Saudi Projects Issue 53

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ISSUE 44

DECEMBER 2023 / ISSUE 53

150 YEARS

From

Dreams to Reality Celebrating 150 years of Inspiring Creativity Explore aesthetics to discover how reality can be a great work of art

CROWN PRINCE UNVEILS QIDDIYA CITY PLANS

KRISTINA ZANIC TRANSFORMING ORDINARY SPACES INTO EXCEPTIONAL EXPERIENCES

GLOCAL AND GIULIO CAPPELLINI A DESIGN DIALOGUE

The elegance and craftsmanship that gets defined through the pages of

Luxury

Editors Foreword

SUSTAINABLE TOURISM: WHERE MEMORIES MEET CONSERVATION IN THE DYNAMIC TAPESTRY OF OUR MODERN WORLD, THE NEED TO DEVELOP SUSTAINABLE POWER AND ENERGY HAS BECOME A DEFINING FORCE THAT SHAPES INDUSTRIES, ECONOMIES, AND SOCIETIES. FROM THE ELECTRIFYING ADVANCEMENTS IN RENEWABLES TO THE INEXHAUSTIBLE POTENTIAL OF HUMAN CREATIVITY, THE SPECTRUM OF POWER AND ENERGY CAPTIVATES OUR IMAGINATION, DRIVING US TOWARD INNOVATION AND PROGRESS. AS WE EMBARK ON THIS JOURNEY THROUGH THE PAGES OF SAUDI PROJECTS, WE INVITE YOU TO EXPLORE THE NEXUS OF POWER AND ENERGY IN THE CONTEXT OF HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM. In the hospitality and tourism sector, power is not merely the electrical current that powers the lights and appliances in a hotel room, but also the transformative force that empowers

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individuals to exceed expectations, creating unforgettable moments for guests. The energy that fuels this sector goes beyond the physical utilities; it is the enthusiasm and dedication

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of hospitality professionals who tirelessly work to make every stay memorable.

DECEMBER 2023 / ISSUE 53

In this issue, we catch up with the latest news at The Red Sea, Amaala, Qiddiya, AlUla,

150 YEARS

NEOM, Diriyah, and ROSHN. We also look at the interior design sector, a vibrant canvas

From

Dreams to Reality

where creativity knows no bounds. Here, we will see how blue-chip firms such as ODG and Kristina Zanic are wielding their artistic prowess to transform blank spaces into captivating

Celebrating 150 years of Inspiring Creativity

environments that tell stories and evoke emotions. And how could we forget that work has restarted on the construction of the world’s tallest tower, the centerpiece of Jeddah’s

Explore aesthetics to discover how reality can be a great work of art

Kingdom City Development?

Through this collection of insights and narratives, we aim to illuminate sustainable energy practices while also meeting individuals who exemplify the energy and passion required to

CROWN PRINCE UNVEILS QIDDIYA CITY PLANS

excel in the tourism and hospitality industry, elevating it from a transactional service to an art form.

MILLO OFFICE BUILDING: MODERN ARCHITECTURE, TIMELESS BEAUTY

KRISTINA ZANIC TRANSFORMING ORDINARY SPACES INTO EXCEPTIONAL EXPERIENCES

CONTACT

We hope this issue of Saudi Projects serves as both a source of inspiration and a practical guide for those seeking to plot a course through the ever-evolving intersection of power, energy, and hospitality. Whether you are a seasoned industry professional or an aspiring entrepreneur, the insights within these pages will shed light on the boundless

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

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

opportunities that arise when power and energy are harnessed to infuse the world of hospitality with warmth, innovation, and sustainability.

Rod Millington EDITOR

All our publications are printed using recycled paper.

BECAUSE WE CARE

Designing Experiences worth sharing!

We are an award-winning spatial design and branding consultancy with over 16 years of expertise developing the entire customer journey from master planning, retail concepts, and branding for major brands, retailers, F&B groups, hoteliers, governmental organizations, real estate developers, airport operators, and FMCG firms.

We are part of Altavia An international and independent business communication group with 38 years of experience, across 47 countries globally.

Founded in Paris

2500+

$ 1B

450+

Operates in

70

in 1984

Turnover

47 Countries

People

Clients

Business Units

What we do COMMERCIAL STRATEGY & SPACE PLANNING: Commercial master planning | Due Diligence | Customer profiling & segmentation | Trend analysis and benchmarking | Shopper marketing | Flow and path to purchase mapping | Offer mix recommendation and brands profiling | INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE: Customer experience mapping | Concept creation | Technical development | Execution supervision | Merchandizing design | Design guidelines and vendor pack | Third party design review | BRAND STRATEGY & DESIGN: Market study | Brand uplift and creation | Brand positioning values and missions | Graphic identity | Campaign design and artworks | Packaging creation and development | E-commerce assets creation and development

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

DUBAI

| PARIS

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JEDDAH

06

Contents

COVER STORY

50

KOHLER

CELEBRATES 150 YEARS FEATURES

52

56

SIXTH ANNUAL CRUX INSIGHT REPORT

SMART CITIES

64

78

WILD / SAUDI PROJECTS EVENT

MIRAGE - MILLO OFFICE BUILDING

Contents

26

INTERIORS

KRISTINA ZANIC CONSULTANTS ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

18

38

NEWS

14TH EDITION REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT SUMMIT

102

136

RED SEA GLOBAL - SHEBARA

GIGA PROJECTS - ROSHN

07

10

NEWS

NEW ENTERTAINMENT AND CINEMA PLANNED IN KAFD WITH SSH

Leading architectural and engineering

play. A 22-kilometer drive from King Khalid

flagship business center in the heart of Riyadh,

consultancy SSH has partnered with King

Airport, KAFD is a key driver of Riyadh’s

we are thrilled to be a key partner of choice

Abdullah Financial District Development

economic ambitions and is the largest LEED-

for KAFD. Developments like KAFD excite

and Management Company (KAFD DMC) in

certified mixed-use financial district in the

us as they allow us to work with our clients

Saudi Arabia to deliver multiple packages

world. It is owned and managed by the King

and contribute our expertise and passion

comprising architecture, comprehensive

Abdullah Financial District Development

for design and engineering to influence this

multi-disciplinary design, engineering

and Management Company (KAFD DMC).

vibrant, global business and leisure hub

design, and sub-consultancy services.

SSH has been awarded several projects

positively. We are confident KAFD will be one

The partnership with SSH contributes

in KAFD through which the consultancy

of the world’s most prominent business and

to KAFD’s vision as Riyadh's prime

will deliver design and multi-disciplinary

lifestyle districts, and we look forward to

business and lifestyle destination.

services for hotels, branded residences,

supporting both KAFD's and Saudi Arabia's

Set in the heart of Riyadh, KAFD features

retail units, food and beverage outlets,

2030 vision to bolster economic growth

1.6 million square meters of state-of-the-art

car parking facilities, and entertainment

through infrastructure development, real

office space, world-class facilities, and iconic

venues, including a multiplex cinema.

estate and housing, tourism, and hospitality.”

luxury residences, designed to transform

Commenting on the partnership, Matt

Saudi Arabia continues to offer tremendous

the way urban communities live, work, and

Squires, CEO at SSH, said: “As Saudi Arabia's

opportunities for the industry.

NEWS

“We are confident KAFD will be one of the world’s most prominent business and lifestyle districts”

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to this central market and positioned itself

electric scooters and a ridesharing mobility

as a Partner of Choice. SSH supports its

solution, integrating information, technology,

clients in delivering their inspiring work

infrastructure, vehicles, and users, KAFD’s

programs and playing an instrumental role

city navigation solutions are safe, smart, and

in achieving the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

sustainable. This 10-minute city within a city

Gautam Sashittal, CEO of KAFD DMC,

has built over 40 sky bridges, providing visitors

stated: “From the outset, our vision at

and residents with an effortless climate-

KAFD DMC has been to develop and

controlled travel experience, which will be

operate the hub as a 24/7 living district

further enriched with the launch of a monorail

where tenants, residents, employees,

service, connecting the entire district together.

and visitors can work, live, and play.

We expect the district workforce and inhabitants to reach 100,000 by the end of 2024.

As a result, we expanded our mixed-use offering and are excited about working with SSH to

Organizations within the Kingdom are

deliver better infrastructure with increased

reinforcing their teams and operations,

parking spaces and more hospitality, retail,

emphasizing the significance of this

and entertainment venues for our customers.”

market as a key sustainable pillar of their

KAFD boasts easy internal connectivity

businesses. Over the past five years, SSH has

through the application of its 10-minute

increased its investment and commitment

strategy. Supported by the availability of

SSHIC VISIT WEBSITE EMAIL US

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NEWS

EDECS AWARDED MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE AND ROAD WORKS FOR JEDDAH SOUTH CONTAINER TERMINAL (STAGE 3) EDECS has announced that it has been awarded major infrastructure and road works for Jeddah South Container Terminal (Stage 3) with DP World Jeddah. This project will increase the port’s container handling capacity and support the Kingdom’s maritime logistics and transportation strategy.

EDECS’ scope of work includes infrastructure work on a total of 100,000m2, including earthwork, paving layers, road marking, electrical networks, sewage networks, firefighting networks, and reefer gantries. On completion, the revamped terminal will increase the port’s container handling capacity from 2.4 million to 3 million TEUs by 2024.

EDECS’ scope of work includes infrastructure work on a total of 100,000m2

SAUDI ARABIA TO CREATE 250,000 JOBS DURING EXPO 2030

Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb has said that Saudi

ORGANIZATIONS IN UAE AND SAUDI ARABIA LOSE $2.3 MILLION A YEAR TO CLOUD BREACHES

Arabia will create as many as 250,000 jobs during its hosting of Expo 2030 in Riyadh, many of which will be sustainable

Inadequate cloud security practices are leaving organizations

positions of employment, including jobs connected to the

in the UAE and KSA susceptible to data breaches, according

1,000 hotel rooms on the sidelines of the exhibition.

to new research from Illumio. The Illumio Cloud Security

Al-Khateeb observed that the planet’s population will reach 8.5

Index found that 54% of breaches in the UAE and KSA now

billion by 2030, commenting: “There is a digitization process for

originate in the cloud, costing organizations $2.3 million

many services, including the labor market, especially with regard

annually. 70% of respondents believe that cloud security

to trade and manufacturing, which were digitized decades ago

in their own company is inadequate and represents a

and had produced a negative impact on the labor market.”

major risk (higher than the global average (63%).

NEWS

13

WATER PARKS TO REVOLUTIONIZE SAUDI ARABIA’S CRUISE INDUSTRY “There’s enormous potential for the cruise industry within

3 Meeting the challenge of keeping guests entertained for extended

Saudi Arabia, especially with AROYA Cruises on the horizon”

sailings, WhiteWater is collaborating with MSC Cruises to create a

Saudi Arabia, in pursuit of hosting 1.3 million cruise visitors by 2035,

dynamic mix of attractions for different age groups on over 10 ships,

has identified the cruise industry as a vital element of its Vision 2030

enabling families to all be entertained within a small space.

framework. The increasing popularity of cruises among the under-20

“There’s enormous potential for the cruise industry within Saudi

demographic, showing the fastest growth, highlights the demand for

Arabia, especially with AROYA Cruises on the horizon,” said WhiteWater’s

innovative onboard experiences. For instance, MSC Cruises reported

GM and RVP, Middle East and India, Mike Rigby. “As more people

a 40% increase in Saudi Arabian sailings over a 24-month period. To

come to embrace the cruise industry as a way of travel, there will

bolster the cruise sector, Cruise Saudi is developing world-class cruise

continue to be a need for these venues to keep people entertained

facilities in key Saudi ports, facilitating larger cruise ship arrivals.

over long spans of time, and water parks are one of the best ways to accommodate large volumes of people all at the same time.”

1.3 million cruise visitors by 2035

40% increase in sailings

14

NEWS

$92 BILLION INVESTMENT WILL TRANSFORM RIYADH AHEAD OF EXPO 2030 Ahead of Expo 2030, Saudi officials have revealed their intention to invest $92 billion to transform Riyadh. Within the next seven years, the investment seeks to decarbonize urban mobility and implement programs like the King Salman Park Initiative and Saudi Green Initiative (SGI), making Riyadh one of the world’s most sustainable cities.

Princess Haifa bint Mohammed Al Saud, the Vice Minister of Tourism, speaking during the third edition of the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI) Forum, which opened on the sidelines of COP28, explained: “One of the ways is to have more green spaces, and it’s the King Salman Park Initiative that we are going to develop in the middle of the city to enhance and create that,” she explained.

Since the establishment of SGI in 2021, more than 43 million trees and shrubs have been planted throughout the Kingdom, and 94,000 hectares of damaged land—or 146,000 football fields—have been restored nationwide.

Saleh Al Jasser, Minister of Transportation, highlighted some of the actions being undertaken across the Kingdom to decarbonize urban transport: “We are implementing remote work in government agencies, which helps reduce demand for daily travel. To shift to less carbon-intensive modes of transport, we have set ambitious targets to increase the share of public transport, with the Riyadh bus and metro projects well underway.”

More than 43 million trees and shrubs have been planted throughout the Kingdom

NEWS

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16

NEWS

SEC, ALFANAR CONSTRUCTION, AND GE VERNOVA BEGIN FUEL CONVERSION PROJECT GE Vernova’s Gas Power business has announced it has begun the execution of the fuel conversion project for Saudi Electricity Company’s (SEC’s) Power Plant 10 (PP10), in Riyadh, marking a significant step in Saudi Arabia’s carbon emissions reduction goals. By switching the turbines from running on liquid fuels to natural gas, which has the lowest carbon emissions of traditional fossil fuels, the project will enhance the units’ fuel flexibility, efficiency, and output.

DAR AL ARKAN LAUNCHES ELIE SAAB’S FIRST BRANDED VILLAS IN RIYADH Dar Al Arkan has announced the launch of Etoile by Elie Saab, paving the way for the renowned designer’s first branded residence in the Kingdom.

For the first time in Saudi Arabia, the iconic flair and elegance of Elie Saab can be found in Etoile at SEDRA, the first integrated community of its kind in Riyadh. A sanctuary of opulence and tranquillity, Etoile by Elie Saab features homes that emanate luxury, while engraved in tradition. It entails an assortment of three and fourbedroom villas with the very unique Wadi Villas offering uninterrupted views of the immersive wadis.

Etoile by Elie Saab, SEDRA by Roshn, combine modern and aspirational living with the unique heritage and history of Saudi Arabia with Salmani architecture at its heart.

NEWS

17

RETAL AWARDED DEVELOPMENT PROJECT WORTH $320 MILLION Retal Urban Development Company has signed a contract with Jubail and Yanbu Industrial Cities Services Company (Jabeen) for a development project at a projected value of $320 million. The two companies will create primary and secondary infrastructure works, in addition to the design and construction of 897 residential units in Jubail Industrial City.

SAUDI-EGYPTIAN REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT CONFERENCE IN RIYADH Riyadh has hosted the first SaudiEgyptian Real Estate Investment Conference to foster investment opportunities between the two countries. The theme of the conference was ‘Integration’, amid the growing economic ties between Egypt and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, inviting key government authorities, private sector developers and investors, and industry professionals.

Saudi Arabia’s invitation to Egyptian companies aligns with the directives of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, aiming to provide broader horizons for Egyptian businessmen, enhance economic partnerships, and participate in international platforms to highlight the national projects and cultural development initiatives in Egypt, particularly in the Fourth Generation Cities, including the New Administrative Capital.

18

NEWS

JLL ESTABLISHES ITS REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS AT KAFD, RIYADH J

LL, a leading professional

residences. KAFD aims to transform how urban

services firm specialized in real

communities live, work, and play. Located

estate, investment management, and

just a 22-kilometer drive from King Khalid

development consultancy services, has

Airport, KAFD is owned and managed by the

announced the establishment of its

King Abdullah Financial District Development

regional headquarters at the King Abdullah

and Management Company (KAFD DMC).

Financial District (KAFD) in Riyadh.

JLL’s President and Global CEO made

Situated in the heart of the Saudi capital, Riyadh, KAFD is home to 95 buildings designed by 25 world-leading architectural firms

The strategic move to the heart of the capital’s

the announcement on Day 2 of FII in the

new Central Business District (CBD) was

presence of Gautam Shashittal, CEO, King

unveiled at the 7th Future Investment Initiative

Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), James

(FII) in Riyadh where JLL’s President and Global

Allan, CEO, JLL Middle East and Africa, Saud

CEO, Christian Ulbrich, outlined strategies and

Al Sulaimani, Country Head, KSA at JLL.

certified and sustainable urban quarter.

precautions that must be employed to navigate

The announcement of the regional

Christian Ulbrich, JLL’s President and Global

the current global real estate market. The move

headquarters at KAFD, currently the largest

CEO, said: “Saudi Arabia plays a vital role in

is part of the company’s broader commitment

LEED for Neighbourhood Development (LEED

accelerating JLL’s long-term and continued

to strengthen JLL’s presence in Saudi Arabia.

ND) Stage 2 platinum-certified project globally,

growth in the region, and in close collaboration

Situated in the heart of the Saudi capital,

brings JLL one step closer to fulfilling its own

with stakeholders in the Kingdom, we aim to

Riyadh, KAFD is home to 95 buildings

sustainability targets and is in line with the

elevate the standards of real estate services

designed by 25 world-leading architectural

Kingdom’s sustainable vision to decarbonize its

here and beyond. The growth trajectory of JLL

firms. It spans 1.6 million square meters

built environment. Scheduled for completion

in Saudi Arabia over the past decade has been

and features state-of-the-art office space,

in early 2025, KAFD is also setting a new

phenomenal, bringing continued success to the

world-class facilities, and iconic luxury

industry benchmark as the world’s largest

company and maximizing value for our clients.”

NEWS

Gautam Sashittal, CEO, King Abdullah

the wider MENA region. These companies, as

developments and Giga projects including

Financial District Development and

well as their talent and families, will benefit

the King Abdullah Financial District,

Management Company (KAFD DMC) said: “We

from a favorable and predictable business

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Non-Profit

are excited to welcome JLL to KAFD’s vibrant

environment and an excellent quality of life.”

City, and other landmark projects by the

community of business leaders and economic

As one of the first real estate consultancies

Diriyah Gate Development Authority.

powerhouses from across the region. JLL’s

to establish itself in Saudi Arabia more

role in revitalizing this iconic project, from

than a decade ago, the establishment of a

master planning to construction, handover,

regional HQ marks a significant milestone in

and operations, has been instrumental in

JLL’s expansion and growth strategy in the

attracting leading industry titans from across

Kingdom and consolidates its position as a

sectors to expand their regional operations

market leader in real estate with a focus on

in KAFD under the nurturing RHQ ecosystem.

technology and sustainability. With offices in

As Saudi Arabia continues to develop new

Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar, the move will

non-oil growth engines, KAFD’s state-of-the-

enable JLL to leverage opportunities from

art infrastructure, smart city solutions and

multi-billion-dollar Giga-projects contributing

exceptional customer service will be pivotal

to the Kingdom’s strategic goals and delivering

in accelerating the growth ambitions of a

sustained outcomes for all stakeholders.

wide range of businesses in the region.”

JLL currently has over 450 employees in

Hassan Alduhaim, Senior Advisor, at MISA,

the Kingdom and will continue to invest in

said: “The RHQ Program enables multinational

developing local talent. In support of the

companies like JLL to enter the thriving,

Saudi vision, JLL has successfully advised

growing economy of Saudi Arabia, as well as

some of the Kingdom’s biggest real estate

JLL RIYADH VISIT WEBSITE

19

20

PIF News

PIF LAUNCHES NEW COMPANY TO DEVELOP JEDDAH'S AL BALAD The Public Investment Fund (PIF) has launched a new business, the Al Balad Development Company (BDC), which will become the principal developer of Jeddah’s historic Al Balad district. BDC will focus on progressing the district’s infrastructure,

 3 .7 million m2 built-up area  9,300 residential units  1,800 hotel units

overseeing the restoration of historic buildings, and developing service facilities, in addition to recreational, residential, commercial, hotel, and office space.

STAND TALL, FIGHT STRONG, CONQUER ALL! A new partnership between

it is believed that the investment

SRJ Sports Investments, which

is at least $100 million.

is wholly owned by the Public

PFL founder and Chairman

Investment Fund (PIF), and

Donn Davis explained the league

the US-based Professional

approached the PIF in the

Fighters League (PFL), has the

summer of 2022, saying: “We

potential to grow the sport

saw them as probably one of

dramatically in the Middle East.

the very best sports and global

Under the terms of the deal,

investors possible to fuel our

SRJ Sports Investments will

next stage of growth,” adding

acquire a minority stake in the

that “the biggest events in

mixed martial arts league and,

mixed martial arts are starting

although the exact financial

to be held in the Middle East.”

SAUDI PUBLIC INVESTMENT FUND EYES STAKE IN PALM HILLS DEVELOPMENT

figures have not been disclosed,

The Saudi Public Investment

owned by the Al-Mansour and

Fund (PIF) is in talks with the

Maghraby Investment and

Arab African International

Development Group, which

Bank to buy its 13% stake

holds 41.88% of the shares,

in Palm Hills Development,

and Yassin Mansour, the

the second-largest real

principal shareholder, who

estate company listed on

owns 7.29%. The remainder

the Egyptian Exchange.

of the shares are traded freely

Palm Hills Development is

on the Egyptian Exchange.

PIF News

21

SAUDI CROWN PRINCE LAUNCHES ARDARA AND ITS FLAGSHIP DESTINATION ALWADI IN THE HEART OF ABHA His Royal Highness Crown Prince

The destination will adhere to global

investment and partnership opportunities

Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz,

sustainability standards and champion

for local and international investors in

Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of

dynamic lifestyles by dedicating over 30%

multiple economic sectors, including

the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has

of the project’s area as green and open

hospitality, arts, culture, food and

launched ARDARA to develop its flagship

spaces, offering 16km of waterfront, 17km of

agriculture, retail, and entertainment.

destination ‘AlWadi’ in the Aseer region as

walking and cycling tracks, as well as cultural

The launch of ARDARA aligns with the PIF’s

its first destination, aiming to be a first of

activities and community gatherings.

strategy to support promising economic

its kind urban lifestyle destination for local

AlWadi will feature five distinct districts,

sectors and diversify income in the Kingdom.

and international tourists. AlWadi has been

each offering unique experiences, consisting

Its flagship destination AlWadi is set to

developed in line with the PIF’s strategy

of 2,000 residence options ranging from

contribute more than SR19 billion to the

to develop distinctive experiences across

luxury apartments to modern villas, a

Kingdom’s non-oil GDP by the year 2030 and

the Kingdom, in line with Vision 2030.

selection of high-end hotel accommodations,

will create thousands of jobs for the region’s

The AlWadi destination, spanning 2.5 million

commercial spaces, and high-quality office

residents. AlWadi also contributes to the

square meters, will adopt architectural

areas, all developed in harmony with the

objectives of the Aseer Development Strategy,

styles and character inspired by the heritage

region’s identity and historical legacy.

The Arabian Highland, announced by His

and unique character of the Aseer region.

ARDARA aims to provide numerous

Royal Highness the Crown Prince in 2021.

