatives has been to enable collaboration through cloud-based and network servers and enhance project coordination between teams and clients.”

 RICHARD ABBOUD, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, GROUP AMANA

GETTING TO KNOW RICHARD ABBOUD, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AT GROUP AMANA

53

“The industry will also need to look beyond the obvious cost and efficiency benefits of digital transformation and see how it is driving many environmental benefits.”

Saudi Projects: Digital transformation is a

The focus of our digitalization initiatives have

There is also an urgent need to focus on

‘hot term’ but seems to sometimes confuse,

been to enable collaboration through cloud-

diversity and inclusion in the GCC construction

so how do you define it at AMANA?

based and network servers and enhance project

sector. AMANA has prioritized increasing

Richard Abboud: Digital transformation

coordination between teams and clients.

gender diversity within the workforce, fostering

refers to the full spectrum of technologies

an appealing organizational culture, and

companies employ to improve processes

SP: What does ‘going digital’ mean for the

increasing digitalization as it continues to

and deliver better customer outcomes,

industry’s skills needs and how is AMANA

build on its leadership in 2023 and beyond.

including AI, ML, IoT, and cloud computing.

approaching this in terms of training and

Yes, there is some confusion around

managing change for employees?

SP: What is the most influential

‘digitization’ and ‘digitalization’. The former

RA: Going digital encompasses deploying

digital technology in implementing

refers to the process of converting analog

connected construction technologies across the

digital transformation?

data into digital form. The latter refers

value chain. This includes integrating assets,

RA: For AMANA, it is a combination of

to embedding digital technologies to

people, and processes into a single intelligent

technologies driving digital transformation.

improve business processes. For example,

and secure platform to improve operational

For example, AMANA has deployed Oracle

in the construction industry, IoT can

efficiencies and transparency. With increased

Fusion Cloud Human Capital Management

simplify the procurement, distribution,

digitalization, the skills gap is widening. This

(HCM) to deliver a secure and modern user

and tracking of goods and services.

is a key concern for construction leaders

experience with automated service requests

AMANA champions intelligent solutions to

as the skills gap negatively impacts project

for all employees, and develop an approach

improve efficiency in construction, ensuring

timelines, agility, growth, and innovation.

with a supporting training platform. The

time savings and cost reductions.

Looking ahead, attracting talent, upskilling,

applications also help in automating employee

and reskilling the workforce will be critical.

onboarding, enhancing productivity, and reducing administrative costs.

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PROJECT FOCUS - SEA MARINE LIFE INSTITUTE

RSG REVEALS THE DESIGN OF ITS FULLY IMMERSIVE EXPERIENTIAL MARINE LIFE CENTER RED SEA GLOBAL (RSG), THE DEVELOPER BEHIND THE WORLD’S MOST AMBITIOUS REGENERATIVE TOURISM PROJECTS, THE RED SEA DESTINATION AND AMAALA, HAS REVEALED DESIGN PLANS FOR ITS STATE-OF-THE-ART RED SEA MARINE LIFE INSTITUTE.

PROJECT FOCUS - SEA MARINE LIFE INSTITUTE

55

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PROJECT FOCUS - SEA MARINE LIFE INSTITUTE

The Red Sea Marine Life Institute combines futuristic lab spaces with unmatched underwater expeditions

C

reated by world-class architectural design firm Foster + Partners, the

institute will function as both a scientific research center and a tourist destination. It will accelerate conservation-driven research, while offering visitors truly multidimensional experiences that bridge educational exhibitions with adventure-filled excursions.

“We wanted to design a first-of-its-kind facility that extends far beyond any existing marine

The 10,340m2 institute will comprise three levels and offer stunning panoramic views of the Red Sea and the marina

tours and dive into the depths of the Red Sea in a submarine. A testament to RSG's coral farming operations, the facility will also be home to one of the world’s largest man-made reefs, measuring an astonishing 40 meters long and 10 meters deep and providing an epic ‘Grand Reveal’ moment for visitors on arrival.

INTEGRATING ARCHITECTURE WITH NATURE Set within the AMAALA destination on the

life attraction. With 10 zones that provide

“The institute will live in the Triple Bay Marina

west coast of Saudi Arabia and located on the

everything from augmented reality experiences

at AMAALA, but is the beating heart of our

waterfront of Triple Bay, the 10,340m2 institute

to night diving, and spaces for the scientific

broader ambitions to protect and enhance the

will comprise three levels - one above ground

community to effectively progress their

thriving Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia. Through

and two below - and offer stunning panoramic

environmental projects, the Red Sea Marine

our expanding portfolio of projects, we will

views of the Red Sea and the marina.

Life Institute is undeniably unique. Not only

share our valuable scientific discoveries with

Inspired by the Red Sea's thriving coral

will it drive global green and blue innovations,

the world and enable our guests to experience

formations, the glass-reinforced concrete

but it will also help put Saudi Arabia on the

the true beauty of our thriving coral reefs.”

that is being used to build the institute

map for travelers seeking trips that enrich their

Expected to host up to 650 people at any one

will be intricately molded to resemble

lives,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of RSG.

time, guests will be able to walk underwater,

reef patterns against the skyline. Inside,

snorkel with rare species, participate in lab

exhibition displays have also been

PROJECT FOCUS - SEA MARINE LIFE INSTITUTE

57

Site preparation works have already commenced with bulk earthworks now complete and 170,000m3 of soil transported Site preparation works have already commenced with bulk earthworks now complete and 170,000m3 of soil transported. Next RSG will commence piling and shoring ahead of excavating 12m below the surface water level for the institute’s Grand Reveal aquarium.

The Red Sea Marine Life Institute is part of phase one of AMAALA Triple Bay, which is set to welcome its first guests in 2024.

Phase one is well underway and will consist integrated into the infrastructure, with

a system to collect runoff water put in

of eight resorts offering upwards of 1,200

visitors flanked by suspended semi-

place to prevent erosion and pollution

hotel keys. Upon completion, the destination

spherical tanks containing colorful local

while reducing mains water use.

will be home to more than 3,000 hotel rooms

marine wildlife from the point of entry.

The lighting throughout the institute has

across 25 hotels, and approximately 900 luxury

Gerard Evenden, Head of Studio at

also been designed with the company’s

residential villas, apartments and estate homes,

Foster + Partners, said: “The Red Sea

green ambitions in mind, with an innovative

alongside high-end retail establishments, fine

Marine Life Institute will take guests on a

framework to prevent light pollution to

dining, wellness and recreational facilities.

vibrant, educational, and awe-inspiring

protect the nocturnal environment.

journey that unveils the natural wonders

“More than just a window into the marine

of the Red Sea and blurs the boundaries

world, we’re creating an integrated experience

between the institute and the ocean. By

that offers unique activities for our guests, with

recreating natural marine habitats, offering

a collection of opportunities to explore and

unforgettable marine interactions, and

learn suited to all,” said Warren Baverstock,

sharing glimpses into conservation projects,

Senior Marine Life Director at RSG.

it will provide guests with an immersive

“The overlay of sustainable design, build and

marine experience unlike any other.”

operations, guest experience and meaningful scientific work underpins our commitment

SUSTAINABLY CONSTRUCTED

to drive enhancement of the environment

As part of RSG's commitment to responsible

and tourism growth. It’s a perfect model

development more than 40% of the site

of sustainability, balancing people, planet

will be covered by native plants, and

and commercial success,” added Pagano.

THE RED SEA GLOBAL VISIT WEBSITE

Interiors brought to you by

Introducing a Whole World of Interiors

By Rod Millington

58

Editor

Saudi Arabia's interior design market is thriving as the Kingdom's building sector expands, with an increasing number of real estate projects for retail, commercial, hospitality, and residential expected to drive the sector forwards. Gigaprojects such as The Red Sea, AMAALA, and King Abdullah Economic City are attracting various international and regional interiors and fit-out designers to work on the projects. Interior design opportunities are proliferating in the educational and healthcare sectors too.

Interiors brought to you by

The Saudi Arabia interior design market is competitive, with numerous local and worldwide businesses involved.

Developers, contractors, and suppliers are increasingly emphasizing costeffective engineering, materials, and design, all of which contribute to the shaping of the interior design business.

It is a rapidly evolving industry, and that is why Saudi Projects is introducing an entirely new section to the magazine, focusing solely on the world of interiors. In this issue, for instance, we will be looking at altaviaodg, particularly with regard to the travel retail industry. A part of the altavia Group of companies, the world-leading retail consultancy and communication enterprise, established in 1983 and with offices in 45 countries, Altavia.odg is the ‘go to’ firm for leading operators, retailers, and brands.

Altavia.odg thrives on authentic connections and building environments with soul and a sense of place. It is passionate about producing interiors that capture the essence of the location or brand while balancing the highest standards of creativity to reflect the client's individuality. If you are not yet aware of Altavia.odg’s work and expertise, I encourage you to read all about the firm in two major features within these pages. Rebranding Fuels Ongoing Evolution at Altavia.odg and Great Journeys, Mesmerizing Retail Experiences.

According to sources, by 2027, the global interiors market is expected to hit a thumping $255.4 billion. In addition, the international interior design services market will increase at a 7.8% CAGR in 2020-2027.

