Saudi Projects Issue 54

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WELCOME TO THE VIBRANT WORLD OF SAUDI PROJECTS, WHERE CREATIVITY MEETS ENGINEERING, AND INNOVATION INTERTWINES WITH TRADITION. IN THE PAGES OF THIS MAGAZINE, YOU WILL EMBARK ON A JOURNEY THROUGH THE DYNAMIC LANDSCAPE OF THE KINGDOM’S MOST AMBITIOUS PROJECTS, EXPLORING THE LATEST TRENDS, GROUNDBREAKING TECHNOLOGIES, AND THE VISIONARY MINDS SHAPING OUR BUILT ENVIRONMENT.

The Rig is an epic offshore destination, in the heart of the Arabian Gulf. It’s no mere theme park either; it’s an extreme destination, an entirely new playground for adventure tourism, and is the result of imagination, determination, and collaboration.

In these pages, you’ll also encounter the stories of architects and designers pushing boundaries, engineers harnessing the power of sustainable practices, and builders mastering their art. There is even a story about something as rare as the abominable snowman, aesthetically pleasing telecom towers!

The construction industry is in the midst of a profound transformation, propelled by technological advancements that are reshaping the way we build. From 3D printing to drones, virtual reality to artificial intelligence, the tools at our disposal are revolutionizing every aspect of the construction process, from planning and design to execution and maintenance. In this issue of Saudi Projects we home on one of the most beneficial aspects of this change, modular construction, talking to leading industry professionals and looking into the improvements in quality and speed that this method brings.

We also home in on island developments and the challenges and opportunities presented, centered not only on a whirlwind of innovation, but the timeless values that have guided builders for centuries: integrity, quality, and a relentless commitment to excellence. As we embrace the future, we also honor the wisdom of the past, drawing inspiration from the architectural marvels of antiquity and the enduring principles of craftsmanship.

Saudi Projects is more than just a publication; it is a testament to the power of collaboration, a platform for dialogue, and a source of inspiration for all those who believe in the transformative potential of the built environment. Whether you are a seasoned industry professional or an aspiring newcomer, we invite you to join us on this journey of discovery, as we explore the ever-evolving world of Saudi Arabia together.

Rod Millington EDITOR

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NEW 5.6 MILLION SQUARE METER ADEL DISTRICT ANNOUNCED

Adel Real Estate has announced the launch of the completed blueprints of Adel District. Spanning around 5.6 million square meters, the project is strategically located in Dammam, in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, and will be up for auction in the first quarter of 2024.

Designed by Adel Real Estate, Adel District is a plot-based urban development and will comprise approximately five residential neighborhoods, accommodating about 50,000 people. It has been extended with a full range of facilities, which include residential buildings, office spaces, mosques, shopping malls and retail centers, health centers, educational and recreational facilities, as well as creativity and innovation incubators and green spaces (Adel Park). A key feature in Adel District…

Key infrastructure and public works have been 100% completed

$270.5 MILLION CONTRACT

AWARDED

Eastern Province Cement Company has acquired the board’s endorsement to construct a new production line with a daily capacity of 10,000 tonnes. This $270.52 million project is slated to replace certain low-efficiency production lines in the company’s plant to maximize the benefit of the existing plant infrastructure.

Eastern Province Cement has awarded the project to Sinmoa CDI, a leading Chinese company in the cement industry, with the two parties expected to sign the contract…

New production line with a daily capacity of 10,000 tonnes

Eastern Province Cement has awarded the project to Sinmoa CDI

SERCO MIDDLE EAST WORLD-CLASS FIRE RESCUE TRAINING

International public services company, Serco Middle East has been accepted by the General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA) to become an authorized Fire and Rescue Services (FRS) training authority in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This milestone makes Serco the first international vendor to be recognized by GACA…

CONSTRUCTION GIANT ALEC ANNOUNCES FURTHER PLANS FOR EXPANSION

Following the establishment of its Saudi headquarters in Riyadh last year, ALEC Engineering and Contracting LLC (ALEC) has announced that it has achieved 150% year-on-year growth in the Kingdom through 2023, highlighted by its successes in winning bids for four projects, and investing to significantly increase its Saudi workforce. Building on this momentum, the company has identified further investment and expansion in Saudi Arabia among its top business priorities for 2024 as it sees clear potential for the country to become a global hub for construction excellence and innovation.

150% year-onyear growth

EMERSON OPTS FOR SAUDI AMANA TO CONSTRUCT ITS HUB IN SPARK

Leading construction company, the Saudi Amana Group, has been nominated by Emerson to build its industrial manufacturing hub at the King Salman Energy Park (SPARK). This marks one of Emerson’s largest investments in the MENA region.

The new facility, slated to be operational by the end of this year, will serve as a hub for industrial customers in the region, offering an across-the-board portfolio of services, including control systems engineering, staging and testing, manufacturing of differential pressure (DP) transmitters and control valves, pressure relief valve assembly, and solenoid valve assembly.

The hub will be developed in line with environmental sustainability principles…

Emerson, a global automation technology and software company, is looking to build an innovation and manufacturing hub at SPARK

RIYADH CHAMBER EXPLORES INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN MADAYN’S INDUSTRIAL CITIES

A Saudi business delegation, led by the Riyadh Chamber and representing over 70 Saudi companies, surveyed the investment landscape and varied investment prospects during a visit to Samail Industrial City. These opportunities extend over a number of industries, including dairy and juice production, date products manufacturing and packaging, breakfast cereal production, dolomite processing, water leakage prevention solutions, copper bars and sheets manufacturing, gypsum production, electrical conductors manufacturing, glossy ceramics production, HVAC equipment manufacturing, electrical switch manufacturing…

Opportunities extend over a number of industries

ALFANAR WINS CONTRACT TO DEVELOP HVDC CONVERTER STATION

The Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (Modon) and Alfanar Projects, a premier project developer and supplier of engineering, construction, and technology solutions, have reached a strategic agreement for the development of an HVDC (High Voltage Direct Current) converter station for Tabuk Industrial City.

This collaboration signifies the company’s commitment to strengthening and enhancing the Kingdom’s grid infrastructure and energy transition and follows on from Alfanar’s project win last month from Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) as a consortium with GE Vernova for its Power Plant 10 (PP10) in Riyadh. In accordance with the terms of the SEC

contract, the two will assist in converting the power generation assets of SEC to natural gas, which has a lower carbon intensity than the crude oil and distillate that run the plant at the moment.

This collaboration signifies the company’s commitment to strengthening and enhancing the Kingdom’s grid infrastructure and energy transition

KSA RECORDS A STAGGERING $94 BILLION IN 2023 CONTRACT AWARDS

In the annals of construction history, there are few rivals to the surge in contract awards in Saudi Arabia in 2023 reaching $94 billion, the highest in a decade, driven by initiatives aligned with Saudi Vision 2030. This is not only reshaping skylines but also laying the groundwork for economic revitalization, societal transformation, and technological innovation.

The construction boom has spurred unparalleled technological advancements. Innovations in products, materials, and evolving construction techniques, such as modular construction, have revolutionized the way buildings are being designed and constructed, enabling architects to dream bigger and bolder.

The utility sector was at the vanguard concerning notable advancements last year, followed by urban contracts, including large-scale projects. In the oil & gas sector, in excess of 75% of awards were directed towards downstream projects, reflecting

an ongoing diversification strategy. The transport and industrial sectors collectively comprised approximately 15% of the total contract awards, with noteworthy emphasis on strategic rail projects.

One of the primary drivers of this modern surge is rapid urbanization. As populations continue to flock to cities in search of economic opportunities and better standards of living, the demand for new infrastructure, residential spaces, and commercial developments has skyrocketed. Simultaneously, the Saudi government is prioritizing infrastructure investment as a means to stimulate economic growth and address pressing societal challenges. Largescale transportation projects, such as highspeed rail networks and airport expansions, are being pursued to enhance connectivity and facilitate trade and tourism. Investment in renewable energy infrastructure, including solar parks, is also on the rise as the Kingdom strives to transition towards more sustainable

energy sources and combat climate change. Moreover, advancements in construction technology are revolutionizing the industry, driving efficiency gains and cost savings. Building Information Modeling (BIM), robotics, and prefabrication techniques are streamlining the construction process, reducing waste, and accelerating project timelines. Additionally, the integration of smart technologies, such as IoT sensors and AI-driven analytics, is enabling the creation of more intelligent and responsive built environments, enhancing both functionality and user experience.

In conclusion, the rise in contract awards reflects a dynamic and interconnected landscape, driven by urbanization, infrastructure investment, technological innovation, and sustainability imperatives. As cities and societies evolve, the construction industry plays a pivotal role in shaping the built environment of the future…

FRANKLIN TEMPLETON LAUNCHES OPERATIONS IN SAUDI ARABIA

Franklin Templeton has announced that it has officially launched operations in Riyadh after receiving its ‘Managing Investments and Operating Funds’ and ‘Advising’ licenses from the Capital Market Authority.

Franklin Templeton is one of the world’s largest global asset management companies

Jenny Johnson, President & CEO, Franklin Templeton commented: “The Middle East is a key region for Franklin Templeton. We are delighted that Saudi Arabian investors now have local access to the firm’s global strength through its robust global platform and public and private market offerings …

LWK + PARTNERS CELEBRATES LEADERSHIP PROMOTIONS TO DRIVE REGIONAL GROWTH

Mithun Varghese, with his background in diverse architectural landscapes, steps into the role of Director. Mithun’s approach to design is rooted in a deep understanding of space and culture, ensuring that each project resonates with its users and context. He emphasizes the importance of co-creative processes, stating: “Design thrives when multiple perspectives intertwine to craft a unified narrative.” Ahmed Fahmy, promoted to Dubai Studio Director, brings his unique blend of management styles to their studio. With a special focus on complex projects, Ahmed believes in the power of teamwork to overcome challenges and bring visions to life. He mentors designers to “embrace collaborative teamwork spirit and let it manifest designs, but always remain receptive to innovation and new ideas” he advises.

Michael’s unique skillset is set to enhance the studio’s digital design capabilities

Kourosh’s designs are characterized by their harmonious integration with their surroundings

Michael Naguib, their new Head of Digital Design, is a visionary in integrating digital innovation with aesthetic design. Michael’s unique skillset is set to enhance the studio’s digital design capabilities, aiming to create immersive and intuitive experiences that evoke emotions and forge lasting connections.Kourosh Salehi, elevated to the role of Global Design Principal, brings a unique fusion of urban design principles and architectural finesse to the table. Kourosh’s designs are characterized by their harmonious integration with their surroundings. He believes in the power of architecture to tell stories that resonate with the ethos of a place and its people. “I strive for a confluence of form, functionality, and folklore in each endeavor,” reflects Kourosh.

ALTERNATIVE WORK MODELS KEY TO EMPOWERING SAUDI WOMEN’S RETURN TO THE WORKPLACE

Women professionals returning to the workforce in Saudi Arabia face considerable challenges, such as being ‘mommy-tracked’ or having their resumes rejected due to career gaps. These findings are part of a report entitled ‘Navigating the path back: Women returners in KSA’.

The report surveyed more than 1,200 women in countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, and Oman and features critical perspectives from leading regional CEOs.

Key findings of the survey have also indicated that 52% of Saudi women have had their resumes rejected due to gaps in their careers, while more than 83% of Saudi women consider returnship programs that offer a structured pathway for re-entry, including training and tailored support, to be essential for their successful reintegration into the workforce.

The report, the first in the ‘The Case for Diversity’ series, explores the challenges that women in Saudi Arabia face when trying to return to work after taking a career break. More than half (55%) of the women surveyed in Saudi Arabia had taken career breaks, higher than the 44% of their peers in the MENA region. But only 40% of Saudi women were likely to return to work after a break, lower than the regional average of 43%.

The study further found the desire for financial independence to be a key incentive for women returners to the workforce in Saudi Arabia (42%) compared to their peers in the MENA region (38%).

The survey shows 52% of Saudi women have had their resumes rejected due to gaps in their careers

The majority (67%) of the surveyed women in Saudi Arabia who took career breaks were in experienced, senior management and C-level roles, with caregiving responsibilities among the key reasons prompting these breaks.

However, unlike in the rest of the MENA region, women in Saudi Arabia also considered caring for their own mental or physical well-being…

CONTRACTS AWARDED FOR THE AL KHUZAMA COMPLEX

The Egyptian company Hassan Allam Holding has been awarded a contract by Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN) to build a major entertainment complex that will occupy an area of 160,000m2. The complex, which will be constructed in Al Khuzama in the Al Kharj region of Central Saudi Arabia, is a substantial hospitality project for PIF. Engineering firm Gensler and Lebanon’s Dar Al Handasah are the project consultants for the Al Kharj entertainment complex, while UK-headquartered Mace Group is the project management consultant.

The Al Khuzama contract is in keeping with PIF’s declared strategic goal of developing a portfolio of significant hospitality projects. It comes after an earlier commitment to invest in a large recreational center that is situated close to Abha International Airport, sandwiched between the cities of Abha and Khamis Mushait.

The Al Khuzama contract is in keeping with PIF’s declared strategic goal of developing a portfolio of significant hospitality projects

In a significant move toward fostering innovation in the construction and real estate sectors, Startup Wise Guys (SWG), in partnership with SEEDRA Ventures and sponsored by the National Technology Development Program (NTDP), has announced the launch of the first Construction Tech Specialized Fund and Accelerator Program in Saudi Arabia.

The Construction Tech specialized fund, spearheaded by Startup Wise Guys, boasts two seasoned General Partners, Jourdan Younis and Aya Zaghnin. “We are thrilled to pioneer this transformative venture in Saudi Arabia’s …

GLOBAL FUND STARTUP WISE GUYS LAUNCHES CONSTRUCTION TECH

SPECIALIZED FUND AND ACCELERATOR PROGRAM

IN SAUDI ARABIA

“We are steadfast in our commitment to nurturing an environment primed for innovation and expansion”

CREATING A COMPLETE EXPERIENCE OF SPACE

At the interface between people and environments, there’s Knoll. This is a company built on its belief that when furniture relates to the architectural setting, and the interior is choreographed as a harmonious succession of forms and finishes, the result is a space where people want to be. Since 1938, Knoll has been revolutionizing how people experience office, hospitality, and residential interiors by excelling in three areas:

 Total Design Planning

 Designer Collaborations

 Color, Material, Finish (CMF)

The Bauhaus

Founded in 1919 by architect Walter Gropius in Weimar, Germany, the Bauhaus sought to unite the creative efforts of art, design, and industry until they became, as Gropius described it, “inseparable components of a new architecture”. The designers who connected here, and the ideas they brought to the United States, had a profound influence on the firm that was to become Knoll.

Forced out of Germany by the Nazis in the 1930s, Walter Gropius and Bauhaus designer Marcel Breuer opened an office in Massachusetts, USA, and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe – director of the Bauhaus for more than

SAL SAUDI LOGISTICS TO BUILD NEW AIR CARGO TERMINAL IN MADINAH

SAL Saudi Logistics Services Company has secured a lease for a land plot at Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, where it plans to construct and enhance an air cargo terminal. The agreement was formalized with Taiba Airports Operation Company, as disclosed in a statement to the Saudi Stock Exchange. Covering an area of 3,500m2 initially, the lease extends for 16 years. Additionally, there is a provision for an additional 4,000m2 for expansion over the first three years. According to the statement, SAL intends to invest SAR 12 million ($3.2 million) in the development of the new terminal.

a decade – became the head of architecture at the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT). Florence Knoll (then Schust) interned in the office of Gropius and Breuer, and studied architecture at IIT, where Mies became a valuable mentor. He, along with Gropius and Breuer, instilled in her a lifelong belief in the principle of Total Design – design not as the creation of single objects, but rather as a ‘total architecture’. The relationship between Florence Knoll and her trusted mentors continued well into her career, and it was…

Covering an area of 3,500m2 initially, the lease extends for 16 years

SAUDI ARABIA UNVEILS

THE WORLD’S FIRST 3D-PRINTED MOSQUE

FIRST CONSTRUCTION MILESTONE REACHED AT SHARAAN RESORT

At the Sharaan Resort project in AlUla, the first rock excavations have taken place, marking a significant project milestone. 38 uniquely designed suites will be sculpted out of the sandstone mountains, creating wellness facilities, family-friendly amenities, dining options, and unique panoramic views.

Using the ancient Nabataean practice of creating spaces within rock, the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) and its contractor partners have devised construction procedures that use modern engineering skills to create liveable …

Saudi Arabia recently commemorated the opening of the first mosque in history to be constructed using groundbreaking 3D printing technology in Jeddah. Tucked away in a suburb of Al-Jawhara, this mosque bears the name of the late Abdulaziz Abdullah Sharbatly, as a profound tribute from his wife, the celebrated Saudi businesswoman Wajnat Abdulwahed.

Abdulwahed, the head of Fursan Real Estate, oversaw the project and employed state-of-the-art 3D printers from Guanli, a wellknown Chinese manufacturer of 3D printing equipment. This innovative approach made it easier to build the large 5,600m2 building, which exquisitely combines originality and heritage. She clarified that the mosque represents architectural elegance and that its layout will encourage a spirit of peace and welcome among worshippers. Notably, Saudi Arabia is a leader in the use of cutting-edge technology in the construction industry and this revolutionary mosque is a bold move towards a sustainable and progressive future.

ZAIN KSA UNVEILS 100% SAUDI-MADE FLEET MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Zain KSA, the leading telecommunications and digital services provider, has launched the first 100% Saudi-made fleet management system for the business sector. This comprehensive solution incorporates state-of-the-art tracking devices designed, manufactured, and assembled locally. Leveraging the advanced capabilities of Zain Cloud and hosting all data locally, Zain KSA becomes the first telecom operator in the Kingdom to offer a fleet management solution for the ‘Made in Saudi’ Program.

The Fleet Management System is a comprehensive cloud-based platform that helps businesses of all sizes streamline their logistics operations, improve travel routes, and reduce fuel consumption, thereby lowering carbon emissions, safeguarding the environment, and promoting sustainability. By offering real-time GPS tracking, this innovative system

enhances road safety and security across the transportation and logistics sectors, empowering decision-makers with crucial insights through comprehensive reports based on accurate data. This allows for informed decisions that boost operational efficiency and save costs.

ZAIN KSA UNVEILS 100% SAUDI-MADE FLEET MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

BLACKROCK TO LAUNCH SAUDI INVESTMENT FIRM AFTER

$5 BILLION DEAL

BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, is to launch a new investment platform in Saudi Arabia, backed by up to $5 billion from the Public Investment Fund (PIF).

BlackRock and PIF have stated that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding

WITH THE PIF

(MoU) under which BlackRock will set up a Riyadh-based multi-asset investment platform, BlackRock Riyadh Investment Management (BRIM), anchored by PIF’s initial cash injection, subject to certain agreed milestones being met.

BRIM will be a wholly owned subsidiary of the $10.5 trillion BlackRock, with Riyadh-

based professionals managing funds that will be invested principally in Saudi Arabia but also the rest of the MENA region. The aim is to attract additional overseas capital to Saudi Arabia and strengthen its capital markets…

BRIM will be a wholly owned subsidiary of the $10.5 trillion BlackRock

PIF PROVIDES INITIAL PRICING GUIDANCE FOR THREE-PART BOND OFFERING

The Public Investment Fund (PIF) has announced initial pricing indications for its three-tranche US-dollar-denominated bond. The first, maturing in 2029, suggests a spread of 150 basis points over US Treasuries for its five-year bonds, featuring a par call option exercisable after one month. The second tranche, maturing in 2034, advocates

price guidance of 175 bps over US Treasuries for its 10-year bonds, accompanied by a three-month par-call provision. Finally, the third option, maturing in 2054, points towards a spread of 235 bps over the same benchmark for its 30-year option, along with a par call option of six months.

Citi, Goldman Sachs International, and

J.P. Morgan are working as joint global coordinators for the bond offerings, and it is anticipated that the issuance will receive a Fitch rating of A+ in keeping with the agency’s Government-Related Entities Rating Criteria which categorizes PIF as an entity…

BIG INVESTMENT TO KICK OFF INCURSION INTO SEMICONDUCTORS

Abdullah Alswaha, Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology, explained in an interview at the World Economic Forum in Davos that the PIF is looking at making a “sizable investment” into the semiconductor industry, “They plan to make an announcement on a particular champion within the space to lead the Saudi efforts,” he said, demurring on giving additional details.

The fund will also look to create a national space company

Alswaha, also chairman of the Kingdom’s Space Agency, did day that the fund will also look to create a national space company to invest…

PIF-BACKED ROSHN GROUP, EVIQ TO POWER EV ADOPTION

The Kingdom’s leading real estate developer and PIF-owned giga-project ROSHN Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the EV charging solutions provider, Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Company (EVIQ).

Under the terms of the MoU, ROSHN Group and EVIQ will unite in evaluating, assessing, and developing direct-current infrastructure solutions for EVs within the developer’s residential communities and commercial properties.