ARDARA is developing its flagship destination AlWadi in the heart of Abha in the Aseer region, crafted as a vibrant urban attraction for both local and international visitors

 2.5 million m2  16km of waterfront  1 7km of walking and cycling tracks  Five distinct districts  10,000 residence options

22

PIF News

NEW MURABBA APPOINTS ATKINSRÉALIS TO MASTERPLAN THE WORLD’S LARGEST MODERN DOWNTOWN

PIF News

23

The New Murabba Development Company

TSabah Barakat, Acting CEO, New Murabba

“Synonymous with designing iconic landmarks

(NMDC), a fully-owned subsidiary of

Development Company, commented: “We

in the Middle East, AtkinsRéalis has established

the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has

are proud to recognize the important role

a stellar reputation for delivering people-centric

appointed AtkinsRéalis, a fully integrated

that AtkinsRéalis has played so far in the

destinations combining the region’s cultural

professional services and project

translation of the incredible vision of this

identity with modern urban standards,” said

management company with offices around

project into the design of the masterplan

Matthew Tribe, Managing Director, Planning,

the world, to support the design of the

and the iconic Mukaab building. We’re also

Design, and Engineering at AtkinsRéalis, Middle

New Murabba masterplan, the world’s

pleased to recognize the ongoing involvement

East & Africa. “This project win is a testament to

largest modern downtown, in Riyadh, and

of AtkinsRéalis in this project through a

our innovative architectural design approach

the Mukaab, an immersive destination

series of recent contract awards relating

set to redefine downtowns of the future living

that will revolutionize how people

to the further detailing and definition of

experience not only in Riyadh but also globally.”

experience hospitality, retail and leisure.

the overall New Murabba masterplan and infrastructure design, as well as the concept

AtkinsRéalis’s competition-winning scheme

design of the iconic Mukaab building.”

is inspired by Najdi architecture, with a focus on creating a futuristic landmark with

“The New Murabba project aligns with Saudi

deep contextual roots that blends Riyadh’s

Arabia’s national vision aimed at developing

cultural heritage with its future ambitions.

the infrastructure, enabling the private

The Mukaab, which means cube in Arabic, will

sector, and creating job opportunities for

be the world’s largest immersive destination,

local talent,” added Campbell Gray, CEO of

providing innovative experiences driven by

AtkinsRéalis, Middle East & Africa. “We are

digital and virtual technology. The Mukaab’s

proud to work with NMDC on this ambitious

exterior envelope shrouds an internal

project and bring our global engineering

skyscraper, which will be one of the largest

excellence and design expertise, underpinned

built structures in the world’s history, standing

by cutting-edge technologies and sustainable

400m high, 400m wide, and 400m long. The

solutions, to deliver a long-lasting legacy for

design of the Mukaab will also include first-of-

the Kingdom and its future generations.”

its-kind hospitality, F&B, and retail facilities.

After successfully winning the international architectural and master planning competition for Riyadh’s new icon, AtkinsRéalis will provide its world-class advisory, architecture, masterplanning, and engineering services to deliver this groundbreaking project, a cornerstone to the visionary reinvention of the Kingdom’s capital city. Contributing to the city’s future development in line with the Saudi Vision 2030, the New Murabba masterplan is inspired by Riyadh’s original

NEW MURABBA VISIT WEBSITE

balance with nature, and its design is focused on a data-driven approach to sustainability, user convenience, reduction in the need for transport, walkability and people-centric design of its public realm.

AtkinsRéalis’s competition-winning scheme is inspired by Najdi architecture

ATKINSRÉALIS VISIT WEBSITE

24

Appointments

KPM Engineering Appoints Director of Projects Global multidisciplinary engineering

service delivery across key sectors and projects

company KPM Engineering (KPM)

in the Middle East. In his new role, Sweeney

has appointed Brian Sweeney

will work closely with project teams, clients

as director of projects.

and stakeholders to coordinate the delivery

Sweeney will enhance KPM’s project

of regional and international projects and

management proficiencies and engineering

further streamline KPM’s operations.

Sweeney will enhance KPM’s project management proficiencies and engineering service delivery

Clare Lavin Joins HKA as Partner Clare Lavin has joined HKA, a leading global

in Dubai for over 12 years, she has worked on a

consultancy in risk mitigation, dispute

number of complex disputes and investigations

resolution, expert witness, and litigation

across the Middle East.

support services, as Partner in the Forensic

“I am extremely excited to join HKA and

Accounting Commercial Damages team,

be part of the growing Forensic Accounting

based in Dubai.

Commercial Damages team. I look forward to

A Chartered Accountant with over 20 years of

complementing the work of such a talented

experience, Clare regularly testifies in litigation

group of experts to deliver what our clients

and arbitration matters on accounting quantum

need in multi-faceted disputes and those with

and financial-related issues. Having been based

increasing complexity in the region,” Clare said.

Kebony Appoints Middle East General Manager Kebony, the global leader in the production

The appointment of Mauro Affuso as Kebony’s

of sustainably sourced wood, has announced

regional lead will further establish the

the appointment of Mauro Affuso as the

company’s strong presence in the Middle

company’s General Manager for the Middle

East, with Kebony wood cladding and

East. Mauro Affuso joins Kebony with an

decking materials featured across a range of

extensive portfolio of managing distribution

landmark public infrastructure projects built in

partnerships, marketing strategies, and

collaboration with world-leading architecture

sales coordination of organizations that

studios, including the Lusail Plaza in Doha,

are making advancements in the global

designed by Foster + Partners for the 2022 FIFA

construction industry.

World Cup, the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, and the Bluewaters Island in Dubai.

Appointments

25

Six Senses Southern Dunes Appoints Taleb Alharbi as Resort Manager Six Senses Southern Dunes, the first property

promotion. Prior to joining the team, Taleb

set to open in Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Project,

underwent a transformative experience at

which will open its doors in late 2023, is

Six Senses Laamu in the Maldives, immersing

thrilled to announce the promotion of Taleb

himself in the resort’s intensive program.

Alharbi as Resort Manager.

Hailing from Saudi Arabia, Taleb embodies

Taleb's journey with Six Senses began in

the core values and vision of Six Senses. With an

April 2022 when he joined as the Director of

extensive background in the global hospitality

Rooms at Six Senses Southern Dunes. During

industry and diverse experiences in various

his tenure, he showcased his exceptional skills

cities and roles, he is well-equipped to succeed

and dedication, leading to his well-deserved

as the Resort Manager.

Six Senses Southern Dunes appoints Yasser Al-Dhaheri as Director of HR Six Senses Southern Dunes has announced

Yasser's educational background in

the promotion of Yasser Al-Dhaheri to the

engineering and his experience in the Finance

role of Director of Human Resources.

Department have provided him with a solid

Yasser has been an integral part of the team,

foundation to excel in his role. His previous

leading the Human Resources department

experience in leading international five-star

with diligence and expertise throughout the

hotels in various locations has given him a deep

pre-opening phase and beyond. His exceptional

understanding of the labor market’s demands

dedication and remarkable results have made

and how to succeed in the field of human

him a standout talent within the Six Senses

resources.

family.

Royal Commission For Alula Appoints Diébédo Francis Kéré The Royal Commission for AlUla has

Agriculture Campus. The campus will support

appointed Berlin-based Praemium Imperiale

the regeneration and restoration of traditional

Laureate and Pritzker Prize-winner architect

agriculture by teaching local and sustainable

Diébédo Francis Kéré, and architectural

agriculture techniques, offering education, and

firm Kéré Architecture, to design the Oasis

supporting the local economy and community.

26

KRISTINA ZANIC CONSULTANTS

TRANSFORMING ORDINARY SPACES INTO EXCEPTIONAL EXPERIENCES LEADING INTERIOR DESIGN FIRM KRISTINA ZANIC CONSULTANTS HAS CONSISTENTLY SET THE BENCHMARK FOR INNOVATIVE AND REFINED DESIGN IN THE MIDDLE EAST. WITH AN IMPRESSIVE PORTFOLIO IN THE LUXURY HOSPITALITY SECTOR, THE STUDIO HAS ESTABLISHED ITSELF AS A REGIONAL POWERHOUSE WITH PROJECTS IN OVER 20 COUNTRIES ACROSS THE MIDDLE EAST, AFRICA, ASIA, AND EUROPE.

KRISTINA ZANIC CONSULTANTS

K RISTINA ZANIC, CEO

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KRISTINA ZANIC CONSULTANTS

KRISTINA ZANIC CONSULTANTS

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 AMANI AL IBRAHIM, PARTNER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

T

he firm opened its Saudi office in March

it’s actually impractical for architects and

2022, with its local team of designers

designers to limit themselves to a specific

crafting bespoke interiors that offer memorable

approach or ‘toolkit’ for projects in the Kingdom.

experiences. We spoke to CEO Kristina Zanic and Partner and Executive Director, Amani

We as designers always look to a project’s

Al Ibrahim, to find out more about the Saudi

unique characteristics and use those to guide us

marketplace and the Kingdom’s remarkable

in developing a design that uniquely captures

growth in the tourism and hospitality sectors.

its essence. To start with, the provinces within the country vary widely in terrain, history, and

Saudi Projects: There has been a lot of talk

culture, and this helps in shaping distinctive

about Saudi Arabia creating its own design

design concepts for projects. In addition,

language within the upcoming tourism and

particularly in hospitality design, there is a

hospitality developments. Do you think

strong demand for a wide variety of project types

there is a Saudi design ‘template’?

and locations, from modern urban and artsy boutique hotels to laidback island resorts and

Kristina Zanic: No, the situation is quite the

nature lodges, each looking to create a different

opposite, in fact. With Saudi Arabia’s vast territory

guest experience. Add to this the sheer variety

and the variety of projects under development,

of hospitality operators entering and expanding

WE BELIEVE IT’S EXTREMELY VALUABLE TO HAVE A TEAM ON THE GROUND THAT IS IMMERSED IN THE COUNTRY AND WITH A DEEP UNDERSTANDING OF THE CULTURE

30

KRISTINA ZANIC CONSULTANTS

KRISTINA ZANIC CONSULTANTS

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KRISTINA ZANIC CONSULTANTS

KRISTINA ZANIC CONSULTANTS

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SUSTAINABLE BUILDING AND DESIGN ARE HIGH UP ON THE SAUDI AGENDA, AND THIS OF COURSE PROMOTES GREATER INTEREST AND IMPLEMENTATION

within the country, each with their own range

A local understanding of the cultural nuances

Amani Al Ibrahim: Even though there is no

of hotel brands and brand guidelines, and it

across the country helps to inform the design

national design template, there are specific

becomes clear how varied the canvas is.

process, create an authentic character for a

design elements that belong to each province

property, and root it in its locale. Additionally,

and feel at home there. We also see a conscious

All of this is great news for us as designers

many of our Saudi team members happen to

effort across the board to preserve local heritage

because no one project is like the other

be in their twenties and thirties, and this adds

and retell it using architecture and interior

and we are being challenged to create

a fresh and relevant outlook that aligns with

design. This is especially important during this

something unique every time, leading to

Saudi Arabia’s predominantly young population.

period of transformation and with so much of

a rich and diverse design landscape.

the country’s design landscape taking shape.

Saudi Projects: Is there a deliberate effort in

Saudi Projects: Is it important to have a local

Saudi Arabia to create its own design language?

team that understands the many differences between the various regions, etc.?

What’s important to note, though, is that this is being done through a contemporary

Kristina Zanic: As nice as it may be to have

lens, so that the outcome doesn’t appear

a neat definition of Saudi style, it’s actually

dated or traditional and is able to appeal to

Amani Al Ibrahim: We believe it’s extremely

counterproductive to the country’s objectives

modern tastes. We’re seeing most project

valuable to have a team on the ground

towards design creativity and excellence.

briefs ask for a way to preserve tradition

that is immersed in the country and with

The fewer restrictions or codes to abide by,

through design but keep with the times. The

a deep understanding of the culture.

the more creative freedom designers are

objective is to create a harmonious blend

allowed, and the more varied the outcome is.

of authentic and modern aesthetics.

AS NICE AS IT MAY BE TO HAVE A NEAT DEFINITION OF SAUDI STYLE, IT’S ACTUALLY COUNTER-PRODUCTIVE TO THE COUNTRY’S OBJECTIVES TOWARDS DESIGN CREATIVITY AND EXCELLENCE

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KRISTINA ZANIC CONSULTANTS

© THG Paris 2023 • Photo Didier Grieu

PRESENTS

DE SIG N BY

WWW.THG-PARIS.COM

Adv_199x120_CollectionO.indd 1

THG PARIS - MIDDLE EAST Dubai Design District - Building 1, Office A404 - Dubai, UAE Phone +971 50 845 6003 - contact.me@thg-paris.com

14/09/2023 14:09

KRISTINA ZANIC CONSULTANTS

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Kristina Zanic: As a general philosophy, we aim to design as sustainably as possible across all our projects, using responsible products and materials and sourcing locally where available. Practically speaking, this can be a challenge for some projects when faced with limitations relating to high volumes, tight timelines, strict budgets, or a lack of local suppliers and raw materials.

Having the client fully on board and committed to these goals is a huge advantage and ultimately determines to what extent this can be achieved.

Sustainable building and design are high on the Saudi agenda, and this of course promotes greater interest and implementation. We’re also lucky to be working with developers and operators who prioritize sustainability.

Saudi Projects: Can you share any

Another thing is that the local design industry

Another encouraging thing is the growing

previous design narratives that have

needs time to mature to the point where it

number of Saudi-based manufacturers working

particularly reflected this?

can meet industry demand. But this is easing

with natural materials or recycled waste

with the emergence of local manufacturers

and using ancient techniques to innovate

Amani Al Ibrahim: One example would be

and artists, who are able to easily and

and develop new sustainable materials.

our design for the Renaissance Stage Hotel

quickly respond to our needs and customize

in Riyadh, currently under construction. For

elements in line with local requirements.

Saudi Projects: As Riyadh begins to transform

this hotel, we looked at how the interiors

In addition, more international suppliers

itself into a New York or London, what is the

could help reflect a blend of old and new

are establishing a presence in the Kingdom,

future of design in the Kingdom, and how

Riyadh and celebrate the flourishing creative

which also facilitates procurement.

do you see yourself contributing to it?

style, vivid colors, and unique statement

Saudi Projects: What are the biggest

Kristina Zanic: I think design in the Kingdom

pieces, all inspired by contemporary Saudi

trends you are seeing in KSA with regard to

will reflect a forward-looking, faster-paced,

fashion, jewelry, and art. The designs feature

design within the hospitality industry?

creative culture that is in touch with its roots.

arts in the city. The design is all about bold

handcrafted fabrics, art, and accessories that

The designs will simultaneously be culturally Amani Al Ibrahim: We’re seeing a surge in

authentic yet globally appealing, reflecting a

interest in the art scene, specifically in how art

connection between the country’s history and

Saudi Projects: What challenges are

can add to hospitality interiors. Whether within

future. We’re extremely happy to have a role to

there currently in the Saudi Arabian

new-build projects or property refurbishments,

play in shaping the local hospitality offering. It’s

market pertaining to design?

there is a focus on curating art pieces with

a very exciting time for design in Saudi Arabia!

showcase history and culture in a modern way.

unique character that tell the property’s design Kristina Zanic: For our part, we feel privileged

story. This is happening in line with a wider

to be involved in many of the ambitious and

initiative to promote local creative arts and

groundbreaking projects in Saudi Arabia, and

creative expression within the country. Also,

I’d say there aren’t many challenges to face.

as mentioned, there is a general movement

The most obvious one, though, would be that

to create contemporary spaces with a local

those ambitious plans and rapid development

traditional touch that appeals to all ages

KRISTINA ZANIC CONSULTANTS

pace lead to tight project schedules at times.

and reflects a modern cultural outlook.

+971 4 288 2440

design, but with a fairly large team, we’re

Saudi Projects: As a design firm, do you

EMAIL US

thankfully able to design on time and quality.

prioritize the use of sustainable materials?

We of course prefer to have more time for

36

KRISTINA ZANIC CONSULTANTS

TRANSFORMING BATHROOMS INTO SANCTUARIES OF STYLE AND COMFORT KRISTINA ZANIC CONSULTANTS, ONE OF THE REGION’S MOST RESPECTED NAMES IN THE FIELDS OF INTERIOR DESIGN, PROPERTY REFURBISHMENT, INTERIOR BRAND DESIGN, AND ART CONSULTANCY/PROCUREMENT, HAS BEEN COLLABORATING FOR MANY YEARS ON QUALITY-LED PROJECTS WITH THG PARIS, THE BRAND FOR HIGH-END BATHROOM FITTINGS AND ACCESSORIES. THE REASONS FOR THIS ARE CLEARLY EVIDENT – THE TWO FIRMS HAVE AN AFFINITY IN TERMS OF DESIGN, THE PURSUIT OF UNCOMPROMISING QUALITY, AND THE DESIRE TO CREATE UNIQUE ENVIRONMENTS.

THG Paris is the brand for high-end bathroom fittings and accessories

A

n excellent example of this affinity can

it’s also about top-notch manufacturing

be seen in Kristina Zanic Consultants’

quality, extraordinary craftsmanship,

decision to specify THG Paris's Collection O

and good old-fashioned know-how.

in finish F34 matt bronze color PVD for the three-bedroom St. Regis villas project on

THG Paris controls all stages of production,

Ummahat Islands, which is being developed by

from design and manufacturing to the foundry,

Red Sea Global in Saudi Arabia. THG Paris has

making it both an artisanal and industrial

supplied sanitary ware for all of the bathrooms,

player, a fact recognized with the award of the

from washbasin mixers, showers (trim for

prestigious EPV Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant

thermostat, showerhead), and bath filler taps

(Living Heritage Society) label. This goes a

to matching accessories such as paper roll

long way to explaining why it enjoys numerous

holders, towel holders, and robe hooks.

valued and successful partnerships with some

WANT TO EXPLORE FURTHER TO SEE WHAT SETS THG PARIS APART FROM THE REST? TAKE THE NEXT STEP AND CLICK TO FIND OUT MORE.

of the world’s best-known architects and The distinctiveness of the THG Paris

globally renowned companies, including such

brand is not only attributable in terms of

blue-chip names as Studio Putman, Christofle,

design, although that is certainly part of

and, of course, Kristina Zanic Consultants.

the story, with its unique and inimitable style and the use of exceptional materials,

THG PARIS VISIT WEBSITE

38

14th EDITION REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT SUMMIT SAUDI ARABIA

THE 14TH EDITION OF THE REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT SUMMIT (REDS), RIYADH

Fostering Innovation and Collaboration in a Dynamic Industry THE 14TH EDITION OF THE REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT SUMMIT (REDS), AN EXCLUSIVE B2B EVENT IN THE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY DESIGNED BY GBB VENTURE TO FOSTER MEANINGFUL OPPORTUNITIES, BROUGHT TOGETHER LEADERS, INNOVATORS, AND STAKEHOLDERS FOR TWO DAYS OF INTENSIVE DISCOURSE, COLLABORATION, AND NETWORKING. HELD AT THE PRESTIGIOUS JW MARRIOTT HOTEL IN RIYADH ON 15-16 NOVEMBER 2023, THE SUMMIT EXPLORED EMERGING TRENDS, CHALLENGES, AND PROSPECTS SHAPING THE FUTURE OF REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT.

14th EDITION REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT SUMMIT SAUDI ARABIA

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14th EDITION REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT SUMMIT SAUDI ARABIA

The summit centered around eliminating the common obstacles faced by suppliers and project holders across different regions.

Through a diligent selection process and intelligent design, personalized B2B meetings, networking sessions, diverse investment opportunities, and impactful knowledge sessions and panel discussions were presented.

FROM BLUEPRINTS TO REALITY: SHAPING THE FUTURE OF REAL ESTATE Featuring 100+ suppliers, 180+ buyers, 30+ speakers, 1,600+ meetings, and 1,200+ minutes of networking, REDS commenced with an inaugural address by renowned industry leaders, emphasizing the significance of sustainable development, technological integration, and community engagement.

Panel discussions delved into macroeconomic trends impacting real estate, highlighting the role of policy reforms, market shifts, and global dynamics in shaping investment strategies.

A presentation on ‘Context Making: Direction of Site-Specific Design’, given by Gian Luca Barone, Associate Director at Zaha Hadid Architects, was just one of the major events that captured the audience's attention, emphasizing the need for smart, inclusive, and resilient buildings. Breakout sessions provided insights into innovative financing models, leveraging data analytics, and harnessing AI for smarter decision-making in real estate projects.

14th EDITION REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT SUMMIT SAUDI ARABIA

41

REAL ESTATE REDEFINED Naturally, the transformative power of technology in revolutionizing the real estate landscape was also featured, including virtual reality in property showcasing, blockchain in transaction security, and AI-driven predictive analytics for market trends and risk assessment.

A highlight was a presentation by Brice Gergerés, Business Developer and Manager, Asia/Pacific/EMEA/LATAM at Legrand France, and Faisal Alsaif, CEO at Techpills, entitled ‘Smart Residential and Hospitality Solutions’,

CONNECT, COLLABORATE, CONSTRUCT:

featuring case studies illustrating the

PIONEERING REAL ESTATE FRONTIERS

successful implementation of tech-driven

The importance of collaboration among

strategies in diverse real estate projects across

stakeholders for sustainable development was

the globe. The unanimous agreement on

high on the agenda. Sessions emphasized the

the transformative potential of technology

role of partnerships between governments,

across all facets of real estate development

developers, and communities in creating

was evident. From construction techniques

vibrant and inclusive spaces. Discussions

to customer engagement, technology

on environmental sustainability, green

emerged as a critical driver of innovation.

building practices, and renewable energy integration resonated with the growing focus on responsible development. The increasing focus on sustainable practices, resilience against climate change, and environmentally conscious designs underscored a fundamental shift towards responsible development practices.

In a rapidly evolving real estate landscape, successful projects hinge on effective collaboration. It's not just about bringing different players together; it's about creating an environment of trust, open communication, and shared vision. Projects that embrace collaboration tend to be more resilient, innovative, and capable of addressing the diverse needs of the present while preparing for the challenges of the future.

REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT SUMMIT +44 20 3868 2202 VISIT WEBSITE EMAIL US

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EVENTS - THE REDS INDUSTRY CHOICE AWARDS (RICA)

THE REDS INDUSTRY CHOICE AWARDS (RICA), HONORING EXCELLENCE, CELEBRATING VISION: REAL ESTATE'S FINEST ACHIEVEMENTS THE FIRST-EVER CHOICE AWARDS, EXCLUSIVELY DESIGNED FOR THE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY OF SAUDI ARABIA, WAS A PRESTIGIOUS EVENT THAT CELEBRATED EXCELLENCE, INNOVATION, AND OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS WITHIN THE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY. RICA IS AN HONEST ATTEMPT AT CELEBRATING THE SUCCESS OF THE INDUSTRY’S LEADING COMPANIES AND ORGANIZATIONS, SO WHO BETTER TO JUDGE, THAN THE INDUSTRY ITSELF.

EVENTS - THE REDS INDUSTRY CHOICE AWARDS (RICA)

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EVENTS - THE REDS INDUSTRY CHOICE AWARDS (RICA)

Distinguished guests, industry leaders, developers, architects, investors, and stakeholders gathered in anticipation of a night that encapsulated the pinnacle of real estate achievements. The venue, adorned with opulent décor and a sophisticated stage, sets the tone for an evening of celebration.

The ceremony served as a platform to recognize and honor the visionaries, trailblazers, and projects that have redefined standards and made significant contributions to the real estate landscape.

The heart of the ceremony saw recognition of excellence across various categories:

Ajdan Real Estate Development Presented by Riadh Bouaziz, RKF Luxury Linen to Abdulaziz Al Damigh

Celebrated Contractor of the Year

Celebrated Designer of the Year – Mixed Use

Construction & Planning Co. Ltd.