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By 2027, the global interiors market is expected to hit a thumping $255.4 billion

The Greeks, like the Romans, adopted a style with minimal furnishings, arches, and mosaic tiles, with the Roman Empire (murals) and the Islamic Golden Age both having early interior design styles (pillars and columns). But what are the trends for 2023? The following five trends are things we can see making waves over the next year or two: 1. Incorporating sustainability in commercial interior design - the emphasis here is on using natural materials or objects that have a lower environmental impact, such as handcrafted items or salvaged furniture and decor.

2. The growth of ‘resimercial’ design – with more people choosing to work from home, there is a lot of discussion about 'resimercial' design, which combines commercial space with domestic interior amenities to create a productive yet comfortable atmosphere.

3. Minimalist design - as our lives get more frenetic, a sense of simplicity in interior design is becoming more valued.

4. Curved shapes - a rising interest in rounder contours is feeding into the concept of minimalism and comfortable commercial settings.

5. Color blocking - this is an excellent technique to incorporate color into a room while maintaining a classy and professionally styled appearance.

Altavia.odg thrives on authentic connections and building environments with soul and a sense of place

Whatever the future throws up in terms of interiors, though, you can be assured that Saudi Projects will be there to comment and report. Join us!

Interiors brought to you by

YOTEL: The First Hotel in Oxagon, NEOM YOTEL, the international hospitality brand, has announced the signing of its first hotel in Saudi Arabia. The YOTEL property, which is set to debut in 2025, will also be the first hotel to open in Oxagon, the home of forward-thinking and clean industries in NEOM. The interior of the hotel looks as if it is going to be more than a little striking.

Upon arrival, guests will be enveloped in the buzzing energy of the district's creative eco-system, with the 300-room hotel offering the latest YOTEL features, such as the brand's iconic robotic concierge, motorized SmartBeds™, and fully integrated technologies.

Richmond International Working on Interior Design for New Jeddah Hotel Slated to open in 2024, the Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Jeddah is a new-build shoreline destination to be found within the Corniche District. Guests and homeowners will be captivated by stunning views of the Red Sea and Jeddah’s classic architecture, revealing the city’s 2000 years of history.

Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Jeddah at the Corniche will incorporate 269 lavishly appointed guest rooms and

suites, 21 serviced apartments for short and long-term stays, and 64 Private Residences, including two penthouses.

Richmond International is working on the interior design, with each space being meticulously fashioned to combine luxurious and sophisticated design components.

Accommodations will take in capacious living spaces for families, serene spa-inspired bathrooms, and marble-clad interiors.

Meticulously fashioned to combine luxurious and sophisticated design components

David T'Kint Transforms JW Marriott, Riyadh

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Riyadh Capital appointed David T'Kint to rebrand the Burj Rafal hotel into the first luxury JW Marriott on King Fahd Road in Riyadh. The multiyear transformation embraces the region's enticing nature in the interior elements, which incorporate earthy tones accentuated with green.

The studio's inspiration came from one of the most inspiring ancient poems of the Arabian Peninsular, which reads, ‘For when the south wind blows the sand over them, the north wind sweeps it away’. As a result, the lines are organic and delicate,

reflecting Saudi Arabia's everchanging windblown deserts.

The colors are earthy and infused with green hues, reminiscent of lush landscapes when ‘rain finally comes to the land’, an excerpt from an ancient inspirational poem.

Guests are surrounded by a variety of green accents that have been carefully interwoven into the various interior areas as they travel through the hotel, allowing them to immerse themselves in a world of calm, tranquillity, and harmony.

T'Kint finished the first phase in just over a year and a half, which was three times faster than expected.

The lines are organic and delicate, reflecting Saudi Arabia's ever-changing windblown deserts

C&P Executes Yet Another Stunning Success for EL&N London Construction & Planning Co's (C&P) fit-out business, in collaboration with global real estate consultant firm JLL, continues to produce substantial projects branded with its hallmark signature of world-class excellence. The latest of these is no exception; each branch of the world-renowned coffee brand EL&N given its own distinct style while preserving the typical feel of lively pink décor and luxuriant accessories.

C&P was chosen as the brand's roll-out general contractor in 2021 and has since produced numerous coffee shops in key locations throughout Riyadh.

EL&N's first store in Saudi Arabia is located in the Panorama Mall, and despite its small size, it contains many delicate features and innovative looks.

On the Riyadh Front, another noteworthy EL&N coffee shop may be found. Its oneof-a-kind, multi-level penthouse design includes special props that transport visitors on a breath-taking neon-lit adventure replete with nostalgic allusions to vintage Hollywood. Another of the branch’s designs called for the installation of a classic vintage car within its interior, for which a special edition pink-wrapped 1962 Sunbeam coupé was brought in to fulfil this particular vision.

C&P was chosen as the brand's roll-out general contractor in 2021

“Our scenography design aims to create a space that works with the cable-stayed, fabric-roof of the Hajj Terminal”

OMA Creates Scenography for Islamic Arts Biennale Architecture studio OMA has designed the backdrop for the inaugural Islamic Arts Biennale, taking place from 23 January until 23 April and being hosted in the Western Hajj Terminal at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah The firm designed the overall identity for the Islamic Arts Biennale, which is being curated by South African architect Sumayya Vally OMA’s design for the event aims to complement the existing building, with OMA Associate Kaveh Dabiri explaining: “Our scenography design aims to create a space that works with the cable-stayed, fabricroof of the Hajj Terminal - a seminal piece of modern architecture known to Muslims around the world - literally reinventing it as an umbrella for Islamic Arts.”

Urban Streets and Alleys at Chan Restaurant in Jeddah If you're wanting Asian food, Chan, a recently launched casual dining restaurant in Jeddah, is the place to go. It brings together ‘favorites from the streets of Asia’ all under one roof.

And when we say ‘streets’ we mean ‘streets’, with Chan’s vivacious and festive interior design recreating the trendy urban streets and alleys of

downtown Tokyo, Seoul, and beyond. The restaurant's visually captivating and jazzy ambiance is enhanced with luminous neon lights, graffiti, old-school arcade games, and aspects of urban Asian art and architecture.

Chan offers delicious flavors with something for everyone, from adventurous diners to those who already adore Asian cuisine.

Chan’s vivacious and festive interiors recreate the trendy urban streets and alleys of downtown Tokyo

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Interiors brought to you by

Designing the Future Saudi Arabia's interior design industry is flourishing as the construction and development sectors boom, with a varied range of projects taking place throughout the Kingdom, including giga-projects such as The Red Sea and Amaala, which are attracting globally renowned interiors and fit-out companies.

Building a Firm Base for Life-Long Engagement Almost 40% of the KSA population is between the ages of 15 and 34. These Gen-Z and Gen-X consumers present a unique potential for digital-first merchants to grow their consumer base. Major retail companies are now attempting to build a firm foundation for a life-long engagement with this digital-native audience by developing product lines that cater specifically to the growing tastes of this generation. In tandem with this, stores are demanding fresh and innovative concepts for their bricks and mortar stores, giving consumers a genuinely experiential experience that attracts repeat business.

While acquiring younger clients may appear to be an additional investment in operating expenditures, this is not always the case. Understanding behavioral variances, empowering brand ambassadors, and establishing physical outlets in strategic areas are critical. Aspirational aesthetics, authentic influencer voices, and a ‘happening’ experience go a long way with these shrewd and edgy generations.

Interiors brought to you by

INDEX Saudi 2023 is the leading interior design, fit-out, and architectural show in Saudi Arabia

Almost 40% of the KSA population is between the ages of 15 and 34

INDEX Saudi 2023 Although each retail store and hospitality venue is unique, they all have the same objective: to bring clients across the threshold and persuade them to make a purchase. Retailers have tried everything from playing music through to seductive aromas - and while this is nothing new, getting it right is a true art. Hit the target and it will bring about better engagement with customers, build a dedicated and more enthusiastic workforce, and secure a brand’s value proposition for years to come.

That’s why interiors companies, retailers, hotels, and the catering industry will all be in attendance at INDEX Saudi 2023, to be held at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center (RICEC) on the 10, 11, and 12 of September.

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INDEX Saudi 2023 is the leading interior design, fit-out, and architectural show in Saudi Arabia.

This huge international trade event brings together interior suppliers and manufacturers with interior designers, architects, project managers, and procurers from what is a continuously diversified industry.

INDEX Saudi 2023 will feature a comprehensive showcase of interior design solutions, high-tech lighting, traditional flooring, and much more. There will also be a free conference with expert speakers discussing the newest trends, best practices, and practical ideas in interior design. The interactive lectures will be given by industry thought leaders and innovators who are committed to driving design best practices throughout the Kingdom. It’s a mustattend event, so put it in your diary now!

A top-notch design company can create effective solutions for both brands and retailers, providing spaces that entice consumers by creating a personal connection and sense of place How Long is a Piece of String?

Many believe that retail design refers to how you merchandise your products. But while marketing is an important aspect of store interior design, it is not the sole one.

Every aspect of a store, from the entrance to the checkout display, can influence a customer's route to purchase. As a result, retail interior design is applicable to the complete retail area, both interior and exterior. And to achieve the very best results you need an interiors expert.

But what exactly does a retail interior designer do?