ROSHN Group and EVIQ will unite in evaluating, assessing, and developing directcurrent infrastructure solutions

THE RIG: AN OFFSHORE OIL RIG-STYLE ADVENTURE HUB

The Public Investment Fund (PIF) has presented the masterplan for ‘The Rig’, the world’s first adventure tourism destination to be built on an offshore platform, which is destined to redefine the water sports and leisure experience while celebrating the legacy of the Kingdom’s rich oil and gas heritage. The project will be developed by PIF’s subsidiary the Oil Park Development Company (OPDC) and will cover a gross floor area of in excess of 300,000m2. It will be located 40 km from the coastline, near Al Juraid Island

and Berri Oil Field in the Arabian Gulf. It is envisaged that The Rig will attract over 900,000 annual visitors by 2032, appealing to a broad array of domestic, regional, and international visitors, taking in everyone from adrenaline seekers and explorers through to holidaymakers and pursuers of relaxation. The variety of hospitality, leisure, entertainment, and accommodation options on The Rig will include three hotels totaling 800 rooms, along with 11 restaurants, an extreme sports and adventure park, a worldclass marina, and helipads. It will feature an

extensive selection of water activities, including a diving center, in addition to an amusement park, splash park, an E-sports center, an immersive theater, and a multi-purpose arena. The project is in line with PIF’s strategy and the Kingdom's Vision 2030 objectives of contributing to the growth of the tourism sector, directly and indirectly contributing to employment opportunities, and diversifying the economy.

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It is envisaged that The Rig will attract over 900,000 annual visitors by 2032

Amit Midha Appointed as Global CEO of Alat

The Alat Board of Directors, Chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), announces Amit Midha as its global CEO. He is a global business leader who has built

and transformed businesses in leadership roles across the globe including China, the US, India, and Singapore, and who joins from Dell Technologies where he was responsible for Dell’s growth in Asia Pacific and Japan, overseeing a multi-billion-dollar business spanning more than 40 countries.

He has built and transformed businesses in leadership roles across the globe

AtkinsRéalis Appoints New President

AtkinsRéalis, a fully integrated professional services and project management company with offices around the world, has announced the appointment of Christine Healy, a seasoned global executive, as President for Asia, Middle East, and Australia (AMEA).

“We are delighted to welcome Christine to this new leadership role. With her wealth of experience and exposure to diverse regions

throughout her career, she brings a distinctive global perspective and background which will enrich our strategic approach,'” said Ian L Edwards, President and CEO of AtkinsRéalis. Ms Healy’s primary focus will be on advancing AtkinsRéalis’ engineering services offering, spanning infrastructure, transportation, and clean energy segments. She will report to the President and CEO and will also be a member of the Executive Committee.

Yamin Shihab Appointed as the Managing Director for Colliers Project Leaders- Middle East

Diversified real estate services provider, Colliers Project Leaders- Middle East, has elevated Yamin Shihab to Managing Director. Yamin joined the firm in 2011 in Calgary, Canada, and went on to lead the Middle East business of Colliers Project Leaders in 2015. Proficient in budgeting, project planning, risk management, regulatory compliance, and strategic guidance, he has successfully led large-scale, complex assignments for global and domestic clients over the years. Moving into a more comprehensive role, Yamin

will now oversee new business development and business operations across the Middle Eastern region. Several regional markets are witnessing high demand for real estate assets across different segments (mixed-use, hospitality, retail, office, industrial, residential, and several alternative asset classes are steadily growing), and being an established leader with a deep understanding of the business and market, Yamin Shihab has been appointed to build scale and strengthen business ties in the region.

Geidea Reinforces Leadership with Key Appointment

Geidea, a frontrunner in the fintech sector, proudly announces the joining of Mr Abdulmalik AlSheikh to its team in Saudi Arabia. The announcement reflects Geidea’s commitment to spearheading fintech innovation with seasoned talent and reenforces the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as its core market.

Mr AlSheikh is appointed to the board of directors at Geidea in Saudi Arabia as an independent member. He brings to Geidea more

than 30 years of ground-breaking leadership experience in finance, technology, and innovation. He played an instrumental role in driving the development of the Saudi financial system, in particular the national payment ecosystem since established by the Saudi Central Bank. Moreover, he took an active role throughout his career in various working groups linked to the G20, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank.

Gensler Appoints Design Director to Build KSA Studio

Gensler, the world’s largest architecture, design, and planning firm, has announced the appointment of Carlos Gerhard as Principal and Design Director for Gensler KSA.

With a large expansion plan over the next 18 months, including a rapidly growing office in Riyadh aligned with the Kingdom’s Saudization

program, Gerhard will play a pivotal role in the development of Gensler’s presence in the Kingdom. Gerhard has over 30 years of professional experience, an extensive global portfolio of architectural designs, and a passion for mixed use and commercial office developments

Kate Fleetwood Appointed as Serco’s Head of Operations for West Coast, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Serco has announced the promotion of Kate Fleetwood to the role of Head of Operations, for the West Coast of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The promotion of Kate into this newly created role reaffirms Serco’s commitment to

supporting the Saudi Government and Vision 2030, with a special focus on enhancing the safety and readiness of projects across the West Coast region and echoing the company’s continued commitment to impact a better future for the region’s residents and visitors.

AtkinsRéalis Strengthens its Advisory, Planning and Design Services with Strategic Appointments in the Middle East

AtkinsRéalis, a fully integrated professional services and project management company with offices around the world, has announced key leadership appointments to support its advisory, planning, and design services business growth in the Middle East. The new appointments are set to strengthen the company’s regional footprint while meeting clients' and projects’ evolving needs to achieve sustainable growth.

To help bring clients’ visions to life, AtkinsRéalis is investing in its design capabilities by establishing an architecture studio that brings together top-notch talent and embeds AI tools and purposeful design practices to create livable, sustainable, and adaptable places fit for the future. This sees the appointment of Maxwell Connop as Regional Practice Lead,

Architecture. He brings a wealth of over 30 years of experience across the UK, Asia, and the Middle East, and a broad portfolio of aviation, rail, hospitality, and residential projects.

In addition, Andre Mourinha has joined AtkinsRéalis as Regional Head of Masterplanning and Urban Design. With an extensive and dynamic career spanning more than 16 years, he has been at the forefront of pioneering award-winning projects in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

AtkinsRéalis’ approach to providing seamless end-to-end capabilities in transport, infrastructure and buildings and places is further strengthened by establishing a dedicated Strategy and Advisory Business led by Johanna Staples, Regional Head of Advisory Services. With an international career spanning

over 25 years, she has advised public and private sector clients on how to sustainably plan and execute their programs and projects across the built environment, transport, and infrastructure industries.

Furthermore, Adam Crozier has been appointed Regional Head of Strategic Planning. With over 20 years’ experience in the UK, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, Adam has in-depth project expertise and knowledge in regional and city-scale development strategies, combining social, economic, environmental, and physical best practices to create purposeful urban places.

Pearl Group Strengthens C-suite and Boosts Operational Efficiency with COO Appointment

Leading polyurethane (PU) systems solutions provider Pearl Group has appointed Leslie Gyertson as its new Chief Operating Officer. Gyertson, a seasoned executive with over 28 years of experience in manufacturing operations, supply chain, global procurement, and business development, joins Pearl to drive operational excellence and spearhead the establishment of new international plants.

With an impressive background, including senior roles at BASF AG, Sika AG, Holcim Group, and Enerpac Tool Group, and responsibilities in Europe, LATAM, South-East Asia, and the Middle East, Gyertson brings a wealth of knowledge in transforming operations functions to enhance business growth and profitability.

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ADVENTURES BEYOND IMAGINATION: DIVE INTO YOUR DREAM DESTINATION!

WELCOME TO SINDALAH – THE GATEWAY TO THE RED SEA AND A YEAR-LONG LUXURY DESTINATION METICULOUSLY FASHIONED TO REDEFINE THE ART OF LEISURE. TECH-DRIVEN, WHERE LAIDBACK ISLAND CHIC MEETS NEW-AGE OPULENCE AND ECO-CONSCIOUS DESIGN, SINDALAH PROVIDES INCOMPARABLE EXPERIENCES TAILORED SPECIFICALLY FOR THE WORLD’S MOST DISCERNING CLIENTELE. EXPLORE A PLAYGROUND OF UNPARALLELED FREEDOM AND DISCOVERY, INCLUDING A WORLD-CLASS MARINA AND YACHT CLUB, GOLF CLUB, BEACH CLUB, SPA, AND THREE LUXURY HOTELS WITH EXCLUSIVE APARTMENTS, WHILE ENJOYING A HOST OF SOPHISTICATED CULTURAL EVENTS, GRAND SPORTING SPECTACLES, AND GLAMOROUS SOCIAL CELEBRATIONS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.

F

eaturing exquisite facilities and exclusive offerings surrounded by a stunning and diverse ocean environment that is home to over 1,100 marine species, 15% of which are endemic to the Red Sea, Sindalah spans approximately 840,000m2 of breathtaking landscapes, integrating opulent accommodation and world-class amenities to create an unforgettable haven for discerning travelers.

So, whether seeking a romantic getaway, an adventurous journey, or simply a serene retreat, Sindalah promises an enchanting escape where luxury and nature converge to create memories that linger long after the journey ends.

BEYOND THE WAVES, BEYOND COMPARE: EXPLORE LIMITLESS HORIZONS

Led by Italy’s Luca Dini Design & Architecture, the island’s design is inspired by the coral reefs and waterscapes of the Red Sea that surround it. It comes as no surprise, therefore, that IGY Marinas is partnering with NEOM to develop and operate what will be, in all probability, the most prestigious marina in the Middle East.

Sindalah spans approximately 840,000m2 of breathtaking landscapes

86 berths for Yachts up to 50m

51 luxury retail boutiques

414 ultra-premium hotel rooms

1,100 marine species

38 culinary offerings

300 top-end serviced apartments

Perfectly positioned as a glamorous gateway to the Red Sea, Sindalah will be the closest ultra-prime superyacht marina to Europe and the Mediterranean. Expected to become an iconic destination for the world’s yachting community, the maritime facility will offer 86 berths for yachts up to 50 meters and additional serviced offshore buoys for superyachts up to 180 meters.

A luxury escape where enhanced nature and inspiring architecture converge

Tom Mukamal, CEO of IGY Marinas, said: “Sindalah perfectly integrates with IGY’s global vision to connect the world’s most incredible yachting destinations across our growing marina network. The addition of NEOM to the IGY platform provides superyacht owners, captains, and charter guests with unrivaled destinations, service, and convenience. IGY is tremendously excited about the opportunity to promote this amazing new destination to the international yachting community.”

 TOM MUKAMAL, CEO OF IGY MARINAS

The Red Sea’s

longawaited first ultra-prime superyacht destination

Opening in 2024, there is no doubt that Sindalah will be a new destination for oneof-a-kind nautical and yachting experiences, which goes a long way to explaining why the global leader in superyacht concierge and maritime agency services, BWA Yachting, is establishing an office there.

Appointed as the ‘Key Partner Superyacht Agency in NEOM,’ BWA Yachting’s office will provide services for the world’s most spectacular luxury vessels as Sindalah becomes the Red Sea’s long-awaited first ultra-prime superyacht destination.

Paschalis Patsiokas, CEO at BWA Yachting, said: “We are honored and excited to be invited by NEOM to establish our presence within this groundbreaking project. At BWA Yachting, we are committed to providing world-class services to superyachts visiting Sindalah and eagerly look forward to creating captivating NEOM itineraries and delivering extraordinary experiences for our clients in this spectacular new destination.”

CURATING EXPERIENCES, NOT JUST STAYS

On land, Sindalah will be home to leading hotel brands, restaurants with cuisine curated and managed by global Michelin-starred chefs, designer fashion and luxury retail with futuristic and experiential offerings, and one of the most exotic golf courses in the world.

For leisure seekers, Sindalah’s Beach Club will be like no other, hosted by the region’s top entertainment icons, while the Sports Club will provide adventures that include guests being able to experience the magical marine life below the surface of the Red Sea. The club will also feature a deluxe gym, an Olympic-size swimming pool, spa facilities, and various sports courts. Three luxury hotels, including a Four Seasons Resort and Saudi Arabia’s first Marriott International

Autograph Collection Hotels property, will offer exquisite accommodation experiences.

Indulgence knows no bounds at Sindalah, with guests being able to immerse themselves in a world of unparalleled leisure, boasting stateof-the-art facilities for holistic rejuvenation. From invigorating spa therapies to yoga overlooking panoramic ocean vistas, every corner is designed to soothe the mind, body, and soul. For the adventurous souls, a myriad of activities await, such as exploring the vibrant coral reefs with guided snorkeling excursions.

Culinary experiences at Sindalah are just as exciting: a fusion of global flavors and local delicacies curated by world-renowned chefs in some of the finest restaurants in the region. Indulge in gastronomic delights at oceanfront fine dining restaurants, where the freshest catch of the day meets innovative culinary techniques. And that’s just the beginning. Whatever you desire, Sindalah is where nature's bounty meets gastronomic artistry to create an unparalleled dining experience.

HOSPITALITY REDEFINED

The island hosts over 400 ultra-premium hotel rooms and 300 top-end suites, a Beach Club, a glamorous Yacht Club, and 38 unique culinary offerings.

Four Seasons' upcoming resort at Sindalah, for instance, will be a one-of-a-kind project, blending the natural wonders of the Red Sea with the future-forward technologies on which this new, exciting destination is being built. Bart Carnahan, President, Global Business Development and Portfolio Management,

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, commented: “We are proud to be part of the ambitious vision that our partners at NEOM have for transforming the future of hospitality in the region and look forward to welcoming guests to discover a new part of the Kingdom.”

The resort will feature 225 guest rooms and suites with terraces overlooking the beaches of the Red Sea, as well as 52 villas with one to four-bedroom configurations with plunge pools and beach views, with the Presidential and Royal Villas offering private swimming pools, gyms and access to private yacht docks.

Marriott International has also announced that it will open three properties on Sindalah, including the Kingdom’s first Autograph Collection Hotels property as well as two Luxury Collection properties.

“NEOM is one of the most highly anticipated developments in the world, and we look forward to working with its team to develop these three exciting properties,” said Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer, Europe, Middle East, & Africa, Marriott International. “The Luxury Collection and Autograph Collection Hotels properties will express their own unique personalities inspired by the exceptional natural landscapes of NEOM.”

SWING INTO LUXURY: WHERE EVERY ROUND IS A MASTERPIECE

Sindalah, in partnership with IMG Golf Course Services, will also be home to an innovative nine-hole beachfront golf course. Engaged to oversee management services for the Golf Club, IMG Golf Course Services is set to elevate the golfing experience in the Middle East.

Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., an American golf course architect, the 6,474yard par 70 golf course will boast nine holes and 18 teeing points, accompanied

Below the surface, Sindalah is home to colorful reef fish and larger marine life

by a 280-meter driving range and stateof-the-art golf practice suites featuring advanced ball tracking technology.

The Sindalah Golf Academy will complement these offerings with its pioneering performance studios, providing the most up-to-date golf-learning technology.

THE RED SEA’S NATURAL PARADISE:

EXPLORE RESPONSIBLY, LEAVE INSPIRED Protection and preservation of the natural landscape sits at the core of NEOM’s model. Surrounded by some of the region's most biodiverse and unspoiled waters, Sindalah will offer guests and residents an unparalleled nature experience in the Red Sea, exploring its diverse marine environment and resilient coral reefs.

Below the surface, Sindalah is home to both colorful reef fish and larger marine life, including dolphins, turtles, manta rays and whale sharks. Endangered dugongs also swim in these warm waters, offering a special encounter for diving enthusiasts lucky enough to meet them.

Sindalah is where guests embark on an unforgettable journey to a paradise where luxury meets authenticity, where sumptuous experiences are enjoyed amidst breathtaking landscapes, allowing visitors to explore hidden treasures, dive into thrilling adventures, and savor the diverse flavors of the region's culinary tapestry. Discover, explore, and delight in the spirit of this astonishing destination—a gateway to extraordinary moments and cherished experiences.

SINDALAH

NEOM

THE ART OF ISLAND DEVELOPMENT RECONNECTING WITH NATURE: WHERE EVERY STAY SUPPORTS ENVIRONMENTAL

PROTECTION AND ENHANCEMENT

ISLAND DEVELOPMENTS PRESENT UNIQUE CHALLENGES, INCLUDING ENVIRONMENTAL SENSITIVITY AND LIMITED RESOURCES. BALANCING DEVELOPMENT WITH PRESERVATION IS CRUCIAL, REQUIRING SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES AND CAREFUL PLANNING TO PROTECT FRAGILE ECOSYSTEMS. INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT CAN BE COSTLY DUE TO REMOTE LOCATIONS AND TRANSPORTATION DIFFICULTIES. HOWEVER, ISLAND DEVELOPMENTS OFFER UNPARALLELED OPPORTUNITIES FOR TOURISM, ECONOMIC GROWTH, AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE. THEY OFTEN BOAST STUNNING NATURAL BEAUTY AND PROVIDE A DISTINCT LIFESTYLE APPEAL. WITH PROPER MANAGEMENT, ISLAND COMMUNITIES CAN THRIVE, FOSTERING INNOVATION, RESILIENCE, AND A HARMONIOUS COEXISTENCE WITH NATURE.

Saudi Projects: How do developers adapt to and mitigate the impact of environmental factors unique to islands, such as weather conditions, and local flora and fauna?

Karim El-Jisr: Islands present a unique range of environmental considerations, especially large archipelagos with complex ecosystems. Developers can overcome these obstacles through an intelligenceled approach that embeds sustainable principles at the heart of every initiative.

At the very beginning, Red Sea Global undertook a marine spatial planning simulation with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), to understand the flora and fauna in and around these islands, including the unique Al Wajh Lagoon, and the wider Red Sea coastline. The study helped to establish a baseline against which our commitment to deliver a 30% net conservation benefit will be measured.

The RSG Environmental Planning and Assessment team also conducted the largest environmental and wildlife study of the Red Sea coastline ever undertaken by a major developer. Over 11 months, the Environmental Baseline Survey uncovered a rich array of habitats, flora, and fauna, including a significant number of endangered species such as the Halavi Guitarfish, Hawksbill Sea Turtle, and Sooty Falcon.

Saudi Projects: How do you go about this?

Karim El-Jisr: Before any construction work is carried out, it is important to carefully evaluate an area’s natural biodiversity, not only mitigating against environmental threats but also actively enhancing natural habitats.

For us, this included The Red Sea’s extraordinary island archipelago, now home to the St Regis Red Sea resort, which opened last year and recently welcomed the legendary footballer Cristiano Ronaldo and his family.

At the very beginning, we undertook a marine spatial planning simulation with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), to understand the flora and fauna in and around these islands, including the unique Al Wajh Lagoon, and the wider Red Sea coastline. The study helped to establish a baseline against which our commitment to deliver a 30% net conservation benefit will be measured.

At the very beginning, we undertook a marine spatial planning simulation with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology

We also conducted the largest environmental and wildlife study of the Red Sea coastline ever undertaken by a major developer. Over 11 months, our Environmental Baseline Survey uncovered a rich array of habitats, flora, and fauna, including a significant number of endangered species such as the Halavi Guitarfish, Hawksbill Sea Turtle, and Sooty Falcon.

The insights we have obtained through both studies have helped us ensure our destinations support rather than disrupt surrounding flora, fauna, and ecosystems. They have influenced decisions such as designing the eye-catching Shura Island Bridge Crossing as a graceful curve, avoiding any interference with the area’s stunning natural coral formations.

Overall, by prioritizing intensive research at the beginning, developers can ensure that they strengthen natural environments for generations to come, as well as provide unforgettable memories for visitors.

Saudi Projects: What role can developers play in promoting sustainable development on islands, considering factors like committing to green building standards and energy efficiency, waste management, and ecological impact?

Karim El-Jisr: Historically, land and property developers have contributed to climate change and environmental degradation. At Red Sea Global, we wanted to demonstrate that it is possible for developers to have a net positive impact instead by adopting bold and radical approaches to energy consumption,

clean mobility, waste management, and ecological impact, beautifully encapsulated by the LEED for Cities and Communities rating system. In fact, we are pursuing green building certifications for up to 100 assets which will result in one of the largest green asset clusters in the world.

We knew that it would be impossible to deliver a truly regenerative destination without clean energy. We promised that our destinations, which include The Red Sea, AMAALA, and Thuwal Private Retreat, would all benefit from 24/7 renewable power. This might have sounded ambitious when we started given the enormous scale of our destinations, but, through procurement innovation and design expertise, we have delivered.

Across our destinations, we have also sought to work with the natural environment rather than against it

The Red Sea, which welcomed its first visitors late last year, is powered by five solar farms and 760,000 photovoltaic panels while being supported by one of the world’s largest off-grid battery storage facilities to optimize energy delivery. We are leveraging our learnings in The Red Sea to design, build, and operate similar energy farms to power AMAALA. Combined, these renewable energy farms will avoid up to 1 million tCO2e per year when fully commissioned.

Saudi Projects: The Red Sea Global philosophy takes in more than optimizing energy delivery, though, doesn’t it?

Karim El-Jisr: Across our destinations, we have also sought to work with the natural environment rather than against it. At Shura Island, we have implemented an innovative Coral Bloom design concept, which carefully blends in with the pristine natural beauty of its surrounding landscapes rather than disrupting it. At Sheybarah Island, we partnered with Grankraft to remotely prefabricate our stainless-steel overwater villas, a method that

helped to minimize noise, ground disturbance, and vehicle movements that could otherwise disrupt the underwater ecosystem.

As responsible developers, we understand the importance of preserving the natural environment for future generations whilst still providing exceptional experiences for our guests. While not every developer will benefit from the same natural resources, we strongly believe that much can be achieved by thinking ambitiously and drawing on technological innovation.

Saudi Projects: How do island destinations determine and manage their tourism carrying capacity to avoid overcrowding and negative impacts on local communities, culture, and ecosystems?

Karim El-Jisr: To manage tourism carrying capacity, developers should consider technological innovation, partnership, and careful management of natural capital. This includes enhancing the land and marine ecosystem through

 POWERED BY FIVE SOLAR FARMS AND 760,000 PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS

The Red Sea, which welcomed its first visitors late last year, is powered by five solar farms and 760,000 photovoltaic panels

We have created 20 acres of wetlands to treat 8,000m3 of effluent every day

 THE ST. REGIS RED SEA RESORT

environmental improvement, creating economic opportunities, and improving the quality of life of local communities.