Benoy Presented by Federico Minucci, FEBC Group, to Ben Perman and Aidah Dheban AlJabri

The importance of collaboration among stakeholders for sustainable development was high on the agenda

Celebrated Developer of the Year – Mixed Use

Presented by Ravi Kumar Nakkash and Ninglum Hoomi, GBB Venture, to Samer Najjar

Celebrated Architect of the Year – Residential

Dewan Architects + Engineers Presented by Spencer Wylie, Compass, to Joe Saghbini

EVENTS - THE REDS INDUSTRY CHOICE AWARDS (RICA)

45

Celebrated Architect of the Year – Mixed-Use

Foster + Partners Presented by Turab Saleem, Knight Frank, to Tomasz Wozny

The summit centered around eliminating the common obstacles faced by suppliers and project holders across different regions

Beyond the glitz and glamour, the awards ceremony fostered an environment conducive to networking and collaboration.

Industry professionals converged, exchanged insights, forged partnerships, and explored potential collaborations. The event provided a unique opportunity for professionals to connect, share experiences, and lay the groundwork for future collaborations that could shape the industry's trajectory.

RICA was more than just an event; it was a celebration of the collective dedication, creativity, and perseverance that elevates the real estate sector. It honored those who have made significant contributions, inspired future endeavors, and served as a reminder of the industry’s potential to shape the world we live in.

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EVENTS - THE REDS INDUSTRY CHOICE AWARDS (RICA)

Celebrated Designer of the Year – Hospitality

Celebrated Architect of the Year – Hospitality

Kristina Zanic Consultants

Foster + Partners Presented by Mohammad Al-Motawakil, Dar Al Arkan, to Tomasz Wozny

RICA is an honest attempt at celebrating the success of the industry’s leading companies and organizations

Celebrated Developer of the Year – Residential

ROSHN Presented by Ravi Kumar Nakkash, GBB Venture, to Zaki Nakkash

Presented by Alberto Bounous, KAFD, to Nuno Cardoso Dias

Celebrated Designer of the Year – Residential

LWK + Partners Presented by Laura Wojciechowski, Saudi Projects, to Kerem Cengiz

EVENTS - THE REDS INDUSTRY CHOICE AWARDS (RICA)

Celebrated Developer of the Year – Hospitality

Red Sea Global Presented by Ravi Kumar Nakkash, GBB Venture, to Nicholas King

Beyond the glitz and glamour, the awards ceremony fostered an environment conducive to networking and collaboration REDS provided a platform for thought-provoking discussions, insightful presentations, and invaluable networking opportunities. As the industry continues to evolve, embracing innovation, sustainability, and collaboration will be pivotal in shaping a future where real estate serves as a catalyst for positive societal change and economic growth.

The 16th Edition of the Real Estate Development Summit will return in November 2024, once again in Riyadh.

To keep up-to-date on all things REDS, visit gbb venture.

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KOHLER CELEBRATES ITS 150 YEARS

KOHLER CELEBRATES ITS 150 YEARS

KOHLER PRESENTS ‘THE CREATOR’S JOURNEY’ IN SAUDI ARABIA AND CELEBRATES ITS 150 YEARS

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KOHLER, FOUNDED IN 1873 AND ONE OF AMERICA’S OLDEST AND LARGEST PRIVATELY HELD COMPANIES, WITH MORE THAN 40,000 ASSOCIATES AND IN EXCESS OF 50 MANUFACTURING LOCATIONS WORLDWIDE, IS CELEBRATING 150 YEARS OF INNOVATION, SUPERIOR DESIGN, QUALITY WORKMANSHIP, AND UNMATCHED CUSTOMER SERVICE, ALL AIMED AT CUSTOMERS WHOSE UNABASHED CREATIVITY MEANS THAT THEY ARE UNAFRAID OF BOLD ENCOUNTERS. THIS IS A COMMUNITY OF CREATORS SERVING A COMMUNITY OF CREATORS.

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I

KOHLER CELEBRATES ITS 150 YEARS

n 2023 Kohler has been unveiling many collaborations with creators

such as its association with Index Design Talks and Power Panels with Commercial Interior Design. Q4 will be even more impactful with an association with Index Saudi Arabia on its Design Talks followed by the Middle East Design Awards with CID and downtown design collaboration with NADA DEBS. These are coupled with an enhanced footprint in the Kingdom, with multiple showroom openings throughout the year. These collaborations fit organically with Kohler’s philosophy and its endeavor to champion creators throughout the Middle East and the world.

KOHLER AT INDEX DESIGN Kohler is all set to enthrall its audience once again at the Index Design Week in Riyadh, while continuing to celebrate 150 years of innovation and design excellence.

Following the resounding success of the 2022 edition of Index in Saudi Arabia, this three-day event captivated attendees with inspirational and thought-provoking design.

Mr. Olivier Lefebvre, President – EMEA at Kohler Co., explained: “From innovative smart products to luxury hospitality, Kohler has been at the forefront of design and technology for 150 years. ‘Believing in better’ is our guiding philosophy. We continuously push the envelope, striving to champion creators that will shape the next 150 years. As one of the prime partners in the Index Design Talks, as well as being an exhibitor at the show, we forged connections and inspired and were inspired by the community of creators, developers, designers, and architects.”

Guided by its unwavering dedication to expertise and innovative approaches, Kohler is proud to co-sponsor the Index Design Talks, which align seamlessly with its mission to provide a platform where diverse voices are heard, new ideas are embraced, and innovative concepts take root.

The company was also pleased to collaborate with its ‘surfaces’ partner Cosentino to create

KOHLER CELEBRATES ITS 150 YEARS

51

its installation at Index Saudi using Dekton

Kohler’s Artist Editions products date back

– the advanced ultra-compact stone. The

nearly four decades and bring beauty to

vanity countertop clad in elegant marble-

everyday rituals, pushing boundaries of

inspired Dekton Rem and shower display

decorative processes and material sets, and

constructed using travertine like Dekton

helping consumers express personal style

Marmorio from the Pietra Kode collection

in their spaces. Inspired by marrying visual

are functionally aesthetic elements of the

art with manufacturing craftsmanship,

Kohler mini universe created for this fair.

Artist Editions sinks, bathtubs, and toilets are adorned with beautiful textures,

KOHLER ARTS/INDUSTRY PROGRAM

intricate patterns, abstract illustrations,

2023 and 2024 are exciting years for Kohler

and picturesque landscapes. The offering

as it is launching collections in its now iconic

also showcases Kohler’s innovative use of

Artist Editions, reliving heritage products

specialty glazes and refined materials.

in The Bold Colors of Kohler, in addition to expanding with new design languages

BELIEVING IN BETTER: BETTER PLANET,

in faucets and fixtures while introducing

BETTER COMMUNITIES, BETTER LIVES

new finishes and integrating technology

Believing in Better is Kohler’s sustainability

seamlessly into its products. For example,

and social impact strategy and is based

the Salute Artist Edition is a round glass

on the company’s operating philosophy

vessel that takes cues from a Champagne

that its best can always be better – for

coupe glass. Meanwhile, The Yepsen Glass

the planet, people, communities, and

Sink is reminiscent of the carved textures on

business. Believing in Better has three

marble and architectural facades, while the

pillars: Better Planet, Better Communities,

Aureus Artist Edition Sink features bold veins

and Better Lives. Through each of these

and subtle hints of gold, finding inspiration

pillars, Kohler works to develop products

in both the natural veining pattern of marble

and programs that will have a meaningful

and Kintsukuroi, the process of fixing

impact, not only for its business, but for

pottery with gold, silver, or platinum.

the communities it serves, and for the lives of the people who use its products.

Since its inception 150 years ago, the company has operated on the belief that artistry – provocative and meaningful – is as essential to its success as innovative design and quality materials. Working to create a connection between these worlds of art and industry, Kohler launched the Arts/Industry artist residency program in 1974. Unparalleled in reputation, the international residency has hosted over 500 artists from over 25 countries. The artists work side-by-side with Kohler Associates and actively engage the factory’s pottery, foundry, enamel, and plating facilities.

Experience design and manufacturing excellence by visiting Kohler today – let your imagination soar and start creating!

“Kohler is dedicated to creating a space for the cross-section of artistry and craftsmanship in our industry,” says Laura

KOHLER

Kohler, Chief Sustainability and Diversity Officer for Kohler Co. “This new Artist Editions collection celebrates women of exceptional talent and diverse backgrounds.”

VISIT WEBSITE

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SIXTH ANNUAL CRUX INSIGHT REPORT

ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION DISPUTES FOREWARNED IS FOREARMED A REGIONAL AND SECTOR ANALYSIS OF CLAIMS AND DISPUTE CAUSATION

Sixth annual

S report ixth annual report

Sixth annual

FOREWAFR ONREEWARNE FOREWARNE D D IS F D IS FOREA ISRF O O REARMED MER DEARMED

Anticipating A ticipating challenn challenges, mitigating ri mg iteigsa, ting risk sk

A regional an d sector analy sis of claims and dis pute causation

A regional an d sector analy sis of claims and dis pute causation

Anticipating challenges, mitigating ri sk

A regional an d sector analy sis of claims and dis pute causation

l report

SIXTH ANNUAL CRUX INSIGHT REPORT

C

ontrollable causes of claims and disputes hold key

SIXTH ANNUAL CRUX INSIGHT REPORT KEY FACTS AND FIGURES

to relieving intense pressures on construction Headline statistics from this year’s report include:

Sixth Annual CRUX Insight Report, Forewarned is Forearmed, quantifies the damage done to engineering and construction projects worldwide, and the recurrent causes, which are often predictable and avoidable

 Over 1,800 projects across 106 countries analysed with a total value of $2.247 trillion  Disputed costs averaged $100 million – more than

As infrastructure and capital projects around the world are hit hard by higher financing costs and inflation, promoters and contractors can relieve the pressure by curbing the significant losses of money and time routinely incurred across market sectors and the world.

a third (33.6%) of capital expenditure  Time extensions would add almost 16 months, or two-thirds (67.1%), to a typical schedule  A ‘triple design whammy’ distressed more projects (44.8%) than change in scope (38.8%)

The massive scale of these disputed costs and overruns, and their often-controllable causes, are revealed in the Sixth Annual CRUX Insight Report, Forewarned is Forearmed, and its analysis of 1,800 projects in 106 countries.

 Middle East and Africa faced the longest schedule overruns (82% and above)  Scope change stymied more projects offshore, both oil and gas (53.6%) and wind (45.0%)  New evidence of a pandemic ‘design dividend’ and under-performing EPC contracts

OVER 1,800

$2.247TN

PROJECTS ANALYSED

TOTAL CAPEX VALUE

6

106

GLOBAL REGIONS

DIFFERENT COUNTRIES

$100M

67.1%

AVERAGE DISPUTED COST

AVERAGE TIME CLAIM TO PLANNED SCHEDULE

INTERACT WITH LIVE CRUX DATA THROUGH THE INTERACTIVE DASHBOARD

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SIXTH ANNUAL CRUX INSIGHT REPORT

FOREWARNED IS FOREARMED

Under the theme Forewarned is Forearmed,

CRUX is the ongoing research program of

this year’s CRUX Insight surveys emerging

HKA, the global consultancy specialising in

risks – from political to environmental – as

risk mitigation, dispute resolution, expert

well as sharing insights into the most common

witness and litigation services. Hands-on

lapses in the planning and execution of

DESIGN DIVIDEND

investigations by its consultants – on these

capital projects in regions and sectors.

CRUX reinforces anecdotal evidence

SECTORAL ANOMALIES AND OTHER INSIGHTS

that extra time taken, amid the

mainly multi-year megaprojects up to August this year – underpin the report’s analysis of

SIGNIFICANT REGIONAL VARIATIONS

pandemic, to review and mature

the factors driving claims and disputes.

Deficiencies in design and workmanship

designs improved constructability.

loomed larger in Europe and the Americas.

Design failure rates dropped 12

The major projects analyzed had a combined

Incorrect design topped the European

percentage points globally after

capital expenditure value (CAPEX) of $2.247

ranking, disrupting close to one in three

the hiatus (from 47.6% to 35.5%).

trillion. CRUX found that disputed costs

projects (32.3%), and ranked second in

That gap widened to 14 points in

amounted to more than a third of project

the Americas, where more than one in

the Middle East and 18 in Europe.

CAPEX (33.6%), on average. Claims for

five projects were affected (20.4%).

WIND OF CHANGE

extensions of time (EOT) also reflected extreme project distress, typically prolonging planned

Defective work was most common on Europe’s

Despite the maturity of the wind-power

schedules by more than two-thirds (67.1%).

buildings, especially residential schemes

market, offshore projects were still

(38.3%). Within North America, design failures

more likely to be thrown off course by

 Three design-related causes – inaccurate,

overall were more prevalent in Canada

change in scope (45.0%) than other

incomplete and late designs – afflicted

(41.8%); yet cost and schedule overruns

renewables or non-energy sectors.

a greater proportion of projects overall

tended to be higher south of the border.

Onshore farms fared better than solar on schedules (30.6% vs. 53.4%

(44.8%) than scope change alone (38.8%).  Clashes over contract interpretation – on less than a fifth of projects (19.8%)

The Middle East and Africa faced the worst

prolongation) but not on disputed costs

prolongation of schedules (82% and above).

(29.3% vs. 19.6% of project CAPEX).

– was the other ‘top five’ factor.

Scope change and design failures stymied

OFF TRACK

from poor management or administration

more than half of Middle Eastern projects.

Deficient planning and coordination

of contracts (19.5%), or of subcontractors

Africa’s most persistent problems involved

largely explain an uptick in rail

and supplier interfaces (19.4%).

restrictions on access and cashflow, with

disputes. Changing scope contributed

spurious claims also disproportionate

to more than half worldwide

compared to the rest of the world.

(57.1%), closely coupled with

 Similar proportions of projects suffered

“Modern megaprojects are increasingly complex, but the cruel conundrum for the global construction and engineering industry is that these most common causes of claims and disputes are highly predictable and largely within the control of the contracting parties. The purpose of CRUX is to better inform all stakeholders so they can apply these lessons, raise the standard of risk management, and achieve better outcomes.”

Renny Borhan, Partner and CEO

incomplete design (40.3%).

CRUX’s largest megaprojects were in Asia (where CAPEX averaged $5.32

EPC ALERT

billion), still much higher than next-

Employers’ sense of security from

in-line Oceania ($2.94 billion).

all-risk engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contracts may be

Time extensions neared two-thirds of schedules

false. The advantage over other forms

(63.6%) in Asia – the only region where client-

of contract was less than expected

side management failures rose post-pandemic

in the power sector. But in oil and

(from 29.7% to 43.3%). Change in scope

gas, EPC contracts endured worse

– project enemy number one in Oceania –

prolongation onshore – averaging

impacted 53.5% of projects, but risks may shift

71.2% of schedules, against 60.1%

with the end of Australia’s construction boom

under non-EPC arrangements. Offshore,

as investment tilts toward energy projects.

there was little difference between procurement routes as contractors sought extensions stretching to around three quarters of planned duration.

SIXTH ANNUAL CRUX INSIGHT REPORT

REGIONAL ANALYSIS AND ACTIONS

Nearly one in five projects (18.8%) worldwide

Projects in the Middle East faced the worst

Across all projects globally, the leading cause

are impacted by conflicts over unforeseen

delays (83.1% of schedule duration or 22.5

of claims and disputes was change in scope,

physical conditions on site. In the Americas,

months, on average); even at their least

followed by conflicting contract interpretations

this is the second most common project pitfall.

severe, overruns averaged almost a year

and delayed design information. Within the

in the Americas (prolonging schedules

regional analysis of the dataset, notable

Deficient workmanship was a far more

variations emerge in both causes and effects:

significant cause of contention in Europe

Restricted or late access to sites and/or

by 58.2%, equivalent to 11.3 months).

and the Americas than in other regions – on

Contentious costs were lowest in

23.2% and 20.3% of projects, respectively.

Oceania, but still significant at over a

workfaces was one of the top three triggers for

quarter of CAPEX on average (26.2%).

claims and disputes in Africa, Asia and Oceania

While various design-related failings rank

(ranking first, second and third, respectively).

highly in all regions, in Europe incorrect design is the prime culprit for distress on almost a third of projects (32.7%).

ABOUT CRUX CRUX, HKA’s integrated research program, draws on unparalleled intelligence gathered by our experts providing claims consulting and dispute resolution services on major capital projects around the world. CRUX Insight is our annual publication analysing the root causes of claims and disputes. The Sixth Annual CRUX Insight quantifies the impact of claims and disputes investigated over a six-year period up to August 2023.

CRUX INTERACTIVE DASHBOARD The CRUX database is searchable via an interactive dashboard, which can be used to gauge risks in various sectors and regions, benchmark causes, and help to identify areas for improvement.

CRUX Interactive Dashboard INDUSTRIES UNEVENLY IMPACTED BY CLAIMS AND DISPUTES The CRUX dataset can also be analysed by sector, among various other parameters.

Buildings and Transportation Infrastructure projects faced claims for longer time extensions than other sectors, averaging 76.7% and 70.0% of planned duration, respectively.

A serious concern for owners and the wider industry, the implications may be even more troubling for governments

“The tougher economic context has intensified the uncertainty and risks facing infrastructure and capital projects. It is essential that the construction and engineering industry delves into the root causes of the most prevalent claims and disputes, and applies the lessons to current and future projects. Our growing dataset, CRUX Insight, and the interactive dashboard help employers, contractors and the wider industry do just that. The high cost of capital and the losses sustained through avoidable disputes make the case for proactive risk management all the more compelling.”

Toby Hunt, Partner, CRUX Sponsor

and state agencies promoting new infrastructure as a stimulus for economies emerging from the pandemic.

Delays tended to be least severe in the industrial and manufacturing markets, but sums in dispute were higher, proportionately. Claimed extensions of time would prolong schedules by 54.6% (11 months on average).

Contentious costs, averaging 54.8% of CAPEX, were significantly higher than the all-sector average (35.1%).

DOWNLOAD THE FULL REPORT DOWNLOAD HERE

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INDUSTRY FOCUS - SMART CITIES

INDUSTRY FOCUS - SMART CITIES

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BUILDING SMART CITIES AND UTILIZING DATA ANALYTICS TO FOSTER URBAN CLIMATE SOLUTIONS

BY JADD ELLIOT DIB, CEO AND FOUNDER OF THE AWARD-WINNING DATA ANALYTICS FREELANCE HIRING PLATFORM, PANGAEA X.

S

audi Arabia is renowned for its

As the world's population continues to increase,

astounding development projects,

our cities are growing at an unprecedented

including NEOM, The Line, and Diriyah

rate. The United Nations estimates that by

Gate, which are pushing the boundaries of

2050, two-thirds of the global population will

creativity and innovation. However, this rapid

reside in urban areas. The World Urbanization

development also presents challenges in

Prospects of 2018 presents both opportunities

terms of climate change and sustainability.

and challenges. The concept of sustainable

To tackle this, it is important to routinely

urban development seeks to create cities

take advantage of data-driven insights as

that are environmentally responsible,

a tool to promote climate solutions.

economically viable, and socially inclusive.

Cities significantly contribute to environmental

The key to achieving sustainable cities

concerns, and to navigate through this

lies in understanding and binding the

landscape, cities worldwide are increasingly

influence of data. Cities are progressively

relying on data-driven insights as a potent

collecting vast amounts of information on

means to drive climate solutions.

energy consumption, traffic patterns, waste management, water usage, and more.

58

INDUSTRY FOCUS - SMART CITIES

J ADD ELLIOT DIB, CEO AND FOUNDER OF PANGAEA X

This wealth of data points allows planners

buildings, thereby reducing carbon emissions.

and policymakers to make educated decisions

For example, smart grids ensure efficient

that reduce environmental impacts and

electricity distribution, while real-time data

enhance the quality of life for residents.

plays a crucial role in enhancing transportation systems, reducing congestion, and promoting

Smart infrastructure is at the core of sustainable

the use of public transport, which is vital

urban development. Data analytics allow cities

for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

to monitor and optimize energy consumption in

THESE CITIES ARE NOT JUST A VISION ANYMORE; THEY ARE A NECESSITY IN MODERN TIMES

INDUSTRY FOCUS - SMART CITIES

59

DATA-DRIVEN PERCEPTIONS ENABLE ARCHITECTS AND URBAN PLANNERS TO DESIGN CLIMATE-RESILIENT BUILDINGS AND LANDSCAPES

'Sustainable cities must consider a fluctuating

the benefits of data-driven sustainability

climate'. Data-driven perceptions enable

initiatives reach all residents, regardless

architects and urban planners to design

of their socio-economic status.

climate-resilient buildings and landscapes.

By analyzing weather data and historical

These cities are not just a vision anymore; they

climate patterns, they can create structures

are a necessity in modern times. By tying data-

that are more energy-efficient and equipped

driven insights, cities may be taking significant

to withstand extreme weather events,

strides toward achieving the Kingdom’s

such as heavy rains or heat waves.

sustainability goals. Data analytics is not only transforming urban planning and development

Sustainable cities are also actively investing

but also setting a global example for how data

in renewable energy sources, such as solar

can be a catalyst for positive change in the face

and wind power. Data analytics plays an

of climate change. As we move forward, it is

important role in managing and optimizing

essential to continue innovating, collaborating,

these resources. By monitoring weather

and investing in the field of data analytics

conditions and energy production in

to create a more viable and climate-resilient

real time, cities can ensure a stable and

future for both residents and visitors.

efficient supply of clean energy while reducing their reliance on fossil fuels.

Efficient waste management is also a

While data-driven insights hold

Jadd Elliot Dib is the founder and CEO of

great promise for sustainable urban

Pangaea X, a digital platform that brings

development, challenges do exist.

together the world’s best data analysts

critical aspect of sustainability. Through

and scientist freelancers from across the

data analysis, cities can monitor waste

These include data privacy and security

world onto a single platform, providing

generation and collection routes, leading to

concerns, the digital divide, and the need

them with a multitude of job opportunities.

a reduction in landfill waste and an increase

for skilled data professionals. To address

The platform connects them with potential

in recycling rates. Sensor-equipped bins and

these challenges, cities worldwide are

clients by providing them with a place where

smart waste collection vehicles improve

encouraged to invest in data infrastructure,

they can showcase their work, expertise,

garbage collection schedules, improving

fostering collaboration between the public

and requirements, and navigate the

efficiency and reducing emissions.

and private sectors, and ensuring that

difficulties of finding and completing jobs.

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INDUSTRY FOCUS - RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES

INDUSTRY FOCUS - RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES

61

PVH SIGNS WITH CEEC TO SUPPLY 1.7GW FOR THE BIGGEST SOLAR PROJECT IN MIDDLE EAST PVH, THE NUMBER ONE SOLAR TRACKER MANUFACTURER IN THE MIDDLE EAST, HAS SIGNED A MAJOR CONTRACT WITH CHINA ENERGY ENGINEERING GROUP CO. LTD (CEEC) TO SUPPLY 1.7GW FOR THE LARGEST SOLAR PROJECT IN THE MENA REGION. THE PROJECT IS LOCATED IN THE AL SHUAIBAH AREA OF JEDDAH CITY, MAKKAH PROVINCE, IN SAUDI ARABIA, AND IT ADDS TO THE LIST OF MANY SUCCESSFUL PROJECTS CARRIED OUT BY THE KINGDOM TO ACHIEVE ITS VISION 2030 OF REDUCING THE USE OF FOSSIL FUELS AND LEADING THE GLOBAL TRANSITION TOWARDS A CLEAN AND GREEN ENERGY SYSTEM.