When people hear ‘interior designer’ or ‘interiors company’, some think that means decorator, while others think project coordinator, yet the true role is typically more wide-ranging and complex than that.

Let us begin with a straightforward definition: An interior designer specializes in space design and development. They collaborate with architects, engineers, contractors, and other experts to create branded retail environments, combining a wide range of creative and technical talents. That's a really broad statement because an interior designer can contribute to a project on a variety of levels. But it's a good starting point. Nevertheless, a topnotch design company can create effective solutions for both brands and retailers, providing spaces that entice consumers by creating a personal connection and sense of place. When considering interiors companies, the old saying ‘as long as a piece of string?’ has never been more relevant!

And of course, the term ‘retail’ encompasses far more than just enterprises that sell goods (such as food and fashion). Businesses that sell services and experiences are also included, from coffee shops to wellness and travel. In fact, in any type of location where customers interact with a product or brand, retail experience design concepts play an important role. Put simply, it is a vast and fast-moving industry, and Saudi Arabia is currently at the forefront of the interiors revolution. Consequently, Saudi Projects will home in on this important sector, bringing you all of the latest news, views, and opinions. Join us, as we dive deep into one of the world’s most creative industries.

Interiors brought to you by

Rebranding Fuels Ongoing Evolution at Altavia.odg Altavia.odg +971 4 277 6486 Email us Visit website

Companies today operate in a dynamic and unpredictable environment. Disruptive forces in the marketplace include technological advancements, economic cycles, and shifting consumer demographics and views. As a result, many businesses may need to rebrand from time to time in order to evolve and prosper, often taking a radical approach in order to remain relevant in the modern world.

At ODG, they have taken a different tack, for this is a company that has always understood that a brand is not something you build and then abandon for the next 10 years, but something that is dynamic with a need to constantly progress.

Consequently, rebranding at ODG is evolutionary rather than revolutionary and revolves around the firm’s integration into its parent company, altavia.

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The world-leading retail consultancy and communication group, altavia, established in 1983, has its HQ in Paris and offices in 45 countries. It is a company uniquely equipped

to create unparalleled partnerships and lasting value for its clients, and with ODG it has a team of consultants, planners, creatives and technical designers that are recognized for developing awardwinning retail programs and concepts for world-renowned retailers, F&B home-grown and international concepts, and FMCG brands amongst others.

Now known as www.altavia-odg.com, the firm continues to grow and evolve, providing solutions to the retail travel industry that are original, creative, and often independent from current trends.

“The retail industry is going toward an omnichannel approach and the ‘trick’ is to find the meeting point between experience and convenience”

MAURIZIO FABBRINI, HEAD OF MARKETING AND SALES AT ALTAVIA.ODG IN DUBAI

Interiors brought to you by Clockwise ADIDAS FLAGSHIP ACTIVATIONS BARNS X, JEDDAH ADDIS ABABA CITY HALL & THEATRE, ETHIOPIA FACES, DUBAI

Whether it’s designing a airport stores in Melbourne or Jeddah, and all points in between, altavia.odg has become recognized for its creative power

Recognised for its Creative Power

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“The rebranding has been a fascinating exercise,” explains Maurizio Fabbrini, Head of Marketing and Sales at Altavia.odg in Dubai. “It was an opportunity to take a fresh look at what we stand for, as well as at our customers and their constantly changing requirements, and how we can continue to offer services and solutions that are pertinent to the modern retail world. We didn’t charge into a brand review focusing on logos and coffee mugs, that’s not where we’re at. Instead, our new visual identity, with its interactive features and more casual feel, acts as a conduit, connecting our customers to a firm that doesn’t just go for the obvious when it comes to designing retail solutions, but reframes the problem, looking at it from multiple angles with the aim of ultimately elevating the consumer experience.”

Whether it’s designing a coffee shop in Riyadh or airport stores in Melbourne or Jeddah, and all points in between, Altavia.odg has become recognized for its creative power and out-of-the-box thinking. Its designers are a very talented and diverse bunch, with vast knowledge and experience of the retail industry as a whole, and, whether it’s a small space or a largescale store, are well-practiced in providing subject matter expertise that allows clients to deal with just one point of contact. Hence, the whole process becomes much more stress-free and enjoyable.

Moving Towards an Omnichannel Approach Of course, the pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and a badly hit consumer economy have all had an impact, but important lessons have been learned and for many retailers 2023 will be an opportunity to retune their aspirations. As they do so, they will be looking at two major trends in the industry, as Maurizio explains: “Stores are more and more experience driven. If we take a store selling nuts as an example, there will be a desire to allow the consumer to smell the aroma of the nuts, or for a coffee outlet, to see the coffee being ground. At the same time, some consumers will be looking for "ultraconvenience", which is of course the direct opposite of experience-driven retail. Those seeking convenience will have probably found exactly what they want online and simply want to go into the store to pick it up – it’s about being in and out quickly, click and collect.

LARNACA DUTY FREE, CYPRUS

“The industry is, therefore, going toward an omnichannel approach and the ‘trick’ is to find the meeting point between these two trends. And this is why brands come to Altavia.odg; we can provide original, truly distinctive solutions without relying on gimmicks or yesterday’s gizmos and widgets. We offer flexible solutions that can be adapted to consumer preferences while, at the same time, ensuring that everything is future-proofed.”

Altavia Group, established in 1983, has its HQ in Paris and offices in 45 countries

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Interiors brought to you by

FIRST NUTELLA STORE IN AN AIRPORT, DUBAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Sustainability is not only a design trend for the firm; it is at the heart of its business

Sustainability is at the Heart of the Brand Sustainability is at the front and center of design projects around the world. It has the potential to significantly benefit both the people who occupy and visit the relevant spaces and the environment.

That is why Altavia.odg takes a fresh approach to reimagining conventional retail design values for the twenty-first century.

Sustainability is not only a design trend for the firm; it is at the heart of its business. In creating each design solution, they take a thoughtful approach to energy and ecological conservation, always seeking to ensure that their actions do not negatively affect future generations. “It’s not just materials we look at,” Maurizio says, “but logistics, people, how we can support the local economy, local alternatives, it’s the whole package.

In Dubai, we are carbonneutral and have a number of designers with LEED certification, so we really do walk the talk – sustainability is a focal point of our brand.”

Now part of a bigger group, Altavia.odg will persist with this crucial design philosophy, while continuing to provide the same value and scale that it has always done. And with 11 industry awards under its belt, projects in 40 airports, railway stations and ferries around the world, and over 350,000m2 of commercial space created, Altavia.odg is genuinely excited about the future of the retail industry in all of its facets, - including Travel, F&B, Beauty and Fresh - and how it can provide its broad portfolio of services to support the unstoppable progress and myriad breathtaking developments currently underway in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in line with Vision 2030.

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Great Journeys, Mesmerizing Retail Experiences Travel retail has come a long way from its basic duty-free shopping days, with international airports having evolved into premium shopping destinations in their own right. While this creates great opportunities for brand owners, the fastpaced nature of this one-of-a-kind retail environment also poses a fundamental test: how to engage a time-pressed and increasingly savvy customer?

Altavia.odg +971 4 277 6486 Email us Visit website

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Hugo Vanderschaegh, Managing partner at Altavia.odg and head of Altavia travel retail, admits this is a challenge for the industry, explaining that there is a need to drive more footfall by providing real experiences and added value: “Back in the years 2010 to 2019, travel was booming, but in some airports, travelers had begun to spend less. So while there was an amazing growth in traffic, which was fueling the travel retail industry, some of the KPIs were quite negative, with spending, if not falling, at least plateauing.

“It was at this time that many of the big players started to rethink the way they designed stores, looking to make them more experiential in order to drive footfall and, in doing so, drive conversion. These kinds of shifts happened before Covid, but as in many industries, then pandemic has actually fuelled a lot of the trends, one of them being e-digital commerce in travel retail.”

As a result of Covid, a lot of the investment is going into Customer Relationship Management (CRM), loyalty programs, ecommerce, and everything digital that can help brands and retailers engage with travelers before they reach the terminal, encouraging them to continue the conversation in the physical store when they get there.

“There is certainly acceleration on that front,” Hugo says. “Even pre-Covid, we were trying to provide more than just product on the shelves, and I have to say for the last couple of years the brands have done an awful lot, such as amazing pop-ups for luxury brands in the leading airports – experiences where you can interact with the brands are becoming more and more important.

“But now I would say it’s not only about the brands. The travel retailers are themselves creating their own concepts and their own kind of engagement areas.

So it doesn’t just rely on the brand; the retailer is also differentiating itself.”

“Covid has actually fuelled a lot of the trends, one of them being digital commerce in travel retail”

HUGO VANDERSCHAEGH, MANAGING PARTNER AT ALTAVIA.ODG

Creating a Sense of Place Sensitive to the ever-evolving expectations of customers, the major travel retail operators are investing significantly to offer uniquely different shopping experiences. They are challenging themselves to be increasingly imaginative and engaging, placing particular stress on experiential experiences that have a lot to do with a ‘sense of place’, a concept that explains how people define and categorize locations in their minds.