At Red Sea Global, this was a key concern from the beginning of our work, and our marine spatial planning simulation was conducted in part to understand how we could prevent over-tourism from threatening the island archipelago’s pristine environments. As a result of the study, we set aside several islands in Al Wajh Lagoon to protect their sensitive biodiversity.

The simulation led us to develop only 22 out of more than 90 islands in the region to ensure we do not exceed the islands’ maximum carrying capacity, nor endanger the natural environment, and ensure that local people and their livelihoods are protected and prioritized. Specifically, our destinations were designed to accommodate up to 1.5 million a year, minimizing the threat of overtourism.

Saudi Projects: How will you follow up on this commitment?

Karim El-Jisr: As more resorts open across The Red Sea and, next year, AMAALA, we will carefully review their impact on the natural environments across land and sea. Specifically, and using smart city approaches, we will monitor environmental resources and measure the sustainability performance of our assets, so that we continue to drive progress towards our 30% net conservation benefit goal.

Our work demonstrates the critical importance of planning from the very beginning of a development rather than trying to address over-tourism once work has been carried out. To prevent ecological damage, preventative measures need to be modelled and implemented at the design stage.

Saudi Projects: What strategies can be implemented to manage the increased waste generated by tourism, including plastic pollution, and how can islands promote responsible waste disposal and recycling?

Karim El-Jisr: Waste is a major problem in the tourism sector, but through adept use of technology and careful management of resources, the issue can be overcome. At Red Sea Global, we are acutely aware of the huge quantities of waste that tourism produces across the world, which is why we are committed to zero waste to landfill across our portfolio. We are addressing the issue through innovative solutions, which we are confident will drive wider change across the industry. For example, by screening our suppliers, we can select products with lesser and greener packaging thus reducing the total waste volume. We have also built a state-of-the-art waste management facility in The Red Sea to treat incoming waste from all our operations, producing compost and dry waste streams that become feedstock for recycling industries in the Kingdom.

We have worked on reducing our waste and educating our visitors (and employees) to ‘leave no trace behind’. We are also drawing on innovation to cut plastic waste, such as the use of cleaning robots to reduce the amount of litter on beaches. These extraordinary devices can cover 3,000 m2 in a single hour and will ensure that they remain pristine for all our visitors to enjoy. Our commitment to circularity also extends to water resources. We have created 20 acres of wetlands to treat up to 8,000m3 of effluent every day, as part of the wastewater facility at The Red Sea, which has been delivered in partnership with ACWA Power. And all treated effluent is reused in our landscape nursery and across landscaped areas.

Ultimately, we know that the beauty of the Red Sea coastline is our most precious asset, and we will continue to deploy innovative technologies to ensure that everyone can continue to enjoy the Kingdom’s natural treasures.

RED SEA GLOBAL

THE RISE OF MODULAR CONSTRUCTION: REVOLUTIONIZING THE BUILDING INDUSTRY

IN RECENT YEARS, THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY HAS WITNESSED A SIGNIFICANT PARADIGM SHIFT WITH THE ADVENT OF MODULAR CONSTRUCTION. THIS INNOVATIVE BUILDING TECHNIQUE, ALSO KNOWN AS OFF-SITE OR PREFABRICATED CONSTRUCTION, IS GAINING TRACTION GLOBALLY FOR ITS EFFICIENCY, SUSTAINABILITY, AND COST-EFFECTIVENESS. IN THIS ARTICLE, WE EXPLORE THE KEY ASPECTS OF MODULAR CONSTRUCTION AND ITS TRANSFORMATIVE IMPACT ON THE TRADITIONAL BUILDING PROCESS, LOOKING AT LEADING PLAYERS IN THE INDUSTRY SUCH AS LINQ, PART OF THE ALEC GROUP, AND DUBOX AND DUPOD, PART OF GROUP AMANA.

This approach is perfect for the many gigaprojects that are now under development

DEFINING MODULAR CONSTRUCTION

Modular construction involves the creation of building components or modules in a controlled factory environment, away from the actual construction site. These modules, often complete with walls, floors, ceilings, and even fixtures, are then transported to the site for assembly. The assembly process is akin to piecing together a puzzle, with modules interlocking seamlessly to form

the final structure. In Saudi Arabia, bluechip companies such as AMANA, ALEC, and Spacemaker are all pushing back the boundaries in modular construction to provide clients with solutions that are timely, sustainable, quality-led, cost-effective, and versatile when it comes to design parameters.

This approach is perfect for the many gigaprojects that are now under development,

such as Qiddiya, The Red Sea, and NEOM. Modular construction is a desirable alternative for these projects since they frequently call for the rapid construction of a significant number of buildings and infrastructure.

At Sindalah, for instance, two ALEC companies provided their unique breadth of expertise: LINQ, which specializes in providing topquality manufactured modular hotel

solutions, and AES, which provides turnkey building envelopes for a broad portfolio of bespoke and complex projects.

The LINQ factory runs six modular production lines in a fully controlled environment that is well-ventilated and out of the sun. Many other modular manufacturers don’t have facilities like these and have to work outside, contending with summer working hours and other related challenges, so in terms of productivity, LINQ has the ideal facilities.

Renowned for its innovation and creativity, LINQ has utilized a completely dry system at

Sindalah with an innovative and eco-friendly product, a board made of date palms. Graham Petty, Operations Manager at LINQ, explained: “Whenever we can, we use sustainable materials. For Sindalah, we suggested to NEOM that we use sustainable date palm board because we were trying to avoid using concrete because of the not-insignificant amount of emissions it produces. Utilizing completely dry construction also helps with our production sequencing because it means we don’t have to wait for the concrete to cure, determining that the production line moves faster.”

Construction timelines can be shortened by up to 50%

QIDDIYAH OFFICE COMPLEX

LINQ’s sister company, AES, has also been active at Sindalah, with its in-house façade designers and engineers bringing architectural concepts to life. Presently, AES is working on two major projects for NEOM, the iconic Sindalah Gold Course Clubhouse and the installation of a state-of-the-art façade for 11 modular buildings for Marriott Hotels.

Micael Quinn, Operations Manager at AES, says: “The state-of-the-art façade will feature a multi-layered approach, beginning with a highly insulated and waterproof sandwich panel. This will be seamlessly clad with a leather-coated Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) panel both internally and externally, creating a distinctive aesthetic that harmonizes with the natural beauty of the surroundings.”

COMPLETED 30% FASTER

DuBox, a division of AMANA, is another company that leads the field in offsite manufacturing construction in the GCC, delivering reduced costs, increased quality, faster completion times, and a sustainable construction model. Nearly 85% is designed, manufactured, and assembled offsite in a controlled environment at a DuBox factory before traveling by road to the project site.

Numerous savings have been made; a 30% reduction in labor costs; a 50% - 90% reduction in overall waste and a 30% reduction in solid waste. The project will be completed 30% faster than traditional construction, producing numerous environmental, HSE, and economic benefits.

At AMANA, all QA and QC processes and inspections are completed in its production bays throughout the manufacturing process to ensure consistent quality. DuBox follows a double testing procedure, in the factory and on-site once the modules are assembled, ensuring only the highest quality manufactured product is delivered to the client, with an AMANA spokesperson saying: “The modules undergo flood testing to ensure water tightness and MEP pressure testing in the factory before dispatch. This enables any rectifications required to be conducted in a factory environment rather than during the traditional on-site works.”

Shorter construction timelines mean fewer labor hours, reduced financing costs, and earlier occupancy

Modular construction aligns with the growing emphasis on sustainable building practices too. The controlled environment of the factory allows for meticulous resource management, reducing material waste. Additionally, the reduced on-site construction time translates to less disruption to the surrounding environment and communities. As the construction industry seeks greener alternatives, modular construction emerges as a promising solution to minimize its ecological footprint.

The AMANA spokesperson said: “At AMANA, we prepare a Construction Environmental Social Management Plan (CESMP): It lists environmental management controls required for the work to be carried out under the contract, and environmental management tasks such as reporting, inspections, and training. The objectives of this CESMP are to identify the potential environmental impacts that can result from the planned construction activities and identify measures to control or avoid these impacts.”

PRECISION AND QUALITY CONTROL

The modular construction process is characterized by meticulous precision and quality control. In a factory setting, each module is constructed to exact specifications, ensuring consistency and accuracy. This precision is often challenging to achieve on traditional construction sites where variations can occur due to weather, human error, or other external factors. The strict quality control measures inherent in modular construction contribute to buildings with higher structural integrity and uniform quality.

While the initial perception may be that modular construction is more expensive, the overall cost-effectiveness becomes evident when considering the reduced construction time and increased efficiency. Shorter construction timelines mean fewer labor hours, reduced financing costs, and earlier occupancy, translating into substantial savings. Moreover, the controlled factory environment minimizes material waste, optimizing resource utilization and further contributing to cost-effectiveness.

Moreover, contrary to the misconception that modular construction leads to cookie-cutter buildings, this method offers considerable versatility in design. Architects and designers can create diverse and aesthetically pleasing structures by combining various modules. From residential homes to commercial spaces and educational institutions, the adaptability of modular construction allows for a broad spectrum of design possibilities, meeting the diverse needs of different projects.

CHALLENGES AND CONSIDERATIONS

While modular construction offers numerous advantages, it is essential to acknowledge the challenges associated with this innovative approach. Transportation of large modules to the construction site requires careful planning, and site logistics must be well-coordinated to ensure smooth assembly. Additionally, some traditional construction stakeholders may initially resist the shift to modular methods, emphasizing the importance of industrywide education and collaboration.

CONCLUSION

Modular construction stands at the forefront of a transformative era in the building industry. Its efficiency, sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and versatility make it an appealing choice for developers, builders, and architects worldwide. As technology advances and the demand for more sustainable building practices increases, modular construction is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the construction landscape, enabling the digitalization of design and construction processes, which is a stepping stone to industrializing construction. The success stories of projects embracing modular construction underscore its potential to revolutionize the industry and provide a blueprint for a more efficient and environmentally conscious approach to building.

The region's leading design & build off-site volumetric concrete construction solution.

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE WITH DUBOX MODULAR CONSTRUCTION SOLUTIONS

OFF-SITE MANUFACTURING, ALSO KNOWN AS PREFABRICATION OR MODULAR CONSTRUCTION, HAS EMERGED AS A TRANSFORMATIVE FORCE IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, REVOLUTIONIZING TRADITIONAL BUILDING PRACTICES AND UNLOCKING NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR EFFICIENCY, SUSTAINABILITY, AND INNOVATION. THIS APPROACH INVOLVES THE FABRICATION OF BUILDING COMPONENTS OR ENTIRE MODULES IN A CONTROLLED FACTORY ENVIRONMENT, AWAY FROM THE CONSTRUCTION SITE, BEFORE TRANSPORTING AND ASSEMBLING THEM ONSITE, WITH DUBOX, AN AMANA COMPANY, LEADING THE FIELD IN THE GCC, DELIVERING REDUCED COSTS, INCREASED QUALITY, FASTER COMPLETION TIMES AND A SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION MODEL.

"Investment in bespoke mega-cranes, codesigned with leading European manufacturers, will lead to further automation and an increase in production, allowing DuBox to continue to support

the ambitions of Vision 2030.” These cranes are more than 20 meters in height and enhance AMANA’s continuous improvement to industrialize construction. They are currently 85% manufactured and will be en route for operational use in H2 of 2024".

Active on major giga-projects for bluechip clients such as AMAALA and NEOM, DuBox is unlocking new efficiencies, driving greater value, and creating buildings that are better designed, built, and operated. Nearly 85% of projects are designed, manufactured, and assembled off-site in a controlled environment at a DuBox Assembly Yard before traveling by road to the project site. Each module is built in pre-cast concrete and is fully constructed and fitted out, including all MEP work, before reaching the site. QA & QC processes and inspections are completed in our production bays throughout the manufacturing process to ensure consistent quality.

Off-site construction commences before the site is ready and it takes place in parallel to site clearance, landfilling, and substructure works. This is fueled by the company’s use of volumetric concrete, with materials such as aggregates, cement, water, and additives being batched and mixed on-site rather than at a centralized plant. This process involves using volumetric concrete mixers, which are specialized vehicles equipped with separate compartments for storing and proportioning the raw materials.

This, along with other innovations, has seen DuBox make numerous savings; a 30% reduction in labor costs; a 50% - 90% reduction in overall waste, and a 30% reduction in solid waste. Projects can be completed 30% quicker than traditional construction, producing several environmental, HSE, and economic benefits.

By shifting the site activities off-site and, due to the innovative system DuBox brings to developers, by default it is able to achieve LEED/MOSTADAM ratings.

Each module is built in pre-cast concrete and is fully constructed and fitted out, including all MEP work

The project will be completed 30% faster than traditional construction

INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGY FOR ENHANCED EFFICIENCY IN MODULAR CONSTRUCTION

Digitalization lies at the heart of everything that DuBox undertakes; from design to execution, all processes are operated on cloud-based platforms.

BIM technology allowed DuBox to design and integrate all of NEOM’s delivery team with engineers in different offices and countries to design and build in real-time as both design and construction progressed, enabling it to deliver the project in record time.

The planning of activities for this project involved a team of multiple engineers engaging virtually on a concept, design, and execution plan, considering successes and many lessons learned from previous projects in the DuBox database. Planned completion of engineering and procurement tasks before commencing the offsite construction was crucial to avoid any delay.

STRIVING FOR PERFECTION THROUGH TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT

By shifting construction activities to a controlled Assembly Facility setting, projects can benefit from improved productivity, enhanced quality, and reduced labor costs. The assembly-line production of building components allows for greater precision and standardization, minimizing waste and rework. Additionally, the ability to work concurrently on multiple modules or components can dramatically shorten project timelines, enabling faster delivery and occupancy of buildings.

Indeed, guided by a relentless pursuit of excellence, DuBox pioneers transformative solutions that redefine the industry, engineering tomorrow’s breakthroughs today. Embracing challenges as opportunities, the company has delivered 3,635 modules to KSA and 9,627 modules to the wider GCC region since its Rabigh yard was established in 2019. At present, 1,160 modules are in production, with the yard turning out 16 modules per day (800m2).

DuBox is also committed to ‘parallelism’, thus reducing overall duration, optimizing resource utilization, and minimizing the idle time between tasks. “This ensures that we can work on several floors at the same time while the site is being prepared to receive the modules,” explains Jihad Bsaibes, CEO at Group AMANA: “Investment in bespoke mega-cranes, codesigned with leading European manufacturers, will lead to further automation and an increase in production, allowing DuBox to continue to support the ambitions of Vision 2030.”

These cranes are more than 20 meters in height and enhance AMANA’s continuous improvement to industrialize construction. They are currently 85% manufactured and will be en route for operational use in H2 of 2024.

BIM technology allowed DuBox to design and integrate all of NEOM’s delivery team with engineers in different offices and countries

MANUFACTORING QUALITY

QA & QC processes and inspections are completed in DuBox’s production bays throughout the manufacturing process to ensure consistent quality. The company follows a double testing procedure in the factory and on-site once the modules are assembled, ensuring the highest factory-quality product is delivered to the site.

In addition to efficiency and quality benefits, DuBox off-site manufacturing offers environmental advantages that align with sustainability goals. The controlled factory environment allows for better management of resources and waste, with opportunities for recycling and reuse of materials. Furthermore, the precision engineering and modular design inherent in prefabrication enable optimization of building performance, including energy efficiency and thermal comfort. As sustainable building practices become increasingly important in addressing climate change and resource depletion, DuBox provides a viable solution for reducing the environmental footprint of the construction industry.

Off-site manufacturing also fosters innovation and customization in building design and

In addition to efficiency and quality benefits, DuBox off-site manufacturing offers environmental advantages that align with sustainability goals

construction. Advanced technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and robotic automation enable architects and engineers to explore creative design solutions and optimize building performance. The modular nature of prefabricated components allows for greater flexibility and customization, accommodating diverse architectural styles and functional requirements. This versatility opens up opportunities for architects, developers, and building owners to realize their vision while maximizing efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

PROACTIVELY ENSURING QUALITY IN PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND MANUFACTURING

Continuous R&D in the box design and handling is core to DuBox’s culture of innovation, and this is reflected in the lessons learned and feedback of its clients, allowing it to strive for continuous improvement in its efforts to ‘productize’ its construction delivery to the market.

DuBox off-site manufacturing represents a paradigm shift in the construction industry, offering a host of benefits including speed, cost-effectiveness, quality, sustainability, and innovation. As the demand for faster, smarter, and more sustainable construction solutions grows, prefabrication is poised to play an increasingly prominent role in shaping the built environment of the future. By embracing off-site manufacturing techniques, stakeholders across the construction value chain are enjoying efficiencies and quality enhancements that are setting a new benchmark for the entire industry.

GROUP AMANA

UNLOCKING THE MINDS OF CONSTRUCTION VISIONARIES: THE INSPIRING JOURNEY OF BEC ARABIA

BEC ARABIA STANDS AS A VIBRANT AND INCLUSIVE ORGANIZATION THAT PROVIDES COMPREHENSIVE, TURNKEY SOLUTIONS IN THE FIELDS OF CIVIL CONSTRUCTION, ELECTROMECHANICAL OPERATIONS, INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT, LANDSCAPING, AND ENGINEERING SERVICES. AS A VERSATILE ENTITY OFFERING A WIDE ARRAY OF SERVICES TO CATER TO VARIOUS NEEDS, BEC ARABIA HAS EARNED ITS REPUTATION AS ONE OF THE MOST TRUSTED AND ESTEEMED CONTRACTORS IN THE REGION. AT SAUDI PROJECTS, WE WERE CURIOUS TO DISCOVER THE SECRETS BEHIND ITS SUCCESS AND UNCOVER ITS CORE BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY AND VISION, AND SO WE HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF INTERVIEWING BEC ARABIA'S MANAGING PARTNER, BAKHIT ALDOSRI.

 MR BAKHIT AL DOSARI, MANAGING PARTNER

"The overarching vision of BEC Arabia is to provide innovative engineering and construction solutions that empower us to undertake ambitious projects. Since our establishment in 2010, we have been committed to delivering large-scale projects that enhance the nation's infrastructure and cater to the needs of prestigious clients such as the Ministry of Housing, Education, and Interior. Our consistent success in executing these projects has not only earned us recognition but also opened doors to key opportunities in KSA's major gigaprojects, including NEOM and Red Sea Global & the Royal Commission of Al Ula", Bakhit elaborates.

"Guided by Vision 2030, we are committed to leveraging our expertise and resources to drive innovation and foster economic diversification for the Kingdom. With a strong emphasis on sustainable construction practices, investment in human capital development, and support for the tourism sector, we are dedicated to contributing to a greener and more resilient future. Bakhit, articulates a compelling vision that aligns strategies with long-term objectives, empowering employees to unleash their creativity. This leadership cultivates adaptability, resilience, and sustainable growth amidst dynamic market landscapes.

"Fostering a foundation of trust, honest communication, and responsibility is my top priority," Bakhit shares passionately.

"We pride ourselves on providing generous salary packages, enticing incentives, and pathways for professional growth to not only draw in exceptional individuals but also to keep them flourishing with us. Our goal is to cultivate prosperous narratives and support our team, all while solidifying our position as the employer of choice in the construction field. By inspiring our employees to share their insights and outlooks, we ignite a spark of collective brilliance and imagination."

Having a workforce that is both highly experienced and qualified has resulted in a culture characterized by mutual support, accountability, and continuous improvement. When equipped with cuttingedge technology, this dynamic environment becomes a breeding ground for innovation and a significant boost in productivity.

 HAMPTON’S HOTEL, NEOM

EVALUATING AND ENHANCING INNOVATION AND SAFETY PERFORMANCE

From initial planning to final execution, BEC Arabia places a strong emphasis on quality craftsmanship, meticulous attention to detail, and ensuring client satisfaction across all facets. Setting itself apart with innovative solutions, flexibility to accommodate towards evolving project needs, and strict adherence to safety protocols.

Bakhit remarks, "Our company stands out for its proactive approach to funding initiatives and securing equity stakes in pioneering projects.

"A prime example of this proactive stance is our instrumental role in the development of the Hampton's hotel, located in the futuristic city of NEOM. This particular venture marks the first permanent asset in NEOM, exemplifying our ability to deliver ahead of schedule, which was evidenced by its timely handover to the client. This accomplishment underscores not only our dedication to innovation and excellence but also showcases our significant contribution to the region's development."

BEC Arabia places a strong emphasis on quality craftsmanship, meticulous attention to detail, and ensuring client satisfaction across all facets

BEC Arabia is at the forefront of sustainable building practices, incorporating ecofriendly solutions into every project

PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES FOR SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION

As a company engaged with multiple leading organizations like NEOM, BEC Arabia is at the forefront of sustainable building practices, incorporating eco-friendly solutions into every project. "Sustainability and social responsibility are fundamental to our operations," states Bakhit. "One of our significant projects involved a large landscaping endeavor in NEOM, focusing on transplanting native and heritage palm trees. This initiative demonstrates our commitment to biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability, highlighting our role as a responsible player in the construction sector."

However, sustainability is not the only challenge facing the modern construction industry. Other hurdles include labor shortages and the integration of technology. "A particular challenge we faced was managing project delays caused by unforeseen events," explains Bakhit. "Through the implementation of agile project management techniques, improved communication channels, and a focus on proactive problem-solving along with flexibility, we successfully overcame this obstacle. Our ability to adapt and drive projects forward underscores our resilience and dedication to delivering outstanding results."