62

INDUSTRY FOCUS - RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES

The Middle East’s transition to renewable energy is not just a regional affair; it has far-reaching implications for global environmental stewardship

T

HE SUN-DRENCHED OASIS

traction. Countries such as Egypt and Jordan

lessening their reliance on oil and gas, these

Blessed with a profusion of one

are investing in wind farms, with the Tafila

countries not only reduce their exposure to

essential natural resource, the power of

Wind Farm in Jordan being one such example,

international energy market fluctuations but

the sun, countries like Saudi Arabia and

producing enough energy to power thousands

also open up fresh commercial prospects.

the United Arab Emirates are making

of homes and reduce carbon emissions.

substantial investments in solar power.

The region’s deserts, unfolding for miles

Meanwhile, in Egypt, the Zaafarana Wind Farm,

with little cloud cover, generate a perfect

situated along the Red Sea coast, has numerous

environment for exploiting solar energy.

turbines that exploit the strong winds. These wind energy projects provide diversification

One of the most remarkable projects is

in the energy mix, reducing reliance on fossil

in the United Arab Emirates: the massive

fuels and alleviating the environmental impact.

Shams Solar Power Station, which stands as a testament to the region’s

ENERGY SECURITY AND ECONOMIC

commitment to renewables, highlights

DIVERSIFICATION

the Middle East’s potential to become a

A driving force, in addition to the climate crisis,

global leader in solar energy generation.

behind the Middle East’s embrace of renewable energy is the awareness that fossil fuels are

THE WINDS OF CHANGE

finite. Consequently, countries in the region

It is not only solar power that is on the rise in

are increasingly looking to safeguard their

the Middle East. Wind energy is also gaining

energy future by investing in renewables. By

This shift not only boosts energy security and economic diversification but also positions the region as a global leader in the battle against climate change

INDUSTRY FOCUS - RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES

63

The renewable energy sector has the potential to create jobs and stimulate economic growth. Solar and wind farms require skilled labor for construction and maintenance, and many Middle Eastern nations are making concerted efforts to develop a skilled workforce in this field. Furthermore, local manufacturing of renewable energy components, such as solar panels and wind turbines, can stimulate domestic industries.

GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP The Middle East’s transition to renewable energy is not just a regional affair; it has farreaching implications for global environmental stewardship. As the region starts to reduce its carbon footprint, it contributes to the global fight against climate change. With its history of being one of the largest

Another concern is the initial investment cost

potential for solar and wind power is

producers of greenhouse gas emissions,

for renewable energy projects. While costs have

enormous. This shift not only boosts energy

any reduction in fossil fuel consumption in

significantly decreased in recent years, it still

security and economic diversification but

the Middle East has a meaningful impact.

requires substantial financial commitment. To

also positions the region as a global leader

overcome this, governments in the region are

in the battle against climate change.

Middle Eastern nations are increasingly

partnering with international organizations

pledging to meet international climate

and investors to secure the necessary funding.

goals. For instance, Saudi Arabia, one of the

The challenges of water scarcity, intermittency, and high initial costs are being addressed

world’s largest oil producers, has committed

GEOPOLITICAL IMPLICATIONS

with innovative solutions, and the region's

to reducing its carbon emissions. This

The Middle East’s transition to renewable

commitment to renewable energy signals a

commitment is not only for the sake of

energy could have significant geopolitical

brighter and more sustainable future. The

global environmental responsibility but also

ramifications. As the region becomes less

geopolitical implications are far-reaching,

as part of the Kingdom’s national strategy

dependent on oil, it may alter the dynamics

as the Middle East seeks to maintain its

to diversify its economy and reduce tits

of global energy politics. Countries like Saudi

relevance and influence in an evolving global

vulnerability to oil price fluctuations.

Arabia, whose influence has been driven by

energy landscape. The Middle East is indeed

its oil production, are proactively seeking to

on the path to a greener, more sustainable

CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

diversify their economies and energy sources

future, proving that even in the heart of the

While the Middle East’s transition to

to maintain their geopolitical relevance.

desert, a renewable energy oasis can thrive.

renewable energy is promising, it is not without its challenges. One major obstacle

Furthermore, the Middle East's commitment

is water scarcity, which is essential for

to renewable energy may lead to increased

cleaning solar panels and cooling thermal

cooperation and partnerships with nations

power plants. Water-efficient technologies

that possess advanced renewable technology.

and advanced cooling methods are

This could lead to a shift in alliances and trade

essential for addressing this issue.

relationships, as the region seeks expertise and investments to further its energy transition.

Intermittency is another challenge, especially for solar and wind power. To

CONCLUSION: A NEW DAWN

address this, Middle Eastern countries are

FOR THE MIDDLE EAST

exploring energy storage solutions, such

The Middle East’s investment in renewable

as large-scale battery systems, to store

energy represents a transformative swing

excess energy during sunny or windy days

in the region’s energy environment. With

for use during the night or calm periods.

copious sunlight and steady winds, the

The renewable energy sector has the potential to create jobs and stimulate economic growth

64

WILD and Saudi Projects bring together inspiring women

SHATTERING CEILINGS AND SHINING BRIGHT: THE UNSTOPPABLE SPIRIT OF WILD RIYADH! IN A WORLD BRIMMING WITH INNOVATION AND UNBRIDLED AMBITION, WILD EVENTS ARE LIKE BEACONS OF EMPOWERMENT, RADIATING POSITIVITY AND FOSTERING A SENSE OF LIMITLESS POSSIBILITY. THE RECENT WILD IN RIYADH EVENT, GOING UNDER THE BANNER OF ‘INFLUENTIAL AND INSPIRING LEADERSHIP FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE’, AND CO-HOSTED BY ONE THE REGION’S MOST POPULAR AND INFLUENTIAL INDUSTRY MEDIA OUTLETS, SAUDI PROJECTS, WAS NOT JUST ABOUT BUSINESS THOUGH: IT WAS ABOUT THE MAGNETIC CHARISMA OF WOMEN WHO DARE TO DREAM BIG, WHO DARE TO BREAK BOUNDARIES, AND WHO DARE TO SUCCEED IN SPECTACULAR FASHION.

 L-R MARIE-JOELLE GHAOUI, A+E DIRECTOR - KSA AMAL AL SOMALI, COUNTRY CIO - ABB AISLING COLLINS, DIRECTOR - RED SEA GLOBAL MARTA PESSANHA, SENIOR DESIGN MANAGER - NEOM SAMAR ALAMRO, DIRECTOR - ACCENTURE EMMA BURDETTE, FOUNDER AND CEO - WILD

WILD and Saudi Projects bring together inspiring women

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WILD and Saudi Projects bring together inspiring women

WOMEN REPRESENT HALF OF THE WORLD’S POPULATION AND, THEREFORE, ALSO HALF OF ITS POTENTIAL each a trailblazer in her own right, provided invaluable insights, practical skills, and tools to help delegates thrive as leaders, whether they are in the boardroom, on an entrepreneurial journey, or looking to enhance their leadership potential. Topics such as effective communication, negotiation, work-life balance, and self-confidence were explored, leaving delegates with a newly honed skillset that will serve them well in their future endeavors.

One of the key aspects of WILD Riyadh was the opportunity for women to build valuable

“WE INSPIRE WOMEN TO RISE, TO CONQUER, AND TO LEAVE AN INDELIBLE MARK ON THE BUSINESS WORLD”

relationships, with Laura Wojciechowski, Partner and Media Director at Saudi Projects, commenting: “Once again, Women in Leadership Deliver (WILD) in partnership with Saudi Projects hosted another great event in Riyadh. The evening was nothing short of extraordinary, as it brought together a diverse group of inspiring women from across the Kingdom.

T

“Our discussions featured inspirational insights he atmosphere was electrifying,

Emma Burdett, CEO of WILD, talking about

from female leaders in the Kingdom who have

akin to a star-studded performance

the Riyadh event, explained: “WILD Riyadh

charted their path to success and harnessed

where each attendee is the leading

continues to support and pioneer female

their influence to inspire change. As we gear

lady of her unique success story.

leadership and gender equality in the Kingdom.

up to embrace SDG5 and the Saudi Vision 2030

This uniquely curated event delved into how

for a sustainable future, their stories left us all

In a world where countless women, including

collectively, we can come together as diverse

inspired, motivated, and ready to conquer our

Mary Barra (Chairman and CEO of General

female leaders, share knowledge and best

own dreams. Thank you to everyone who joined

Motors), Sheryl Sandberg (former COO of

practice for women to pave the way as role

us, engaging in thought-provoking conversations

Meta Platforms and founder of LeanIn.org),

models for future generations of talent, thus

and sharing their own valuable experiences,

and Ginni Rometty (a trailblazing tech icon

creating a sustainable future in line with SDG5

challenges, and insights. You were all incredible.

and the former CEO of IBM), are showing

and Vision 2030. Our recent MoU with the

Let’s continue to champion women in

that gender is not a barrier to success in the

United Nations Global Compact Network in KSA

leadership, uplift one another, and drive positive

business world, it is now an accepted fact

further enhances our position in KSA as we work

change in our organizations and communities.”

that female vision and commitment have

together to champion SDG5 gender equality.”

the power to change industries and drive

LEADING WITH HEART, MIND, AND

progress. As Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple Inc.,

INNOVATE, INSPIRE, LEAD: PIONEERING

COURAGE: WOMEN AT THE HELM

said: “Empowering women in business is not

WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP

Women represent half of the world’s population

just a moral imperative; it’s a strategic one.

This inspirational event was about equipping

and, therefore, also half of its potential. But

Their insights and decision-making abilities

women with the tools they need to conquer

gender inequality still persists and stagnates

are essential for any company's success.”

the business and entrepreneurial worlds. A

progress. So while progress has been made,

dazzling array of speakers and facilitators,

especially in Saudi Arabia, where there has been

WILD and Saudi Projects bring together inspiring women

WILD IS MAKING HISTORY BY RESHAPING THE BUSINESS LANDSCAPE AND EMPOWERING WOMEN TO THRIVE IN INDUSTRIES PREVIOUSLY DOMINATED BY MEN a major focus on women in leadership roles in

Amal Al Somali, EMBA, Country CIO at ABB,

both government and the private sector, the

agreed, saying: “It was my pleasure to be

road to female leadership is not without its

a keynote speaker sharing my personal

challenges, not least because women simply

leadership journey and participating in the panel

do not yet have all of the resources open to

discussion which was breathtaking in every

men. Thanks to WILD, that is now changing!

way possible with my amazing inspirational women, Samar AlAmro, Aisling Collins, Marta

Samar AlAmro, Director of Corporate Services

Pessanha, and Marie-Joelle Ghaoui sharing

and Sustainability, Middle East - GM of Accenture

their experiences, challenges and great wisdom

Regional Headquarters, commented: “One of

learned from their leadership journeys.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON SAUDI PROJECTS AND WILD EVENTS CLICK HERE.

the highlights of the evening was hearing the stories of each panellist. They shared their

WILD and Saudi Projects are making history

personal triumphs, challenges, and lessons

by reshaping the business landscape and

learned throughout their leadership journeys.

empowering women to thrive in industries previously dominated by men. Join us in this

It was a reminder that every path to leadership is

journey of empowerment. Be the change you

unique, and it’s the diversity of our experiences

want to see in the world and take the first

that makes us stronger as a collective.

step towards a more inclusive and equitable future for all by visiting WILD TODAY!

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68

Project Focus - Jeddah Tower

Project Focus - Jeddah Tower

WORK ON THE WORLD’S TALLEST TOWER RESUMES JEDDAH ECONOMIC COMPANY HAS RESTARTED WORK ON THE WORLD’S TALLEST TOWER WHICH, AT OVER 1000 METERS TALL AND WITH A TOTAL CONSTRUCTION AREA OF 530,000M2, IS THE CENTERPIECE OF JEDDAH’S KINGDOM CITY DEVELOPMENT.

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70

C

Project Focus - Jeddah Tower

ontractors have been invited by the developer to bid by the end

of 2023 for a contract to complete the record-breaking structure. The contractors have been given three months to prepare their bids, with companies expected to establish joint ventures encompassing both local and international partners.

TOUCHING THE SKY, CHANGING THE WORLD The Jeddah Tower is set to provide soaring inspiration in a new era of commerce, leisure, and distinctive living. The first of its type, its record-breaking height will undoubtedly surpass the current title holder's (Burj Khalifa in Dubai) height, but not only for sky-reaching purposes; its goal is to become the focal point of attracting investment into the surrounding region, as well as attracting development and expansion for the benefit of citizens and expats alike.

Arguably the eighth wonder of the world, it is primarily intended to serve as a mixeduse building and is expected to house luxury apartments, a high-end hotel, office spaces, and various other amenities.

The Tower will feature a distinctive and modern design characterized by a sleek, tapered form with multiple recesses.

UNCOVER THE MAGIC Incorporating various sustainability features, including energy-efficient design and materials, as well as green spaces and landscaping, the Tower is expected to have a significant economic impact on

The Tower will include a number of Class A office and commercial spaces that bring a new meaning to the way business is carried out

The Jeddah Tower is primarily intended to serve as a mixed-use building

Project Focus - Jeddah Tower

The contractors have been given three months to prepare their bids

71

Tower will include a number of Class A office and commercial spaces that bring a new meaning to the way business is carried out. Moreover, with dazzling architecture, appropriate flooring, and underscored with amazing views of the Red Sea, these office and business spaces are being

Jeddah and the region, including boosting

designed to inspire success, encompassing

tourism and business opportunities.

a genuinely futuristic ambiance, while

Indeed, once completed, the Jeddah Tower

preserving and manifesting Islamic values

is expected to become a major tourist

that have been a legacy in trade and ethics.

attraction, drawing visitors from around the world who want to experience its

The Sky Terrace, the Tower's Observatory

breathtaking views and unique design.

Deck, adds to the splendor; a steel and concrete palm that offers a breathtaking

Aside from its astonishing height, the Tower

from two-bedroom suites to luxurious

view over the city and the Red Sea, providing

will be surrounded by the fabulous Jeddah

six-bedroom units. Residents and visitors

an inspiring sight as far as the eye can see.

Tower Waterfront District, a stunning area

can expect a multiplicity of amenities,

This spectacular platform will transcend

that combines breathtaking settings and

including upscale shopping malls, refined

other world-renowned observation

landscapes that will make one feel absolutely

boutiques, gourmet dining establishments,

decks, hanging at an unmatched height

exhilarated when walking. Furthermore,

and recreational facilities such as tennis

at level 157 of the Tower at 644 meters.

there is an intelligent transport matrix that

courts. One of the building’s most distinctive

connects the paths to and from the tower to

features will be its observation deck,

WHERE AMBITION SOARS TO NEW HEIGHTS

the various districts and areas surrounding it.

which is said to be the highest ever built.

Bids for the construction work are expected

The Tower's 59 elevator systems, separated

A focal point of the Jeddah Tower, the Four

with Talal Ibrahim Almaiman, the CEO of

into single and double-decked units,

Seasons will make a vital contribution to

Kingdom Holding Company, confirming

provide convenient transportation

the development of the Kingdom’s tourism

that this critical step has been officially

between floors and levels, giving a

and leisure industry. Situated on floors

approved. Among the reputable firms

memorable experience every time.

19-27, this five-star hotel will become one of

invited to present their bids are industry

to be finalized by the end of the year,

Saudi Arabia’s most luxurious, with guests

stalwarts such as Almabani, Bawani, China

When you enter the Tower through its main

enjoying extraordinary views, fine dining,

Harbour, Samsung C+T, and several others.

lobby, you will be spellbound by what the

and world-class Arabic hospitality. Delivering

facilities have in store – a truly one-of-a-

200 new keys for Jeddah, and part of the

The work on the superstructure of the

kind experience. The ground-level lobby

centerpiece of Jeddah Economic City, the

tower, which commenced in 2013 with

is the portal that connects the numerous

Four Seasons will present a unique hotel and

the local Saudi Binladin Group as the

paths leading to the multiple tiers that

premium serviced apartments to support the

contractor, is one-third completed.

make up the Tower's stature, as well as

Kingdom’s focus on economic diversification

showcasing the architectural splendor of

and its move towards Vision 2030.

the towering wonder from within. With

Jeddah Tower will be taller than the world’s current tallest tower - Dubai’s

magnificent design and over 6,000m2 of

The Tower also, on levels 42, 43, and

interior space, the lobby offers multiple

84, will feature sky lobbies, defined as

pathways through elevators and various

identical levels in which coffee shops,

transport mechanisms that connect visitors

restaurants, and showrooms, in addition

and residents alike to the various sections

to spas and gyms, will offer unparalleled

encompassing the Tower's inner spaces.

wellness services to visitors.

HOSPITALITY BEYOND EXPECTATIONS

ELEVATING THE WORKSPACE

The residential spaces in the tower have

With state-of-the-art technology and

been meticulously planned to meet a

connectivity, encompassing the latest

wide array of needs, with options ranging

telecommunications infrastructure, the

Burj Khalifa - by more than 172 meters.

JEDDAH ECONOMIC COMPANY VISIT WEBSITE

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MIRAGE - GIULIO CAPPELLINI

MIRAGE - GIULIO CAPPELLINI

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GLOCAL AND GIULIO CAPPELLINI: A DESIGN DIALOGUE AESTHETICALLY PLEASING DECORATION IS NOT MERELY SUPERFICIAL; IT HAS FAR-REACHING IMPLICATIONS FOR OUR EMOTIONAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL, AND EVEN PHYSICAL WELL-BEING. WHETHER IN OUR HOMES, WORKPLACES, OR PUBLIC SPACES, THE IMPORTANCE OF BEAUTIFUL DECOR IS UNDENIABLE, ENHANCING OUR QUALITY OF LIFE AND FOSTERING A SENSE OF HARMONY AND CONNECTION WITH OUR SURROUNDINGS. THE RESTYLING OF THE GLOCAL COLLECTION, THEREFORE, HAS CAUSED MUCH EXCITEMENT AMONG ARCHITECTS AND DESIGNERS WHO ARE COMMITTED TO CREATING ENTICING VISUAL EXPERIENCES THAT STAND OUT IN A COMPETITIVE MARKET.

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MIRAGE - GIULIO CAPPELLINI

CAPPELLINI HAS ENRICHED AND UPDATED THE COLLECTION WHILE MAINTAINING ITS ORIGINAL IDENTITY

MIRAGE - GIULIO CAPPELLINI

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his restyling is the result of a

included a variety of new colors and material

adaptability of this vast company astounded

collaboration between Mirage and the

decorations that embrace the now, adapt to

me. The rapidity of prototype development and

leading Italian designer Giulio Cappellini, a

changing trends, and explore fresh concepts

their eagerness to invest and venture boldly

prominent figure in the world of contemporary

that push the boundaries of traditional design,

reveal their formidable drive and vigor.”

design and furniture who has played a pivotal

bringing a fresh, stylishly modern new twist

role in shaping the global design scene.

to the eclectic nature of the collection.

Cappellini, who has enriched and updated

VIBRANT HUES, ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES GLOCAL takes its inspiration from smooth

the collection while maintaining its original

STYLE REIMAGINED

concrete, with a wide range of colors and sizes,

identity, creating an even more contemporary

Italian style is synonymous with elegance and

making this a particularly flexible, versatile

style that fully reflects the excellence of Italian

sophistication. Italians have a long history of

collection that remains a bestseller from

design, said: “In the new GLOCAL collection,

craftsmanship, and their impeccable attention

Emilia Romagna-based Mirage six years on

I’ve sought to embrace, blend, and ground

to detail is evident in their fashion, design, and

from its début. The company has extended

the product in a distinct industrial aesthetic,

art. Mirage is fully in tune with this time-honored

the color range too, initially made up of a rich

yet infusing elements with a handcrafted

philosophy, with product values that bring

variety of 12 natural shades, by introducing

flair. The defining strength of GLOCAL, I

together a global vision with the renowned

eight new colors that offer a take on current

believe, is its multilingual nature, offering the

high standards of local Italian production.

trends. The grey tones have become more

versatility to be interpreted in diverse ways.”

subtle, less iron-like, lighter, and warmer, while Talking about why his partnership with the

other shades acquire hints of blue, green, or

The additions to the range were launched

company has been so successful, Cappellini

terracotta. Neutral shades, yet with character,

for the first time at Cersaie 2023 in Bologna,

explains: “One word encapsulates my bond

in softer tones than in the past, injecting

Italy, between 25 to 29 September, and

with the Mirage team: passion. Frankly, the

personality and new life into the collection.

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MIRAGE - GIULIO CAPPELLINI

“ONE WORD ENCAPSULATES MY BOND WITH THE MIRAGE TEAM: PASSION” Cappellini said: “We’ve introduced a fresh color palette, more contemporary, integrating warmer and gentler hues that resonate with current trends. I’m fond of adding pops of color because I believe that color is integral to an object’s allure. There’s the precision of formal design on one side and color infusion on the other two pillars that guide my creative approach.”

G IULIO CAPPELLINI

ITALIANS PRIORITIZE AUTHENTICITY AND LONGEVITY IN THEIR DESIGNS, OPTING FOR TIMELESS AESTHETICS RATHER THAN FLEETING TRENDS GLOCAL sizes range from 30x30 up to 120x278, including particularly contemporary solutions such as the 80x80 or 80x160 sizes. The range also features sizes that are perfect for outdoor applications, with contemporary decorative solutions that team the essential, minimum style of concrete with audacious color contrasts and surface variations.

MIRAGE - GIULIO CAPPELLINI

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EMBRACING UNIQUENESS, CELEBRATING AUTHENTICITY The emphasis on quality extends beyond the materials used. Italians prioritize authenticity and longevity in their designs, opting for timeless aesthetics rather than fleeting trends. And with GLOCAL, high technology and craftsmanship, the elements fine Italian manufacturing is founded on, come together to turn porcelain stoneware slabs into authentic architectural elements that allow for a huge variety of compositions.

In doing so, GLOCAL pays tribute to the postindustrial era, in which industry, accustomed to large serial productions, has become more flexible, with a readiness to respond to requests for bespoke creative and design elements. The restyling of the collection has maintained its original spirit intact,

THE RESTYLING OF THE COLLECTION HAS MAINTAINED ITS ORIGINAL SPIRIT INTACT

embodying the excellence of Italian design and aspiring to become a ‘timeless classic’.

“Cappellini has succeeded in bringing a respectful new twist to the collection, enriching and enhancing it with new elements that take nothing away from its original appeal. Working with Cappellini has allowed us to highlight and enhance the various aspects of GLOCAL, making it an even more efficient and effective solution to respond to the requirements of the contemporary design engineer,” Mirage Marketing Manager Massimiliano Croci concludes.

Uncover the full story by visiting Mirage and discover how your next project can benefit from unrivaled creativity, faultless manufacturing, fast and friendly customer service, and good old-fashioned Italian style!