“This means designing airports that are unique to where they are, with airport stores bringing a sense of place into the store as an experience,” Hugo says. But how do you create a truly ‘personal’ experience for travelers? Hugo takes up the story: “The first thing you need to do is create different experiences based on the airport’s location and USP, and then it’s about personal

experiences, which I would say is the next stage. And to do that, you really need to know your customers, not only from demographic and volume point of views , – you need to understand who they are individually and what they want, and this calls for good data. This is a big thing right now in the industry, from the airport to the airlines to the duty-free, and how they can collaborate in a beneficial way to ensure that data are being shared for the benefit of passengers to create a more personalized experience. And that is a very difficult task, but that’s what the industry is looking for.”

This approach is more than creating unique experiences, as Hugo explains: “If you walk into a terminal, for instance, in Geneva, and there is a tasting station where you can try chocolate - because they have amazing chocolate in Switzerland - and there is an incredible chocolate fountain with a chocolatier doing live cooking, then marvelous, passengers get hooked

“The next level is to offer the chocolate in a way that will please a particular individual, and this will be achieved because we will know who he or she is and what their personal taste/ interests are”

and they are going to buy. It’s locally relevant and you have a sense of theatre where the space is really screaming out its message. The next level, though, is to offer the chocolate in a way that will please a particular individual, and this will be achieved because we will know who he or she is and what he purchased in the past and we’ll engage him before he travels using digital tools. That’s the next stage.”

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LEEDing the Way The travel industry is, of course, often criticized, powered by what is a global commitment to achieve a more sustainable life by paying attention more to the impact our activities have on the planet. Indeed, the travel industry, and especially the airline and transportation sectors, need to do a lot better than what they do right now. At altavia.odg, they understand that as travel retail designers, designing stores in airports, they need to constantly push back boundaries to create stores that have a lower impact on the planet. There are various ways to achieve this, and one of the paths altavia.odg decided to take was to train its designers in the LEED program.

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“LEED rating system is the most common and widely used green building and interior certification in the world. The LEED certification is based on a wide set of technical criteria that evaluate the sustainability of a project.

At Altavia.odg we train our staff to be able to provide our clients with concrete recommendations based on the LEED principles.” Hugo says. “For example, we worked on a concept in Bali airport, Indonesia, and of course Bali is an amazing tourist destination. However, one of the threats to the island is the plastic that keeps washing up onto the beach. So we worked on finding materials that are made of recycled plastic that washed up and used this as a raw material for the design of the stores – sustainability with a sense of place.”

One of the paths altavia. odg decided to take was to train its designers in the LEED program

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Good Design Sells More The travel retail industry is evolving very, very quickly, with one of the drivers being Generation Z, shoppers with values, although as Hugo points out this can be tricky because not all of their values are the same. “Some members of Generation Z will want to purchase items that have a social impact, while others, for instance, will home in on bio-diversity. So it’s really difficult because there is a very broad portfolio of values that need addressing, but retailers and brands need to choose their values – which values do they really want to push in their stores because you simply can’t push every single value in one go, that would be extremely challenging and difficult financially. Consequently, they have to see what the most important values are for the traveler, as well as the most important values for where the product is located in a geographical sense.” altavia.odg has numerous case studies in airports around the world that demonstrate ‘good design sells more’ and many clients have seen a huge uplift in sales and awareness after working with the company.

Moreover, its presence in the Middle East, where it works with brands, duty free and F&B retailers, and airport operators (the only firm in the region to be covering all three) continues to thrive and develop. It has, for example, completed 17 retail and F&B units at Dubai International Airport

and is currently working on a number of very large projects at airports in Riyadh and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia. But whatever the airport operators, retailers, and brand partners have all emphasized the evergrowing importance of retail design for the wider travel retail channel. Indeed, with the emergence of the online sales channel, store design will be vital to attracting customers back to brick-and-mortar outlets and engaging the five senses.

But what are the major trends that will drive the industry forward over the next five years? Hugo has no doubt, responding: “If you compare what travel retail does when it comes to the use of CRM, it’s stone age compared to some of the big retailers in domestic markets. So it’s a huge transformation at a very fast pace, catching up with the best practices when it comes to the use of data and how the industry can better communicate with its customers.

That is the first trend. And I think number two revolves around the individual stores, which are becoming super experiential because, at the end of the day, people are not there to shop, they are there to travel, so how you get them to shop is to provide something different. Low prices are no longer enough to get people to visit duty-free stores. You can expect super strong digitalization as well as much better and much more immersive experiences.”

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altavia.odg is currently working on a number of very large projects at airports in Riyadh and Jeddah

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WORKING WITH RED SEA GLOBAL - BEN EDWARDS

WORKING WITH RED SEA GLOBAL - BEN EDWARDS

WORKING WITH RED SEA GLOBAL

THE REQUIREMENTS AND BENEFITS

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WORKING WITH RED SEA GLOBAL - BEN EDWARDS

 BEN EDWARDS, GROUP HEAD OF COST, COMMERCIAL & PROCUREMENT AT RSG

WORKING WITH RED SEA GLOBAL - BEN EDWARDS

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pioneer in responsible development,

variety of procurement requirements because

These are very unspoiled sections of the Red

Red Sea Global (RSG) is one of

we’re not only building but also operating

Sea coastline. They’ve been closed basically,

the world’s most creative and imaginative

the assets so it's extremely wide-ranging.

so nobody's been able to go into the sea and

developers, delivering projects that actively

Capability in the Kingdom is front and center

damage the coral. Everything is untouched

enhance the wellbeing of guests, communities,

of everything we do - we want to engage with

by human hands and we want it to stay

and environments. As the developer behind

companies who are capable of delivering

that way during and after construction so

The Red Sea and AMAALA, two luxury,

the requirements we need. There can be a

that people can come and enjoy the natural

regenerative tourism destinations, RSG

tendency for people to promise you things

environment, both land and marine.

naturally has a wide-ranging requirement for

and say, yes, we can do anything, but when it

professional, quality-driven suppliers and

transpires and you enter into a contract with

CONSTRUCTING CONTRACTORS’

contractors. But how do such companies

them you have performance issues, etc.

ACCOMMODATION

enquire about the many opportunities available

So we're very much focused on a proven

and how do they make that first all-important

track record, delivery in the Middle East

SP: That must be a challenge in itself - the

contact? We asked Ben Edwards, Group

region, and alignment with our cultures

location - getting suppliers and contractors?

Head of Cost, Commercial & Procurement at

and values in terms of environmental and

BE: It is, but we’re blessed because we

RSG, to fill us in on a few details concerning

sustainability credentials, and Saudization.

have quite good connectivity with the

current needs, the benefits of working with RSG, and how to reach out to discover more.

existing local airports. We’ve effectively SP: Do you take certifications

built mini-towns for our staff. With The Red

such as ISOs into account?

Sea destination we have built in advance

Saudi Projects: What does RSG look for

BE: We do, yes, particularly on the

accommodation for the operation phase of

in contractors and suppliers; what type of

environmental side of things. That’s a

the development, where hotel workers will

companies are you looking to work with?

very high priority for us because of the

live, and we are using that in the early stages

Ben Edwards: We have got such a wide

nature of where we're working.

to house some of our construction staff.

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WORKING WITH RED SEA GLOBAL - BEN EDWARDS

In Amaala we have constructed a huge temporary camp for accommodation with a capacity of 15,000 In AMAALA we have constructed a huge

We’ve used a lot of off-site manufacturing

temporary camp for accommodation with a

methods wherever we can because of

capacity of 15,000. It’s roughly 80% operatives

the remote location of the site, which

and 20% staff, and we’re in the process of

gives certainty of delivery and quality.

signing off to build accommodation for the next 5,000 as well, so it’s all happening.

And when you need to bring together the labor to put it all together, it’s easier to

SP: A lot is pre-manufactured isn’t it?

be able to bolt it all together like a Lego®

BE: Yes, the temporary accommodation at

set than to do stuff the old-fashioned

AMAALA is a sort of portacabin-type village;

way with hundreds of workers.

the Red Sea buildings, the permanent buildings, are concrete frame buildings.

WORKING WITH RED SEA GLOBAL - BEN EDWARDS

GETTING IN TOUCH

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contractor number two builds hotel number two, and we manage the main contractors - we

SP: What’s the first step companies should

take a construction management approach

take if they want to work with RSG?

where we actually engage the specialist

BE: We register all of our vendors and we

trade contractors ourselves directly.

have a very active vendor management department. So when opportunities for

Consequently, as a specialist trade contractor,

tenders come up, we already have a shortlist

there are huge advantages, including the fact

of companies. For the companies to be

that instead of getting bogged down with the

included on this shortlist, they need to go

bureaucracy of working with a main contractor

through our vendor pre-qualification process,

and then the main contractor working for an

which is all done online through SAP Ariba,

employer, they are working directly with RSG,

and it’s accessed through the RSG website.

the employer. This means that they have got direct links to the paymaster, which is us, and

SP: What are the benefits of working with RSG?

they are being directly managed by our staff,

BE: We’re very conscious of the pressures

so it makes it a much flatter organization from

within the marketplace in the Kingdom of Saudi

the trade contractor’s perspective, with the

Arabia at the moment. We’re one of several

benefit that there’s one payment that is coming

concurrent giga-projects, all competing for the

from us to them for the work that they’ve done

same supply chain, and we’re all fishing from the same pool in terms of the resources that are available to allow us to deliver our projects.