"This project showcases our ability to deliver grandscale, luxury projects that elevate the region's prosperity and reputation."

 THE SINDALAH ISLAND PROJECT, NEOM

“Our resilience and commitment to delivering excellence are highlighted by our capacity to adapt and uphold project momentum.”

NEOM'S BOLD VISION REALIZED: THE FUTURE UNFOLDS

The Sindalah Island project in NEOM shines brightly as a testament to BEC Arabia's remarkable influence within the region. Championing this endeavor, Bakhit shares his journey: Serving as the principal contractor for the majority of the clusters, from exquisite resorts to world-class golf courses. "This project exemplifies our proficiency in delivering grand-scale developments of luxurious standards, enhancing both the region's prestige and advancement."

BEC Arabia emerges as a beacon of triumph in the industry, grounded in a legacy of innovation, integrity, and unwavering dedication to excellence. Fueled by visionary leadership and a stellar team, the company has surmounted challenges, surpassed expectations, and cultivated enduring partnerships. Its adeptness in embracing cutting-edge technologies and evolving market dynamics exemplifies its resilience and forward-thinking ethos, ensuring its position as a trailblazer that continuously redefines benchmarks and inspires greatness.

SYNERGY IN ACTION: DRIVING EXCELLENCE THROUGH SHARED SERVICES

AS THE HEAD OF LEGAL & DIRECTOR OF SHARED SERVICES, DR. DONIA DOWIDAR’S ROLE IS MULTIFACETED, REQUIRING A BLEND OF LEGAL ACUMEN, OPERATIONAL INSIGHT, AND LEADERSHIP PROWESS. BY SPEARHEADING INITIATIVES THAT HARMONIZE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS WITH STREAMLINED SHARED SERVICES, SHE DRIVES ORGANIZATIONAL SUCCESS THROUGH INNOVATION AND METICULOUS ATTENTION TO DETAIL.

SAUDI PROJECTS SPOKE TO DR. DOWIDAR TO DISCOVER HOW HER COMMITMENT TO FOSTERING A COLLABORATIVE ENVIRONMENT LEADS TO LEGAL INTEGRITY AND OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE.

 DR. DONIA DOWIDAR, HEAD OF LEGAL & DIRECTOR OF SHARED SERVICES

BEC ARABIA - INTERVIEW WITH DR DONIA DOWIDAR, HEAD OF LEGAL & DIRECTOR

SAUDI PROJECTS: Can you describe your role with BEC Arabia and your vision to take Shared Services forward?

DR. DONIA DOWIDAR: My role as the Shared Services Director centers on optimizing operational efficiencies and enhancing service delivery across all departments within the organization. I envision implementing innovative technologies and streamlined processes to foster seamless collaboration and support for every business unit. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement and leveraging data-driven insights, I aim to elevate Shared Services to a strategic level, driving organizational growth and success. This entails aligning our efforts to optimize efficiency, drive cost-effectiveness, and exceed stakeholder expectations, enhancing the effectiveness of our support services across the organization and its subsidiaries.

SAUDI PROJECTS: What challenges do you typically encounter in managing Shared Services, and how do you address them?

DR. DONIA DOWIDAR: Managing Shared Services comes with its set of challenges. These typically include integrating systems and processes across diverse departments and subsidiaries, aligning stakeholders’ needs, efficiently allocating resources, navigating change management, and ensuring compliance and risk management across all entities.

To tackle these challenges, streamlined processes and technology solutions can be implemented to improve efficiency. Engaging stakeholders through open communication and feedback loops helps ensure alignment and address concerns. Continuously assessing resource allocation optimizes task prioritization and resource utilization. In managing change, involving employees, providing training and support, and communicating benefits aid in gaining buy-in and mitigating resistance. Lastly, staying updated on regulations, conducting regular risk assessments, and implementing robust controls help ensure compliance and mitigate risks effectively.

At BEC Arabia, we prioritize gender diversity in recruitment and talent development

We actively participate in industry forums, conferences, and networking events, engaging in meaningful discussions with thought leaders

SAUDI PROJECTS: What are the key performance metrics you use to measure the effectiveness of Shared Services?

DR. DONIA DOWIDAR: At BEC Arabia, we utilize a range of key performance metrics to gauge the effectiveness of our Shared Services. These include Service Level Agreements (SLAs), cost savings, and process efficiency indicators such as turnaround time, error rates, and employee productivity. These metrics offer valuable insights into the efficiency, quality, and overall performance of our Shared Services, driving continuous improvement

initiatives and supporting strategic decisionmaking to enhance operational effectiveness and deliver value to the organization.

SAUDI PROJECTS: How do you promote gender diversity and the empowerment of women within BEC Arabia?

DR. DONIA DOWIDAR: Promoting gender diversity and empowering women is not just a goal, but a fundamental commitment at BEC Arabia. We believe that diversity fuels innovation, fosters creativity, and drives sustainable growth. To empower women

within our organization, we have implemented a range of initiatives aimed at creating an inclusive and supportive environment where women can thrive and excel.

We prioritize gender diversity in recruitment and talent development, actively seeking qualified women for leadership roles. We offer tailored mentorship programs, leadership training, and networking opportunities to support women’s professional growth. We actively promote work-life balance initiatives, flexible working arrangements, and family-friendly policies to support the diverse needs of our employees,

including working mothers. By championing gender diversity, we enrich our organization and contribute to a more equitable society where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.

SAUDI PROJECTS: Can you provide examples of recent process improvements or innovations implemented within Shared Services?

DR. DONIA DOWIDAR: In Shared Services, we’ve recently implemented several innovative solutions to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. These include leveraging Robotic Process Automation (RPA) to automate

We’ve developed in-house applications tailored to the specific needs of

Shared Services

repetitive tasks, utilizing data analysis and machine learning algorithms to optimize processes, integrating AI technologies to improve decision-making, and upgrading our ERP system for streamlined operations. Additionally, we’ve developed in-house applications tailored to the specific needs of Shared Services, further enhancing our capabilities and driving continuous improvement. These tools have enabled us to make data-driven decisions, improve resource allocation, and enhance overall performance.

SAUDI PROJECTS: How do you foster collaboration and communication between Shared Services and other departments or business units?

DR. DONIA DOWIDAR: We foster collaboration and communication between Shared Services, other departments, and subsidiaries through various initiatives. Regular cross-functional meetings and forums provide opportunities for representatives from different departments and subsidiaries to come together, discuss ongoing projects, share updates, and address any challenges or concerns collaboratively. This fosters a culture of transparency, teamwork, and mutual support.

In addition, we leverage technology platforms such as collaborative workspaces and project management tools to facilitate seamless communication and information sharing across teams, including subsidiaries. These platforms enable real-time collaboration on shared documents, tasks, and projects, irrespective of geographical locations or time zone differences.

SAUDI PROJECTS: How do you promote a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the Shared Services team?

DR. DONIA DOWIDAR: At BEC Arabia, we encourage open communication and idea-sharing among team members, creating a safe space for individuals to propose new ideas, share feedback, and suggest process improvements.

Furthermore, we prioritize ongoing learning and development by offering training programs, workshops, and resources focused on new technologies, best practices, and emerging trends relevant to our field. This not only equips team members with the necessary skills and knowledge to drive innovation but also instills a mindset of curiosity and exploration.

SAUDI PROJECTS: How do you stay informed about emerging trends and best practices in Shared Services management, and how do you incorporate them into your strategies?

DR. DONIA DOWIDAR: We actively participate in industry forums, conferences, and networking events, engaging in meaningful discussions with thought leaders. This ensures we gain insights into leading practices and trends. Additionally, we leverage technology and data analytics to gain deeper insights into our operations, enabling proactive adaptation of strategies and processes to meet evolving business needs.

By combining these approaches, we drive continuous improvement and stay ahead of the curve in Shared Services management, ensuring our organization remains agile and responsive in a dynamic business environment.

A Talk on

THE WILD SIDE

WILD FOUNDER AND CEO EMMA BURDETT TALKS TO SAMAR ALAMRO

A PIONEERING PATH: INSIGHTS FROM A VISIONARY FEMALE EXECUTIVE

IN THIS ISSUE OF SAUDI PROJECTS, EMMA BURDETT, FOUNDER OF WILD (WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP DELIVER) TALKS TO SAMAR ALAMRO, DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE SERVICES & SUSTAINABILITY MIDDLE

EAST AT ACCENTURE REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS, TO EXPLORE THE COMPELLING JOURNEY OF SAMAR, A TRAILBLAZING FORCE IN THE BUSINESS WORLD, CELEBRATING NOT ONLY HER ACCOMPLISHMENTS BUT ALSO INSPIRING OTHER FEMALE LEADERS TO SEEK THEIR OWN LEADERSHIP HEIGHTS.

Emma: You come from a corporate background, tell us about your industry journey.

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 unique and valuable learning experiences. Our recent MoU with the United Nations Global Compact, KSA, will not only provide world class leadership solutions for women in the region, we will be utilizing Saudi talent in alignment with the vision requirements and to be relevant to local needs.”

Saudi Projects and WILD have partnered to bring you a series of interviews: A Talk on the WILD Side, with inspiring women from across the KSA region.

VISIT WEBSITE

Samar: During the first 13 years of my career I was in the public sector as a government employee, and I shifted my career to the private sector joining SAP Middle East in 2010, when they were establishing the Saudi branch. This is where I grew my knowledge and experience in the technology and digital sector and moved further to a leadership role with Accenture in 2018, which was another big shift in my career.

Emma: What inspired your drive to pursue a career in a male-dominated industry?

Samar: It was a new era of transformation in the Saudi job market, it was not very common to leave a Government job to join a private company but I was looking for new learning and exploring how I could grow my career in a very new field. It was very challenging for me personally to enter a new organization and a completely new role, but I think that was the best motivation for me to challenge myself and get out of my comfort zone ... and I think it was the right time to join the private sector.

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

Samar: My achievements include:

• First Saudi female leader to join Accenture Middle East, the leading corporate function and sustainability company in the Middle East and Turkey since 2018.

• Part of the first cohort of the INSIAD Saudi Digital Academy Digital Leadership Program hosted by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology of Saudi Arabia.

• Leading the project of setting up and building of the hospitality lounge at Expo 2020

On a personal level, I am proud of my achievements as a mother of three amazing children (adults now): one daughter graduated from Prince Sultan University Business School in Marketing and is now working with a semi-government entity. She became a mother recently of a beautiful baby girl. I also have two sons (twins) who are very artistic and passionate

Women in Saudi Arabia are now equally contributing to the GDP of the Kingdom

WILD: WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP DELIVER

Today, more than 300,000 women work at Accenture

about their talents in choreography, designing and performing contemporary dance in theaters and shows with the Ministry of Culture and ‘Terhal’.

Emma: What changes have you seen for women in KSA over the last 4-5 years?

Samar: Women in Saudi Arabia are now equally contributing to the GDP of the Kingdom, with workforce participation rising to 33.6% in Saudi Arabia in Q1 2022: Report published in https://www. arabnews.com/node/2151926/business-economy

Saudi Arabian women now drive economic growth in a variety of industries, from aviation to banking, as per the article published in The National News: https:// www.thenationalnews.com/business/economy/ how-saudi-arabia-s-women-are-pushing-into-theworkforce-and-transforming-the-economy-1.1236956

Emma: What notable changes have you seen in the workplace for women?

Samar: Deep-rooted in Accenture’s ethos is a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion that enriches the company's daily operations. In recent times, the workplace landscape for women has undergone significant transformations, as exemplified by Accenture’s progressive approach: With a resolute vision, Accenture is actively pursuing gender parity by 2025. This mission involves implementing gender-smart solutions that foster an inclusive and just workplace, offering equal opportunities for all individuals to flourish.

At Accenture, our thinking and approach to diversity and inclusion have progressed to a point where we can do away with prefixes such as ‘male’ and ‘female’ and view the industry irrespective of gender. We strongly believe that the future workforce is governed by equality and we have set bold goals to accelerate gender equality.

Today, more than 300,000 women work at Accenture. Additionally, 50% of our board of directors and 27% of our global management committee are women.

Accenture ensures comprehensive support for 100% of its female members throughout various career stages, underscoring the company's dedication to nurturing their professional growth.

Accenture harnesses its diverse team’s expertise in areas such as inclusion and diversity consulting, leadership alignment, and training. This approach draws from the company's internal successes and external client collaborations.

We champion and advocate gender diversity and inclusion through strategic partnerships with thirdparty organizations such as everywomanNetwork and Catalyst to encourage self-development.

At Accenture, we have built an environment where members are encouraged to call out biases in the workplace and can have an open and honest dialogue with the company’s leaders.

Emma: What challenges do women still face in the workplace?

Samar: Gender bias is one the main challenges we as women face in the workplace, although the national agenda of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is promoting women’s roles in leadership positions we are still facing some discrimination and gender bias throughout our career growth in all levels.

When I think back, the nature of the jobs that were accepted by our Saudi society were very limited (the education sector and medical sector were not very popular, and in banking, there were limited jobs in women’s branches ) and this gave me the courage and enthusiasm to move to a totally new ‘private sector digital and technology client engagement’.

The social barriers were always there (I can call them cultural barriers) but with the support I had from my husband and extended family, I was able to overcome those challenges.

Emma: How do you suggest companies in KSA attract and retain the best female talent?

Samar: Attracting and retaining the best female talent is a critical focus for companies in today’s hypercompetitive corporate landscape. Research and evidence emphasize the significance of mentorship and a gender-neutral approach, both of which play pivotal roles in this endeavor.

According to global research, 70% of Fortune 500 companies have mentoring programs.

WILD is a great initiative and community for women in KSA. The events see a variety of diverse female role models come together to share their stories and experiences.

This statistic is very telling of the importance and direct impact of mentorship on the success and growth of a company’s employees. Further research and studies state that mentoring improves both the promotion and retention of diverse groups by 15%-38% compared to non-mentored minorities. However, there is a misconception that mentorship is only crucial and instrumental at the start of your career; mentors are a trusted ally for mentees at the workplace all through their careers and more so when they are about to take on leadership roles.

A gender-neutral approach, especially at the leadership level, isn’t just a tick-box exercise; you need to genuinely embrace it to get the most out of the benefits it brings to a company. Hence, Accenture is promoting women at all stages of their careers and investing in targeted support, flexible work arrangements, and comprehensive training programs to help women thrive at Accenture.

The Accenture Women’s Network—an employee group across more than 150 locations globally— serves as an in-person and online resource for our women to network, learn, grow, and connect through everyday experiences.

Emma: Have you seen any benefits of crossfunctional teams working together, such as men and women from different races and ethnicities? If so, do you have an example?

Samar: Cross-functional teams that include men, women, and individuals from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds bring together a wealth of unique perspectives and experiences.

These differences can be harnessed to drive business success and attain a competitive edge.

Accenture’s inclusive view of diversity encompasses people from different cultures, faiths, ethnicities, and

racial backgrounds across every country of operation. This approach ensures that everyone has equal opportunities to belong, advance, and thrive.

Accenture's culture of equality not only attracts, develops, and rewards top talent but also fosters an environment that cultivates innovation and optimal performance. This culture results in better solutions for clients.

By establishing mentorship and sponsorship programs, along with employee resource groups (ERGs), Accenture is providing structured avenues for individuals of diverse backgrounds to grow, share knowledge, and contribute effectively. Additionally, fostering diversity and inclusion can help companies attract top talent and better understand and serve diverse customer segments, further strengthening their position in the market. Regular diversity assessments enable companies to monitor their progress, identify areas for improvement, and ensure that inclusivity remains a core principle.

Accenture supports its global workforce of 738,000 individuals to remain connected by valuing and preserving their distinct local cultures while upholding the company's global core values.

Emma: Do you see differences between generations? For instance, are older generations more resistant to change?

Samar: We (the old generations) were always ready for change. The new generation sees it as the future, not a change, so between the wisdom and experience of the old generations and the enthusiasm of the new generation the change force is unstoppable.

Emma: KSA has a high percentage of youth, with 65% of the population being under 35, do you see a different mentality with this generation?

Samar: Of course, there will always be a mentality gap between the two generations, but the gap is breached through knowledge transfer, sharing experiences, and mentorship.

Emma: What is your personal intention and motivation?

Samar: I am enjoying the transformation in my country; I used to say facing the challenges but now I am proudly saying finding opportunities.

Emma: What has been the biggest challenge for you and how have you overcome this?

Samar: The first 20 years of my career was a series of challenges on a professional and personal level, but with support and persistent investment in myself I am now harvesting the results of my seeds.

Emma: What advice would you give to a younger Saudi female starting their career?

Samar: Do what you are good at, don’t be shy or refrain from taking challenges, and be patient.

Emma: How important do you feel the WILD network is for women in the region and why?

Samar: WILD is a great initiative and community for women in KSA.

The events see a variety of diverse female role models come together to share their stories and experiences. WILD also allows women to connect with other women, helping to expand the network across GCC by exchanging knowledge and promoting inclusivity. 70% of Fortune 500 companies have mentoring programs

Conversations that Matter: Reach Out and Connect

Samar: Cross-functional teams that include men, women, and individuals from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds bring together a wealth of unique perspectives and experiences.

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

LESS WEIGHT, MORE IMPACT: PIONEERING MEANINGFUL CONSTRUCTION WITH EVERY BUILD

IN THE BUSTLING METROPOLIS, WHERE CONCRETE JUNGLES DOMINATE THE SKYLINE, SL RASCH EMERGES AS AN ARCHITECTURAL AND SPECIALIST CONTRACTING FIRM THAT TRANSCENDS TRADITIONAL PARADIGMS. WITH AN UNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO COALESCING HUMAN HABITATS WITH THE NATURAL WORLD, SL RASCH STANDS AS A TESTAMENT TO THE POSSIBILITY OF A SYMBIOTIC EXISTENCE BETWEEN ARCHITECTURE AND NATURE.

Founded in the early 1980s and with vast experience within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, SL Rasch has a vision: not just to create beautiful buildings but also to harmonize them with their natural surroundings in an interdependent relationship. Mustafa Rasch, CEO at SL Rasch, explains: “The philosophy of the company from the beginning was to create architecture that works with nature. Humankind has generally put its constructions ‘onto’ nature, obstructing it massively, and we have all seen the catastrophic results of this, with rising temperatures, deforestation, pollution, and depletion of resources like water.

“Our approach or calling is to find the right building form and try to ensure that it can work in harmony with nature. That is a very big challenge; it’s not easy to develop such structures, and I would say it’s an ongoing search, but this is what we’re striving for.”

TIMELESS MAJESTY: AN ICONIC CLOCK TOWER IN MAKKAH

From day one, when the firm was just a small architectural practice

led by Mustafa’s father, Dr Mahmoud Bodo Rasch, the intention was to revolutionize the construction industry with buildings that blend into their surroundings, being environmentally conscious. Its approach was to integrate renewable and lightweight materials, energy-efficient design, and innovative technologies to minimize the ecological impact.

“However,” Mustafa continues, “it quickly became apparent that the projects we were looking to develop were not feasible. It was getting too expensive and too difficult to find contractors who could build the kind of structures we wanted. So we decided to transform ourselves more into a main contractor, a specialized contractor, taking over the overall project responsibility rather than just the planning.”

Through its commitment to setting high standards for responsible construction and demonstrating that the enduring power of architecture could not only inspire awe but also foster a deeper connection with the natural world, SL Rasch soon became highly sought after by discerning and forward-looking clients.

 THE CLOCK TOWER IN MAKKAH, ALSO KNOWN AS THE ABRAJ AL-BAIT CLOCK TOWER

The Clock Tower in Makkah, also known as the Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower, is a soaring landmark located near the Masjid al-Haram, the holiest mosque in Islam, in the city of Makkah. Completed in 2012, it stands at a height of 600 meters and is a prominent feature of the Abraj Al-Bait complex, which includes luxury hotels, shopping malls, and residential apartments. “Initially, it was only going to be 400 meters, without the clock, but a decision was taken to climb to 600 meters because, right in front of the holiest site in Islam, stood a rather traditional hotel constructed primarily in concrete. The decision was therefore taken to make the tower more prominent, so something special was needed for the top overlooking the Haram. It was a challenging predicament, but then Mahmoud Bodo Rasch came up with the idea of a clock tower, which would give the structure some substance and meaning. But there was a problem.

“The foundations had already been completed for a tower teaching 400 meters,” Mustafa explains, “and the client, who had faced a certain amount of criticism, needed a solution. After many discussions, it was decided to make the building taller by a full one-third and place the biggest clock in the world within it. The Clock Tower would be the minaret – a structure that plays a multifaceted role in Islamic architecture, serving practical, symbolic, and cultural purposes – for the whole of Makkah. Of course, to increase the height of the tower, it had to be extremely lightweight, so we devised a steel structure clad with glass-fiber composite panels to give a very durable and lively finish. It’s around 35,000 tonnes in total, including the clock and a state-of-the-art sound system. It may sound very different at first, but it is ultra-lightweight.”

Other features of the Clock Tower are the 23-meter-diameter crescent on top, five stories of offices, and an astronomy exhibition that brings together the findings of modern science with the time-honored teachings of Muslim scientists, demonstrating that there are no real contradictions between science and the Islamic tradition.

REDEFINING CONSTRUCTION WITH LIGHTWEIGHT MATERIALS

Operating in the Kingdom for over 40 years (in fact, Mustafa’s father lived in Saudi Arabia for several years before the business was even established), SL Rasch has seen the nation evolve into one that is now one of the most open-minded in the world when it comes to design and construction. “They are always happy to try new things, and we are delighted to be working in line with Vision 2030 and the ambitious projects that it is spawning – pressure always makes you perform to your best!”