MIRAGE +39 0536 29611 VISIT WEBSITE

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PROJECT FOCUS - MILLO OFFICE BUILDING BUCHAREST

MILLO OFFICE BUILDING: MODERN ARCHITECTURE, TIMELESS BEAUTY

PROJECT FOCUS - MILLO OFFICE BUILDING BUCHAREST

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PROJECT FOCUS - MILLO OFFICE BUILDING BUCHAREST

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estled in Bucharest's pulsating heart,

Designed by the highly regarded Romanian

It was, though, rather a complex project in

Millo Office Building, a more than

practice, ADNBA, the Millo Office Building

terms of both its concept and construction,

12,000m2 premium office complex, is a beacon

expresses a mixture of references, from a

with Italian company Mirage not only supplying

of architectural innovation and functionality.

contemporary interpretation of the soaring

ceramic tiles but also providing technical and

This state-of-the-art structure, harmonizing

New York skyscrapers of the 1930s to the local

operational support. One of the most prominent

sleek design with technological prowess,

architectural style that evokes the Art Deco

challenges involved the use of porcelain

boasts a façade that appears to expand

allure of the nearby iconic Telephone Palace.

stoneware panels to create the monumental

outwards from a rational, flawless grid.

façade. No less than six different machining Ascending boldly amidst the city’s

operations were utilized, including waterjet

Located in the business district known as Sector

silhouette, the Millo Office Building reshapes

cutting, drilling custom holes, miter cuts on the

Zero, this dynamic building, exemplifying a

Bucharest’s skyline, etching its presence as

edges at variable angles and digital coloring.

convergence of modernity and functionality,

a beacon of innovation. Its sleek contours

is an important part of the regeneration of the

and aesthetic captivate the eye, drawing

Norr, the collection chosen for the project,

capital and is one of a series of projects designed

admiration and curiosity from afar.

in sizes 60x120 cm and 120x120 cm with a

to give a new lease of life to the city center.

thickness of two centimeters, has an irregular grain and was used for both the main façade

ASCENDING BOLDLY AMIDST THE CITY’S SILHOUETTE, THE MILLO OFFICE BUILDING RESHAPES BUCHAREST’S SKYLINE

PROJECT FOCUS - MILLO OFFICE BUILDING BUCHAREST

and the loggia on the ninth and top floors.

same time achieving much quicker installation

More than 14,000 panels of 400 different

by using techniques such as waterjet cutting,

kinds were created, along with the 60x60 cm

typically adopted for porcelain stoneware, and

tiles for the raised floors on the terraces.

a very precise level of detail and aesthetics.

A visual spectacle, casting an enchanting

ITALIAN COMPANY MIRAGE NOT ONLY SUPPLIED CERAMIC TILES BUT ALSO PROVIDED TECHNICAL AND OPERATIONAL SUPPORT

allure over Bucharest, the biggest challenge on the Millo Office Building was the articulated stereotomy of the columns and the half-landings, and the need to manage a large number of machining operations. However, by working in tandem with Mirage, the client avoided the need to cut and adapt the panels on-site, at the

MIRAGE +39 0536 29611 VISIT WEBSITE

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Interiors brought to you by

Saudi Building & Interiors Exhibition 2023 The Saudi Building & Interiors Exhibition, held in RICEC Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center Riyadh on 6-9 November 2023, will showcase local and international companies working in home decoration, interior design, and construction.

ceramic tiles; doors, windows and wood products; furniture; glass and glazing; handicrafts; kitchen equipment; locks and handles; paints and wall covering; sanitary fixtures and appliances; and lighting solutions and fixtures.

Amongst the interior design solutions on show will be architectural finishing products; interior decorative and ornaments;

To find out more and to register for free, visit Saudi Build.

Showcasing local and international companies

Interior Design Market to Grow to $5.94 Billion by 2028 The interior design market size is expected to grow from $3.72 billion in 2023 to $5.94 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 9.80% during the forecast period, according to Mordor Intelligence.

An ever-growing number of real estate projects in the retail, commercial, and hospitality sectors is fuelling this boom, alongside a residential sector that is now leading the way in terms of number of projects and the demands for interior design services and products.

The Avenues Mall and King Abdullah Financial District are excellent cases in point, investing around $10.7 billion in the construction of various residential.

Meanwhile, the PIF plans to develop around 350,000 homes at various locations across the Kingdom, via a public-private investment model that can further lead to a surge in interior designing services in the country.

An increase in the number of real estate projects for retail, commercial, and hospitality along with increasing demand for residential properties combined with government initiatives to develop infrastructure is expected to drive the interiors market. Gargantuan projects, for example, such as The Red Sea and King Abdullah Economic City are attracting a variety of international and regional interiors and fit-out designers to work on the projects.

Huge opportunity for interiors also lies in the educational sector and healthcare facilities. Nations Vision 2030 along with Index Saudi are two of the Kingdom’s events that are expected to drive more investments in the coming years for interior design and fit-out sectors.

Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download by visiting Mordor Intelligence.

The PIF plans to develop around 350,000 homes at various locations across the Kingdom

Interiors brought to you by

SAY Studio Opens Office in Saudi Arabia Founded in 2018 by Matthew Sexton and Laila Al-Yousuf, Dubai design firm SAY Studio has opened a new office in Riyadh, which will offer architectural and design consultancy services for commercial, hospitality, F+B, and residential projects.

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The office will be led by SAY’s new KSA Studio Director Anas Sawalqa, who brings over a decade of experience working in the Middle East in a broad array of sectors. “SAY Studio is already working with great clients in the Kingdom.

We’re looking forward to building new

relationships and continuing to influence positive change on all our projects,” he commented. “Our expansion into Saudi Arabia is a reflection of our commitment to the Kingdom and to the region.”

“Our new office in Riyadh is an exciting step in the development of our company’s journey. We believe that there is nothing quite like realizing a vision together and taking pride in what has been collectively achieved,” concludes AlYousuf, Design Director and Partner.

The office will be led by SAY’s new KSA Studio Director, Anas Sawalqa

Elevate Your Space with Timeless Elegance Interior designers from the team at Kristina Zanic Consultants in Riyadh have teamed up with specialist carpet weavers at BSH Walls & Floors to release an exclusive collection of rugs inspired by travels through Saudi Arabia.

‘Nomad Journey’ is comprised of a quintet of different designs, each drawing inspiration from an explorer’s voyage through the various regions of Saudi Arabia.

The collection was initially designed for display at the Index Saudi Arabia trade show but received such a positive response that it is now available for order through BSH, with the added flexibility of customizable sizes.

The collection allows enthusiasts of Saudi heritage to bring an element of the culture with a contemporary interpretation into their own spaces, with interior designers Amani Al Ibrahim and Noura Al Kanhal working closely with the BSH team to create a contemporary collection that emanates a well-defined Saudi identity.

Amani Al Ibrahim explains: “While outsiders often associate Saudi Arabia with exotic deserts or towering skyscrapers, we wanted to convey the promise of discovery within the country and to showcase the rich diversity in regional landscapes, architecture, and art.”

The different designs capture the distinctive essence of the Najd, Aseer, Ahsa, and Western provinces through an interplay of patterns, colors, and textures, and, made from 100% hand-tufted New Zealand wool, the rugs are fashioned at varying heights for a truly luxurious textured finish.

The collection allows enthusiasts of Saudi heritage to bring an element of the culture with a contemporary interpretation into their own spaces

The collection allows enthusiasts of Saudi heritage to bring an element of the culture with a contemporary interpretation into their own spaces

Interiors brought to you by

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From Concept to Conquest: Applauding the Pinnacle of Design

Interiors brought to you by

INDEX Saudi Arabia ( 10-12 September 2023, was more than just an exhibition; it was the ultimate meeting place for the interior design industry. Offering a simple but powerful proposition, it connected designers, buyers, and architects to interior design brands, products, and services from across the region and the globe so that beautiful spaces can be created that suit all styles and budgets.

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Naturally, when looking at interiors companies, it is quite natural to judge the quality of the stand in terms of design and impact, and

that’s exactly what happened at this year’s event, with four stands being presented with prestigious ‘I’m on Trend’ plaques.

Four well-regarded judges were given the task of choosing the four stands that were ‘On Trend’ in four distinctive areas: Best Use of Color, Best Use of Lighting, Best Stand Under 40m2, and Best Stand above 40m2.

On the morning of 10 September, the judges, Ben D'Souza, Siddharth Peters, Nuno Cardoso Dias, and Al Johara Beydoun, set out to find the

stands that left a lasting impression.

As they walked around, it became evident that there was a local cultural undercurrent at this year’s show, with BSH Walls and Flooring, for instance, partnering with Kristina Zanic Consultants’ Riyadh team to develop carpets inspired by varied Saudi Arabian regions.

There were so many beautifully designed stands, and the judges had an almost impossible job of picking the winners, but in the end, they decided on the following quartet of aesthetically pleasing and memorable designs:

Four well-regarded judges were given the task of choosing the four stands that were ‘On Trend’ in four distinctive areas Best Use of Color: It’s Water Every year, the global hospitality business generates about 300,000 metric tonnes of garbage. With travel at an all-time high following the worldwide epidemic, hotels and restaurants are busier than ever. It’s Water is a Saudi-born brand that provides locally sourced water in boxed packaging in order to influence the consumption of packaged water.

It’s Water created a largely blue stand that could be seen from some distance away at INDEX Saudi Arabia 2023. Despite the heavy use of color, the design was elegant and expertly blended with their messaging.

“We wanted to show our identity while also depicting hotels and how the product would look in guest rooms,” explained Fahick Faisal, It’s Water’s Sales Manager.

“The blue is our signature color that represents our eco-friendly outlook.”

Other features, such as a screen and popping typography, contributed to the stand’s striking presence, and, even though the stand color matched the product packaging, the product still grabbed attention due to clever placement inside the booth.

Best Use of Lighting: Match Architect The Match Architect stand was an unmistakable architectural inspiration.

The design utilized simple lines, a modest material palette, and the studio's signature quality of earthiness. The team’s private and commercial projects in Saudi Arabia share the same demure characteristics.

The stand’s expression of calm materiality was flawless. Simultaneously, the design gave a modern interpretation of the Saudi Arabian design aesthetic. The booth was entirely inspired by sand and its rapid movement. Perfectly placed lighting and projected shadows created an engrossing experience. The design had a sense of fluid movement, which made it unforgettable.

Interiors brought to you by

Best Stand Under 40m2: Algo Design Algo Design had a refreshing approach to stand design, with many visitors standing back in order to take in the full effect. The reason for this was that this stand was so detailed that you had to zoom out to really appreciate the design and work that had gone into it.

A Saudi-based furniture business known for its dazzling pieces that showcase skilled wood craftsmanship, the company created a curvaceous white wall reminiscent of parametric aesthetics that ran through the space, dividing it into two unequal halves. On

either side, the products were highlighted against the backdrop. The flooring bore a faint pattern that subtly marked the displayed items with readable signage.

Mohammed Zayed, Design Director at Algo Design, explained: “Since Algo is based on the idea of dynamism, we needed a dynamic design that considers space constraints and provides ease of movement. We wanted the design to respond to our requirements of dividing the space into two and using the space closest to the main corridor of the exhibition to show Algo’s iconic products.”

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Algo Design had a refreshing approach to stand design, with many visitors standing back in order to take in the full effect

Because of its clear storyline and goal, the Guest Supply stand stood out

Best Stand Over 40m2: Guest Supply The convenience of coming into a hotel room and using brand-new toiletries that have been neatly wrapped is a pleasurable experience that one never grows tired of. However, all of this comes at a cost to the environment. Guest Supply, an American firm, is constantly striving to give greener products to its customers.

Its goal is to produce and enhance the most sustainable products. No stone is left unturned, from packaging material reduction to product recycling.

Because of its clear storyline and goal, the Guest Supply booth stood out, with the design concept aligning with the brand’s spirit. The design expressed its intention through signs, typography, and the materials that were chosen.

Visitors did not leave the stand without being intrigued by the products, which magically appeared to be floating.

“The inspiration behind the stand design was Vision 2030,” said Sonja Allen, Regional Sales & Marketing Manager MENA, Guest Supply. “By utilising sustainable materials for our stand, we wanted to showcase our continued growth and development for a more sustainable future. As the world’s largest hospitality supplier, we have a responsibility to pave the way and want to demonstrate ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle. For example, our current amenity programs use dispensers to reduce plastic use and also utilize post-consumer plastics (no new plastic is made by using products made of PCR) for production. In addition, to reduce our carbon footprint, we leverage clean formulations that can be used in grey water systems and, hence, reduce plastic content in packaging overall.”

The Heartbeat of Interior Innovation A first for Love That Design and a first for INDEX Saudi Arabia 2023, these awards gave exhibitors direct recognition.

Aside from a gleaming plaque and a prominent floor sticker, the winners reveled in the affirmation of the media partners and organizers. We look forward to seeing more tough competition and inspiring designs next time!

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CONSTRUCTION COSTS BENCHMARKING

CONSTRUCTION COSTS BENCHMARKING KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA Q1 2023 MARKET HIGHLIGHTS RIYADH, THE CAPITAL OF SAUDI ARABIA, IS WITNESSING RAPID DEVELOPMENT TO BECOME A CONTENDER AMONGST THE WORLD’S MAJOR CITIES IN ALL SECTORS NAMELY ENTERTAINMENT, LEISURE, HOSPITALITY, RETAIL, THEME PARKS, RESIDENTIAL, AND INFRASTRUCTURE, DEMONSTRATING THAT THE KINGDOM’S CAPITAL IS ON A GROWTH TRAJECTORY.

8.7% growth in 2022 5.4% growth in Q4-2022 Real GDP of nonoil activities grew 5.4% 2022 5,200+ construction projects ongoing in Saudi Arabia Project value of USD 819 billion 35% of the total GCC project value

CONSTRUCTION COSTS BENCHMARKING

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Saudi market witnessed a fast

According to industry sources,

Saudi Arabia approves airports

Major growth in new destination

economy growth by 8.7% in

more than 5,200 construction

and major infrastructure projects

developments, as evident in

2022 and 5.4% in Q4-2022. Real

projects are currently ongoing in

cooperating with international

heritage hospitality resorts in

GDP of non-oil activities during

Saudi Arabia at a value of $819

and local investors under the

different parts of Saudi Arabia,

the year 2022 grew by 5.4%

billion. These projects account for

PPP route. This step will boost

such as lodges, camps, heritage,

compared to the previous year

approximately 35% of the total

the construction market and

eco-tourism and farming resorts.

2021 as reported by General

value of active projects across the

also enhance the connectivity of

Authority for Statistics (GASTAT).

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Saudi Arabia to the entire world.

RESIDENTIAL The building costs for respective asset types including building construction works, and fixed fit-out works.

Building Construction

Low SAR/m2

High SAR/m2

Villa Standard

3,400

4,200

Villa Mid-market

3,500

5,400

Villa Upper Mid-market

4,500

7,600

Apartment Standard

4,500

5,500

Apartment Mid-market

5,500

6,500

Apartment Premium

6,500

8,500

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CONSTRUCTION COSTS BENCHMARKING

HOSPITALITY

RETAIL

The building costs for respective asset types including building

The building costs for respective asset types including building shell

construction works, fixed fit-out works, kitchen and laundry

and core construction works, front-of-house and back-of-house fit-

equipment.

out excluding the retail tenant area.

Building Construction

Low SAR/m2

High SAR/m2

Building Construction

Low SAR/m2

High SAR/m2

3 Star Hotel

6,500

9,500

District Mall

4,500

6,000

4 Star Hotel

8,500

11,500

Regional Mall

5,500

7,000

5 Star Hotel

11,500

15,800

CAR PARK

OFFICES

The building costs for respective asset types including building shell

The fit-out works costs for respective asset types including

and core construction works, front-of-house and back-of-house fit-

architectural and MEP fit-out works, specialist AV/IT/Security

out excluding the retail tenant area.

installations, and fixed FFandE.

Building Construction

Low SAR/m2

High SAR/m2

Fit-out Construction

Low SAR/m2

High SAR/m2

Basement / Underground

2,900

3,850

Office Standard

3,000

4,000

On Grade

500

1,200

Office Mid-market

4,000

6,800

Above Ground

1,800

3,200

Office High-end

6,800

9,000

CINEMA

FOOD AND BEVERAGE

The fit-out works costs for respective asset types including

The fit-out works costs for respective asset types including

warm shell, architectural and MEP fit-out works, specialist AV/IT

architectural, FFandE and MEP fit-out works, and shop-front. Rate

installations, projectors, screens, seats, carpet, and lighting.

excludes variable cost items like lighting, kitchen equipment, AV/IT/ security, and artwork.

Fit-out Construction

Low SAR/m2

High SAR/m2

Fit-out Construction

Low SAR/m2

High SAR/m2

Cinema Standard

7,500

8,500

Restaurant Standard

4,000

5,500

Cinema Boutique

8,500

9,500

Restaurant Mid-market

5,500

10,000

Cinema VIP

9,500

11,000

Restaurant High-end

10,000

17,500

CONSTRUCTION COSTS BENCHMARKING

ABOUT COMPASS

BENCHMARKING NOTES

Drawing on our extensive delivery

The m2 area is based on GIA measurement

experience, knowledge and sophisticated

as defined by the RICS code of

project development industry-wide tools,

measuring practise 6th edition.

we facilitate the most proficient path towards project success, overcoming

SAR/m2 rates are current as of Q1 2023.

constraints and obstacles to deliver projects effectively and efficiently for our clients.

Rates include contractor’s overhead and profit, and general requirements.

Specializing in start-to-finish project development solutions, our collective

Rates assume a traditional build

attention to detail, and our passion for

only procurement route, considering

getting everything right, helps define and

Tier 1 main contractor.

solidify your goals, whilst establishing and managing realistic schedules and budgets.

The rates in this document are indicative and subject to each project’s

We lead construction projects from

requirements and specifications.

concept right through to completion with services including:

Rates exclude: Contingency, inflation beyond Q1 2023, professional fees, statutory

 Development Management

fees, legal fees, sales and marketing fees,

 Program Management

pre-opening costs, land costs, finance costs,

 Project Management

client direct costs, loose FFandE (except

 Procurement Management

for FandB fitout), OSandE and VAT.

 Commercial Management  Construction Management

COMPASS POWERED BY DAR AL ARKAN VISIT WEBSITE EMAIL US

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A TALK ON THE WILD SIDE WITH AMAL AL SOMALI

A Talk on THE WILD SIDE WILD FOUNDER AND CEO EMMA BURDETT TALKS TO AMAL AL SOMALI

INFLUENTIAL AND INSPIRING FEMALE LEADERS PAVING THE WAY FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE IN THIS SECOND INTERVIEW IN THE SERIES ‘A TALK ON THE WILD SIDE’, EMMA BURDETT TALKS TO AMAL AL SOMALI ABOUT EMPOWERING WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP

BY FOSTERING INCLUSIVITY, MENTORSHIP, AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES, AND IN DOING SO, ENCOURAGING DIVERSE PERSPECTIVES AND RESILIENCE TO DRIVE POSITIVE CHANGE IN ORGANIZATIONS AND SOCIETY AT LARGE.

A TALK ON THE WILD SIDE WITH AMAL AL SOMALI

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A TALK ON THE WILD SIDE WITH AMAL AL SOMALI

EMMA BURDETT Founder and CEO of WILD - Women in Leadership Deliver, keynote speaker, leadership coach and gender equality specialist.

WILD is the first and only women's network to launch in KSA and offers a suite of solutions for females to rise as leaders in the pursuit of gender equality. This includes leadership training programs, leadership coaching and memberships as well as impactful events across the region.

“I feel privileged to be immersed in the female leadership landscape in KSA. I am impressed by the level of intelligence, ambition and talent of the women I have had the pleasure of engaging with. This is the beginning for WILD KSA. I am proud to be at the helm, providing a platform for women’s voices, whilst offering

EMMA: You come from a corporate background, so

blessed with mentors and inspirational leaders who

unique and valuable learning experiences.

tell us about your industry journey.

helped guide me through this journey too. I focus

Our recent MoU with the United Nations

AMAL: Yes, that’s right. I’ve been working in

on being a mentor and inspirational leader to those

Global Compact, KSA, will not only provide

the corporate sector since I started my career

who follow through, setting up the right ecosystem to

world class leadership solutions for women

post-graduation. I’ve worked in different

see them thrive and grow - that’s my real motivator.

in the region, we will be utilizing Saudi talent

industries and sectors, including oil and gas,

in alignment with the vision requirements

manufacturing, and capital projects.

EMMA: What has been your biggest career achievement to date?

and to be relevant to local needs.”

EMMA: What inspired your drive to pursue a career in

AMAL: That’s a tough one, every period has its

a male-dominated industry?

own set of career achievements. My biggest

to bring you a series of interviews: A

AMAL: I was always driven by my curiosity to

achievement is being ‘me’; I’ve had the most

Talk on the WILD Side, with inspiring

learn and explore. It wasn’t easy to be the only

unusual career path. Being an engineer, I opted

women from across the KSA region.

female at the table. I was very uncomfortable at

for an unusual start to work in procurement and

the start of my career, especially coming from

loved it. I moved on to supply chain and operations,

an all-female university. However, I realized that

which led me to realize my passion for systems

my interest in learning, exploring, and delivering

and processes, moving me on to procurement

was more important than focusing on gender.

operations excellence. The cherry on top is the

Saudi Projects and WILD have partnered

WILD: WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP DELIVER VISIT WEBSITE

usage of all those skills and experiences to lead an My hard work paid off and the excitement I get once I’ve accomplished a milestone is priceless. I was

information systems department now as a CIO.

A TALK ON THE WILD SIDE WITH AMAL AL SOMALI

99

"The WILD network is much needed in the region, particularly in Saudi contributing to the Vision 2030 targets. Female talent needs female guidance, especially from those who have gone through similar experiences at an earlier time."

EMMA: What challenges do women still face in the

I’m proud to have a diverse team working as part

workplace?

of my IS organization at ABB. They have different

AMAL: Unconscious bias is real and having to face

backgrounds, ethnicities, age groups, and gender.

it in the workplace comes naturally from being a

The discussions we have, including debates on

minority and in general having a different approach

topics related to IS transformation at ABB, are of

in the corporate workplace. Women and men

a high level, and of course, the youngest member

have very different strengths and therefore can

of my team is a female, Taif Al Otaibi, who joined

leverage them in the workplace through different

ABB as a fresh graduate in 2022 and proved

ways of communication and representation.

herself as a valuable addition to the team. She is now our SAP Functional Consultant (HR) and it's

EMMA: How do you suggest companies in KSA attract

a proud moment for me to see a young female

and retain the best female talent?

excelling in an area that is predominantly male.

AMAL: I don’t believe female talent requires any retention models. Attracting talent is not

EMMA: Do you see differences between generations?

easy in the current market which has a very

Are older generations, for instance, more resistant to

high demand for good talent. In particular, the

change?

younger generation is looking for organizational

AMAL: I don’t think it’s strictly an age factor, it’s

purpose and value to have a sense of belonging.

more of personal experiences and expectations.

The older generations were used to a very different

Good talent, regardless of gender, requires career

working environment but have also witnessed all

growth attention, having the right challenges

the changes. The majority want to know more and

presented in a timely manner to keep them

may show slight resistance in the beginning, but as

EMMA: What changes have you seen for women in

engaged and excited while providing coaching,

soon as they see the benefits and positives of having

KSA over the last four to five years?

mentoring, and training to sharpen their skill sets and

smarter, efficient ways of working they are on board

AMAL: Women have taken up more political roles in

experiences as they grow with their organizations.

and the loudest advocators of this change. Also, a lot

government in Saudi. This includes being ministers

of these changes have been delivered by the ‘older’

and ambassadors. It’s also a proud moment when

EMMA: Have you seen any benefits of cross-

generation who were focused on making an impact

I see a Saudi woman in a leadership role as a CEO

functional teams working together, such as men and

and challenging the status quo (growth mindset).

or managing director in the private sector.

women from different races and ethnicities? If so, do you have an example?