In terms of what makes us attractive to external parties, and why they would come to work for us instead of other projects, we’re taking a slightly different approach to our procurement path for the construction side of things.

We’ve adopted a construction management approach, so rather than engaging a series of main contractors – main contractor number one builds hotel number one and then main

Everything is untouched by human hands and we want it to stay that way during and after construction so that people can come and enjoy the natural environment

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WORKING WITH RED SEA GLOBAL - BEN EDWARDS

We’re doing a supply chain event in London in November, and we’re doing another one in Istanbul during Q1 are actively looking at expanding our supply base into other countries within the region.

We took part in a supply chain event in London in November, and we’re doing another one in Istanbul during Q1 this year. In addition, we’re also looking to tap into a bit more of the market in Qatar now that the football stadia and hotels have all been built. And we’ll look at other countries within the region as well, probably doing something in Jordan and Egypt as we go into Q2. We are broadening, we’re buying some stuff from the UAE at the moment because it is a developed market, on a monthly basis; it’s not going through a

you’ve got as much as you need when you need

but it doesn’t come without its problems

middleman or intermediary. We pride ourselves

it. We’re planning in advance. Like anywhere,

because there is a big problem with liquidity

on meeting or bettering our contracted

there are some trades that we struggle with in

in the UAE. People promise things but when

payment terms for the supply chain and we

terms of capacity within the Kingdom, so we

push comes to shove they haven’t got the

don’t have a middleman between us and those trade contractors, so that’s key when looking at RSG and other projects that are out there.

SUPPLY CHAIN EVENTS SP: Obtaining materials has been a bit of a challenge hasn’t it, particularly with so many projects on the go at the same time?

BE: Materials were a huge challenge during Covid and immediately post-Covid. That wasn’t something that was particular just to this market. The world stopped very suddenly for Covid, but then it re-started a lot quicker than everyone thought it was going to and it had a big impact on the supply chain globally.

I think it’s fair to say that generally, the globaltype factors started to steady in the second half of last year. Obviously, the Ukraine situation affected things at the beginning of last year, but things have now started to settle down.

We’re not seeing huge problems in capacity and availability of materials in the market, but it’s about making sure that you’re set up and

WORKING WITH RED SEA GLOBAL - BEN EDWARDS

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financial capacity to deliver the goods or

SP: I guess you’re looking for people and

to think about investing in the Kingdom with

services they’ve promised. We’re having to

companies who are in it for the long haul?

production facilities that can support our

do a high degree of due diligence concerning

BE: Yes, in terms of the supply

projects and some of the off-site manufactured

the financial capacity of the people we

chain and employees.

items that we use regularly, such as swimming

are talking to in the UAE market to avoid problems for them and problems for us.

LOOKING FOR ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING!

pools, pre-cast concrete, and bathroom pods.

We’re graced with a superb pipeline of current projects, but the aspirations of the PIF on the

We did a quick calculation before Christmas,

Red Sea coast will see further developments

and we probably need 50,000 pods over

that will come into RSG in the future. So we’re

the next seven years! That’s a significant

SP: Which industries and specialisms are you

very much committed to the long-term.

number of pre-fabricated rooms for

particularly looking out for at the moment?

We look to ensure that we’re maximizing

successful bidders, so we’d like to collaborate

BE: It is literally everything to do with

engagement with the entities that are already

with people long-term for those.

construction. It’s so broad. To give you an

active here in the local market, but we’re

example, I’ve signed off procurement-related

also looking forwards in terms of investment

SP: And finally, for companies and suppliers,

paperwork for seaplanes, scuba diving

opportunities for people to come in and

you simply say, get in touch if you think

tanks, sailboats, fit-out contractors, steel

establish factories and production capabilities

you’ve got something to offer us?

frame contractors, and corporate services

to manufacture things that we are currently

BE: Yes, absolutely. Reach out to us through

for vehicle leases – it is just everything.

reliant upon importing from overseas. For

the portal and attend one of the supplier

We’re building two huge destination

example, a lot of our loose furniture, fixtures,

events that we’re doing, including some

resorts from scratch and we need anything

fittings, and equipment for the hotels are being

local ones within the Kingdom, during the

you can imagine that goes into them.

sourced in the Far East because there’s a lot of

course of the year. We’re happy to hear from

manufacturing for those products in that part

anyone that can provide us with things that

of the world. So we’re encouraging companies

we need … which is more or less everything!

RED SEA GLOBAL VISIT WEBSITE

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RED SEA GLOBAL - MONA SIRA, ASSOCIATE PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR

 MONA SIRA, ASSOCIATE PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR AT RED SEA GLOBAL (RSG)

IS THE NIGHT SKY THE FINAL FRONTIER IN SUSTAINABILITY ON EARTH?

BY MONA SIRAJ, ASSOCIATE PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR AT RED SEA GLOBAL (RSG)

RED SEA GLOBAL - MONA SIRA, ASSOCIATE PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR

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e need to embrace the darkness

centers has created a consistent ‘skyglow’

Point of Contact for Saudi Arabia at the

in order to preserve our stunning

at night, blocking our view of the stars.

Space Generation Advisory Council, and Eng.

night skies for generations to come

Ahmed T. Althaher, a passionate speaker Those in charge of planning, managing,

and leader at Judai Astronomical Tourism.

Humankind has held a special relationship

and carrying out the development of cities

with the night sky since the dawn of time.

are becoming more and more obliged to

Called 'Suhoor Under the Red Sea Stars' and

The stars have guided us on long, intrepid

formulate creative solutions to address

held in a Bedouin-style tent with an open

journeys for millennia. They have been the

the negative impacts the rapid growth of

roof, the event sought to inform and educate

basis for the stories and legends that became

urban areas is having on the night sky.

attendees about why the night sky needs

our shared culture. And they have provided

protection and how we are achieving it.

a source of inspiration and wonder for all

To create an environment of discussion

who have looked up on a clear night.

and engagement on this topic, Red Sea

As the sun set, our vision adapted to the

Global (RSG) hosted an event for journalists,

darkness, and frequently someone would

We want to make sure that our guests and

astronomers, and activists who support

whisper "wow" as a different planet became

future generations can experience this as well.

night-time protection. This included Ghaida

visible: Mercury, Venus, Saturn, and the

But more critically, we want to protect the

Aloumi, Space Ambassador and National

enormous Jupiter all made an appearance.

night sky because of the importance it plays in regulating and sustaining nature. The Red Sea is a habitat for some of the most distinctive aquatic lifeforms and endangered wildlife; it is essential to keep the environment in a state where this biodiversity can flourish.

Many birds, turtles, and bugs are photoperiodic, meaning their behavior is influenced by patterns of light and darkness, repeated each day, season, or year. This impacts all of their activities, from breeding and eating to resting. When the endangered hawksbill sea turtle hatches during the dark of night, for example, it uses the brightness of the moon to make its way to the sea.

It is estimated that more than half the world’s population currently lives in cities and that number is projected to reach 75% by the year 2050. Artificial light from urban

It is estimated that more than half the world’s population currently lives in cities and that number is projected to reach 75% by the year 2050

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RED SEA GLOBAL - MONA SIRA, ASSOCIATE PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR

The Red Sea is a habitat for some of the most distinctive aquatic lifeforms and endangered wildlife

RED SEA GLOBAL - MONA SIRA, ASSOCIATE PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR

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RED SEA GLOBAL - MONA SIRA, ASSOCIATE PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR

All lights throughout the destination are selected to be warm and amber colors, avoiding white and blue, which are more intense for the sky

During the evening, Myriam Patricia Lopez

lenses to make sure there is minimal light

We are determined to continue helping to

Yanez, Lighting Design Director at RSG, gave

pollution. Moreover, all lights throughout

educate the world and are working with

a talk, revealing how we are using the natural

the destination are selected to be warm

the IDA to do this. We also have ambitions

light of the Sun and moon to safeguard the

and amber colors, avoiding white and

for The Red Sea to become the largest dark

Red Sea's unique environment and deep

blue, which are more intense for the sky.

sky reserve in the world – this will help

history. Mr Althaher also spoke, explaining the

lure visitors, but also protect the nocturnal

effect of astronomy on various civilizations.

To take things one step further, we are

He also presented a tutorial on how to use

collaborating with the International Dark

binoculars for astronomical observations,

Sky Association (IDA) to inform the cities and

Our destinations possess some of the

pointing out the brightest stars, indicating

communities near our destinations about light

most exceptional night skies in the

various star patterns, and recounting their

pollution, further protecting the night sky.

globe. It is our pleasure and duty to

tales in line with Arabic culture – all with the Milky Way providing a spectacular backdrop.

creatures that call the Red Sea home.

ensure they remain that way.

Red Sea Global places sustainability at the core of all its activities, stressing the importance

The event was hugely successful, but our

of both people and planet. With seven out

work does not stop there. Every partner we

of 10 travelers worldwide expressing their

work with, from construction company to

desire to be actively involved in protecting

hotel operator and beyond, must adhere to

the environment while traveling, this

the regulations laid out in our Dark Skies

emphasis on sustainability is attractive to

principles. These rules are designed to

today's environmentally aware consumer.