Yet, SL Rasch’s vision extends far beyond individual projects. Collaborating with research institutions and universities, the firm advocates for lightweight structures, green infrastructure, and urban planning initiatives that prioritize ecological health.

“The materials are chosen specifically for each individual project, and if you have a large span, for instance, membrane and steel are the most efficient materials to use,” Mustafa says. “The materials are chosen according to the physical needs of the building and the desire to minimize or optimize the material input if you want the lightest weight possible.

“The philosophy of the company from the beginning was to create architecture that works with nature”

“A very simple example of this is the largescale umbrellas that we’re producing. With umbrellas of this size, you cannot work with wood, concrete, or glass, which is why we specify a high grade of steel. To form the actual roof of the umbrella, you need a material that is capable of folding and withstanding wind forces, rainwater, and all different weather conditions. The material we found to be the best during our long period of research was Teflon – it’s the strongest material to withstand weather conditions for a long time. Pure Teflon yarn is woven into membranes that are attached to the umbrella arms to create an optimal shading device and convertible roof structure.”

lower lifecycle costs. This includes factors such as lower maintenance, repair, and replacement costs over the building’s lifespan, resulting in overall savings for the owner.

“Companies that prioritize maximizing profits over quality and sustainability may resort to investing less in buildings themselves, potentially leading to several negative consequences. Low-quality construction can diminish the market value of a property and make it less attractive to potential buyers or tenants. Buildings constructed with cheap materials and substandard workmanship may struggle to compete in the real estate market

ACHIEVING SUPERIOR CONSTRUCTION THROUGH THOUGHTFUL INVESTMENT

The benefits are there for all to see, but what are the cost implications? “Investing a little more in design and construction can yield significant cost benefits over the long term,” Mustafa says. “By investing in durable, lightweight materials and advanced construction techniques, buildings can have longer lifespans and

and command lower rental or sale prices. Furthermore, prioritizing profits over quality and sustainability raises ethical concerns about the welfare of workers, communities, and the environment. Construction companies have a responsibility to uphold ethical standards, ensure worker safety, and minimize the environmental impact of their activities.

“We are delighted to be working in line with Vision 2030 and the ambitious projects that it is spawning”

“While spending a little more in construction may require a higher initial investment, the potential benefits in terms of quality, durability, energy efficiency, property value, occupant satisfaction, risk mitigation, and reputation can far outweigh the upfront costs and lead to long-term success and profitability for the project and the stakeholders involved.

“That does not mean that SL Rasch is disproportionately expensive, though; we’re completely cost-effective. We have to be because we tender against competition to win jobs. We are not the cheapest, but we’re not the most expensive either, we’re in the middle somewhere. We don’t have clients with bottomless pockets, but we do have clients who appreciate quality workmanship, an eco-friendly approach, and genuine value for money.”

LASTING STRUCTURES, LATEST TOMORROW

Central to SL Rasch’s success is its multidisciplinary team of architects, engineers, and computer experts who share a passion for sustainable innovation. Through ongoing research and experimentation, the

firm remains at the forefront of lightweight building practices, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in architectural design.

“It’s a very special team,” says Mustafa, “and some have been with us for 40 years, while others are much younger people who come with new ideas and approaches. Technically, it’s a very advanced and broad-based team. Plus, we have a big network of consultants and companies that we work with to facilitate the special projects we undertake. In the end, the key is to find the right type of production companies, the right arm of the industry, that can benefit a certain project. We work together with great manufacturers, which, with the umbrella project, for instance, know hydraulic systems to the last bolt. This knowledge and expertise help us to develop the most efficient umbrella structures.”

SL Rasch has team members and associates who all share a common vision, mission, and values. This has established a positive team culture based on mutual respect, trust, integrity, and accountability, encouraging open dialogue, creativity, and continuous improvement.

THE ROLE OF MODERN CONSTRUCTION IN EARTH’S PRESERVATION

The Saudi market has always been very important for SL Rasch; it has been operating in the market for around four decades, and the company has now decided to focus mainly on work within the Kingdom. The company recently underpinned this commitment by setting up a branch in Saudi. It currently has a number of projects ongoing in Riyadh, as well as in Medina, Makkah, and on the Red Sea coast.

The team enjoys working in Saudi Arabia because the Kingdom is so open to new and visionary solutions. Moreover, this is a team that ‘walks the talk’, firmly believing in balancing environmental responsibility with economic prosperity and social equity in all aspects of its operations.

Indeed, the people at SL Rasch like to disseminate this passion to clients and suppliers, as well as the world in general.

“We create awareness for people to see how things can be done in a better way. There is a responsibility to take care of the planet, and we must develop it correctly instead of abusing it for greed and profit, which is unsustainable and detrimental for several reasons, including environmental degradation, climate change, resource depletion, and loss of biodiversity,” Mustafa concludes.

By proving that architecture and construction can be a force for positive change, SL Rasch inspires and allows us to envision a future where humanity and nature coexist in perfect harmony. With each project, the company reaffirms its commitment to building a more meaningful world, one elegant design at a time.

AT SL RASCH, IT’S NOT JUST A BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY; IT’S A PHILOSOPHY OF LIFE.

“Low-quality construction can diminish the market value of a property and make it less attractive to potential buyers or tenants”

“We create an awareness for people to see how things can be done better”

REDEFINING PILGRIMAGE COMFORT FOR EVERY TRAVELER

B AS PILGRIMS TRAVEL TO MEDINA FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD TO EXPERIENCE THE SPIRITUAL HEART OF THIS BLESSED TIME IN WHAT IS A UNIQUE LOCATION. IN THIS HALLOWED SPACE, SHIELDED FROM EVERY FORM OF WEATHER, THEY PRACTICE THEIR HOLY RITUALS.

ut have you ever wondered who is responsible for the pleasant climate outside the Holy Mosque of the Prophet? The answer is SL Rasch GmbH, a leading design and build contractor whose work centers on the design and construction of innovative lightweight architecture.

The sliding domes and umbrellas, conceptualized and realized by SL Rasch, are unique structures that fuse cutting-edge engineering with the more fundamental goal of ensuring climatic comfort. The striking structures, which balance form and function, not only enhance the square’s aesthetic appeal but also provide a secure area for interactions.

SL Rasch is a company that raises fundamental questions about the development of holistic and individual solutions for new projects while creating a symbiosis between nature and architecture. As a result, throughout their visit to Medina, pilgrims engage in acts of devotion, reflection, and remembrance in a safe and comfortable environment.

Unique structures that fuse cutting-edge engineering with the more fundamental goal of ensuring climatic comfort and safety

 UMBRELLAS ENSURING CLIMATIC COMFORT, MEDINA

 YOUSEF ALMOOSA, COO, ALMOOSA DOORS

ALMOOSA DOORS: PASSING DOWN WISDOM, BUILDING FUTURES

ALMOOSA DOORS STANDS AS A FORMIDABLE EXAMPLE OF A THRIVING BUSINESS EMPIRE THAT ORIGINATED FROM THE VISION OF A SINGLE FAMILY MEMBER. FOUNDED IN 1984 BY ABDULAZIZ ALMOOSA, WHAT BEGAN AS A SMALL FAMILY BUSINESS FOCUSING ON CURTAINS, WALLPAPER, AND CLADDING HAS EVOLVED INTO A MAJOR GROUP WITH INTERESTS IN DOORS AND WINDOWS, HEALTHCARE, AND EDUCATION.

This success can be attributed to the pioneering spirit of its founder and the group’s commitment to innovation and social responsibility, and it all began in a small fit-out shop in Al-Asha.

“It was 40 years ago that Abdulaziz began operating from his small shop,” explains AlMoosa Doors Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Yousef AlMoosa. “Married with two young children, at this time he was also building his first house. Of course, there were no real estate developers around back then, so he acquired a piece of land, employed an architect, and project managed the entire process from start to finish.”

This was much more of a challenge than it would be in this day and age, with no internet and very few exhibitions for building materials. However, Abdulaziz had an entrepreneurial mindset and was curious about new technologies and building materials, seeking creative solutions to problems, and was not afraid to challenge traditional methods. This quest for knowledge led him to subscribe to a construction related magazine, with Yousef AlMoosa continuing: “Abdulaziz was skilled at making the most of available resources. Whether it was financial capital, human capital, or time, he prioritized efficiency and was adept at finding imaginative solutions to challenges.

“Naturally, because of this, he was good at spotting gaps in the market, unmet needs, or areas for improvement, viewing these as potential business opportunities. Indeed, one of those areas for improvement led to a huge business opportunity because, while going

through a construction related magazine, Abdulaziz discovered an Australian company, Glidrol Doors, that manufactured remotely controlled automatic residential garage doors. This technology was not new back then, but it didn’t exist in Saudi Arabia, except in airports, some royal palaces, and military facilities. But for someone who didn’t like the idea of getting out of his car every time he returned home, this was an opportunity too good to miss!”

INNOVATIVE AUTOMATION FOR MODERN LIFESTYLES

Abdulaziz started to communicate with the manufacturer and soon arranged to ship an entire door from Australia to his new home in Al-Ahsa, and, as Yousef AlMoosa points out, “It’s still operating perfectly today.”

This new automatic garage door became not only the talk of the neighbourhood but of the entire city. “It was like rocket science! Everyone was asking what it was, how much it cost, and who manufactured it. The big question he was asked, though, was why he didn’t stock it in his shop. So he began to research this opportunity, again communicating with Glidrol Doors, explaining that there was demand in Saudi Arabia and that he would be interested in importing stock to satisfy that demand.”

Consequently, in 1986, Abdulaziz signed an official agreement to be a distributor and transfer the know-how to Saudi Arabia. That was the beginning of a fascinating and productive journey, initially offering just one product to an eager marketplace. Fast-forward to AlMoosa Doors today, and that single

 ABDULAZIZ ALMOOSA, FOUNDER IN THE EARLY DAYS.

product has grown into an entire portfolio, including a broad array of doors, parking poles, and window shutters. Moreover, the company now boasts a 20,000m2 manufacturing facility that produces more than 60,000 doors annually. There are also 52 branches of the company located throughout the length and breadth of the Kingdom, each incorporating a point-of-sale, distribution hub, and sometimes a warehouse to help distribute right the way through a specific area. And if all that were not

enough, more than 75% of the components are now manufactured locally (it used to be 100% shipped in from Australia), and AlMoosa Doors employs over 750 personnel, 28% of whom are Saudi nationals.

SPECIAL PURPOSE DOORS: SAFETY, EFFICIENCY, AND BEYOND Entrepreneurial thinking is, of course, fueled by a deep passion for a business idea or venture, and the founder’s entrepreneurial zeal now

permeates the entire group, with a combination of creativity, risk-taking, adaptability, and a relentless drive to turn opportunities into successful ventures, ensuring ongoing evolution and growth. This includes moving into the ‘special purpose’ door market, with products being engineered to meet specific requirements, standards, or regulations based on the environment, industry, or application in which they will be installed.

ABDULAZIZ ALMOOSA SIGNS AGREEMENT IN AUSTRALIA

AlMoosa Doors has demonstrated a commitment to environmental responsibility through various sustainable practices and initiatives

“In Saudi Arabia, there is a huge demand for special-purpose doors, from blast-resistant doors, common in industrial settings and military facilities, through to bullet-resistant doors, employed in high-security locations such as banks, government buildings, or police stations,” Yousef AlMoosa explains.

“Involvement in this specialist sector began when we became a distributor for a leading player in the industry in the Middle East, which was quickly followed by the signing of a license production agreement to manufacture products in our Al-Asha facility. Today, the whole portfolio, with regard to engineering and manufacturing quality, has been transferred to us. It’s been a long journey, but it’s been a good journey and well worth all of the effort we put into it.”

INNOVATIVE ECO-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Looking to the future, there is still plenty of room for further growth and expansion, particularly with all of the giga-projects, which are being rolled out at quite a pace. Naturally, competition is fierce, with companies from all over the world wanting to be involved in the Kingdom’s ambitious growth plans. Nevertheless, AlMoosa Doors has experience, expertise, and knowledge of the local market in its favor, including in the area of sustainability, which is so important to developers in Saudi Arabia today.

AlMoosa Doors has demonstrated a commitment to environmental responsibility through various sustainable practices and initiatives. It prioritizes the use of sustainable materials in its manufacturing processes and places a strong emphasis on energy efficiency in its manufacturing operations.

CUSTOMIZABLE AUTOMATIC DOOR DESIGNS

FOR EVERY ENVIRONMENT

IN THE BUSTLING REALM OF MODERN ARCHITECTURE, WHERE FUNCTIONALITY INTERTWINES SEAMLESSLY WITH AESTHETICS, ONE COMPANY STANDS AT THE FOREFRONT OF INNOVATION, SHAPING THE WAY WE INTERACT WITH OUR SURROUNDINGS. MEET ALMOOSA DOORS, A PIONEERING FORCE IN THE REALM OF AUTOMATIC PEDESTRIAN DOORS. WITH A COMMITMENT TO ACCESSIBILITY, SAFETY, AND CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY, ALMOOSA DOORS HAS TRANSFORMED THE LANDSCAPE OF ENTRANCES AND EXITS ACROSS SAUDI ARABIA.

“Working together with our esteemed Spanish partner at AlMoosa Doors, Manusa, we prioritize maintaining high quality in every stage of the process,” explained a company spokesman.

“Quality, for us, isn’t just a box to tick; it’s woven into the very fabric of AlMoosa Doors - from the initial design stage to meticulous manufacturing and onto careful packaging, storage, reliable delivery, and accurate installation. It doesn’t end there, though. As a company, we pride ourselves on the aftercare we provide for our clients.

“Our commitment to excellence extends beyond mere compliance. Our products proudly carry the highest international certifications. The automatic pedestrian doors supplied by Manusa fall under the EN 16005 certificate. It ensures that we comply with safety standards for automatic pedestrian doors. This covers the entire spectrum of design, installation, and maintenance, including the incorporation of essential safety features and sensors.

“In addition, with our supplier, Manusa, we actively oversee the Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) process, aligning with ISO guidelines such as ISO 14025, ISO 21930, and ISO 15804. These declarations aim to furnish quantitative insights into the environmental impacts of our products throughout their lifecycle.

“Moreover, we go above and beyond by rigorously testing our products beyond the requirements necessary for certification. This commitment ensures that choosing AlMoosa Doors and Manusa isn’t just about getting a product; it’s also about investing in a simple blend of craftsmanship, trust, and assurance.”

“Quality, for us, isn’t just a box to tick; it’s woven into the very fabric of AlMoosa Doors”

NOT JUST DOORS, BUT TECH WIZARDS!

AlMoosa Doors’ Access Solutions Department offers a wide range of pedestrian automatic doors, including automatic sliding doors for malls and revolving doors for hotels and hospitals. “The doors we choose for each location are based on the relevant codes and standards. We’ve got automatic sliding emergency exit doors too. These doors act like superheroes in an emergency but still slide like regular doors under normal conditions. And we’ve got some doors that barely have a visible frame, so they’re super sleek and don’t mess with the ambiance of a project.”

Dealing with fire means acting quickly, and AlMoosa Doors can supply an entire system – automation, aluminum profile, and glass – certified and ready to respond immediately in an emergency.

“Our Manusa doors aren’t just high quality, they’re like tech wizards. Our Visio+ operator brings IoT Wi-Fi remote access, inverter technology, Triphasic AC tech for motors, and high-tech motion and presence detectors.

“We’ve got something special for hospital ICUs too – semi-fixed doors. They slide in normal situations, but when a nurse needs more space for a bed, they swing open. Nowadays, when it comes to pedestrian doors, we can tweak them to suit any project – size, profile, color, you name it. Whatever you need, we’ve got you covered!”

AlMoosa Doors has a variety of door options designed to handle different widths, weights, and heights. Its range includes curved, revolving, sliding, swinging, one-way corridor doors, and even specialized hospital doors.

All AlMoosa aluminum profiles come in an attractive silver anodized finish, and can be customized to any color from the RAL palette

Each door comes with a choice of aluminum profiles, catering to various sizes and colors, including options from the RAL color palette.

To enhance the door experience, the company also offers a selection of accessories. These include night shields for revolving doors, concave or convex glass for curved doors, and main profiles in sizes like 430cm or 590cm.

What is more, while some installers use basic key patch locks on sliding doors to save money, AlMoosa Doors uses premium materials to ensure quality, functionality, durability, and unrivalled aesthetics. Besides not looking great, the cheaper, lower-quality option makes the space to walk through smaller, as well as not letting clients enjoy the benefits of new technology. Automatic doors are all about being easy – no keys, safe, and super simple.

All AlMoosa Doors products come in an attractive silver anodized finish too, and they can be customized to any color from the RAL palette. Its doors feature mechanical leaf holders, eliminating the need for silicone inserts or glass drilling, resulting in superior aesthetics and durability. Additionally, electromechanical locks are cleverly integrated into the system, allowing remote control of the doors. This advanced locking system allows clients to control doors remotely..

STAYING AHEAD OF THE GAME

With a reputation for unparalleled craftsmanship and unwavering dedication to quality, AlMoosa Doors’ team of engineers, salespeople, installers, and support specialists represents the pinnacle of expertise in the industry. Everyone comes with a wealth of knowledge and is fully supported in their continued professional development.

“Training is a big thing for us. Whether it’s right here in Saudi Arabia or attending meetings with our vendors abroad, we’re always learning. We also have training materials available at all times, including weekly tests. We pursue a threat forecasting program that allows us to mitigate any risk in the event of an incident with minimal cost and rapid

Clients receive an app allowing them to control the door, grant access, provide virtual keys, track usage, schedule doors, and change operating modes

response for our clients. Whether it’s tricky technical problems, sales puzzles, or complex installations, we’ve been there and nailed it.

“We never just sit back and relax. We are always looking for opportunities to learn and grow. It’s what we do to stay in the loop with the latest trends. Our combined experience and commitment to staying ahead of the game mean we tackle technical challenges with confidence and skill.”

The company passes on this vast experience and expertise to its clients, advising on all aspects of pedestrian doors, including budget, as the AlMoosa Doors spokesman explains: “I have noticed that many buyers, project managers, and aluminum providers often opt for cheaper doors. While the lower price tag may be tempting, it’s essential to consider all factors, including pre-and-aftersales services, before making a decision.”

When it comes to automatic pedestrian doors, there are two phases to consider: before and after delivery.

Before delivery, a client must ask whether the cheaper door they are considering comes with the necessary guidance for their specific project. For instance, does the provider offer AutoCAD drawings to scale, clear manuals, and adhere to safety standards for sensors? Are they using the cheapest sensors possible, even if they don't meet safety standards? And will they have a skilled team to install the door and deliver it on time?

These factors may seem small, but they can make a big difference in the overall success of a project.

After project delivery, it’s equally important to consider the ongoing maintenance and service needs of automatic pedestrian doors. Does the provider offer instructions on how to operate and maintain the door? Do they provide preventive maintenance services to ensure optimal performance? What is the cost of spare parts, especially the board and the motor, and how long is the warranty period? What are the most consumable parts of the door, and how long are they designed to last? What will happen if some parts fail?

While cheaper automatic pedestrian doors may seem like a bargain, they can end up costing more in the long run. Investing in a quality door that comes with excellent pre- and after-sales service can help save money and time in the long run.

Clients should not make decisions solely based on ‘numbers’; while important, they must align with value and quality.

Furthermore, there’s a widespread lack of awareness regarding how automatic doors can impact the overall user experience, safety, security, electricity bills, and pedestrian flow. Clients should reject installations that fall

outside regulations and standards, ensuring no compromises on safety, aesthetics, and quality.

A door lacking a safety sensor isn't truly safe. Similarly, a door without sufficient finger protection space or an emergency battery isn’t the safest option. Features like fire alarm connections, motors capable of bearing the installed leaf’s weight, and correct door functionality are crucial for maintaining safety. Neglecting any of these aspects puts safety at risk.

“Remember, investing in the right automatic pedestrian door can help you achieve the best results for your project. Don’t let a cheaper price tag be the only factor you consider when making a decision. And never forget, when you buy cheaper, you will end up paying more.”

DEDICATED 24/7 CUSTOMER SERVICE FOR UNINTERRUPTED SUPPORT

AlMoosa Doors’ constant quest for quality in both product and service dictates that the installation process always begins with a site survey, with a sales coordinator visiting the site to note all client requirements, thereby ensuring that the correct solution is offered. Following this, the installation and commissioning are completed, and a detailed installation report is finalized. The client is not asked to sign the report until they are completely satisfied.

But it doesn't end there. Every six months during the warranty period, AlMoosa Doors provides a free preventive maintenance visit to check the door. During this visit, the client can request any changes to door parameters.

“Each client is assigned a unique door service number, and they can reach us anytime on our 24/7 unified service number. This number automatically generates a claim request, and clients can also track the progress of their claim through email updates. We are committed to ongoing support and satisfaction throughout the entire process.”

AlMoosa Doors ensures the safety and convenience of its clients through various features in its systems. Firstly, it installs emergency batteries in all systems, guaranteeing several door openings during a blackout to prevent anyone from being trapped.

Moreover, the company incorporates IoT smart Wi-Fi modules and Door Management Systems (DMS). Clients receive an app allowing them to control the door, grant access, provide virtual keys, track usage, schedule doors, and change operating modes – all accessible through their mobile or web app.