EMMA: KSA has a high percentage of youth with

EMMA: What notable changes have you seen in the

AMAL: Of course, I’ve always worked (and studied)

65% of the population being under 35, do you see a

workplace for women?

in diverse groups. There is a different perspective

different mentality with this generation?

AMAL: Let’s start with having women in

that is brought to the table by every individual

AMAL: The younger generations have had the great

leadership roles across the country, women

based on their background, experiences, and

privilege of spending their childhood, teenage,

becoming more visible across all sectors and

exposures. All differences are important so that

and early adulthood with the best of technology,

industries. It's impressive to see that although

the best possible outcome is considered through

which is also moving at a very quick pace. They’re

still a minority of women have the competence

ideation, particularly gender since there are different

living in the era of globalization where they

and expertise to hold leadership roles, they

strengths that are possessed by men and women.

have exposure to everything without having to

come from diverse backgrounds with global

However, as I always say, it’s not about being

travel. They look for purpose and value while

education and experiences. I am proud to be able

diverse as much as it’s about being inclusive of all

enjoying their time. They’re able to adapt faster

to have role models for future generations.

these diversities that really make a difference.

due to their exposures, which makes them quite resilient and always questioning the “why”?

100 A TALK ON THE WILD SIDE WITH AMAL AL SOMALI

"While the WILD network is for women in the workplace, a well-guided woman who has the right awareness has an impact on her children, family, society, and community, which shows how much of an impact a female empowerment network has on the nation."

I’m proud to be a WILD ambassador and I’m extremely impressed with the women we have working in all industries and sectors. The level of engagement from the members and their passion for change is breathtaking.

EMMA: What single piece of advice would you give to all WILD Women?

AMAL: You’re unique as you are, don’t try to be someone else. Take your dreams to the next level, go to the impossible. There are no limits to what you can achieve, and the WILD network is right there by your side.

EMMA: Tell me more about MISK and your involvement.

EMMA: What is your personal intention and

AMAL: The same advice I was once given, - dream

AMAL: The 2030 Leaders Program is a flagship

motivation?

big and you are your biggest cheerleader. Don’t

Mohammed bin-Salman Foundation (MISK)

AMAL: As a leader, I want to be a role model

wait for others to show you the way, test out

program for senior leaders. It’s a unique program

and be a tool for change, touching people and

what you think you want and make your own

that aims to sharpen leadership skills to allow

organizations’ growth. As a human, I want to support

judgments. Work on yourself, learn, ask, and

participants to become key contributors in

young females to grow and use my strengths to

explore. Experiences are learnings, some more

achieving the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and beyond.

make the workplace a beacon for growth for all.

interesting than others. Failure is an experience to

It’s an elite community that aims to grow with

learn from so don’t let it go by without a takeaway.

every cohort and develop the next 1,000 leaders

EMMA: What has been the biggest challenge for you

ready to serve the nation and its ambitions.

and how have you overcome this?

EMMA: How important do you feel the WILD network

AMAL: One of the biggest challenges I face usually is

is for women in the region and why?

I had the honor to have been selected

being considered a lot younger than I am, which in

AMAL: The WILD network is much needed in the

as part of the fourth cohort, being part

turn affects how seriously people take me - especially

region, particularly in Saudi contributing to the

of the 45 senior Saudi leaders across the

those who don’t know me - by focusing on trying to

Vision 2030 targets. Female talent needs female

Kingdom in different fields and sectors.

figure out my age and how I made it to my position.

guidance, especially from those who have gone through similar experiences at an earlier time.

While we go through the unique program, we

This used to be the biggest challenge that I felt was

Being able to support one another and gain insights

are also proud to address the transformation

holding me back, but I’ve embraced it and now use

from the subject matter experts is a necessity.

of the healthcare sector as a capstone

it as a strength. It’s a blessing to look younger than I

project (key deliverable of the program)

am and when I see it in people’s eyes, I ask them so

While the WILD network is for women in the

that we can get over it by addressing their curiosity

workplace, a well-guided woman who has

and, as soon as the agenda starts, they have by then

the right awareness has an impact on her

Upon completion of the program by the end

listened to what I had to say and can contribute.

children, family, society, and community,

of 2023, I look forward to contributing to the

which shows how much of an impact a female

Saudi Leadership Society and helping fulfill

empowerment network has on the nation.

my intentions of being a tool for change

EMMA: What advice would you give to a younger Saudi female starting out on their career?

across the healthcare workforce.

and growth for my nation and country.

A TALK ON THE WILD SIDE WITH AMAL AL SOMALI 101

Conversations that Matter: Reach Out and Connect A Talk on the WILD Side has been created in partnership with Saudi Projects to help amplify women’s voices, providing meaningful insight and candid conversation with diverse women from across the Kingdom. It provides a platform for women to have a voice, deep diving into all things pertaining to leadership, presenting untamed ideas and inspiration, and paving the way for a sustainable future for women across the region.

DO YOU LIVE AND WORK IN KSA? WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE INTERVIEWED BY EMMA BURDETT FROM WILD FOR A TALK ON THE WILD SIDE? REACH OUT AND TALK TO US NOW AT:

SaudiProjects@tpg.media LET’S GET THE CONVERSATION STARTED! Would you like to know more about how WILD can support your female talent?

Get in touch www.wildwomenlead.com

102 RED SEA GLOBAL - SHEBARA

RED SEA GLOBAL REVEALS OWN LUXURY HOTEL BRAND:

SHEBARA

RED SEA GLOBAL (RSG) HAS ANNOUNCED IT WILL OPERATE ITS OWN LUXURY HOTEL BRAND AT THE RED SEA DESTINATION, NAMED SHEBARA. REVEALED AT THE WORLD TRAVEL MARKET IN LONDON, SHEBARA WILL OPEN IN THE SUMMER OF 2024 AND IS THE FIRST RESORT TO BE OWNED AND OPERATED BY RSG AT THE RED SEA DESTINATION. LOCATED ON SHEYBARAH ISLAND IN THE THRIVING AL WAJH LAGOON, THE RESORT IS HOME TO ICONIC STAINLESS STEEL ORBS AND IS NOW ACTIVELY RECRUITING A WORLD-CLASS OPERATIONAL TEAM AHEAD OF OPENING.

RED SEA GLOBAL - SHEBARA 103

104 RED SEA GLOBAL - SHEBARA

Shebara is the company’s second hotel brand announced in the last month

"It has long been our mission to extend our pioneering approach to regenerative tourism across a wider portfolio of brands and subsidiary companies, to create an ecosystem that will drive meaningful change in the global tourism industry. Shebara is a beacon for all that RSG stands for, showcasing the very best in Saudi hospitality while setting new standards in responsible development and sustainable operations,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of RSG. Shebara joins an impressive roster of internationally renowned hospitality brands operating at The Red Sea destination, including St. Regis and Ritz Carlton Reserve, as well as Six Senses, which is now receiving guests as of this month'.

The Shebara reveal follows an announcement last month that RSG is also developing Thuwal Private Retreat, an exclusive, island destination that will also be wholly owned and operated by RSG.

The southern approach reveals the first stainless steel villas on the horizon

RED SEA GLOBAL - SHEBARA 105

Shebara is located on Sheybarah Island, which features a spectacular 30 to 40-meter reef drop-off close to the beach providing the ultimate spot for exploring ocean life.

The resort contains 73 keys, including

The overwater orbs are cantilevered over the water

overwater and beach villas and guests arrive either by a 45-minute boat ride from the mainland or 20 minutes by seaplane.

The southern approach reveals the first stainless steel villas on the horizon, representing a string of pearls, with a stunning reception building at the center, forming the ‘pendant’. This incredible arrival point was carefully positioned within a natural break in the coral reef, providing a dramatic seascape whether arriving by sea or seaplane, while demonstrative a broader commitment to sustainability.

"It demonstrates how innovative architecture

Tourism's share of GDP has already shot

can gracefully flow into nature, with pods

from a modest 3% in 2019 to an impressive

There is both a family pool and an adult-

that reflect and refract light from the sun,

7% since the launch of Vision 2030. The

only pool, which includes ‘lily pad’ seating

the sky, and the sea to naturally blend with

original target of hosting 100 million visitors

terraces with panoramic views of the

the environment. From the eco-materials

a year by 2030 has been increased to 150

breathtaking sunset. Guests can choose

chosen to the lunar positioning of the villas,

million because of the remarkable progress

from two specialty restaurants, and the

our priority has been to honor the natural

already made by developers such as RSG.

resort also includes a spa and fitness center

beauty that exists here, while creating a

nestled among the island’s sand dunes.

resort that embodies modern luxury.”

Last month The Red Sea welcomed its first guests. Two of its hotels are open for bookings

Additionally, the furthermost island is

Development of Shebara is happening at pace,

and the Red Sea International Airport has

available to book exclusively, with a

with all 38 stainless steel overwater villas now

been receiving a regular schedule of flights

dedicated jetty for private yacht mooring.

in place. While the first overwater villa took

since September. Upon full completion in

The island includes a four-bedroom villa,

nine hours to install, the developer perfected

2030, the destination will comprise 50 resorts,

plus three one-bedroom villas, as well as

this process so that the last villa was in place

offering up to 8,000 hotel rooms and more

a private beach and barbeque area.

in under two hours. So far 25 of the beach

than 1,000 residential properties across 22

villas have been installed, and substantial

islands and six inland sites. The destination

Developed by Killa Design, the entire design

progress has been made on the other front and

will also include luxury marinas, golf courses,

of the resort centers around reflections of

back of house structures and infrastructure.

entertainment, FandB, and leisure facilities.

nature. Each space has been designed to flow with its environment, with the stainless

As with the whole of The Red Sea, Shebara

steel villas reflecting the colors and surface

will be powered by sunlight, day and night

patterns of the ocean and the intense colors

with its own dedicated solar farm, which

of the sky as they change throughout the

includes more than 11,000 PV panels. In

day. The overwater orbs are cantilevered

total, RSG has constructed five solar farms

over the water, which creates the effect of a

to power the first phase of the destination,

string of pearls levitating above the water.

with more than 760,000 PV panels installed.

Shaun Killa, Design Director and Founder of

The launch of Saudi Arabia’s latest hotel

Killa Design, said: “Shebara is a wonderful

brand comes at a time when tourism in the

example of what is possible when creating

Kingdom is experiencing remarkable growth.

beautiful yet meaningful design.

106 RED SEA GLOBAL - RED SEA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

READY FOR TAKE-OFF: RED SEA GLOBAL CELEBRATES FIRST FLIGHT TO NEW AIRPORT RED SEA GLOBAL (RSG) IS CELEBRATING THE FIRST FLIGHT TO ITS RED SEA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (RSI), WHICH TOUCHED DOWN ON THE NEW RUNWAY ON 21 SEPTEMBER.

RED SEA GLOBAL - RED SEA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT 107

D

eparting from King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh

each Thursday and Saturday, The SAUDIA flight, which takes under two hours, marks the start of a new twice-weekly service. The flights return to Riyadh later the same day.

“We promised to make The Red Sea a place where people from all around the world would come to experience the best of Saudi culture, hospitality, and nature. Now, with

A new twiceweekly service from Riyadh to Red Sea International Airport (RSI) has commenced

The brand echoes the qualities of the five-star hospitality guests will enjoy across the destination,” Pagano added.

The brand icon is a representation of the RSI’s unique architecture. The iconic shape is inspired by the bird’s eye view of the airport’s exterior. It has been created to express the creativity, novelty, and sophistication of the brand in a way that is contemporary and distinct.

the first flight touching down at Red Sea International Airport, and our first resorts receiving bookings, Saudi Arabia’s position on the global tourism map is all but secured,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global.

The flights depart RUH each Thursday at 10.50 am, before departing again to the Kingdom’s capital from RSI at 13:35 pm. A second service departs RUH every Saturday at 12.50 pm, with the return flight for RUH departing at 15:35 p.m.

Positioned within an eight-hour flight from 85% of the world’s population, RSI will grow to welcome international flights from next year as additional phase one resorts open their doors.

Red Sea International Airport is operated by daa International, which has supported Red Sea Global with design validation and commissioning of RSI since 2020. With the arrival of RSI’s first commercial flight, daa International’s operational responsibility commences.

RSI BRAND REVEALED

The announcement coincides with the reveal of the RSI brand

On the same day as it welcomed its first flight, RSG also revealed the new brand for RSI. Visitors can expect to see the brand expressed across multiple touchpoints, from the airport terminal and staff uniforms to the electric mobility vehicles that will transport passengers from air to land side.

“RSI is the gateway to The Red Sea destination.

RED SEA GLOBAL

It is the first impression visitors have, and their parting memory when they leave.

VISIT WEBSITE

108 RED SEA GLOBAL - EDF AND MASDAR CONTRACT

RED SEA GLOBAL ANNOUNCES AMAALA MULTI-UTILITIES CONCESSION AGREEMENT RED SEA GLOBAL (RSG), HAS ENTERED INTO A 25-YEAR CONCESSION AGREEMENT WITH THE FRENCH MULTINATIONAL ELECTRIC UTILITY COMPANY EDF (ÉLECTRICITÉ DE FRANCE) AND LEADING CLEAN ENERGY COMPANY MASDAR ON A MULTI-UTILITIES INFRASTRUCTURE FACILITY TO SERVICE THE AMAALA DESTINATION.

RED SEA GLOBAL - EDF AND MASDAR CONTRACT 109

L

ike its sister destination, The Red

Masdar will drive us towards achieving a

includes a 700 MWh battery storage facility,

Sea, Amaala will be powered entirely

zero-carbon footprint once fully operational.

which ensures Amaala will be powered

by solar energy, saving the equivalent of

The project follows the template for

by renewables, day and night. There will

nearly half a million tons of CO2 emissions

success provided by The Red Sea, where we

also be a water desalination plant that

every year. The new facility consists of an

recently completed the build of five solar

uses reverse osmosis technology and has a

optimized off-grid renewable energy system,

farms, procuring a destination-wide utility

capacity of 37 million liters of water per day.

which generates energy from photovoltaic

system that enables us to operate with no

technology, and a battery energy storage

connection to the national grid,” said John

The contract was procured in the

solution that enables 24/7 power, plus a

Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global.

model of an independent public-private

desalination plant and wastewater treatment plant, both powered by renewables.

partnership (PPP), covering the design, Amaala’s renewable supply system has

construction, and operation of the systems

the capacity to generate up to 410,000

providing utilities, accompanied by the

“Sustainability is a cornerstone of Amaala,

MWh per annum – enough to power 10,000

associated networks and infrastructure.

and our new partnership with EDF and

households for an entire year. The system

110 RED SEA GLOBAL - EDF AND MASDAR CONTRACT

New eco infrastructure facility will save nearly half a million tons of CO2 emissions every year Béatrice Buffon, Group Executive Vice-

a large-scale off-grid system delivering

battery storage and desalination. It is a

President in charge of EDF’s International

carbon-free electricity and water 24/7. This

remarkable, unique project that will help

Division, said: “With more than 90% of its

project will set new standards of execution

drive sustainable economic development to

electricity production decarbonized, the EDF

and operation for EDF and the Kingdom.”

the beautiful tourism destination of Amaala.

to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. Our

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a key strategic

objective is to continue to be a key player

Officer of Masdar, said: “For this fully

market for Masdar and as a leading renewable

in the development of innovative, fully

integrated utility project in partnership

energy company and longstanding partner,

resilient, and net-zero electrical systems.

with Red Sea Global and EDF, we have

we are committed to playing an important

Together with Masdar, we are thrilled to take

brought together a suite of innovative

role in supporting the country’s Vision 2030

part in Red Sea Global’s Amaala project,

solutions and technologies, including solar,

strategy as it aims to meet its ambitious

group is pursuing its ambition to contribute

RED SEA GLOBAL - EDF AND MASDAR CONTRACT 111

While this deal helps Amaala reach its

It also includes a vibrant community for

net-zero ambitions, the destination will go

the more than 15,000 people who will live

beyond sustainability to have a regenerative

and work at Amaala when fully complete.

impact on the environment, with the aim of delivering a 30% net conservation benefit to local ecosystems by 2040. This will be achieved by enhancing biologically diverse habitats including mangroves, seagrass, corals, and land vegetation that help biodiversity to flourish while contributing targets of delivering 50% of its energy needs

to carbon sequestration efforts too.

from renewables by the end of the decade.”

Phase One of Amaala is focused on the The utilities concession agreement

Triple Bay masterplan and will be ready to

between RSG, EDF, and Masdar has

welcome the first guests in early 2025. Once

an initial 25-year term with the option

complete, the destination will be home

to extend and involves the financing,

to more than 3,900 hotel rooms across 29

engineering, development, construction,

hotels and 1,200 high-end resident villas,

operation, maintenance, and transfer of

apartments, and estate homes, alongside

a multi-utilities infrastructure facility.

high-end retail establishments, fine dining, wellness, and recreational facilities.

The utilities concession agreement between RSG, EDF, and Masdar has an initial 25-year term RED SEA GLOBAL VISIT WEBSITE

112 Red Sea Global - New hospitality subsidiary Red Sea Security

RED SEA GLOBAL ANNOUNCES NEW HOSPITALITY SUBSIDIARY, RED SEA SECURITY RED SEA GLOBAL RED SEA GLOBAL (RSG), THE MULTI-PROJECT DEVELOPER BEHIND THE WORLD’S MOST AMBITIOUS REGENERATIVE TOURISM DESTINATIONS, THE RED SEA AND AMAALA, HAS ANNOUNCED THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A NEW SUBSIDIARY COMPANY, RED SEA SECURITY (RSS).

Red Sea Global - New hospitality subsidiary Red Sea Security 113

 AHMAD DARWISH, CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER AT RED SEA GLOBAL

More than 100 young Saudis who recently graduated from RSG’s Hospitality Security program will benefit from new roles created in the company

deliver a wealth of exciting and diverse

they can become future leaders in Saudi

opportunities, which many ambitious

Arabia’s growing hospitality industry.”

young Saudis are already seizing,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global.

Through the Hospitality Security program, the new employees completed 150 hours

RSS is creating job opportunities and

of intensive training in land, maritime, and

enabling generations of young Saudis to

aviation security, tourism, hospitality, English

develop their talents and skillsets in the

as a second language, technology, and soft

field of hospitality security. A new cohort of

skills. This education is tailored to uphold

106 security personnel recently graduated

RSG’s commitment to excellence and provide

through the RSG training program,

the highest standards in international security.

aligned with the opening of the first three resorts at The Red Sea destination.

Many of the Hospitality Security program trainees and graduates come from the

R

Ahmad Darwish, Chief Administrative Officer

surrounding communities, contributing to

at Red Sea Global, added: “I am incredibly

creating a sense of familiarity and cultural

proud to see the talent and great potential of

understanding, and awareness among

Saudi Arabia’s young people. The continued

the security team. This has also ensured

rollout of these programs is part of our

that those living in close proximity to the

approach to train and employ Saudis across

destination are among the first to benefit

RSG, our subsidiaries, and operators, so

from tourism development in the region.

SS will provide a behind-the-scenes, reassuring, and unobtrusive security

presence at Red Sea Global’s destinations to ensure guests’ comfort and privacy.

The guest-oriented security approach relies on intensive hospitality-oriented security training, technology, and artificial intelligence to minimize physical presence, while maintaining efficiency in operations.

“Last year, Red Sea Global announced that

RED SEA GLOBAL

it would establish a series of subsidiary businesses to drive an uplift in Saudi tourism and associated industries. RSS is the latest expression of that promise, helping to

VISIT WEBSITE

114 RED SEA GLOBAL - AIRPORT EXPANSION

RED SEA GLOBAL REVEALS FIRST PROJECT IN EXPANDED PORTFOLIO RED SEA GLOBAL (RSG) HAS REVEALED THE FIRST PROJECT IN ITS EXPANDED PORTFOLIO, WITH THE DEVELOPER ENTRUSTED WITH REFURBISHMENT WORKS AT AL WAJH AIRPORT (EJH).

RED SEA GLOBAL - AIRPORT EXPANSION 115

leading to greater connectivity and job opportunities for local people.

EJH will also be able to better service key developments taking place in the area, including becoming a gateway for the Amaala destination, also developed by

The development joins a growing list of aviation projects under the Group

RSG. The airport will also become a new

RSI will also start handling flights to and from

base of operations for Fly Red Sea, the

King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in

Kingdom’s first seaplane company.

Jeddah for the first time. The new Jeddah service will run every Thursday, landing at RSI

“Last year, Red Sea Global announced a

at 14.20 pm before returning to JED at 15.00

growing portfolio of projects stretching

pm. A Sunday service will arrive at RSI at 07.40

along the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia.

am, before departing back to JED at 08.20 am.

Today I can reveal the first of those projects is to refurbish Al Wajh Airport, making it a

For passengers already booked on flights

modern airport for the people of Tabuk.

to Al Wajh from 29 October, they will be

It’s an honor to be the developer of choice

automatically diverted to RSI. To ensure a

for this important work, ensuring Al Wajh is

seamless transition, RSG is providing free-of-

ready and equipped to support the needs

charge shuttle services between RSI and Al

of the growing local community,” said John

Wajh Airport, and between RSI and Umluj.

Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global.

As well as its airport, the first two hotels are

RSG is entrusted with refurbishing and modernizing Al Wajh Airport

now taking bookings. Upon full completion in 2030, the destination will comprise 50 resorts, offering up to 8,000 hotel rooms and more than 1,000 residential properties across 22 islands and six inland sites. The destination will also include luxury marinas, golf courses, entertainment, FandB, and leisure facilities.

The development joins a growing list of aviation projects under the Group. Last month, the developer’s Red Sea International Airport (RSI) welcomed its first domestic flight with a regular schedule now in place. RSG is also developing a second, private airport close to The Red Sea and Amaala destinations.

As part of the modernizing work taking place at EJH, four flights operated by SAUDIA

T

will be transferred from EJH to RSI. From he development is focused on

29 October, flights will arrive at RSI from

modernizing the airport to bring

RUH each Thursday at 15.10 pm, before

it in line with international standards. As

departing again to the Kingdom’s capital

well as upgrading the existing terminal

from RSI at 16.05 pm. An existing Saturday

and infrastructure, RSG is building a new

service will arrive at RSI at the new time of

international terminal, the designs of

14.45 pm, before leaving at 15.35 pm. A third

which will be revealed soon. This will

Riyadh flight will arrive on Sundays at 08.30

see EJH ready to offer more direct flights

am, before departing RSI at 09.25 am.

RED SEA GLOBAL VISIT WEBSITE

116 Red Sea Global - RECORD BREAKING LEED SCORE

RED SEA GLOBAL ACHIEVES RECORDBREAKING LEED SCORE FOR THE RED SEA DESTINATION RSG SETS NEW ENVIRONMENTAL BENCHMARK WITH HIGHEST EVER SCORE FOR PLATINUM LEED FOR CITIES AND COMMUNITIES CERTIFICATION FOR PROJECTS IN PLAN AND DESIGN PHASE.

Red Sea Global - RECORD BREAKING LEED SCORE 117

R

ed Sea Global (RSG), the multi-

“When USGBC brought this scheme

project developer behind the

to us, we recognized its potential as a

world’s most ambitious regenerative tourism

perfect fit for our aspirations at RSG.

destinations, The Red Sea and Amaala, has achieved the highest score recorded to date in the prestigious Platinum LEED v4.1

 RAED ALBASSEET, GROUP CHIEF ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY OFFICER

Cities: Plan and Design accreditation from

"It allows cities to plan, design, develop, measure and improve performance, focusing on outcomes from ongoing sustainability

the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC),

named it the ‘Outstanding Developer’ of

efforts. We’re infinitely proud that our

which serves as a testament to RSG's

the year at the LEED Homes Awards 2023.

vision for a sustainable tourism destination

steadfast dedication to sustainability and

became the foundation for the accreditation,

marks a major milestone in the development

Peter Templeton, president and CEO of the US

and that we have been able to achieve

of regenerative tourism destinations.