RED SEA GLOBAL

including the sky at night. For example, all

Yet while many understand the concepts of

VISIT WEBSITE

lights on roads, pathways, and structures

environmental protection and biodiversity, the

are directed downwards and have controlled

need to protect the night sky is less understood.

ensure the protection of the environment,

WE ANTICIPATE. WE INVESTIGATE. WE RESOLVE.

MAKING THE BEST POSSIBLE OUTCOMES A REALITY, EVERY TIME

HKA.COM

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Red Sea Global - FAISAL BUTT PROJECTS DELIVERY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

RED SEA GLOBAL: NEW QUALITY STANDARDS AND A WORLD FIRST! THE RED SEA IS A NEW TYPE OF DEVELOPMENT WITH A MISSION TO EMPHASIZE BOTH PEOPLE AND THE ENVIRONMENT, AND IN DOING SO IT IS BREAKING THE MOULD FOR REGENERATIVE TOURISM IN SEVERAL IMPORTANT AND GROUNDBREAKING WAYS. SAUDI PROJECTS SPOKE TO FAISAL BUTT, PROJECTS DELIVERY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, RED SEA GLOBAL (RSG), FIRST ASKING HIM ABOUT THE NEW AIRPORT EXPERIENCE VISITORS WILL ENJOY; AN EXPERIENCE THAT WILL TOTALLY TRANSFORM THEIR JOURNEY.

“We wanted to make the arrival experience

the whole journey far more pleasurable.

“From day one, our philosophy revolved

more memorable and much more enjoyable.

Of course, if you get nostalgic for the ‘old way’,

around delivering this project differently,”

The biggest pain for most people when they

that’s fine too. You’ll be able to wait next to the

Faisal says. “We quickly realized that market

arrive at an airport, often with children in

carousel until your bags emerge, but we can’t

capacity is in short supply right now. There is

tow, is the wait for bags. There can be quite

imagine too many people taking that option.

a huge demand for contractors and laborers

a delay before the baggage carousel starts

“This took a lot of work and a lot of simulation,”

based on the pipeline of projects, announced

moving, and even then you can be stood there

Faisal explains, “because this is a very different

projects, and the projects that are actually

for some time waiting for your particular

way of looking at how you are going to handle

happening on the ground today. At the same

bags to appear. All you want to do is get to

baggage. But it’s going to be worth it for all

time, there isn’t capacity on the supply side

the hotel, enjoy the beach, and sit by the

of the people traveling to The Red Sea.”

either. So at some point, you have an issue

pool, so we decided to look at how we could

with market capacity and that is reflected BECOMING THE MAIN CONTRACTOR

in pricing, which can result in hundreds of

RSG is handling over a dozen projects along

multiples. This had a knock-on effect that

The result is that when visitors arrive at the

the Red Sea coast, with The Red Sea resort

saw us going back and re-packaging and re-

international terminal, they don’t actually

on target to welcome visitors by early 2023.

tendering, so we said, how do we break this?

need to pick their bags up and can bypass

Yet how has this been achieved in such a

the baggage carousel completely. Sounds

relatively short space of time - The Red Sea

“We went the traditional route at first with

heavenly, right? It is because at the arrival

is encircled by the world's fourth-largest

main contractors. However, for any given

point the baggage management system

barrier reef system and encompasses over

asset we have between 15 and maybe 20

will ensure that all bags go to the chosen

28,000 square kilometres, with more than 90

construction packages, so essentially you have

resort - the airport knows that Mr and Mrs X

unspoilt islands, magnificent beaches, dormant

up to 20 contracts being managed on a single

are going to Six Senses and their bags will

volcanoes, wide dunes, mountain valleys, and

asset. That’s unheard of in this market. So what

meet them there. This a unique offering

historical cultural monuments. It is a big task!

we’ve done is gone directly to the tier two and

reduce or even remove all of this hassle.”

compared to traditional airports and makes

tier three contractors, who do the work for us.

Red Sea Global - FAISAL BUTT PROJECTS DELIVERY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

 FAISAL BUTT, PROJECTS DELIVERY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, RED SEA GLOBAL (RSG)

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Red Sea Global - FAISAL BUTT PROJECTS DELIVERY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

When visitors arrive at the international terminal, they don’t actually need to pick their bags up and can bypass the baggage carousel completely

“RSG has built an in-house team of construction managers, project managers, and engineers”

hotel room rates but also by upscaling the construction industry,” Faisal says.

NEW CONCEPTS, NEW STANDARDS Because of the restrictions and difficulties of some of the environmental projects,

This comes with a risk because tiers two

Naturally, giga-projects such as this present

new standards have been put in place by

and three are probably not able to execute

not only challenges but lessons, and things

RSG, but how much has been imposed

that quality, but that’s where we come in.

have certainly been taken on board by RSG

upon the company by the authorities

to allow the company to be even more

and how much is self-imposed?

“It’s why RSG has built an in-house team of

effective and successful in the future.

construction managers, project managers, and

“I think our standards are well above what

engineers. We have grown from a handful of

“In a way, we are upscaling the supply chain.

the local standards are,” Faisal begins. “The

people in 2017 to over two thousand today, all

Those guys who never had a chance to work

Saudi Building Code is comprehensive, so

to build an in-house capability. The result is

directly with a client, who previously weren’t

we created a bespoke building code that is a

that now we are the main contractor; we are

perhaps paid on time by the contractor, can

combination of the Saudi and international

going to manage our projects and manage the

develop their businesses, and this is essentially

building codes. We did this because we want to

sub-contractors as any other contractor does.

a part of what we’re doing - upscaling the supply

put ourselves at a higher standard, and that’s

chain, upscaling the market, contributing

what we now follow across all of our work.”

This has shifted our focus into construction management where we can have the supply chain drive those packages to completion. It’s also allowed us to remove those hefty margins that the main contractors in the market charge us.”

to the GDP, not only by selling hotels and

“Island development is a new concept in Saudi Arabia, especially in an environment that is considered so sensitive”

Red Sea Global - FAISAL BUTT PROJECTS DELIVERY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

It’s the same with the environmental aspects. RSG began talking to the National Environmental Committee, which approves all of the company’s impact environmental assessments, four or five

99

“We didn’t have to bring coral back into the lab and then back to the sea, it was from one point to another point”

years ago to start creating a framework on

impressive being the relocation of coral.

“After maybe three and a half years of

how to manage environmental impact and

“There is a very dense population of coral, and

experimenting with small coral sample sizes,

monitoring. “Nothing had ever been built

in certain areas where we need to develop,

we finally found a method with a company

on a Saudi marine site before, so it was a

whether it’s subsea cabling or perhaps the

by the name of Beacon Development to

new thing for them too,” Faisal says.

bridge, there was coral in those locations,”

relocate a large volume of coral from one

Faisal explains. “As much as we tried to avoid

area of the sea to another. We didn’t have to

“Island development is a new concept in

certain places, there are some locations where

bring coral back into the lab and then back

Saudi Arabia, especially in an environment

it simply isn’t possible. That’s where the whole

to the sea, it was from one point to another

that is considered so sensitive and home

notion of taking coral from one location and

point. We needed to check the mortality

to some of the most endangered species in

replanting it in another location arose.

rate, in four and a half or five months, to

the world. Some species of migratory birds

see if the coral was acclimatizing to the

only come to this part of the Red Sea once

“Working with a lot of experts from around

conditions. If not, it would die. And it’s been

a year. Therefore, we needed to consider

the world, we discovered that there was

nine months now and that program has been

all of these things and the environmental

mixed success with the survival rate of the

incredibly successful. That is a world first.”

regulations that we are following are the

coral when moved. A lot of the time when

first of their kind in the Kingdom.”

you relocate coral from one environment

The World Tourism Organization has called for

to another, bringing it from an open sea

the industry to look beyond visitor numbers

A WORLD FIRST

environment to a lab environment, for

and profit, and instead focus on the positive

RSG is nothing if not an innovative and

instance, the changes in mineral content in

impact that healthy tourism can have on

forward-looking developer and is justly

the water, the temperature, and the salinity

people, society and the environment. Red Sea

proud of a number of the initiatives it has

mean that the coral eventually dies.

Global can provide the blueprint for this vision.

introduced to the Red Sea, one of the most  A COLOURFUL UNDERWATER WORLD - AL WAJH LAGOON

RED SEA GLOBAL VISIT WEBSITE

100 Red Sea Global - BIM - Mohammad Dawood Aldawood

THE VALUE OF BIM AND ITS UTILIZATION AT RED SEA GLOBAL INFORMATION MODELING (BIM) IS THE FOUNDATION OF DIGITAL B UILDING TRANSFORMATION IN THE ARCHITECTURE, ENGINEERING, AND CONSTRUCTION

SECTORS, A PROCESS FOR CREATING AND MANAGING INFORMATION ON A CONSTRUCTION PROJECT THROUGHOUT ITS WHOLE LIFECYCLE. SAUDI PROJECTS SPOKE TO MOHAMMED DAWOOD ALDAWOOD, SENIOR BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING MANAGER – DIGITAL DELIVERY, AT RED SEA GLOBAL (RSG) TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THIS UBIQUITOUS BUT OFTEN MISUNDERSTOOD TOPIC.