“Our systems are equipped with advanced safety features and motion detection

Every six months during the warranty period, AlMoosa Doors provides a free preventive maintenance visit to check the door

technology. We use top-notch safety and motion sensors from Europe, integrating the latest technologies to ensure the doors open in the safest way with minimal faults. Clients appreciate the robustness of our products. Out of three system options, two come with double-inverter triphasic AC motors. This not only provides redundancy in case of motor failure but also ensures powerful, speedy, and quiet operation for our clients. We are dedicated to delivering reliable and innovative solutions to meet our clients’ needs.”

SEAMLESS INTEGRATION OF AUTOMATIC DOORS WITH BUILDING ARCHITECTURE

Among these clients are a number of the region's leading consultants and architectural firms, with the company’s spokesman explaining: “We prefer to be part of the project from the early stage, ideally during the initial planning and design phase. By being part of the projects at this early stage, we can provide architects and consultants with valuable insights into the integration of automatic pedestrian doors.

“This early involvement allows us to understand the specific needs of the project and tailor our solutions to meet the architectural vision. Early-stage involvement is also needed to ensure seamless integration of automatic doors in the overall design, both aesthetically and functionally, by ensuring that the doors not only meet safety and functionality standards but also contribute positively to the overall design aesthetics.

“Also, the early coordination will allow us more efficient coordination with other construction elements such as structure engineers, electrical systems, and finishing contractors. This will help us prevent unwanted issues and enhance the overall success of the project by delivering on time, on budget, and as per requirements and standards.”

And whatever the challenge, AlMoosa Doors has learned from experience that clients demand not only good prices but also speed of delivery. “We keep products in stock in Saudi Arabia, use efficient systems for managing our supplies, and work with experienced suppliers who know the market well. Our planning and forecasting systems help us predict what the market needs, so we can have products ready when they’re needed. We also make sure we have a variety of products in stock that others might not have. This helps us get products to clients faster than many of our competitors.”

TAILORED SOLUTIONS: PERSONALIZED SERVICE FOR EVERY CLIENT

In a world where accessibility, safety, and convenience are paramount, AlMoosa Doors stands as a beacon of excellence, providing seamless access solutions that elevate the experience of every building user. With its unmatched expertise, unparalleled quality, and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, AlMoosa Doors is the trusted partner for all your automatic pedestrian door needs.

To find out more and discover how your next project can enjoy superior design, quality workmanship, and a level of customer service that has set a benchmark for the industry, visit Al-Moosa Doors at your earliest convenience. You’ll be made very welcome.

AlMoosa Doors ensures the safety and convenience of its clients through various features in its systems.

Abdulaziz had an entrepreneurial mindset and was curious about new technologies and building materials

This approach and philosophy go a long way toward explaining why it has successfully completed many LEED projects for a broad range of blue-chip clients. By integrating sustainable practices into its operations, AlMoosa Doors exemplifies a manufacturing company that is not only focused on producing high-quality products but also on minimizing its environmental footprint.

EXPLORING LUCRATIVE VENTURES AND STRATEGIC BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

There are challenges at the current time, such as unstable prices for raw materials, logistics, instability in the Red Sea, and the post-Covid shipping crises, but AlMoosa Doors is navigating them by being ever more efficient and innovative.

However, the opportunities are out there and will continue to grow. Efficiency, a critical driver of success for companies, is the key to influencing financial performance, competitiveness, customer satisfaction, and the overall ability to adapt and thrive in a dynamic business environment. By focusing on efficiency, AlMoosa Doors will continue to build a foundation for long-term success and resilience.

MIRAGE: GLOBAL REACH, LOCAL EXCELLENCE

NESTLED AT THE HEART OF THE BUSTLING CITYSCAPE OF RIYADH STANDS ONE OF THE LARGEST COMMERCIAL COMPLEXES IN THE CAPITAL, A 50,000M2 DESTINATION WITH LUXURY SHOPPING AND FINE DINING, THE ZONE. EPITOMIZING MODERNITY AND CONVENIENCE, ITS SLEEK APPEARANCE REFLECTS THE VIBRANCY OF THE SURROUNDING URBAN LANDSCAPE, DRAWING IN PASSERSBY WITH PROMISES OF ENDLESS EXPLORATION AND INDULGENCE.

THE ZONE, RIYADH

urrounded by leafy palm trees with a dancing fountain in the middle that mesmerizes visitors with its shows and delightful colors, The Zone exudes an ambiance of sophistication and vitality. Glancing around, one is greeted by a plethora of enticing storefronts, each offering a kaleidoscope of merchandise ranging from haute couture to artisanal crafts.

Beyond its commercial offerings, The Zone serves as more than just a shopping destination – it’s a cultural hub that fosters creativity and connection. It’s a place where locals gather to celebrate, to discover, and to simply revel in the vibrant tapestry of urban life. In essence, it transcends the traditional notion of a shopping center, evolving into a dynamic microcosm of contemporary society - a place where commerce, culture, and community converge to create an unforgettable experience for all.

Naturally, such a high-end destination requires high-end designers, manufacturers, and contractors, and at The Zone, Italian company Mirage was at the top of the list of the firms it chose to turn to, a business that has been designing and producing porcelain

CUSTOM-MADE PRODUCT FOR THE FLOOR AT THE ZONE, RIYADH

stoneware floor and wall tiles for clients in more than 160 countries for over 50 years.

The Zone was a multifaceted project in terms of both its concept and construction, with Mirage creating a custom-made product for the floor - each tile measuring 45cm x 90cm and having a thickness of 20mm – while also providing technical and operational support. Indeed, Mirage endeavors to create a ‘complete project’ whatever it is working on, covering everything from the creation of designer materials with a low environmental impact to offering broader solutions focused on creativity, social well-being, and sustainability.

The Zone serves as more than just a shopping destination Mirage is recognized for its innovative designs and

Mirage is recognized for its innovative designs and contemporary aesthetics. Its tiles often feature modern patterns, textures, and colors that appeal to architects and designers seeking stylish and sophisticated options for their projects. Whether it’s contemporary, classic, or eclectic, Mirage offers tiles to suit every taste. At The Zone, its skilled craftsmen became one with their materials, creating a work of art that will stand the test of time.

Healing Spaces: The Crucial Role of Interior Design in Healthcare

When it comes to healthcare, interior design is frequently the unsung hero operating in the background while advances in medicine and cutting-edge technology take center stage. It is impossible to overestimate the importance of thoughtful and functional interior design in healthcare settings because, beyond aesthetics, it is essential to the creation of healing environments that support staff productivity, advance patient well-being, and enhance the patient experience in general.

The influence on patient outcomes is among the core principles of healthcare interior design. Empirical studies regularly indicate that a well-planned environment has an advantageous impact on the recuperation of patients. A stress-free atmosphere is enhanced by natural light, soothing colors, and welcoming furnishings, and

it has been connected to quicker healing periods and higher levels of patient satisfaction overall. Clinical facilities can be transformed by interior design into healing havens that provide patients with a sense of security and comfort during their frequently difficult recovery journeys.

Apart from the health of the patient, interior design is essential for the support of medical staff. Healthcare facilities are hectic places where employee and patient health are closely related. Enhancing staff morale and productivity can be achieved by designing spaces that offer ergonomic workstations, support efficient processes, and integrate natural elements. A well-designed workspace can help healthcare professionals feel less stressed, which improves workplace morale and, in turn, the standard of care given.

Empirical studies regularly indicate that a well-planned environment has an advantageous impact on the recuperation of patients

Complying with Guidelines

In order to reduce the transmission of diseases, interior design elements such as readily cleaned surfaces, well-placed hand hygiene stations, and functional ventilation systems are essential. A wellplanned interior for a healthcare facility guarantees that the physical surroundings comply with strict cleaning guidelines and infection control procedures.

In addition, for patients and their families, interior design plays a big part in making the experience enjoyable and memorable. The provision of comfortable waiting rooms, well-marked pathways, and visually appealing surroundings all enhance the feeling of concern and care for the health and welfare of patients.

Award-Winning Design

The award-winning interior design at the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry, is an excellent case in point.

The design, characterized by unconventional angles, stainless steel, and iconic shapes,

contributes to creating a memorable and uplifting environment for patients, with calming color schemes, natural light, and open spaces to promote a positive and healing atmosphere.

The hospital incorporates art and nature into its design to enhance the overall healing environment, creating a facility that not only meets the functional requirements of a medical institution but also goes above and beyond to prioritize the wellbeing and experience of its patients.

Encouraging Healing and Well-being

In summary, interior design has a considerably more significant role in healthcare than just aesthetics. It is a tactical instrument that can improve staff well-being, have a favorable impact on patient outcomes, and add to a satisfying healthcare experience for everyone involved. Recognizing and investing in the potential of careful interior design is not only a luxury but also a requirement in creating environments that genuinely encourage healing and well-being as the healthcare landscape in Saudi Arabia continues to evolve.

The hospital incorporates art and nature into its design to enhance the overall healing environment

Explore the Top Emerging Trends Shaping Office Spaces in 2024 with MillerKnoll

Workplaces have been reshaped to incorporate not only working within the office but also accommodating those working remotely. Therefore, organizations now are directed to design spaces that provide flexibility and can adopt the hybrid model.

This year, eco-friendly designs are viewed as a growing trend. These designs include energy-saving LED lighting, motion sensors, timeless designs, and modular and adaptable furniture, which are progressively being recognized as a requirement.

Thoughtfully designed breakout areas that drive engagement, creativity, and renewal through experiential spaces promoting informal connection are all part of the new office designs that firms are looking at.

“Eco-driven designs in workplaces play an important role in reducing the carbon footprint and promoting sustainability. It’s also seen to have a better effect in promoting employee wellbeing, leading to overall satisfaction,” said Stacy Stewart, MEA Regional Director, MillerKnoll.

“Eco-driven designs in workplaces play an important role in reducing the carbon footprint and promoting sustainability”

Nonetheless, creating strategic office lighting elevates engagement to upholding wellness and safety. The importance of lighting includes mitigating eye fatigue risks that help employees focus, quality lighting systems reinforce alertness and concentration throughout dynamic workdays.

“Using illumination that mimics natural daylight, such as cool tones, provides a bright, crisp light that helps employees feel more alert and energized while reducing eye strain,” Stewart said.

MillerKnoll, a workplace design company, believes that this year there will be some of the most interesting designs that reflect that they are future-ready workplaces centered on connection, well-being, and change.

“Dedicated breakout zones provide the opportunity for informal discussions, where conversations can spark creativity. Outside of informal meetings, they are a great way for employees to relax and take a break from their screens,” explained Stewart.

“The idea behind strategic furnishings is that they can create a balance of professionalism with relaxation to enable recharging and relationship building.”

MillerKnoll identified the top six emerging trends shaping office spaces this year, showcasing different priorities that empower companies to embrace conscious design attuned to modern needs.

For more information please visit

VISIT WEBSITE

 TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION - ONDO BY CBS

 ENERGISING BREAKOUT ZONES - KNOLL WOMB CHAIR AND PLATNER COFFEE TABLE

 TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION - ONDO BY CBS

MillerKnoll.

Sophistication in the heart of Saudi Arabia since 1994.

At Nesma Orbit, we have shaped a legacy of sophistication in the heart of Saudi Arabia by fostering strong relationships, trust, and a commitment to superior quality since 1994.

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Our range includes porcelain and ceramic tiles, decorative items, natural stones, sanitary fixtures, wood flooring, door handles, and mosaics. Featuring top-tier Italian porcelain suppliers like Atlas Concorde, bringing a unique style that enriches spaces with the beauty of Italian design.

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NARRATIVE THREADS: STORIES WOVEN

INTO SPATIAL DESIGN AT THE ST. REGIS RIYADH

IN THE REALM OF HOSPITALITY, AN AUTHENTIC DESIGN IDENTITY CAN SIGNIFICANTLY IMPACT MARKET POSITIONING. IT HELPS DIFFERENTIATE THE PROPERTY FROM COMPETITORS AND ATTRACTS PEOPLE WHO RESONATE WITH THE NARRATIVE. THIS CONNECTION CAN LEAD TO INCREASED VALUE AND CUSTOMER SATISFACTION, AS GUESTS FEEL A SENSE OF BELONGING AND ATTACHMENT TO A SPACE THAT GOES BEYOND ITS PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES.

audi Projects spoke to Marina Krasnobrizhaya, General Manager, The St. Regis Riyadh, and Kristina Zanic, CEO, Kristina Zanic Consultants, first asking what sets The St. Regis Riyadh apart from other Marriott (and St Regis) properties.

Marina Krasnobrizhaya: The St. Regis Riyadh marks the debut of the brand in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and with it brings its iconic traditions and signature hallmarks to the country. The opening ushers in a new benchmark of luxury in the capital, offering a new viewpoint on anticipatory service and avant-garde design, which are synonymous with St. Regis globally and set it apart from other properties. The debut of the brand marks Marriott’s commitment to bringing new luxury experiences to Saudi Arabia, in line with the country’s Vision 2030.

The St. Regis brand’s founding family, the Astors, were known for seeking out exquisite locations around the globe for their collection of homes, and The St. Regis Riyadh reflects their love for residential properties. It is the first boutique-style luxury hotel in the capital featuring 83 luxurious guestrooms, including 21 exquisite suites and an expansive two-bedroom Royal Suite. The hotel brings a different level of bespoke service with the legendary St. Regis Butler Service, a personalized hallmark of the brand for more than a century, which ensures that each guest’s individual preferences are considered at every turn. The hotel’s design also sets it apart, cast from ancient Tuwaiq mountain stone found in the south of the country, the hotel embodies Salmani architecture; and modernity while celebrating local design.

Saudi Projects: How did the locale inspire the design? Talk us through the design narrative, where it started, and how it came to life.

Kristina Zanic: The hotel’s style epitomizes the luxurious aesthetic that is synonymous with the St. Regis brand, but it also draws inspiration from its local setting. Because the property is located within the new shopping and dining district of Via Riyadh with its lively piazza-like ambiance, it is perfectly positioned to be at the heart of the city’s flourishing social scene.

Also considering the broader context, Riyadh itself is undergoing a significant transformation, as it evolves into a cosmopolitan hub on the international stage.

“The St. Regis brand’s founding family, the Astors, were known for seeking out exquisite locations around the globe”

This urban dynamism was something we wanted to mirror in the design of the hotel.

With these considerations in mind, we set about to create a refined ambiance that allows guests to savor life’s luxuries. The design

narrative we created revolves around Riyadh’s emerging ‘La Dolce Vita’ lifestyle—a phrase meaning ‘the sweet life’ and embodying a lavish and dynamic urban way of life.

This lifestyle has always traditionally been rooted in a city’s bustling avenues and chic boulevards where the ‘it’ crowd shops, dines and socializes at its leisure. So we drew inspiration from the interlacing of streets in this urban landscape and their rhythmic geometry and integrated this theme into the interior design and art direction.

These linear and geometric patterns feature prominently throughout the property as a common design thread, appearing in

 MARINA KRASNOBRIZHAYA

 KRISTINA ZANIC

 JACKIE RESTAURANT  STELLA SKY LOUNGE

ST. REGIS BAR

aspects such as the angled ceilings of the guestrooms, geometric screens in the lobby, wall, and floor patterns, as well as motifs in the art and accessories.

Saudi Projects: What was it about this area/development that was the right fit for the brand?

Marina Krasnobrizhaya: Via Riyadh is a new landmark destination and a hotspot for residents and global travelers. The well-

considered development by SELA reflects the level of premium and dynamic destinations that are being developed in the country and sets the tone for luxury destinations. The St. Regis Riyadh is the only hotel in the heart of Via Riyadh and compliments the destination’s curated mix of luxury boutiques, dining, and entertainment offerings. We believe it is the best address for the first St. Regis in the capital.

Saudi Projects: Why was Kristina Zanic Consultants the right fit for this project?

Marina Krasnobrizhaya: As the debut of the brand in Saudi Arabia, The St. Regis Riyadh is an important addition to our luxury portfolio. When selecting a design partner for the project we knew it would require a passion for local design and art, plus a deep understanding of the brand and its design nuances.

Throughout the hotel, the Kristina Zanic team has integrated nods to the region’s storied past and evolving future with St. Regis’ sophisticated modernity.

Saudi Projects: What was the design brief for the interior and why?

Kristina Zanic: Our brief from the St Regis team, in collaboration with the developer SELA, was to create an interior that embodies modern sophistication and stays true to the St Regis brand, while also blending with the adjacent Via Riyadh district. The design brief provided a lot of flexibility, giving us the freedom to develop a unique vision for the hotel. This vision was grounded in our understanding of the immediate locale and wider culture, as well as our familiarity with the design essence of the St Regis brand.

Saudi Projects: What was the brief for the rooms and suites?

Kristina Zanic: Our vision for the guest rooms and suites was to create contemporary luxurious retreats, that invite guests into a comfortable and indulgent atmosphere. We wanted these spaces to exude an airy, bright ambiance that complements the expansive views.

“Throughout the hotel, the Kristina Zanic team has integrated nods to the region’s storied past and evolving future”

The use of pitched ceilings was a deliberate design choice because they accentuate the sense of roominess while aligning with the angular design motif.

In terms of furnishings, we curated a selection of stylish lounge furniture for a relaxed feel. The rooms feature custom-made rugs with a sumptuous finish and an abstract pattern in a calm blue palette. The tall headboards are upholstered in geometric patterned leather and add a focal point to the room design. Polished wood cabinets are decorated with semi-precious stone handles and subtly evoke a jewellery-inspired theme – one that is further accentuated by the faceted glass bedside lamps, that are elegantly suspended from the ceiling.

We also extended this sense of luxury into the generously sized bathrooms, featuring cream-colored marble walls and floors, and bronze accents and fixtures. The Royal Suite in particular boasts an additional touch of opulence with a bathtub in a translucent amber hue from Italian brand Antonio Lupi.

Saudi Projects: Talk us through the material selections and color palettes within the hotel interiors.

Kristina Zanic: The color palette we selected embraces quiet neutral tones punctuated with vibrant accents. Throughout the property, we’ve used intense blues and warm ambers, weaving them into the design of guestrooms, bar, and banquet spaces.

In the drawing room, we integrated touches of powder pink and deep plum, while the rooftop lounge Stella, welcomes guests with an inviting mix of copper, clay, and midnight blue tones, creating a cozy and engaging atmosphere.

We employed reflective finishes like glass, mirror, bronze, and copper, to step up the opulence in line with the overarching theme of high fashion and glamour.

Our flooring choices predominantly feature cream-colored marble, cut into various geometric patterns. Additionally, elements such as wooden wall paneling and tall bronze geometric screens add an element of sophistication.

Saudi Projects: What would you say the stand-out spaces are within the property, and what inspired the design?

Kristina Zanic: The hotel has several eyecatching and distinct features. The luxurious vibe is set right from the entrance, with a lavishly decorated double-height lobby. A sculptural staircase with a minimal sinuous form conveys a sense of modern luxury. The statement chandeliers in the lobby and function areas also add to the grandeur, showcasing graceful flowing forms and intricate glass ‘leaves’.

One of the standout features of the design is the St. Regis Bar mural, which is a hallmark of the St. Regis brand. This was entirely handmade and took four months to create. It stands five meters tall and is a custom textile art piece made by intricately layering various materials such as twisted and embroidered fabric, metal, glass, and beads. These elements come together seamlessly to create a stunning backdrop for the drinks bar, while also emphasizing the impressive height of the space. The mural’s shades of blue and amber blend in with the existing color scheme of the lounge and bar furniture.

Another highlight is the restaurant, Jackie’s, which makes a striking style statement and draws inspiration from the glamour of Jackie Onassis. This is a dramatic space featuring a six-meter-tall ceiling and a grand staircase that descends alongside an elegant black and white gallery wall. We created seating nooks through alcoves that are enveloped in antique mirrors and that frame blue velvet seats, all adding to the classic elegant style. And the perfect finishing touch in this luxurious space comes in the form of a grand piano, custom painted in a vibrant blue.

“The rooms feature custom-made rugs with a sumptuous finish and an abstract pattern in a calm blue palette”

“We employed reflective finishes like glass, mirror, bronze, and copper”

Marina Krasnobrizhaya: Jackie's is spread over two floors and is a place for family gatherings sharing dishes spread over a large oak table or more intimate moments in its elegant carved ceiling alcoves. Alternatively, Stella, on the rooftop, is a lively place; by day guests can laze on sunbeds around the pool, and by night take a seat indoors to enjoy live entertainment, sheesha, and live culinary stations. The hotel also features an expansive St. Regis Spa and Ballroom, catering to 650 guests with private access, a banquet area, and an elegant bridal suite.

Artistry in Every Detail: Craftsmanship and Bespoke Design

The design narrative at the St. Regis Riyadh contributes to a consistent and harmonious aesthetic throughout the property. This cohesiveness not only enhances the visual

appeal but also creates a holistic experience for those interacting with the space.

In conclusion, the design narrative at the St. Regis Riyadh serves as the foundation for creating an authentic design identity, weaving together the threads of history, purpose, and experience. It is a powerful tool that elevates the property from a structure to a unique and meaningful environment, fostering connections and leaving a lasting impression on its occupants.