Green Building Council said:"We are incredibly

the highest score ever accomplished.”

proud to award the prestigious Platinum With an outstanding score of 96 out of 110

LEED v4.1 Cities and Communities: Plan and

The Red Sea has now welcomed its first guests.

points for The Red Sea destination’s phase

Design certification to Red Sea Global. This

Two of its hotels are open for bookings and

one masterplan, RSG has solidified its position

achievement highlights their unwavering

the Red Sea International Airport has been

as a global frontrunner in developing healthy

commitment to the environment and positions

receiving a regular schedule of flights since

and highly efficient, green buildings. The

them as leaders in the industry. We believe

September. Upon full completion in 2030,

accomplishment underscores RSG's proactive

that RSG will continue to set new standards in

the destination will comprise 50 resorts,

approach in exceeding industry standards

responsible development and inspire others to

offering up to 8,000 hotel rooms and more

to ensure a sustainable built environment.

pursue sustainable practices. Congratulations

than 1,000 residential properties across 22

to Red Sea Global on this record-breaking LEED

islands and six inland sites. The destination

certification for The Red Sea destination".

will also include luxury marinas, golf courses,

“From the outset, our goal was to create a sustainable tourism destination that would

entertainment, FandB, and leisure facilities.

redefine industry standards. We are proud

RSG's journey with LEED for Cities and

to have achieved the highest ever score

Communities began in 2019 when the

in this accreditation, setting the bar for

USGBC met with the company's Head of

ourselves and others to follow,” said John

Design, encouraging the company to pursue

Pagano, Group CEO at Red Sea Global.

LEED v4.1 for Cities: Plan and Design.

RED SEA GLOBAL VISIT WEBSITE

This accomplishment follows another recent

Raed Albasseet, Group Chief Environment

accolade for Red Sea Global, as USBGC

and Sustainability Officer at RSG, said:

118 NEOM - NEOM announces Utamo

NEOM - NEOM announces Utamo 119

NEOM ANNOUNCES UTAMO NEOM HAS UNVEILED UTAMO, ITS IMMERSIVE DESTINATION FOR ART AND ENTERTAINMENT. AN INNOVATIVE EVENT SPACE TO HOST GLOBAL ARTISTS, UTAMO IS THE LATEST DESTINATION TO BE ANNOUNCED BY THE SUSTAINABLE REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT EVOLVING IN NORTHWEST SAUDI ARABIA.

C

ocooned in a mountain located along the Gulf of Aqaba coastline,

Utamo creates a unique backdrop for music events, exhibitions, and art activations that will transform traditional entertainment

PLAY VIDEO

experiences. Combining natural beauty and technology, the venue has been designed to be a place where art and architecture blend harmoniously, providing

The space will be carefully crafted to

visitors with a truly unique experience.

facilitate immersive artistic installations and performances. Advanced audio-visual systems

Guests will arrive at Utamo via an extended

will captivate guests with sensory experiences,

pathway of a garden promenade, featuring

enveloping them in audio-visual wonder as

more than 50 species of shrubs, herbs, and

they become part of the performance itself.

flowers, before reaching the grand hall. The 64-meter-high entrance, which pays homage

Guided by NEOM’s unwavering commitment

to art and design, sets the scene for the awe-

to conservation and its efforts to create

inspiring experiences awaiting guests inside.

spaces in nature that support sustainable development, cutting-edge techniques

A theater of the future where reality and the

will be used in the design and construction

digital realm converge, Utamo will host events

of Utamo to ensure minimal intervention

that redefine the benchmark of entertainment.

with the surrounding environment.

Its multipurpose performance space, VIP lounges, and signature restaurants will make

News of the development follows the recent

it one of the world’s most exclusive event

announcements of Leyja, Epicon, and Siranna,

spaces, as it plays host to performances

NEOM’s latest sustainable tourism destinations.

from the world’s greatest artists.

A theater of the future where reality and the digital realm converge, Utamo will host events that redefine the benchmark of entertainment

NEOM VISIT WEBSITE

120 Giga Projects - Neom

ZERO EMISSIONS, INFINITE POSSIBILITIES WITH NEOM GREEN HYDROGEN COMPANY GREEN HYDROGEN, A TYPE OF HYDROGEN GAS THAT IS PRODUCED USING RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES, UNLIKE ‘GREY’ OR ‘BLUE HYDROGEN, IS CONSIDERED ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY AND SUSTAINABLE BECAUSE IT GENERATES ZERO GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS DURING ITS PRODUCTION, AND NEOM GREEN HYDROGEN COMPANY (NGHC) IS LEADING THE WORLD IN ITS TRANSITION TO CARBON-FREE FUEL BY BUILDING THE WORLD’S LARGEST GREEN HYDROGEN PLANT.

Giga Projects - Neom 121

G

iven its strategic location at

Green hydrogen is produced through

Oxagon in NEOM, NGHC’s plant

a process called electrolysis, where an

Green hydrogen relies on renewable energy, making it a sustainable and clean energy carrier

will benefit from reliable, sustainable

electric current is passed through water

sources of renewable energy from

(H2O), splitting it into its two constituent

onshore wind and solar. Its proximity

elements: hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2).

to the sea and its dedicated jetty

When the hydrogen undergoes combustion,

facilitate global exports, sitting at the

it produces nothing but water vapor, so

crossroads of major shipping routes.

it’s also carbon-free in its end use.

NGHC, an equal joint venture between

The critical factor that distinguishes green

are clear. By replacing carbon-intensive

ACWA Power, Air Products, and NEOM, will

hydrogen from other types of hydrogen is

fuels in various sectors, it has the potential

be the first company to produce green

the source of energy used for electrolysis.

to drastically reduce greenhouse gas

hydrogen at scale once fully operational

It relies on renewable energy, making it

emissions, mitigate climate change, and

in 2026, producing up to 600 tonnes of

a sustainable and clean energy carrier.

improve air quality. It offers a path to

green hydrogen per day. NGHC has already

Consequently, if the 600 tonnes per day

decarbonize industries that have proven

locked in a 30-year off-take agreement

produced by NGHC is used in the heavy-

stubbornly resistant to change, such as steel

with Air Products to take 100% of the

duty truck market, it will save the world

production and heavy transportation.

green hydrogen, transported in the form

up to five million metric tonnes of carbon

of green ammonia, a highly dense material

dioxide (CO2) per year, compared to diesel

Beyond its environmental benefits,

ideal for shipping. Air Products already has

trucks or buses. Over a period of 30 years,

green hydrogen presents significant

agreements in place for hydrogen import

NGHC’s mega-plant project is expected to

economic opportunities. Investing in

terminals at Hamburg (Germany), Rotterdam

eliminate more than 166 million tonnes

the production, transportation, and

(Netherlands), and Immingham (UK).

of CO2, equivalent to the emissions from

storage of green hydrogen can create

almost 15 billion gallons or 56 billion liters

jobs, stimulate local economies, and

of diesel used in heavy-duty trucks.

foster innovation in the energy sector. It

Green hydrogen's environmental benefits

The NGHC facility consists of three sites:  A green hydrogen plant, located at Oxagon  A solar farm with over five million

can also reduce dependence on energy POWERING PROGRESS WITH

imports and enhance energy security.

GREEN HYDROGEN

panels and generating up to

Under its Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia aims to

In conclusion, green hydrogen stands

2.2GW is located near Shigri

be the world’s largest hydrogen producer

as a powerful force for change, offering

 A wind garden with 240 wind

and exporter, producing up to four million

a cleaner, more sustainable future for

turbines generating up to 1.6GW

tonnes of clean hydrogen per year, and

our planet. With the ability to reduce

is located near Aqaba

NGHC is helping to make this a reality.

emissions, provide energy storage solutions, revolutionize transportation, and stimulate

In addition, NGCH has a project at the

Moreover, Saudization is playing a central

economic growth, green hydrogen is

Hydrogen Innovation and Development

role in the project’s long-term vision,

a vital part of the global transition to

Center (HIDC), which features a 20MW

ensuring that people from the Kingdom

a low-carbon, eco-friendly world.

electrolyzer with the ability to produce up

will be involved at every level. Through

to eight tonnes per day of green hydrogen

the education, training, and upskilling

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT NGHC,

for the local hydrogen mobility market.

opportunities provided by NGHC, the

TAKE A LOOK AT THIS SHORT VIDEO.

company is building a highly skilled A BREATH OF FRESH AIR FOR THE PLANET

team to deliver its vision of a carbon-free

Green hydrogen is one of the most promising

future for the benefit of the planet.

solutions in our fight against climate change. Some studies have suggested it could contribute 10% of the world’s climate mitigation to achieve 1.5 degrees and 12% of final energy demand in a net zero carbon economy. It could help end the world’s dependence on fossil fuels and aid the world’s transition to net-zero emissions.

Once fully operational in 2026, it will produce up to 600 tonnes of green hydrogen per day

NEOM GREEN HYDROGEN COMPANY VISIT WEBSITE

122 Giga Projects - Neom

WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF OUR HABITAS IN LEYJA SUSTAINABLE HOSPITALITY BRAND, OUR HABITAS, IS DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE THE ADDITION OF THREE NEW PROPERTIES TO ITS EXPERIENCES-LED PORTFOLIO. LOCATED IN LEYJA, THE LATEST SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DESTINATION FROM NEOM IN NORTHWEST SAUDI ARABIA, THE THREE OUR HABITAS HOMES WILL OFFER AN UNPARALLELED JOURNEY FOR GUESTS SEEKING TO EXPERIENCE ADVENTURE, CELEBRATE NATURE, AND EXPLORE INNOVATIVE WELLNESS PRACTICES.

Giga Projects - Neom 123

124 Giga Projects - Neom

B

ringing to life Leyja’s luxury eco-tourism vision, the destination has been developed within a natural wadi and carved between

400m-high mountains that have been crafted over long centuries by the power of nature and water. Starting from the Gulf of Aqaba coast and winding inland, Leyja guests will walk from the destination’s experience center to each property, allowing them to take in the dramatic landscape – with the first home approximately 2.8km from the entrance.

Designed by world-leading architects, the homes will feature 120 rooms and suites split equally across the three properties, each offering differentiated experiences while taking guests on one integrated journey of human transformation through disconnection and reconnection.

The three homes are: • Home of Adventure – Where raw adventure, sport, and technology collide • Oasis – A celebration of nature’s generosity • Home of Wellness – Cutting-edge longevity melts with ancient ritual As purveyors of luxury for the soul, each Our Habitas home in Leyja will harness the delicate balance of allowing nature to be the hero. With 95% of Leyja preserved for nature, the properties will be housed in architectural structures, designed to enhance the natural surroundings.

The design for the Home of Adventure traces the topography of the wadi and forms an out-of-this-world appearance, allowing guests to seamlessly embrace rock climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and multi-day treks.

Situated further into the wadi, the Oasis is a property that naturally rises alongside the mountains, symbolizing the liveable balance between natural protection and strategic innovation. Oasis will indulge guests with stargazing rituals and culinary delights, including a Chef in Residence program.

The final hotel within Leyja will be a restorative retreat for guests. A highly reflective piece of architecture, the Home of Wellness mirrors the extraordinary landscape surrounding it.

The property will play host to global longevity experts while blending innovative wellness practices with ancient rituals.

Guests are encouraged to experience each of the three homes as part of a journey to the region, immersing themselves in a distinctive resort whilst also having the opportunity to embrace the entire valley as a collective space – a unique place where the future meets history and technology meets humanity. All journeys will commence at the coastal experience center, at the entrance of the wadi. On arrival, guests will be invited to embrace Our Habitas’ signature welcome ceremony – a five-minute ritual that grounds each visitor in their purpose for coming and their intentions for the journey ahead, before learning more about the region.

Designed by world-leading architects, the homes will feature 120 rooms and suites split equally across the three properties

Giga Projects - Neom 125

“Our Habitas successfully pushes the traditional limits of hospitality and offers inclusive experiences that engage guests’ imagination”

The Our Habitas mission

This approach truly resonates

of building deeper human

with our ambition to be a catalyst

connection is a core theme

for change in our industry,”

across all of their homes. Guests

said Chris Newman, Executive

will be encouraged to explore

Director of NEOM Hotel Division.

the surrounding nature through

“Visitors to Leyja can expect to

guided wadi walks, mountain

be enchanted by Habitas with

biking and hiking trails, as well

a personalized experience,

as an array of other adventure

supported by the wider NEOM

sports. Our Habitas’ signature

tourism infrastructure."

ephemeral experiences will also be tucked away in secret

Jeremy Lester, NEOM Executive

corners of the valley – including

Director of Gulf of Aqaba said:

intimate concerts, immersive

“Leyja effortlessly blends

art walks, and pop-up culinary

natural and developed

experiences. These experiences

landscapes in an innovative

will move around, synchronizing

and sustainable manner,

with the changing nature of

aligned with NEOM’s broader

the light and enticing guests to

commitment to conservation.

wander throughout the valley.

Our Habitas’ thoughtfully curated hotel experience

Our Habitas Co-Founder and

promises serenity, escape, and

CEO, Oliver Ripley, comments:

adventure, set amongst the

“This project is truly unique

area’s stunning natural beauty.”

and visionary. The natural beauty is otherworldly, the

In keeping with Our Habitas’ and

architecture and design

NEOM’s shared desire to redefine

remarkable and the experience

the future of hospitality, the

will offer our community

partnership was first unveiled

an ever-deeper journey of

in a purpose-built metaverse

discovery and transformation;

environment mirroring the

both of themselves and their

stunning natural location where

connection to the natural world

the hotels will be situated.

around them. We are honored

Guests of the announcement

to have this opportunity.”

received a sneak peek into the experience with next-generation

“Our Habitas successfully pushes

pixel scale detail, as they

the traditional limits of hospitality

witnessed for the first time the

and offers inclusive experiences

natural environment that will be

that engage guests’ imagination.

offered at Our Habitas in Leyja.

NEOM VISIT WEBSITE

126 GIGA PROJECTS - DIRIYAH GATE

WHERE HISTORY BREATHES: EXPERIENCE LIVING HERITAGE DIRIYAH SEASON IS SET TO OPEN IN DECEMBER, WITH A CAPTIVATING ARRAY OF EVENTS AND EXPERIENCES DESIGNED TO BRING TO LIFE THE LIVING HERITAGE OF DIRIYAH – ’THE CITY OF EARTH’, AND THE BIRTHPLACE OF THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA.

“As Saudi Arabia expands its tourism offering, we are unlocking the enormous potential that the sector offers”

D

iriyah Season is set to open in December, with a captivating array

of events and experiences designed to bring to life the living heritage of Diriyah – ’The City of Earth’, and the birthplace of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Spread across several areas of Diriyah, including the parks, wadis, iconic sites of UNESCO World Heritage Site At-Turaif and Bujairi Terrace, the fine dining destination, the 2023/24 Season will offer visitors an unrivaled authentic experience that combines arts and culture, live performance, and experiential experiences to showcase nearly six hundred years of history and heritage in a compelling and entertaining way.

The Season aims to entertain visitors’ cultural curiosity by curating a unique three-month calendar of events offering something for everyone. These include live musical and theatrical performances, the highly anticipated Diriyah E-Prix championship organized by the Ministry of Sport, an expanded and engaging return of ‘Layali Diriyah’, immersive art installations and exhibitions, stellar culinary experiences, and outdoor activities such as horseback riding, camping, and stargazing.

This year’s theme honors Diriyah’s origin story and celebrates Al Awja, indicative of the people of the bend (Wadi Hanifah), and a rallying call for all Saudis to come together and celebrate their shared culture and identity.

While Diriyah is a vital source of Saudi cultural

H IS EXCELLENCY AHMED AL KHATEEB, MINISTER OF TOURISM, BOARD MEMBER AND SECRETARY GENERAL OF DIRIYAH COMPANY

identity and national pride, it also stands at the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s plans for its future as a unique cultural capital. Centered around the birthplace of the first Saudi state, it is a city

GIGA PROJECTS - DIRIYAH GATE 127

The Season aims to entertain visitors’ cultural curiosity by curating a unique three-month calendar of events offering something for everyone

built with people at its heart; a place where

His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of

Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company,

people from all walks of life come together

Tourism, Board Member and Secretary General

said: “Diriyah Season will unite the world

and experience the unique Saudi way of life.

of Diriyah Company, said: “As Saudi Arabia

in a celebration of culture and shared

expands its tourism offering, we are unlocking

experiences. As we embark on this new

As such, this Season will offer a unique

the enormous potential that the sector offers.

annual season of events, we look forward

opportunity for tourists from across the

Central to this is authenticity in tourism:

to showcasing Diriyah, The City of Earth,

region and the world to get first-hand insight

people travel for real stories and to meet real

and its values as one of the most culturally

into the warm hospitality, rich culture,

people. Diriyah Season will create connection

significant locations in the Kingdom.”

heritage, and traditions of the Kingdom and

and dialogue; supporting experiential tourism

its people. By doing this, it aims to increase

that is highly meaningful and memorable.”

Diriyah Season 23/24 is presented by

cultural dialogue across the Kingdom and

Diriyah Company, in partnership with

among people from all over the world.

Diriyah Gate Development Authority.

DIRIYAH GATE VISIT WEBSITE EMAIL US

128 Giga Projects - Diriyah Gate

THE CITY OF EARTH SINCE ITS LAUNCH IN 2017, VISION 2030 HAS DELIVERED A REMARKABLE TRANSFORMATION IN THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA. AT THE HEART OF THIS GROUNDBREAKING AGENDA IS A VALLEY THAT NURTURED ITS FIRST INHABITANTS, DIRIYAH. KNOWN AS THE CITY OF EARTH, IT IS TODAY REDEFINING URBAN CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT.

Giga Projects - Diriyah Gate 129

T

he giga-project is the culmination of centuries of history, and, across

14 km , its development, the product 2

of the Diriyah masterplan, is unlocking the founding story of the Kingdom.

The giga-project is the culmination of centuries of history

the region. Diriyah was recently awarded the ‘Great Place to Work’ distinction in Asia in the Large Enterprise category, its fourth consecutive year of recognition.

Set to receive 50 million annual visits

The project is a prominent example of the

Diriyah Company, is led by Jerry

by 2030 and contribute SAR70 billion

positive role of Saudization across the

Inzerillo under the chairmanship of

to the Saudi GDP, the giga-project is a

Kingdom. With 84% of Diriyah Company

His Royal Highness the Crown Prince

source of significant opportunity and

staff being Saudi nationals, including 14%

and Prime Minister Mohammed bin

growth for the local community.

from the local community, Diriyah’s progress

Salman. A Public Investment Fund (PIF)-

is consistently setting new benchmarks.

portfolio giga-project, it is backed by

A GREAT PLACE TO WORK

a $63.2 billion investment pipeline.

By the end of the decade, over 170,000

A SOURCE OF NATIONAL PRIDE

jobs will have been created, considerably

Diriyah is a source of national pride for

A WORLD HERITAGE SITE

expanding the local economy. Partnerships

all Saudis, and as it opens to the world,

Central to its design and at the heart of

with leading educational institutions are

it is celebrating the Kingdom’s long

its unique culture is a much-celebrated

furthering skill development, such as an MoU

antiquity. As carefully preserved history,

UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enrolled since

recently signed with King Saud University,

heritage, and culture meet international

2010, the ancestral home of the House of

which will see training schemes offered to

luxury amenities and renowned brands,

Al Saud and the site of the founding of the

students to introduce them to the labor

Diriyah Company is creating one of the

First Saudi State in 1727 is named At-Turaif.

market and help bridge the gap between

world’s greatest gathering places.

theoretical and practical education.

The City of Earth features mudbrick Najdi

A hub for cultural exchange, Diriyah’s growth

architecture, which is synonymous with

A catalyst for the incredible success of

is redefining the potential of authentic

the Kingdom’s foundation and is the design

Vision 2030, Diriyah is a leading example

city planning, showcasing its rich heritage,

inspiration for the giga-project. Central

of the huge progress that the agenda is

elevating its community, and pioneering the

to Diriyah’s offering are the immersive

championing right across the Kingdom.

next chapter in the city’s incredible story.

and differentiated visitor experiences on offer. Reimagining global brands

Almost 2,000 Diriyah Company staff and a

across hospitality, retail, entertainment,

daily construction workforce of over 21,000

and residential, the significance of its

are working to deliver the ambitious project,

architecture cannot be understated.

which has been recognized as a model for

Diriyah is a source of national pride for all Saudis

DIRIYAH GATE VISIT WEBSITE EMAIL US

130 GIGA PROJECTS - ALULA

SIX SENSES ALULA WILL INVITE GUESTS TO STEP INSIDE A SENSATIONAL LIVING MUSEUM SIX SENSES HAS SIGNED A HOTEL MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT WITH AULA DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, FULLY OWNED

BY THE PUBLIC INVESTMENT FUND (PIF), TO OPEN SIX SENSES ALULA IN SAUDI ARABIA IN 2027. THE AGREEMENT WAS SIGNED BY FABIEN TOSCANO, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF ALULA DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, AND NEIL JACOBS, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF SIX SENSES, IN THE PRESENCE OF ALULA DEVELOPMENT COMPANY MANAGING DIRECTOR NAIF ALHAMDAN, AT THE MARAYA CONCERT HALL. TALE AS OLD AS TIME

century BCE to 1st century CE, make AlUla the

ARABIAN ADVENTURES

Six Senses AlUla will open in a prime

Kingdom’s first UNESCO World Heritage site.

Once open, immersive guest experiences

position within a spectacular natural oasis

Six Senses AlUla will serve to enhance this

will include strolling freely among Arabian

sprinkled with lush palm groves and framed

thrilling destination by preserving the cultural

wonders, witnessing the echoes of history

by dramatic red-sandstone cliffs. Home to

and architectural treasures on show within

etched on tomb walls, and entering another

the ancient Nabatean civilization, this once

its 1.2 million square-meter landscape and

realm of light and beauty as the stars begin

important trading destination, strategically

providing guests with a walk-on part amongst

to paint the sky. Handcrafted experiences

placed along the historical spice route

the swirl of ancient myths and stories.

will include sunrise yoga and meditation

connecting east and west, pays homage to centuries of human history and culture.

classes, moon bathing, evening singing bowl With surroundings this magnificent, the 100

ceremonies, and moon and starlit dining.

guest villas and 25 residences will be built using Today, the immaculately preserved

architectural methods that blend stealthily into

Six Senses Spa will be a place of deep

monumental tombs, replete with elaborately

it, unadorned by unnecessary fuss yet radiant in

serenity, forming part of the guest journey

decorated facades dating from the 1st

their ability to create the ultimate wow factor.

towards self-expansion and expression with

GIGA PROJECTS - ALULA 131

Six Senses will bring out the best of the region’s cuisine and seasonal produce locally inspired treatments taking guests on a unique Arabian wellness adventure.

There will also be opportunities to help preserve the Arabian leopard – an important and symbolic creature in the Kingdom’s culture and ecosystem – as part of the brand’s track record as an environmental steward committed to preserving the precious wildlife that inhabits its communities.