Red Sea Global - BIM - Mohammad Dawood Aldawood 101

102 Red Sea Global - BIM - Mohammad Dawood Aldawood  MOHAMMAD DAWOOD ALDAWOOD, SENIOR BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING MANAGER - DIGITAL DELIVERY

Red Sea Global - BIM - Mohammad Dawood Aldawood 103

Saudi Projects: How easy is BIM to implement in a human resources way, as the typical top-down organizational chart won’t work for BIM because more collaboration is required. Does this become a barrier because old practices die hard?

Mohammed Dawood Aldawood: BIM

Our largest platform is the Common Data Environment that we provide for all project stakeholders

implementation requires process harmony

leading towards optimized material selection, iterative simulations to improve efficiency, and data to enable our environmental teams to make better-informed decisions.

Specifically, BIM has enabled the greater use of off-site manufacturing resulting in safer work in controlled environments that reduce waste and improve quality of product.

in and across organizations. It is no different

 Offers project information

to any other digital transformation program.

components integrity using

This is not enough though. The industry

information classification systems

needs to push for more digital transformation

These initiatives are often disruptive to businesses because it requires a change from established ways of working, and pushes

 Has defined level of information need

in the manufacturing sector to define

in terms of 3D and information

standardized information exchange and

people from their comfort zone, resulting in fear and a slow-down in progress.

BIM implementation requires process harmony in and across organizations

databases to connect with the BIM model.

The 3D model without the BIM framework

Such achievements would bring huge

would be just geometry. That alone cannot

opportunities to optimize the equipment

be leveraged to higher value BIM uses such

and material selection using BIM and

as coordination, cost, scheduling, energy

energy simulation applications.

modelling, or sustainability advantages where high-quality BIM models are the

Improved technology interoperability would

gateway to unlock the data value.

enable the tools to communicate in the same schema language, and is a matter that

SP: What are some of the

hundreds of organizations are working on

However, transformation drivers should be

benefits of BIM for RSG?

currently under the leadership of building

supported by strategic leadership such as

MDA: There are some inherent benefits in

SMART. This is an important sustainable

visible top management ‘buy-in’ to the vision,

improved collaboration through sharing data

digital milestone that governments, clients,

a coherent digital strategy, and the people

globally and creating efficiencies through the

engineers, manufacturers and vendors

skills improvement required, otherwise the

alignment of processes in the supply chain.

should mandate and push forward to

BIM maturity in the organization won’t have

achieve an optimum interoperability

the right catalysts to succeed. If this can

But the main benefits we see are:

be achieved, all parties in the organization

 Coordinated optimized designs

can see the benefits for them personally

 Greater opportunity for early

as well as the overall project mission.

SP: What is the difference between 3D and BIM? MDA: This is the most confusing part

exchange between applications.

Such achievements would allow

engagement in the supply chain

innovators and climate change stewards

 Optimized material selection and

to collaborate like never before to solve

usage thus reducing waste

challenging climate problems.

 Higher quality information

of the AEC industry! 3D is a subset

handover leading to reduced re-

SP: Most contractors appear to be utilizing BIM

of the overall BIM Framework.

work and improved handover

through ‘partial uses’ (virtual mock-ups, scope

 Automation of repetitive low-value tasks

clarification etc.), which seem to be almost

The BIM framework:

 Improved data-driven decision making

infinite. What are some of the uses of BIM at

 Assures business strategy to

 Greater transparency of progress

RSG? Can you give a couple of examples?

set scope expectations

in design and construction

 Assures proper contractual engagement across the project participants, depending

 Improved safety and efficiency on-site through improved logistics and planning

on the project procurement method  Provides clear direction on what

SP: BIM can’t solve the climate crisis,

data should be shared, when, to

but it can downsize the building

whom, and for what purpose

industry’s carbon footprint. So, BIM fits in nicely with the whole RSG ethos?

MDA: BIM fits well as an organized source of information in RSG through the project lifecycle

MDA: There are seemingly infinite

I believe the specific challenge in Saudi Arabia is that we do not have a general authority of BIM to organize the national efforts in achieving BIM

104 Red Sea Global - BIM - Mohammad Dawood Aldawood

opportunities to harness the value in the

This would require strong foundations

This vacuum results in investment

data, but it comes down to what you are

and human expertise that understand

distraction in the supply chain, slowing down

trying to achieve on your projects, and really

the challenges we all face and that

progress and limiting the BIM potential.

understanding what would provide value for

can leverage digital opportunities to

you. Is it an acceleration of delivery, quality or

transform the work we all do.

At RSG we have formed working groups

reduced cost? What does the organizational

There is also a skills shortage globally of

with a number of external stakeholders to

strategy aim to achieve? How mature is your

talented BIM professionals that can really

exchange knowledge and seek standardization

company and the supply chain you work with?

drive project outcomes, be innovative

opportunities both on process and technology.

and manage the organizational change

But this needs to accelerate to really have

aspects of any transformation.

an impact on the delivery capacity and

On our projects we are focused on:  Coordination reviews

capability in the Kingdom. It would be

 Constructability reviews

I believe the specific challenge in

great to see more organizations leaning

 3D walk-throughs focused

Saudi Arabia is that we do not have a

in and helping us to deliver this vision.

on guest experience

general authority of BIM to organize the

 BIM construction scheduling and simulation  Dynamic cost modeling for analysis and estimates  Design for manufacture and assembly techniques, linking designs directly for manufacturers to use in their machines  Handover of data between stages, specifically design to construction and construction to handover SP: What type of software are you using for BIM at RSG? MDA: Our largest platform is the Common Data Environment that we provide for all project stakeholders. This platform allows all of our project partners to share data in a controlled manner, using a common language (ISO19650), and accelerates the design process. By providing this for all, it removes a barrier for our supply chain to work with us in a collaborative manner.

We also use design and visualization tools to identify, track and resolve design and constructability issues. This has been invaluable when working on a fast-track construction project as decision-makers can rapidly affect project outcomes with high-quality data.

SP: What is the biggest challenge in implementing BIM? MDA: Globally, the biggest challenge is to achieve an integrated BIM framework that harmonizes some of the good practice work that is delivered by the best minds in our industry.

national efforts in achieving BIM.

Red Sea Global - BIM - Mohammad Dawood Aldawood 105

A positive stand happened this year when

SP: Is BIM the future?

Saudi Contractors Authority took leadership

MDA: Regardless of the name, yes digitally

and organized several BIM exhibits and

transformed project delivery is the future. The

workshops bringing stakeholders together.

future for believers in data-driven decisions.

Personally, I would love to see these efforts

The future for believers in data for certain

translate into BIM working groups represented

long-term decisions. The future for believers

by all SCA members to drive national BIM and

in data as the new digital economy.

information management standardization.

This shift from ‘closed communities’ to ‘open communities’ to achieve a higher level of integration, collectively identifying common gaps and common approaches of resolutions would accelerate the adoption of a BIM framework and related technologies.

The 3D model without the BIM framework would be just geometry

RED SEA GLOBAL VISIT WEBSITE

106 GIGA PROJECTS - AMAALA

RED SEA GLOBAL AWARDS MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE CONTRACT WORTH NEARLY SAR ONE BILLION FOR AMAALA SEA GLOBAL (RSG), THE MULTI-PROJECT DEVELOPER BEHIND THE WORLD’S R ED MOST AMBITIOUS REGENERATIVE TOURISM DESTINATIONS, THE RED SEA

AND AMAALA, HAS AWARDED A PRIMARY INFRASTRUCTURE AND UTILITY CONTRACT VALUED AT NEARLY SAR ONE BILLION. THE PROJECT WILL BE UNDERTAKEN BY ALAYUNI INVESTMENT AND CONTRACTING COMPANY TO DELIVER THE FIRST PHASE OF DEVELOPMENT AT AMAALA, AN ULTRA-LUXURY TOURISM DESTINATION LOCATED ALONG THE KINGDOM’S NORTH-WESTERN COAST, ACROSS ITS TRIPLE BAY MASTERPLAN.

GIGA PROJECTS - AMAALA 107

Saudi-based AL-AYUNI Investment and Contracting Company appointed to progress development at Amaala’s first phase of development across its Triple Bay masterplan

said John Pagano, Group CEO of RSG.

cementing trusted relationships, and setting

“The sheer scale of the developments

new benchmarks. It is an honor for us to

and our relentless pursuit of regenerative

contribute to its pioneering destinations

tourism requires meaningful partnerships

and we look forward to unlocking the full

that can deliver resilient infrastructure.

breadth of our robust capabilities to meet

Together with AL-AYUNI Investment and

RSG’s ambitious sustainability targets.”

Contracting Company, we are confident that we can collectively shape the future of

AMAALA’s first phase of development, focused

developments in the Kingdom and beyond."

on the Triple Bay masterplan, will encompass eight hotels and upwards of 1,200 hotel keys,

AL-AYUNI was selected based on its overall

upon full completion in 2027, the destination

technical and commercial competencies,

will offer 3,000 hotel rooms across 25 hotels

AL-AYUNI, classified as a ‘First Class’ contractor

as well as regional and global credentials.

as well as high-end retail establishments, fine

in the Kingdom since 2006, will be responsible

All design and construction methods meet

dining, wellness, and recreational facilities.

for delivering state-of-the-art Primary Utility

RSG’s stringent criteria for end-to-end

Infrastructure Systems while minimizing Triple

sustainable development, including economic,

Bay’s carbon footprint as part of AMAALA’s

financial, social, and institutional factors.

commitment towards net-zero operations.