KRISTINA ZANIC CONSULTANTS

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TIMELESS CRAFTSMANSHIP FOR DISCERNING TASTES

NESMA ORBIT FOR INDUSTRIAL PROJECTS AND COMMERCE HAVE BEEN SHAPING A LEGACY OF SOPHISTICATION IN THE HEART OF SAUDI ARABIA BY FOSTERING STRONG RELATIONSHIPS, TRUST AND A COMMITMENT TO SUPERIOR QUALITY SINCE 1994. WE SPECIALIZE IN HIGH-END FINISHING MATERIALS THAT SATISFY THE DIVERSE NEEDS AND OFTEN EXCEED THE EXPECTATION OF CLIENTS. WE HAVE A WIDE COLLECTION OF MARBLE, GRANITE, LIMESTONE, SEMI-PRECIOUS STONES, TRAVERTINE AND OTHER NATURAL STONES. OUR RANGE ALSO INCLUDE PORCELAIN AND CERAMIC TILES, MOSAICS, WOOD FLOORING, IRONMONGERIES, SANITARY FIXTURES AND ACCESSORIES. WE ENSURE HIGH LEVELS OF PRECISION, IN FIT AND FINISH, USING VARIOUS ADVANCED TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES, INCLUDING BOTH MANUALLY AND DIGITALLY PROGRAMMED SAWS, WATER JETS, CNC AND TUMBLING MACHINES.

Nesma Orbit has successfully delivered diverse projects spanning from luxurious palaces, high-end residential compounds, prestigious hotels, private villas to public and commercial spaces, such as banks, shopping centers, leisure parks, restaurants and even airports and other industrial projects. Our reputation is built on over two decades of collaborating with professionals in the industry such as Architects, Engineers and Designers. We extend our support further by assisting individuals from value engineering, material selection to installation.

We are driven by innovation and thrive in nurturing ideas with groundbreaking solutions, infusing a unique visual language into every project. Our customized services go beyond material selection, as we take pride in providing high-quality materials and an exceptional showroom experience for our clients by offering valuable advice on design solutions and installation procedures.

Distinguishing ourselves further, Nesma Orbit proudly features top-tier Italian porcelain and ceramic manufacturers like Atlas Concorde, Fiandre, Marca Corona, Mutina and many others, bringing unique styles that enrich spaces with beauty of various designs.

One of our premium collections is Marvel Travertine from Atlas Concorde. Travertine has been an elegant constant in architecture since ancient times. Marvel Travertine inherits its grandeur in a contemporary key, replicating its look but transforming it into a versatile, durable, high-performance surface, both for indoor and outdoor spaces, taking full advantage of the qualities and characteristics of porcelain tiles.

Other superb tiles we have come from Marca Corona, featuring Arkiquartz, Deluxe, Fiemme and other collections. They produce wide range of colors and formats that meet the needs of various designs and themes while fulfilling the most demanding technical requirements like durability and substance resistance with utmost regard to safety, practicality and environmental preservation.

Keeping both great aesthetic flexibility and reliable performance, we dress up spaces with passion.

NESMA ORBIT EMAIL US

SUSTAINABILITY IN ACTION: TODAY, TOMORROW, TOGETHER

VITRA, ECZACIBAŞI BUILDING PRODUCTS’ (EBP) FLAGSHIP BRAND, STANDS AS A BEACON OF INNOVATION AND CRAFTSMANSHIP IN THE REALM OF BATHROOM DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING; THE ONLY COMPANY IN THE WORLD TO CREATE EVERY COMPONENT OF THE BATHROOM ECOSYSTEM IN-HOUSE, ENSURING UNPARALLELED QUALITY AND COHESION IN EVERY ASPECT OF ITS PRODUCT PORTFOLIO.

rom sleek faucets to luxurious bathtubs, from innovative WCs to state-of-the-art showers, VitrA handles every stage of production with precision and expertise. This vertically integrated approach allows for seamless coordination between design, engineering, and manufacturing, resulting in products that not only meet but exceed the highest standards of performance and aesthetics.

Embracing cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices, and driven by a passion for pushing the boundaries of design and engineering, VitrA consistently explores new materials, technologies, and concepts to create products that redefine the modern bathroom experience.

ATTRACTIVE AND SUSTAINABLE OPTIONS: WASHBASIN TRENDS

Choosing a sink for the bathroom is not only crucial for creating a functional space but also for making a statement with the decoration, resulting in a well-designed bathroom. By considering both personal preferences and needs along with the washbasin trends, it’s possible to create a more modern, functional, and even environmentally friendly space. In this article, we will discuss washbasin trends for those who prioritize bathroom decoration.

THE YEAR OF NATURAL MATERIALS

Washbasin models produced from natural materials such as ceramic and marble are among the most prominent washbasin trends. Pairing these washbasins with bathroom furniture made from natural elements like wood is crucial to maintaining the integrity of naturalness. Besides, the use of these sinks and bathroom furniture together with brass or recycled lavatory faucets can capture a highly trendy and decorative reflection in the space.

In summary, as in other parts of the living spaces, products and furniture inspired by nature are also at the forefront in bathrooms. Of course, being made from natural materials alone is not enough for a product to be environmentally friendly. Clean production,

Washbasin models produced from natural materials such as ceramic and marble are among the most prominent washbasin trends

According to the 2022 Sustainability Report, VitrA has prevented waste and created a positive environmental impact by recycling 86.6% of the tonnes of waste produced

conscious consumption and sustainable living require more than that. At this point, concepts such as circular economy, recycling, and waste management gain importance.

The VitrA 100%* Recycled Ceramic Washbasin is produced from waste generated during the production process, including broken ceramics, which would normally go to disposal. This VitrA environmentally friendly washbasin, the first and only 100%* recycled washbasin in the world, prevents waste, reduces the need for new resources in production, and ensures energy efficiency. It aims to achieve a 38% improvement in electricity consumption per product and save approximately 5 kg of raw materials per product. Furthermore, according to the Life Cycle Assessment conducted in accordance with ISO 14040:2006 and 14044:2006, using waste in production improves the global warming potential by 30%.

MINIMALIST AND CURVED DESIGNS

Modern, minimalist designs are frequently seen in the most trendy washbasin models of recent years. In addition to these, products designed with curved, elegant, smoothly transitioning designs and fine lines also attract attention in the fashionable world of bathroom washbasins. Currently, round-oval forms are particularly prominent. Forms that normally

Instead of glossycolored washbasins, matte-colored washbasin designs are another standout feature in current washbasin trends

have clear corners, such as rectangular and square, can adapt to the latest trends if they are designed with curved corners.

Complementing minimalist and curved designs with countertop sinks, bowl sinks, and washbasins with shelves, can enhance the modern look of bathrooms, making these stylish washbasin categories even more eye-catching.

MATTE COLORS

Instead of glossy-colored washbasins, mattecolored washbasin designs are another standout feature in current washbasin trends. This is especially true with colors such as white and beige, which can create a natural and soft effect and can also be successful in making bathrooms look larger and more spacious.

With its matte beige color and five different forms, including round, oval, rectangular, asymmetric, and TV, the VitrA 100% Recycled Washbasin has a design that reflects trends with both its color and curved lines.

DOUBLE SINKS

The use of side-by-side double sinks has become a popular option not only in offices but also in homes with sufficient space. Double sinks allow for the creation of a practical and modern-looking area, where countertop sink varieties can be utilized to create storage space and, at the same time, save space. Of course, when choosing double sinks, opting for matte-colored alternatives with natural materials, curved lines, and minimalist designs can achieve a trendier look.

From the VitrA 100% Recycled Washbasin to other washbasin varieties that reflect trends with their practical, modern designs, durability, and eco-friendly features, VitrA offers a range of options.

CIRCULAR ECONOMY, ITS BENEFITS AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

The circular economy is a concept that seeks to transform our traditional linear economic model into a more sustainable and regenerative one. In this new model, resources are used efficiently throughout their lifecycle, with products designed for durability, repairability, and recyclability. Instead of being disposed of, materials are recovered and reused in new products, closing the loop and minimizing waste.

Consequently, sustainable living is supported, the impact on global warming and environmental pollution is minimized, and contributions are made to ecological balance. In addition, thanks to the effective

use of existing resources and the reduction in the need for new raw materials, both energy and cost savings are achieved.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CIRCULAR ECONOMY AND LINEAR ECONOMY?

Like the circular economy, the linear economy is also one of the most commonly heard concepts and is an economic system that represents traditional production and consumption.

The most obvious difference between the circular and linear economies is that the principles of the circular economy are ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’, while in the linear economy, these principles are ‘Take, Make, Waste’, and planning is structured accordingly. In other words, the linear economy is the journey of the product that is produced with new raw materials, put into use, and becomes waste at the end of its life cycle. The focus of this economic system is to produce and sell as much product as possible, i.e. to direct it towards consumption. In the circular economy, on the other hand, the materials that can be considered waste have come full circle and returned in a new guise.

As a brand that continues production with innovative practices, VitrA is aware that the circular economy model is a necessity for

a sustainable future. This is why the VitrA 100%* Recycled Washbasin, the first and only 100%* recycled ceramic washbasin in the world, is such a remarkable product.

INNOVATION FOR SUSTAINABILITY, IMPACT FOR GENERATIONS

According to the 2022 Sustainability Report, VitrA has prevented waste and created a positive environmental impact by recycling 86.6% of the tonnes of waste produced throughout the year, including gypsum mould, waste ceramic products, and core sand used in the cement industry. The implemented Treated Water Usage Project also adopts a process that aims to reduce freshwater consumption and utilize treated water instead. Again, according to the 2022 Sustainability Report, approximately 40% of the water used in VitrA production processes is treated water.

If you want to learn more about the VitrA 100%* Recycled Washbasin and explore this innovative product, please visit the product page.

RED SEA GLOBAL AND

FOUR

SEASONS ANNOUNCE NEW LUXURY WELLNESS RESORT AND RESIDENCES AT AMAALA TRIPLE BAY

RED SEA GLOBAL (RSG), THE DEVELOPER BEHIND THE REGENERATIVE TOURISM DESTINATIONS AMAALA AND THE RED SEA, AND LEADING LUXURY HOSPITALITY AND BRANDED RESIDENTIAL COMPANY FOUR SEASONS, ANNOUNCES THE DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW LUXURY WELLNESS RESORT AND PRIVATE RESIDENCES AT TRIPLE BAY AMAALA.

Four

Seasons Resort and Residences AMAALA at Triple Bay will include a luxury spa

Marking a new chapter for comprehensive wellness tourism, Four Seasons is the latest luxury hospitality brand to be announced at Triple Bay, the pinnacle of luxury wellness tourism along Saudi Arabia’s northwestern coast. Four Seasons Resort and Residences

AMAALA at Triple Bay will feature 220 keys comprising of rooms and suites, as well as villas with their own private pools, and 26 branded residential villas, all thoughtfully designed to offer breathtaking bay and sea views, setting the stage for Four Seasons renowned luxury service and experiences for guests and residents alike.

“AMAALA is creating a new category of coastal lifestyle with regeneration and wellness at its

core. With uninterrupted views of the Hijaz Cove, Four Seasons Resort and Residences AMAALA at Triple Bay is designed to allow guests and residents to get back to nature, recharging their mind, body, and soul,” says John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global.

Aligned with AMAALA’s commitment to sustainability and well-being, wellness is a central pillar supporting the destination’s vision of people and planet first. Ideally complemented by the company’s Four Seasons For Good program, and its longstanding commitment to well-being across the entire guest and resident experience, Four Seasons Resort and Residences AMAALA at Triple Bay will focus

on building highly personalized itineraries dedicated to wellness seekers worldwide.

“Our new Resort and Residences in AMAALA at Triple Bay will perfectly complement Four Seasons growing collection of properties within the Kingdom’s dynamic destinations, and marks our second collaboration with Red Sea Global,” says Bart Carnahan, President, Global Business Development, Portfolio Management and Residential, Four Seasons. “We’re honored to be part of this exceptional development, creating a new luxury lifestyle experience for guests and residents, further expanding Four Seasons footprint within Saudi Arabia’s fast-growing tourism industry.”

FOUR SEASONS RESORT AND RESIDENCES

AMAALA at Triple Bay will include a luxury spa nestled within its garden of tranquility and inspiration featuring a sculptured waterfall. The Organic Spa Garden will be a focal point and treatment experience set to stimulate the senses, offering extensive therapeutic remedies including halotherapy, cryotherapy, and advanced skin therapies. For fitness enthusiasts, the property will offer a bespoke collaboration with fitness trainer Harley Pasternak to seamlessly merge high-performance training with the limitless potential of Triple Bay’s 300 hectares (741 acres) of untouched hills, wadis, and beaches. The pristine terrain includes trails perfect for canyoning and exploring the rugged cliffs and valleys. Guests and residents can also take part in an array of guided hikes, mountain biking, equestrian bridle trails, or work on their game at the spectacular 27-hole oceanfront golf course.

In addition to the myriad wellness offerings, the new property will feature six restaurant and bar outlets, meetings and event spaces, an expansive Kids For All Seasons program, and a Discovery Center for guests and residents to learn about the local surroundings.

FOUR SEASONS RESORT AND RESIDENCES

AMAALA DESIGN CONCEPT

The Resort and Residences are being designed by acclaimed architects U+A, inspired by the destination’s unique setting nestled between the foothills of the rugged Hijazi Mountains and the tranquil blue waters of Hijaz Cove on the Red Sea coast. The Resort will take full advantage of its spectacular vistas using the terrain to offer guests rooms, villas, and penthouses with uninterrupted views of their natural surroundings. Lush landscapes adorn all parts of the Resort balancing shade, light, color, and texture, interspersed with pools and water features that provide guests with points of interest, discovery, and contemplation. The aesthetic will be one of refined elegance, drawing on the influences of traditional architecture, interior design, and craftsmanship to deliver a contemporary design style.

Guests will be greeted on arrival with a grand entry that opens onto the manicured grounds and an expansive panoramic view capturing Hijaz Island and the spectacular sunsets of the Red Sea. A variety of rooms and villas will provide guests with a range of space and configuration options, interspersed by beautifully designed outdoor spaces, including the Water Garden, Cascade Garden, and the Wellness Garden.

 JOHN PAGANO, GROUP CEO OF RED SEA GLOBAL

Four Seasons is the latest collection of luxury hospitality introducing the brand’s Saudi Arabia’s new beachside

latest brand to join the hospitality partners at AMAALA, brand’s legendary service to beachside development

RED SEA GLOBAL - FOUR

“Nature is a key part of this resort, as it is for the ethos of Four Seasons luxury properties around the world”

Martin Dufresne, Design Principal at U+A

Martin Dufresne, Design Principal at U+A, says: “Nature is a key part of this resort, as it is for the ethos of Four Seasons luxury properties around the world. We used landscaping unsparingly, yet very deliberately, to frame the spectacular views of the bay, to guide guests and residents between the different amenities, and to create feelings of calm and serenity throughout the property.”

After a day of new experiences, a Four Seasons Sleep Concierge will offer à la carte turndown menus with a choice of bath products, pillow scents, custom turndown music, mattress and pillow filling, pre-set vibrating and adjustable bed settings complete with circadian light automated settings.

The Resort will also feature a 550 square meter (5,920 square foot) ballroom with an adjacent event lawn offering panoramic views of Hijaz Cove, perfect for weddings and other celebrations.

The 26 Private Residences will comprise exquisite villas ranging from 320 square meters (3,444 square feet) to more than 650 square meters (6,996 square feet), each with its own pool and beautiful ocean views.

Four Seasons Resort and Residences AMAALA at Triple Bay will be the latest in Four Seasons growing portfolio in the Kingdom, joining Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre, as well as upcoming projects at The Red Sea on Shura Island, Jeddah at the Corniche, NEOM at Sindalah, and Diriyah.

Phase One of AMAALA – focused on the Triple Bay masterplan – is well underway, with the first guests set to be welcomed in 2025. It will consist of 12 resorts offering upwards of 2,000 hotel keys. Once complete, AMAALA will be home to more than 3,900 hotel rooms across 29 hotels, and approximately 1,200 luxury residential villas, apartments, and estate homes, supporting high-end retail, fine dining, wellness and recreational facilities.

RED SEA GLOBAL

 MARTIN DUFRESNE, DESIGN PRINCIPAL AT U+A

SEAMLESS INTEGRATION: HARMONIZING TECHNOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT

TELECOMMUNICATION TOWERS OFTEN APPEAR UNSIGHTLY DUE TO THEIR UTILITARIAN DESIGN, CHARACTERIZED BY METAL LATTICE STRUCTURES DEVOID OF AESTHETIC CONSIDERATION. THEIR PRIMARY FUNCTION PRIORITIZES FUNCTIONALITY OVER VISUAL APPEAL. HOWEVER, RED SEA GLOBAL (RSG) HAS, WITH A COMBINATION OF THOUGHTFUL DESIGN, ARTISTIC EXPRESSION, AND CAMOUFLAGE, SIGNIFICANTLY ENHANCED THE VISUAL APPEAL OF TELECOMMUNICATION TOWERS, TRANSFORMING THEM FROM MERE INFRASTRUCTURE INTO LANDMARKS THAT CONTRIBUTE POSITIVELY TO THEIR SURROUNDINGS.

SAUDI PROJECTS SPOKE TO THE GROUP HEAD OF TECHNOLOGY AT RED SEA GLOBAL, DR. AHMED ALSOHAILY, TO FIND OUT MORE.

“The towers are energy efficient by design”

Saudi Projects: Which materials and construction methods were used in the telecom towers to ensure sustainability and minimize environmental impact?

Dr. Ahmed Alsohaily: Our destinations offer astonishing diversity and landscapes spanning coral beaches, sand dunes, majestic mountains and even dormant volcanos; which meant there wasn’t a one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to telecom towers. Subsequently, every tower was meticulously designed, positioned, and installed to perfectly blend in with its surrounding environment. For example at the Southern Dunes, rooftop antennas were

“Every tower was meticulously designed, positioned, and installed to perfectly blend in with the surrounding environment”

constructed on hills and covered by 3D printed camouflaging to preserve the guests’ views.

On the other hand, minimalistic towers were leveraged to blend in with the surrounding buildings at RSI airport and the Turtle Bay Village hosting RSG employees. Ummahat Island, hosting the St. Regis and Ritz-Carlton resorts, used special fabrics to blend in with the resort designs and sandy beaches.

Saudi Projects: How do the telecom towers incorporate renewable energy sources to reduce their carbon footprint?

Dr. Ahmed Alsohaily: The towers, along with the entire Red Sea destination, are powered by the world’s largest zero-carbon grid, comprising 760,000 solar panels and a 1 GWH battery storage system.

Saudi Projects: Tell me about the energy efficiency of the towers and end-of-life considerations?

Dr. Ahmed Alsohaily: The towers are energy efficient by design, with careful thought being put into the choice of frequencies, radios, and antennas to eliminate the need for air conditioning in many of the tower cabins and to transmit using just enough power to achieve area coverage targets. The metals, fiberglass, and fabrics used in the towers are all recyclable.

Saudi Projects: Can you provide information on the tower's resilience to extreme weather events and natural disasters, considering the increasing challenges posed by climate change?

Dr. Ahmed Alsohaily: All tower materials used have a high tolerance to all weather conditions of the region.

Saudi Projects: How do the telecom towers support and enable sustainable communication practices, such as efficient network sharing or the promotion of ecofriendly telecommunication devices?

Dr. Ahmed Alsohaily: All towers are being shared by service providers with both passive and active sharing are being utilized. We also use the lowest possible power levels. Where possible, we tend to rely on local contractors and local materials/manufacturing. We are extremely proud to have members of the local community on our implementation team as well. We had to put in great efforts and do things that go beyond what you would imagine (such as putting a 4-ton foundation on top of a mountain). The end results were extremely satisfying and all the towers look great. The most rewarding moment was when we started to see others follow our lead to do towers in the elegant way we have.

RED SEA GLOBAL BECOMES FIRST SAUDI COMPANY TO USE ONLY

SUSTAINABLE FUELS IN ALL SUPPLY CHAIN VEHICLES

RED SEA GLOBAL (RSG), THE MULTI-PROJECT DEVELOPER BEHIND THE WORLD'S MOST AMBITIOUS REGENERATIVE TOURISM DESTINATIONS, THE RED SEA AND AMAALA, HAS TAKEN ANOTHER GROUNDBREAKING STEP IN ITS COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION BY USING ONLY LOW-CARBON BIOFUEL IN ALL ITS DELIVERY TRUCKS. RSG'S ENTIRE FLEET OF LAND VEHICLES IS NOW POWERED EITHER BY ELECTRICITY OR BIOFUEL, MAKING IT THE FIRST SAUDI COMPANY TO OPERATE SUCH AS AN ECO-CONSCIOUS SUPPLY CHAIN.

In line with RSG's vision for a greener future, sustainable biofuel powers every truck transporting goods to The Red Sea’s four hotels -- Turtle Bay Hotel, Six Senses Southern Dunes Resort, St. Regis Red Sea Resort, and Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve – as well as to Red Sea International Airport. The shift from regular diesel to biofuel not only slashes carbon emissions, but also extends the engine life of these vehicles, providing both environmental and operational benefits.

The biofuel is produced from used cooking oil sourced within the Kingdom.

The type RSG has adopted emits only 0.17kg of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) per liter, compared with 2.7kg CO2e per liter from regular diesel.

 MICHAEL STOCKDALE, GROUP HEAD OF SUPPLY CHAIN AND LOGISTICS - RED SEA GLOBAL

Red Sea Global currently operates a fleet of six 8-ton refrigerated trucks and three 3.5-ton refrigerated trucks, all of them running on biofuel. The vehicles serve a wide range of facilities and play a vital role in RSG's far-flung supply chain network, ensuring the seamless transportation of goods to all the company’s projects.

To minimize the efficiency of this ecofriendly approach, RSG deploys cutting-edge technologies. Each vehicle is equipped with a chip that measures the amount of biofuel it uses daily. This data enables the fleet’s managers to analyze and optimize fuel consumption, further enhancing the sustainability of RSG's operations and strengthening its environmental stewardship.