EPICUREAN JOURNEYS Enhancing the resort’s in-house culinary experiences will be dramatic destination dining possibilities among natural geological rock formations and caves. The walls of the restaurants transplant guests back in time, as they’re surrounded by rock drawings dating back thousands of years.

Through the brand’s Eat With Six Senses food and drink philosophy, Six Senses will

TIME TO DO SOMETHING SENSATIONAL

Fabien Toscano, Chief Executive Officer of

bring out the best of the region’s cuisine

“Bringing to life the drama and beauty of a site

AlUla Development Company, commented

and seasonal produce: from chef’s tables

with unprecedented historical and cultural

on the partnership, “We are excited to join

to exciting pop-ups, and one-off special

significance is a sensational opportunity,”

hands with Six Senses to open a one-of-

moments to cultural cooking classes,

says Six Senses Chief Executive Officer

a-kind luxury hotel in AlUla. The venture

there will be something for everyone.

Neil Jacobs. “It inspires uncompromising

aligns with our commitment to elevating

sustainability, well-being, and hospitality

the hospitality offering in AlUla and marks

A VISUAL FEAST

that ignites the senses in a way that is

another significant stride in our pursuit of

The vision for Six Senses AlUla will curate

profoundly emotional. It is exciting to

sustainable development, contributing to the

and bring to life a serious yet playful,

be a new chapter to AlUla’s legacy.”

economic diversification and transformation

contemporary interpretation through art

of Saudi Arabia in line with Vision 2030.”

collections and installations, sound, and

Naif AlHamdan, Managing Director of AlUla

music, to bring the extraordinary location

Development Company, commented that

As the Saudi Arabian Kingdom begins to

and architecture to life. It will offer a dynamic

the agreement represents the company’s

welcome more international visitors to the

immersion into the Nabatean heritage

commitment to increase luxury hospitality

wonders of its esoteric desert, Six Senses

and culture, inspiring relevance to a multi-

offerings in one of the most ancient

AlUla promises to connect guests to the

generational, international audience.

archaeological sites, adding: “We are

past while reimagining future possibilities

working to enrich the hospitality offerings

and creating new memories and dreams.

Looking outwards, Six Senses AlUla

and experiences in AlUla so that we can

will host international music and

enable visitors to explore its rich history

artist collaborations, global wellness,

amidst its natural picturesque setting.”

yoga, and retreat programming.

132 Giga Projects - Alula

TEEB MADE WINS PRESTIGIOUS ALULA DESIGN AWARD TEEB MADE, THE RENOWNED MULTIDISCIPLINARY DESIGN AND PRODUCTION COMPANY ROOTED IN SAUDI ARABIA’S RICH ARAB AND ISLAMIC HERITAGE, HAS EMERGED AS THE PROUD WINNER OF THE ALULA DESIGN AWARD FOR THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR. THIS PRESTIGIOUS RECOGNITION IS A TESTAMENT TO TEEB MADE’S UNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO PRESERVING AND PROMOTING SAUDI CULTURE THROUGH ITS INNOVATIVE AND EXQUISITELY CRAFTED DESIGNS.

The AlUla Design Award celebrates designs inspired by AlUla’s heritage, landscapes, and artistic legacies. This esteemed recognition came back in its second edition, inviting established and emerging designers to conceptualize exceptional items for cultural retail. Submissions were evaluated by a distinguished jury from the design world, leading to the commission, production support, and promotion of the shortlisted designs within AlUla and its influential international network.

Mohamad Baalbaki, a Co-founder at Teeb Made, remarked: “Saudi culture is a treasure trove waiting to be explored, a canvas for innovation, and a legacy to share with the world. Within its rich tapestry of history, traditions, and artistic

T

heritage lies a wealth of inspiration and eeb Made’s journey is deeply

believes in nurturing each concept into

opportunity. By embracing our cultural

intertwined with the cultural

a timeless work of art aesthetically and

heritage, infusing it with contemporary

narratives of Saudi Arabia, a land with a

functionally,” said Aljoharah AlRasheed

creativity, and sharing our treasures with

profound history and heritage. These stories

Teeb Made partner and the Head of Art.

the world, we contribute to a richer and

inspire the company's design philosophy,

more culturally diverse global landscape.”

blending traditional craftsmanship with

The concept that secured Teeb Made's

modern minimalism to create truly unique

victory in the AlUla Design Award is ‘AlUla

pieces. Collaborating with artists, artisans,

Terrains’, inspired by the geological

and designers, Teeb Made has made it their

formation of the place caused by the

mission to export Saudi culture to the world

volcanic activity in the area. From verdant

TEEB

through handcrafted creations that embody

valleys to magnificent sandstone mountains

+966 557 080 393

the essence of Islamic and Arab aesthetics.

and fields of black basalt, AlUla’s natural wonders are a testament to the beauty

“Each Teeb Made collection is a labor of

and uniqueness of this region. Teeb Made’s

love, taking four to six months of meticulous

product series captures the geological

planning and prototyping before the

landscapes that played a pivotal role

final products are unveiled. The team

in shaping this natural masterpiece.

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134 Giga Projects - Qiddiya

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE ON FALCON’S FLIGHT FALCON’S FLIGHT, THE CENTERPIECE ATTRACTION AT SIX FLAGS QIDDIYA, WILL BREAK NUMEROUS RECORDS IN TERMS OF ITS SPEED, HEIGHT, AND TRACK LENGTH.

T

he world’s tallest free-standing coaster structure, featuring a parabolic airtime

hill allowing a weightless airtime experience, it will feature a vertical cliff edge plunging riders into a 160-meter-deep valley, while its top speed will reach an extraordinary 250-plus km per hour! The entire distance of Falcon’s Flight will be four kilometers over a three-minute journey through stunning scenery. Indeed, riders will enjoy an amazing view of the park and surrounding area on top of the towering arch hill.

Falcon’s Flight will reach an extraordinary 250-plus km per hour!

Intamin is the design team behind Falcon’s Flight, with Six Flags Qiddiya aiming to launch the ride in October 2024.

In total, Six Flags Qiddiya will feature 28 rides and attractions across six themed lands: The City of Thrills; Discovery Springs; Steam Town; Twilight Gardens; Valley of Fortune; and Grand Exposition.

Do you want to find out more about the hardcore adventure, rocketing adrenaline levels, and endless fun at Six Flags Qiddiya? SIMPLY CLICK THE LINK.

QIDDIYA VISIT WEBSITE

Giga Projects - Qiddiya 135

CROWN PRINCE UNVEILS QIDDIYA CITY PLANS

CROWN PRINCE MOHAMMED BIN SALMAN, WHO ALSO SERVES AS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF QIDDIYA INVESTMENT COMPANY, HAS UNVEILED THE URBAN PLAN FOR THE CITY OF QIDDIYA, SLATED TO BE ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST EXCITING NEW DESTINATIONS FOR ENTERTAINMENT, SPORTS, AND CULTURE.

T

he Qiddiya development’s first project, Qiddiya City is being constructed on the

outskirts of Riyadh and will become home to 60,000 buildings across an area of 360 square kilometers; eventually hosting more than 600,000 residents.

With contracts worth $2.6 billion awarded to date, Qiddiya City is also expected to create more than 325,000 jobs and a create a nominal GDP of $34 billion per annum.

Highpoints in Qiddiya City will take in a gaming and esports district, a speed park track, golf courses, a water park, Six Flags Qiddiya, and a multipurpose stadium. Once completed, it will be the world’s largest entertainment city, even surpassing the iconic Waly Disney World in Florida.

Philippe Gas, a Disney veteran and the former CEO of Qiddiya, commented, “This is a super exciting project. It is the world’s biggest venture when it comes to entertainment, sports, and arts, all together and integrated. This has never been done before. So the complexity of it is exciting. It is almost three times the size of Walt Disney World. It is huge. This is a place that will, by its size, offer people days of entertainment.”

Qiddiya City is under construction with contracts worth $2.6 billion awarded

136 Giga Projects - ROSHN

ROSHN THE FIRST SAUDI GIGA-PROJECT TO BECOME A MEMBER OF THE UNITED NATIONS GLOBAL COMPACT ROSHN, THE KINGDOM’S LEADING NATIONAL REAL ESTATE DEVELOPER AND PIF-FUNDED GIGA-PROJECT, IS THE FIRST PIF GIGA-PROJECT TO BECOME A MEMBER OF THE UNITED NATIONS GLOBAL COMPACT, WHICH CEMENTS ITS COMMITMENT TO APPLYING SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES THAT ARE COMPATIBLE WITH THE UNITED NATIONS’ GOALS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, SUCH AS CLIMATE CHANGE, PROMOTING RESILIENT INFRASTRUCTURE, AND CREATING INCLUSIVE AND SUSTAINABLE CITIES.

Giga Projects - ROSHN 137

United Nations Global Compact commits companies and organizations to the development, implementation, and disclosure of responsible business practices

T

“ROSHN has answered the UN Global Compact’s call. Our human-centric, people-first priorities are well stated, and by joining the Global Compact we cement our leadership position in the Kingdom and internationally as a PIF-backed gigaproject mandated to set new standards as we work to enable the Saudi Vision 2030. I look forward to updating the UN regularly on how we are incorporating these principles as we work to improve the quality of life for the people of Saudi Arabia,” said David Grover, ROSHN’s Group CEO.

he United Nations Global Compact

Having joined the UN Global Compact,

outlines 10 universally accepted

ROSHN will also submit annual

principles in the areas of human rights,

Communication on Progress (CoP) reports

labor rights, environmental protection,

detailing its work to implement the

and anti-corruption efforts that companies

Compact’s 10 principles in its corporate

can voluntarily work to embody, reporting

strategy, culture, and day-to-day operations.

annually to the UN on their progress.

ROSHN’s joining of the compact is part

Launched in 2000, the UN Global Compact

of its wider commitment to taking

is the largest corporate sustainability

responsibility for the safety, well-being,

initiative in the world, with more than

and empowerment of its team members

15,000 companies and 3,000 non-business

and the nation’s environment, alongside

signatories based in over 160 countries,

truly earning its status as Saudi Arabia’s

and more than 70 Local Networks.

most trusted real-estate developer.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT ROSHN’S ONGOING DEVELOPMENTS, CLICK HERE.

ROSHN’s membership aligns its operations with areas of human rights, labor, environment, and anticorruption, in line with Saudi Vision 2030 goals

ROSHN VISIT WEBSITE EMAIL US

138 Cityscape Global review

BLUEPRINTS AND BREAKTHROUGHS AT CITYSCAPE

THE INAUGURAL CITYSCAPE GLOBAL EXHIBITION IN SAUDI ARABIA REVEALED $17.3 BILLION IN CONSTRUCTION AND INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS. THIS INCLUDED AN INITIATIVE BY ROSHN, THE NATIONAL HOUSING COMPANY, TO UNDERTAKE PROJECTS WORTH $11.2 BILLION IN THE “SUBURBS AND COMMUNITIES”, AS WELL AS A BUSINESS HUB AND A SPORTS CITY IN THE KHUZAM SUBURB OF RIYADH.

Cityscape Global review 139

A

mong the specific partnerships cited was a $2 billion agreement with

China Harbour to develop 6,700 residences in Riyadh, in addition to the supporting social and commercial infrastructure. It is estimated that this will take 45 months to complete. Furthermore, ROSHN signed a $155 million agreement with Saudi engineer PC Marine Services to build canals

Projects included Makkiyoon Urban Developers’ $1.6 billion Boulevard Makkah

and bridges in the developer’s recently announced Marafy project in Jeddah.

a wide spectrum of real estate options.

This diversity reflected the ever-evolving

Other projects included Makkiyoon

needs and preferences of property buyers

Urban Developers' $1.6 billion

in today's dynamic Saudi marketplace.

Boulevard Makkah, which incorporates one million square meters of retail,

The exhibition also provided an invaluable

apartments, offices, and hotels.

networking opportunity for professionals in the industry. Developers connected

Meanwhile, Retal Urban Development

with investors, architects collaborated

launched a $1.3 billion project to create

with builders, and real estate agents built

a luxury resort in Al-Khobar under the

relationships with potential clients. The

management of the Ritz Carlton, while the

exchange of ideas, expertise, and business

King Salman Park Fund announced a $1

contacts often leads to new projects and

billion plan to build 1,500 residential units

ventures, which is why Cityscape is such an

in the Salmani architectural style, as well

essential event for industry stakeholders.

as offices, hotels, schools, and shops.

In addition to showcasing current projects, Masar Destination launched its own

the exhibition includes seminars, panel

$1 billion project to construct 18

discussions, and workshops that delve into

residential towers, four hotel buildings,

the latest trends and issues in the real estate

and an office building in Makkah.

market. These sessions feature industry experts who provide insights into topics such

PROPERTY: WHERE DREAMS

as sustainability, urban planning, technology

BECOME ADDRESSES

integration, and investment strategies.

With more than 350 developers from

This year these included a keynote speech,

around the world, showcasing the latest

The Future of Urban Development: The

properties and investment opportunities,

Impact of Cryptocurrency on Cities; a panel

Cityscape provided valuable insights

discussion, From Blueprint to Reality: The

into the real estate market, with leading

Crucial Role of Financing and Investment in

players such as NEOM, ROSHN, Jeddah

Residential Real Estate; and an interactive

Central Development Co., Zain, and

panel discussion, The Future of Architecture:

the Berkeley Group in attendance.

Innovations and Trends to Watch Out For.

Serving as a vibrant platform where the

GLITZ, GLAMOUR, AND SHOWBIZ STARS!

latest trends, projects, and opportunities in

On day four there was an exciting twist,

the property market were showcased and

with the addition of some showbusiness.

discussed, Cityscape featured everything

As important discussions ended in the

from luxurious high-rise condominiums

early afternoon on topics such as The

to sprawling suburban developments and

Future of Cities, Technology, Sustainability,

innovative sustainable housing projects, with

Investors, and Public-Private Partnerships,

attendees having the opportunity to explore

the main stage was set for British billionaire

140 Cityscape Global review

L ORD ALAN SUGAR, BRITISH BUSINESSMAN

 CESC FÁBREGAS, FORMER SPANISH NATIONAL TEAM FOOTBALLER

keynote call to action on ‘futureproofing’ industrial development in the age of innovation and sustainability.

In a panel session on ‘Hypermixity – The Reinvention of City Centres’, PLP Architecture founding partner, Ron Bakker, said monofunctional buildings of the 20th century are getting replaced by multi-functional places across the globe. But he warned cities were ‘resource-heavy’ and that given the world possesses insufficient natural

Cityscape featured everything from luxurious high-rise condominiums to sprawling suburban developments and innovative sustainable housing projects

resources we shouldn’t be wasteful of them.

Sports investment is ramping up in Saudi

Hence, in Amsterdam and other cities,

in line with Vision 2030, not least in football

developments are being devised of already

where Christiano Ronaldo and a myriad of

with a strategy on how to reuse the building

top players are now playing for Saudi clubs.

materials even before the project is built.

That is a strong clue (if a clue was

Everyone faces challenges of delivering

needed) that as the country transitions

large, complex, urban infrastructure

from being an oil-based economy,

and digitally connected projects in

financial resources are not an issue! The

keeping with local heritage but in a way

question is about how best to go about

that people will feel happy living in.

delivering on a dream with quality.

Fawaz Al Harbi of ROSHN said: “I think SMART CHOICES, SUSTAINABLE LIVES

we are going to see the focus in city

Earlier in the day at the NEOM Future of

designs on wellness and happiness. It is

businessman Lord Alan Sugar and Spanish

Living Summit, Sir John Armitt, former

a term we all understand, and we have

World Cup-winning footballer Cesc

chairman of the National Infrastructure

introduced that into discussions about real

Fabregas to talk about their careers.

Commission, set the scene with a

estate. Take trees and natural materials.

Cityscape Global review 141

Technology took center stage just before the closing ceremony as winners of the ROSHN-sponsored Hackathon were revealed There’s a lot of academic research that

That is also part of the future.

shows that people function better.”

residential, leisure, hotel, sports, and education developments, looking forward to the day they can live, work, and play in such places while not losing their roots.

In conclusion, the Cityscape Global Exhibition was more than just a real

As the final day ended, it was clear Cityscape

estate event; it was a melting pot of ideas,

BRANCH OUT TO A GREENER FUTURE

Global 2023 had successfully brought

innovation, and investment opportunities.

At the same time, risk lies in the supply

together Saudi government investment

chain. Throughout the four-day event,

bodies, state-backed giga-project

supply chain strategies was a common

developers, and even its military forces

discussion point. In ROSHN’s case, the

alongside international exhibitors, global

developer requires so many trees that it is

advisors, start-up and established tech firms,

starting up independent nurseries. It is not

and more. But it also drew a huge number

just about de-risking supply but freeing

of Saudi citizens - men, women, and the

up resources needed across the Kingdom

young - interested in the rapid development

under Vision 2023, which requires billions

of their country. At the exhibition, they

of trees for all the projects manifesting.

browsed model after model of large-scale

Technology took center stage just before the closing ceremony as winners of the ROSHN-sponsored Hackathon were revealed. Not only were cash prizes given to the winners in three separate fields where contestants pitched their ideas and products for solving problems in real estate or making things more efficient, but all of the finalists will be backed by the developer in taking their projects forward.

The King Salman Park Fund announced a $1 billion plan to build 1,500 residential units in the Salmani architectural style

CITYSCAPE GLOBAL REVIEW VISIT WEBSITE

142 CROWNE PLAZA RIYADH RDC HOTEL & CONVENTION CENTER

YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME IN THE HEART OF RIYADH CROWNE PLAZA RIYADH RDC HOTEL AND CONVENTION CENTER

CROWNE PLAZA RIYADH RDC HOTEL & CONVENTION CENTER 143

 CROWNE PLAZA RIYADH RDC HOTEL

144 CROWNE PLAZA RIYADH RDC HOTEL & CONVENTION CENTER

Luxury hotel located in the heart of Riyadh’s Digital City

CROWNE PLAZA RIYADH RDC HOTEL & CONVENTION CENTER 145

H

eaded by General Manager Fady Sawaya and a team of highly-

trained professionals, Crowne Plaza Riyadh RDC Hotel and Convention Center is a luxury hotel located in the heart of Riyadh’s Digital City, a 400,000m2 mixed-use development that includes commercial, residential, and retail offerings, as well as several important organizations, such as the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Investment, the Red Sea, SDAIA, the

Wildfire a lively, casual restaurant that offers an extensive menu of grill specialties

Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, SITE, the General Authority for Awqaf, Nupco, and the Ministry of Health.

Crowne Plaza is also located in an ideal spot for tourists looking to explore the city’s top attractions. The hotel is close to several popular destinations

W ILDFIRE, BRAZILIAN STEAK HOUSE

such as U Walk and the Zone.

146 CROWNE PLAZA RIYADH RDC HOTEL & CONVENTION CENTER

KOI, also known as the best Nikkei cuisine experience in Riyadh within this article

 KOI, THE BEST NIKKEI CUISINE EXPERIENCE IN RIYADH

Another option is the Boulevard City and

training sessions. You also have the opportunity

conferences, and gala dinners. This space can

World, which is just a short distance away.

to single-play and train with the paddle and

accommodate a large number of guests and

Overall, the location of the Crowne Plaza

tennis court – Crowne Plaza being the first

is equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual

Riyadh RDC Hotel and Convention Center is

hotel in Saudi Arabia to offer paddle courts.

equipment, making it ideal for presentations

perfect for tourists looking to experience the

and other multimedia displays. For smaller,

best of what the city has to offer, whether

In addition to the accommodation options,

more exclusive events, the hotel also offers

it’s for shopping, dining, or entertainment.

Crowne Plaza offers an extensive range of

a VIP lounge that is perfect for hosting

modern and flexible exhibition and conference

ministers, governors, and other high-profile

Crowne Plaza offers a wide range of

space. The hotel features outstanding

guests. This private space is designed to

accommodations for guests, including 326

exhibition halls, a three-level circular

offer maximum comfort and privacy and is

rooms and suites, each designed with comfort

conference center, multipurpose halls, media

equipped with all the necessary amenities

and luxury in mind. The hotel features 286

rooms, and a sparkling ballroom. All of these

to ensure that the guests are well cared for.

elegant large rooms and 40 suites, which

spaces are equipped with modern digital

are exquisitely furnished and equipped with

communication technology, and large pre-

Crowne Plaza Riyadh also provides a variety of

the latest technology. The rooms and suites

function areas, enhanced by the grandeur

dining options for guests, including a cross-

provide a comfortable and luxurious stay for

and opulence of the décor. With more than

section of global cuisine, thanks to its three

guests, with amenities such as flat-screen TVs,

12,000m2 of space, the hotel is well-equipped to

restaurants (KOI, Wildfire, and Mosaique),

high-speed internet, and comfortable beds.

host a wide range of events, making it a perfect

headed by Executive Chef Naji Berjawi.

venue for business and social gatherings, For guests looking to re-energize, the hotel

with high-quality and versatile spaces for

KOI, also known as the best Nikkei cuisine

offers a health club plus an outdoor swimming

conferences, meetings, and exhibitions.

experience in Riyadh, is an upscale Japanese-

pool where guests can relax and unwind. While

Peruvian restaurant that offers a variety

the health club features state-of-the-art fitness

The signature venue is perfect for grand

equipment, you can join the academy and take

events such as product launches, large

of sushi, sashimi, and other delicacies.

CROWNE PLAZA RIYADH RDC HOTEL & CONVENTION CENTER 147

M OSAIQUE MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT, CROWNE PLAZA RIYADH RDC HOTEL

The restaurant has a sleek and modern

14 cuts. If you are not full, you can repeat

and wide range of amenities make it an ideal

design, and the menu features a wide range

the process. Just imagine that you are

choice for both business and leisure travelers.

of traditional and contemporary dishes.

getting fresh meat from the barbecue on

Whether you’re in the city for a conference, a

"The idea of opening KOI as a Nikkei cuisine

the Churrasco to your table with the gaucho

vacation, or a bit of both, Crowne Plaza Riyadh

restaurant was something new on the

slicing. It is amazing,” says the Chef.

RDC Hotel and Convention Center is sure to

market. KOI was the first Nikkei restaurant

make your stay in Riyadh a memorable one.

to open in Riyadh. We opened at the end

Mosaique is a Mediterranean restaurant that

of 2020. It was a very exciting, very busy

serves a wide range of Mediterranean and

opening with lots of celebrity guests. The

International cuisine, with an open kitchen

unique recipes and the unique experience

concept. The decor is elegant and upscale,

at KOI are totally different from any other

making it the perfect spot for events like

restaurant,” says Executive Chef Naji Berjawi.

business meetings and formal dinners.

Wildfire, the authentic all-you-can-eat

All these restaurants have the capability

Brazilian steakhouse restaurant, is a lively,

to host events of different sizes, whether a

casual restaurant that offers an extensive

small and intimate gathering or a large-scale

menu of grill specialties. The restaurant has

banquet. The hotel’s team of experienced

CROWNE PLAZA

a warm, rustic-chic decor, and is perfect

chefs and event planners are on hand to

+966 11 813 1313

for events such as corporate parties, family

help you create a menu that is tailored to

gatherings, and other casual events. "Once

your specific needs and preferences.

VISIT WEBSITE

and red cards. If the card is on the green,

Summing up, Crowne Plaza Riyadh RDC Hotel

EMAIL US

you are saying to go ahead. Then you will

is a perfect choice for travelers visiting Riyadh.

start having cut after cut until you reach

The hotel’s prime location, luxurious facilities,

you enter the restaurant, you have green