Faheed Al-Ayuni, Chairman of AL-AYUNI “Today’s infrastructure deal forms a critical

Investment and Contracting Company,

part of Red Sea Global’s ambition to

said: “Red Sea Global is a future-forward

pioneer a new relationship between luxury

developer that is closely aligned with our

tourism and the natural environment,”

legacy of innovating world-class solutions,

RED SEA GLOBAL (RSG) VISIT WEBSITE

108 RED SEA GLOBAL

AMAALA CELEBRATES MILESTONE MOMENT WITH OVER SAR 6.62 BILLION OF CONTRACTS SIGNED TO DATE RED SEA GLOBAL (RSG), THE DEVELOPER BEHIND ULTRA-LUXURY TOURISM DESTINATION AMAALA, HAS ANNOUNCED TANGIBLE PROGRESS ACROSS THE DEVELOPMENT, WITH OVER 300 CONTRACTS SIGNED TO DATE, WORTH MORE THAN SAR 6.62 BILLION ($1.7 BILLION).

RED SEA GLOBAL 109

M

ore than 98% of the total contract value has been awarded to Saudi firms,

highlighting the organization’s commitment to strengthening the local economy. These include agreements for the design and build of state-of-the-art accommodation and facilities at the destination for future employees.

An additional SAR 6.1 billion of contracts is currently out to tender, across 54 proposals.

“Surpassing 300 contract awards underscores

“Surpassing 300 contract awards underscores the scale of this project and the significant progress being made as we press ahead with activity on the ground to bring our destination to life”

the scale of this project and the significant

maximizing positive environmental, economic, and cultural impacts. As we transform our regenerative commitments into concrete actions, the destination will undoubtedly be an important stepping stone to redefining tourism in the region and beyond,” Pagano added.

AMAALA is a core component of the Vision 2030 strategy to diversify the economy by enabling rapid growth in the tourism sector. Once complete in 2027, it will offer approximately 3,000 hotel rooms across 25 hotels as well as

progress being made as we press ahead with

Construction on the destination’s transport

high-end retail establishments, fine dining,

activity on the ground to bring our destination

links has also commenced, with the airside

wellness, and recreational facilities.

to life. At AMAALA, we are working to create

infrastructure works for the destination’s new

a sustainable, purpose-and meaning-driven

airport progressing on schedule. The fast-track

The project is expected to create

destination for the discerning traveler, and

contract for the works was awarded to Rawabi

upwards of 50,000 new direct, indirect,

remain closely aligned with the goals of the

BUTEC in 2020 and includes the development

and induced jobs for Saudis, as well as

Kingdom’s Vision 2030, as we develop one

of the airport’s 3,150m runway, taxiways and

contribute upwards of SAR11 billion to the

of the top global tourism destinations of the

aprons, alongside additional infrastructure.

country’s GDP once fully operational.

the results achieved by our brilliant team and

Rawabi BUTEC Chairman, Abdulaziz Al Turki,

“Our progress across infrastructure,

partners,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of RSG.

said: “This project is a cornerstone of Vision

groundworks, and key assets is a testament

2030, and it is an honor for Rawabi BUTEC

to our unwavering ambition to champion

future. I am delighted to be able to showcase

Spanning over 4,155km of pristine terrain

to contribute to such a unique destination.

tourism as a powerful force for good, remaining

and set within the Prince Mohammad bin

We look forward to applying our sustainable

closely aligned with the goals of the Kingdom’s

Salman Natural Reserve, the first phase

design and construction know-how to

Vision 2030 and Saudi Green Initiative. We are

of AMAALA is focused on the Triple Bay

ensure the safe and timely achievement of

trailblazing regeneration at an unprecedented

masterplan. Eight hotels and upwards of 1,200

delivering the new airport, while preserving

scale to create better conditions of life across

hotel keys are set for completion in 2024.

the exceptional surrounding environment.”

the destination ethos, while catering to global

Work is well underway on-site to progress

In addition to key infrastructure construction,

the enabling infrastructure and groundwork

AMAALA is breaking ground across its tourism

required to develop the destination, with

offering. Bulk earthwork is in progress, with

more than 2,400 staff already on site and 9.9

nearly 50% of the total fill quantity completed

million manhours logged to date. This includes

to date in key super plots. This includes the

the successful completion of 11 km of roads

AMAALA Yacht Club, the Red Sea Marine

ahead of schedule to better connect the site.

Life Institute, The Marina and the Wellness

2

demand for inclusive, non-extractive, and

Core, as well as three of the first hotels.

The first section of the Construction Village, home to 5,000 construction workers, is now

In line with RSG's broader commitment to

operational. An additional two sections

responsible development across its expanding

are in progress to provide accommodation

portfolio, AMAALA aims to operate with a

for a further 10,000 workers. Secondary

zero-carbon footprint. Like The Red Sea, the

infrastructure works are also in progress

destination will be powered by renewable

for the development of the first phase of

energy with no connection to the national

AMAALA’s world-class accommodation at

grid and send zero waste to landfill.

equitable experiences,” concluded Pagano.

Ultra-luxury tourism destination located along Saudi Arabia’s north-western coast outlines impressive and tangible progress, with the first phase of development on track for completion in 2024

RED SEA GLOBAL (RSG)

the Employee Village in Triple Bay, set to accommodate nearly 20,000 employees who

“From the rich natural capital that surrounds

will eventually operate the destination.

our site to the local communities, AMAALA’s masterplans are deeply grounded in

VISIT WEBSITE

110 GIGA PROJECTS - NEOM

HRH PRINCE MOHAMMED BIN SALMAN ANNOUNCES SINDALAH, NEOM’S FIRST ISLAND DEVELOPMENT HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS MOHAMMED BIN SALMAN, CROWN PRINCE, PRIME MINISTER AND CHAIRMAN OF THE NEOM COMPANY BOARD OF DIRECTORS, HAS ANNOUNCED THE DEVELOPMENT OF SINDALAH, THE FIRST LUXURY ISLAND DESTINATION IN NEOM AND ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT PROJECTS SUPPORTING SAUDI ARABIA’S NATIONAL TOURISM STRATEGY.

A

main gateway to the Red Sea offering bespoke nautical experiences,

Sindalah is expected to start welcoming guests to enjoy its exquisite facilities and exclusive offerings from early 2024. It is anticipated that the development will create 3,500 jobs for the tourism sector location. It will be a destination where travelers

333 top-end serviced apartments. A deluxe

can experience the true beauty of NEOM and

beach club, glamorous yacht club, and 38

Extending over an area of approximately

Saudi Arabia, above and below the water,

unique culinary offerings will provide an

840,000m2, Sindalah is one of a group of

making Sindalah the future of luxury travel.”

incomparable experience in the Red Sea.

Adding to NEOM’s growing tourism

With its incredible array of amenities, state-

and hospitality and leisure services.

islands that will be developed in NEOM, each according to its unique vision and design.

offerings, Sindalah will reshape the luxury

of-the-art marine facilities, strategic location

His Royal Highness said: “This is another

international yachting calendar, offering a

and exceptional natural landscapes, Sindalah

significant moment for NEOM and a major

new season for visitors and guests to enjoy.

is expected to become established as one of

step in the Kingdom realizing its tourism

It will feature a prestigious 86-berth marina,

the most alluring islands in the Red Sea.

ambitions under Vision 2030. Sindalah will

an ideal destination for accommodating

be NEOM’s first luxury island and yacht club

luxury vessels, while offshore buoys will

Building on its ability to design new tourism

destination in the Red Sea, providing a scenic

house superyachts. Providing one-of-a-kind

opportunities from the ground up, NEOM is

gateway to the Red Sea that will become the

nautical experiences, Sindalah will offer 413

working with world-class leisure and hotel

region’s most exciting and attractive tourism

ultra-premium hotel rooms, in addition to

brands to make Sindalah an exclusive and

GIGA PROJECTS - NEOM 111

It is anticipated that the development will create 3,500 jobs

Providing one-of-a-kind nautical experiences, Sindalah will offer 413 ultra-premium hotel rooms

Sindalah is also expected to become a popular

mountain tourism destination that will be

golfing destination by offering enthusiasts

the Arabian Gulf’s first outdoor skiing retreat;

the opportunity to experience a world-class

and OXAGON, its reimagined manufacturing

6,474-yard (5,920 meters) par 70 course.

and innovation city. All NEOM projects

With its 18 tees, the Sindalah golf course will

are aligned to redefine the way humanity

deliver two unique nine-hole experiences.

lives and works in harmony with nature.

The announcement of Sindalah affirms glamorous destination in the Red Sea for

the accelerated pace in the development

the world’s yachting community. NEOM

of NEOM towards achieving the ambitious

is developing the island to be a premium

vision of His Royal Highness the Crown

destination surrounded by a stunning and

Prince, with the development of its flagship

diverse marine environment that has one of

projects such as THE LINE, its designs

the world’s most beautiful coral reserves.

recently revealed by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince; TROJENA, its global

NEOM VISIT WEBSITE

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