Because Red Sea Global already uses only 100% solar-sourced electricity to power its electric

vehicles, RSG’s land transportation fleet now emits only a minuscule amount of carbon.

This milestone also supports RSG's longterm ambition to transition to green hydrogen throughout its mobility sector.

By 2030, Red Sea Global aims to have between 700 and 800 vehicles in its sustainable vehicle fleet, revolutionizing the way goods are transported in Saudi Arabia and setting a new benchmark for sustainable supply chains.

RED SEA GLOBAL

DIRIYAH GATE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY TO SPEND $10

BILLION IN

2024

THE DEVELOPER BEHIND AN AMBITIOUS PLAN TO TRANSFORM A HISTORIC SAUDI TOWN INTO AN EXTENSIVE TOURISM DESTINATION, IS SET TO INVEST A FURTHER $10 BILLION IN 2024.

The $63 billion project at Diriyah, a Unesco World Heritage site, is set to feature dozens of hotels and thousands of homes, with the Diriyah Gate Development Authority spending $7.5 billion building out the infrastructure at the 14 square-kilometer project. CEO Jerry Inzerillo said: “It’s meant

to be the largest pedestrian-friendly cultural heritage city, and I’ll spend $10 billion in 2024.” He added that the first hotel is set to open this year.

The development will comprise around 30,000 homes, 42 hotels, nine museums,

100 restaurants, and a golf course, with the project one of many that the government is bankrolling to showcase Saudi Arabia as a travel hotspot.

The Public Investment Fund oversees the Diriyah Gate Development Authority, which it plans to list on the country’s stock exchange by 2027. Inzerillo expects the company to generate $100 million in revenue this year, and while banks have been hired to advise on

Museums

Inzerillo expects the company to generate $100 million in revenue next year

preparations for the share sale, any IPO will likely happen after the company has built a “very substantial revenue base”.

It is envisaged that most of the 86 main assets, including hotels, museums, and performing arts centers, will be completed by 2030. Construction at Diriyah Square, set to feature thousands of homes, will finish by 2027.

Two developments within the project, which will include single-family homes and exclusive villas, will be sold to investors ahead of construction. The company is in talks with private developers from across the GCC who are looking to take part in the project.

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL AND NEOM TO BRING APARTMENTS BY MARRIOTT BONVOY TO SINDALAH

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL HAS SIGNED AN AGREEMENT WITH NEOM TO BRING APARTMENTS BY MARRIOTT BONVOY TO SINDALAH, THE LUXURY ISLAND DESTINATION IN THE RED SEA OFF SAUDI ARABIA’S NORTHWEST COAST. APARTMENTS BY MARRIOTT BONVOY WILL OFFER PREMIUM AND LUXURY APARTMENT-STYLE ACCOMMODATIONS TO MEET THE INCREASED DEMAND FROM FAMILIES AND YOUNGER TRAVELERS, WHO NOW SEEK MORE SPACE AND HOMELY AMENITIES WHEN STAYING AWAY FROM HOME.

“Marriott International has deep insights into the continuously evolving preferences of global travelers. It positions them as a perfect partner for us as we look to develop an array of accommodation options to meet the needs of Sindalah visitors. We are excited to strengthen our partnership by introducing their new brand to the region, which will elevate the guest experience for a growing number of groups traveling together,” said Chris Newman, Executive Director, NEOM Hotel Division.

“We continue to strengthen our collaboration with NEOM with the signing of our first Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy in the Middle East,” said Chadi Hauch, Regional Vice President, Lodging Development, Middle East, Marriott International. “We continue to see a growing desire for premium and luxury apartment-style accommodation among travelers. Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy will be a great fit for Sindalah which is anticipated to offer our guests and members exciting, year-long travel experiences on the island.”

Designed to cater to travelers seeking more residential amenities, Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy Sindalah will feature units ranging from studios to one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, all equipped with a separate living room, full kitchen, and in-unit washer and dryer. The property, set to open in 2024, is also slated to offer a fitness center and swimming pool.

“We are proud to be introducing the first Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy to the Middle East adding another tier to our luxury accommodation offering,” said Antoni Vives, NEOM’s Chief Urban Planning and Islands Officer. “We understand the desires of our guests traveling with family or a group of friends to have more space to relax.

The agreement marks the first signed property under ‘Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy’ in the Middle East

Designed to cater to travelers seeking more residential amenities

Located near the promenade close to culinary experiences and luxury fashion, Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy will meet those needs to linger longer, for a comfortable and luxurious stay. We are excited to start welcoming guests so that they can experience all that Sindalah has to offer.”

The signing of Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy Sindalah marks the fourth collaboration between NEOM and Marriott International on the luxury island, which will also include two Luxury Collection properties and an Autograph Collection Hotel.

The Luxury Collection properties will include a beach resort offering a mix of 70 luxury rooms and suites with private pools. The second Luxury Collection project will be an all-suite property offering, situated in the heart of the retail and marina district. The Autograph Collection property is anticipated to offer 66 rooms and suites, multiple dining options, and a spa.

Sindalah is the first island to be developed in NEOM and is set to be among the most alluring destinations in the Red Sea. A yachting paradise, Sindalah is just a 17-hour sail from the Mediterranean and will be home to a prestigious 86-berth marina. The island will also include over 400 ultra-premium hotel rooms and 300 top-end suites, a beach club, a glamorous yacht club, and a golf course which will deliver two unique ninehole experiences, 51 luxury retail boutiques along with 38 unique culinary offerings.

NEOM

NEOM ANNOUNCES AQUELLUM: A FUTURISTIC LIFESTYLE COMMUNITY WITHIN A MOUNTAIN HAVEN

AQUELLUM, A LUXURY AND EXPERIENTIAL SPACE EMBEDDED WITHIN THE MOUNTAINS, IS THE LATEST STRIKING ADDITION TO THE ONGOING REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN NORTHWEST SAUDI ARABIA. WITH ITS FOUNDATIONS STEEPED IN CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY, AVANT-GARDE ARCHITECTURE, AND FORWARD-THINKING CONCEPTS, AQUELLUM WILL OFFER GUESTS A TASTE OF FUTURISTIC LIVING THROUGH ITS ARRAY OF PIONEERING EXPERIENCES.

Concealed from the outside along the Gulf of Aqaba coastline, Aquellum is hidden within a breathtaking, 450-meter-high mountain range and represents a futuristic ecosystem that is harmoniously integrated into the natural surroundings. Crafted to inspire originality and imagination, Aquellum will push the boundaries of conventional design and construction possibilities.

To access Aquellum, visitors will embark on an extraordinary journey, beginning at the world's first floating marina. Here, guests will board a specially designed vessel to enter Aquellum through a concealed underground canal, unveiling a hidden community that offers an incredible sensory journey.

Once inside, visitors will be treated to an exhilarating, 100-meter-high vertical experience with an impressive courtyard space stretching from the water to the sky. This subterranean digitalized community creates vibrancy and interconnectivity by seamlessly blending hotel accommodation, apartments, retail spaces, leisure and entertainment zones, and innovative hubs.

A dynamic boulevard winds through the courtyard, connecting diverse social spaces, world-class hospitality, immersive arts, events, shopping, and dining. A signature space, dubbed ‘The Generator’, houses unique research labs for disruptors,

innovators, and creative thinkers, offering a platform where the future is reimagined.

An omnidirectional internal transit system facilitates easy access to upper floors, transporting residents and visitors to their homes and hotels, ascending to rooftop gardens with breathtaking coastal views.

Guided by its unwavering commitment to crafting spaces in nature that epitomize the future of luxury, innovation, and lifestyle, Aquellum stands as a testament to the fusion of cutting-edge design and construction techniques.

Aligned with NEOM's commitment to conservation and innovation, Aquellum complements its coastal location. This new development follows recent announcements of Leyja, Epicon, Siranna, Utamo, and Norlana, which are also sustainable tourism destinations located in the Gulf of Aqaba.

NEOM

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‘The Generator’, houses unique research labs for disruptors, innovators, and creative thinkers

Aquellum will offer guests a taste of futuristic living through its array of pioneering experiences

ROSHN GROUP RECOGNIZED AS NO.1 BEST PLACE TO WORK IN SAUDI FOR 2023

ROSHN GROUP IS ‘THE BEST PLACE TO WORK IN SAUDI ARABIA’ FOR 2023 ACCORDING TO BEST PLACES TO WORK, A GLOBAL EMPLOYER OF CHOICE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM. THE RANKING IS BASED ON ANONYMOUS SURVEYS OF ROSHN EMPLOYEES BY THE BEST PLACES TO WORK GROUP AS PART OF ITS RIGOROUS ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY. ROSHN GROUP TEAM MEMBERS GAVE THE GROUP OUTSTANDING SCORES, WITH 94% OF EMPLOYEES ENDORSING ROSHN GROUP, UNDERSCORING THE GROUP’S DEDICATION TO CRAFTING AN EMPOWERING EMPLOYEE EXPERIENCE. THE ASSESSMENT SHOWED YEAR-ON-YEAR INCREASES ACROSS CRITERIA, NOTABLY A REMARKABLE POSITIVE FEEDBACK IN THE OVERALL CERTIFICATION, HR PRACTICES ASSESSMENT EMPLOYEE EXPERIENCE.

“We are proud to be recognized as the overall Best Place to Work in Saudi Arabia for 2023, reflecting our commitment to be a regional benchmark for corporate excellence and a future-focused leader that is setting the bar for sustainable, people-first development. As we receive this recognition, our colleagues, customers, and partners can be confident that they are working with the industry’s best, delivering the best.

We look forward to welcoming new members to our growing ROSHN Group family as we enable Vision 2030, creating sustainable and vibrant communities that continuously raise the bar for real estate in the Kingdom,” said

David Grover, ROSHN Group's Chief Executive Officer.ROSHN Group is focused on creating a standout employee experience through several initiatives that foster a supportive work environment. Among its initiatives is ROSHN Group’s Day Away events which are designed to enhance teamwork, communication, and collective responsibility amongst departmental teams. Notably, the Group supports young talent through ROSHN Group’s Youth Committee and HIMAM Graduate Program, empowering the next generation of Saudi leaders through mentorship and training that provide essential skills and experience. Another noteworthy initiative is ReTurn, a pioneering certification program in Saudi Arabia that is designed to support career development by reintegrating talented women who have taken a career break back into the workforce. ROSHN Group’s dedication to fostering an environment where team members embody ROSHN’s core values of trust, empowerment, and responsibility supported its recognition as the best place to work in the Kingdom. ROSHN Group’s commitment to diversity is showcased with a nearly 30% female representation, including 43% in managerial positions.

ROSHN Group achieved outstanding scores on employee experience, engagement, and HR practices

“At ROSHN Group, everyone is dedicated to creating an environment that empowers success, excellence, and achievement for every colleague; contributing to our nation’s Vision

ROSHN Group is ranked in the top 5 Best Places to Work in the Middle East for 2023

2030 ambitions while also fulfilling their own personal and professional potential. Special thanks are due to our Senior Leadership Team for their commitment to establishing such a positive culture within ROSHN Group. I would also like to recognize the Marketing and Communications department and the efforts of the HR team for their project management and the exceptional results they delivered in enhancing this culture and securing this certification,” said Nasreen Al Dossary, Chief Human Resources Officer at ROSHN Group.

The Best Places to Work certification is based on anonymous ratings provided by employees, and supported by an HR assessment of the company’s people practices. Close to 20 workplace culture categories were measured as part of the assessment, including work-life balance, leadership, professional development opportunities, compensation, and perks and benefits. Best Places to Work is one of the most authoritative ‘Employer of Choice’ certifications in the world. Its model is built on over 30 years of research in workplace excellence along with the best practices collected annually from over 5,000 certified companies worldwide. ROSHN Group has been certified by the organization in 2021, 2022, and 2023, earning the overall #1 position in 2022 and 2023.

ROSHN GROUP

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EMAIL US

 DAVID GROVER, ROSHN GROUP'S CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

ROSHN GROUP FORGES NEW STRATEGIC

PARTNERSHIPS

AT ROSHN SUPPLY CHAIN FORUM

ROSHN GROUP CONCLUDED THE SUPPLY CHAIN FORUM, WHICH SAW 800+ LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL SUPPLY CHAIN LEADERS GATHER TO EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR COLLABORATION WITH ROSHN GROUP IN TRANSFORMING SAUDI ARABIA’S REAL ESTATE SECTOR. THE FORUM WITNESSED THE SIGNING OF EIGHT NEW PARTNERSHIPS, SYMBOLIZING ROSHN GROUP’S COMMITMENT TO ADVANCING SAUDI VISION 2030 AND BOOSTING QUALITY OF LIFE. IN A FURTHER SHOWCASE OF COLLABORATION THAT DEFINES THE GROUP’S ENDEAVORS, REPRESENTATIVES FROM SAUDI ARABIAN PARSONS, CHINA HARBOUR, SAPAC, AE SEVEN, AND BCC WERE RECOGNIZED CELEBRATING THE EXCELLENCE THEY HAVE DELIVERED ACROSS ROSHN GROUP’S DEVELOPMENTS.

The eight agreements signed at the Forum create frameworks for collaboration across supply chains, manufacturing, licensing, and training to enhance ROSHN Group’s development of innovative, integrated, and sustainable real estate projects while contributing to Saudi Vision 2030 goals of economic diversification and attracting foreign direct investment:

1. ROSHN Group and the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources (MIM) will collaborate on establishing market intelligence and knowledge exchange; facilitating the issuance of industrial licenses for ROSHN’s manufacturing facilities and real estate projects; and capitalizing on the National Center for Industrial and Mining Information’s intelligence and databases.

2. ROSHN Group and the Saudi Contractors Authority (SCA) have agreed to align on prequalification requirements and processes for contractors, alongside aligning SCA’s private sector classification system with ROSHN’s requirements to optimize the contractor selection process.

3. ROSHN Group and Partanna have agreed to collaborate on a state-of-the-art carbonnegative concrete facility in Saudi Arabia using Partanna’s innovative CO2-absorbing concrete. Partanna is the pioneer of the world’s most nature-positive concrete, made without Portland cement.

4. ROSHN Group and Pure.Tech have signed an agreement to explore a partnership opportunity for sustainable construction solutions, including the manufacturing and utilization of Pure.Tech’s CO2 absorbing additives in ROSHN Group’s projects and other developments across KSA. Pure.Tech’s additive product can be used in varied construction materials, textiles, and polymers to reduce primary greenhouse gases in our atmosphere.

5. ROSHN Group and Saudi Emaar are investigating a potential agreement to expand factory capacities, with a focus on manufacturing internal wooden doors for ROSHN properties alongside modernizing machinery and upgrading manufacturing capacity. Saudi Emaar is a prominent emerging player in the Kingdom’s wooden furniture manufacturing sector.

6. ROSHN Group and Connected Innovations will explore the possibility of collaborating on the manufacturing and distribution of Smart Sockets, designed to enhance safety and energy efficiency in ROSHN projects and throughout the Kingdom. Connected Innovations is a company that has been founded to provide assured and secure smart technology solutions that drive up global safety standards in homes.

7. ROSHN Group and Schüco International KG will work together to examine the possibility of developing a PVC-U profile

manufacturing facility in Saudi Arabia and have established a framework for future collaboration in mutually agreed upon areas. Schüco is one of the leading suppliers of high-quality windows, doors, and façade systems made from aluminum, PVC-U, and steel.

8. ROSHN Group and Lixil / Grohe will study a partnership opportunity for a localized production and manufacturing facility for sanitaryware and sanitary fixtures. Germany-based GROHE is a leading global brand for complete bathroom solutions and kitchen fittings. It is part of the portfolio of Lixil, the Japanese pioneer in water and housing products.

ROSHN Group Supply Chain Forum was an opportunity for local and international consultants, contractors, and manufacturers to explore the rich array of opportunities for collaboration with ROSHN Group. At the Forum, supply chain professionals from around the world came together to learn more about the opportunities to partner with ROSHN Group as it delivers its transformational real estate developments in support of Saudi Vision 2030.

ROSHN GROUP

ROSHN GROUP SHOWCASES NEW WAY

OF LIVING AND FORMALIZES

NEW PARTNERSHIPS AT PIF PRIVATE SECTOR FORUM

ROSHN GROUP, SAUDI ARABIA’S LEADING REAL ESTATE DEVELOPER AND A PIF-OWNED GIGA-PROJECT, JOINED THE SAUDI PUBLIC INVESTMENT FUND (PIF) PRIVATE SECTOR FORUM TO SHOWCASE ITS MULTI-ASSET DEVELOPMENTS ACROSS THE KINGDOM, REVEAL NEW COLLABORATIONS AND FURTHER PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES, AND HIGHLIGHT ITS VISION 2030 CONTRIBUTIONS.

ROSHN Group took part in the forum, held at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Centre in Riyadh from 6-7 February, in its role as a PIF-owned giga-project and vital enabler of Vision 2030 goals, including private sector expansion, job creation, and economic diversification.

ROSHN Group’s immersive booth at the event, featuring LED map tables, showcased its transformative mixed-use developments that are bringing a new way of living with integrated amenities and cutting-edge technology.

ROSHN Group was also there to highlight the opportunities it is creating for local, regional, and international private sector companies to become part of Saudi Vision 2030-enabling strategy for long-term growth through partnerships. ROSHN Group’s commercial team conducted a demand-signalling workshop that engaged with private sector entities to showcase opportunities to work with ROSHN Group while providing further insight into the values that guide its work and partnerships, answering questions directly from attendees. The team also offered insight into the Group’s strategy, ambitions, and future plans that will create yet more partnership opportunities.

“We are proud to join PIF at the private sector forum to showcase and create our partnership opportunities,” said David Grover, Group CEO of ROSHN. “With our mandate to transform urban living in the Kingdom and contribute to Vision 2030’s goals, partnerships are vital to our success as we seek to grow Saudi Arabia’s economy, create jobs, and raise domestic capacity and capabilities in line with Vision 2030 goals. As we at ROSHN build momentum on our projects across the Kingdom, while gearing up for the global spotlight of Expo 2030 here in

ROSHN Group signed three contracts with Saudi partners to enhance the delivery of forthcoming projects and showcased further opportunities for private-sector partnerships

Riyadh, the agreements we have announced will accelerate our ability to deliver new ways of living, economic growth and diversification, and a higher quality of life for all in the Kingdom.”

ROSHN Group signed three contracts with local partners at the forum, formalizing new collaborations to enhance its delivery of transformative real estate developments across the Kingdom:

 Alayuni Investment & Contracting Company to design and build 400+ single-family homes and public amenities and facilities in the F1 and D1 neighbourhoods of ROSHN’s ALFULWA community in the Eastern Province.

 ANSAB General Contracting Company to design and build potable water and sewage pipelines; CEC plots, landscaping, and infrastructure; and data collection and studies in ALFULWA.

 Saudi Ceramics Company to cooperate and collaborate in the realm of ceramic products, including tiles, sinks, bathtubs, and water-saving toilets to ROSHN Group developments. The agreement builds on ROSHN Group’s existing water and energy conservation efforts that already go above and beyond the mandated Saudi Building Code.

ROSHN Group’s partnerships further contribute to its Vision 2030 commitments to build a dynamic, diverse, and localized Saudi economy, with growing new industries, strong investment, and space for entrepreneurs.

These partnerships build on recent agreements, including ROSHN Group’s multi-million SAR commercial partnerships with Saudi companies including PC Marine Services and Saudi Pan Kingdom Company.

The PIF Private Sector Forum is part of PIF’s Private Sector Engagement Strategic Initiative to showcase opportunities for investors and suppliers in PIF portfolio company projects. Over 80 PIF portfolio companies attended, alongside over 8,000 private sector representatives and 20+ Saudi government ministers. ROSHN participated in the forum through its role as a PIF-owned giga-project developing transformative mixed-use real estate coast-to-coast across the Kingdom. The unprecedented scale and speed of ROSHN Group’s developments are creating numerous opportunities for partnerships, ranging from construction to consultancy, as the Group works to fulfil its mission and Vision 2030 mandate.

ROSHN Group participated in the forum in its role as a PIF-owned giga-project, showcasing its mixed-asset development portfolio and Vision 2030-enabling partnerships strategy

ROSHN GROUP

 DAVID GROVER, ROSHN GROUP'S CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

PARTANNA INITIATES COLLABORATION WITH ROSHN GROUP ON WORLD’S FIRST CARBON-NEGATIVE CONCRETE PRODUCTION PROCESS

ROSHN GROUP, SAUDI ARABIA'S PREMIER REAL ESTATE DEVELOPER, HAS ENTERED A PARTNERSHIP WITH PARTANNA ARABIA, A RIYADHHEADQUARTERED CLIMATE TECHNOLOGY COMPANY, TO COLLABORATE ON THE POTENTIAL CONSTRUCTION OF A STATE-OF-THE-ART CARBON-NEGATIVE CONCRETE PRODUCTION FACILITY.

The facility is planned to initially deliver carbon-negative pavers and has the potential to produce blocks, tile, precast, and pour-in-place solutions over time. This will help ROSHN Group with its mission to build over 400,000 homes, 1,000 kindergartens and schools, and more than 700 mosques by 2030, positioning Saudi Arabia at the forefront of innovation in carbon-negative construction.

The facility is expected to support over 100 jobs, helping Saudis build lasting careers in the growing sustainable construction sector, whilst laying the foundations for the Kingdom’s ambitious construction pipeline.

Partanna’s proprietary concrete formula, which can be made from recycled ingredients, including brine, does not require any Portland cement or heating during the production process. The company’s patented mixing process unlocks new compounds that react and passively absorb CO₂. By avoiding emissions associated with clinkering, and by utilizing waste materials made in the Kingdom, Partanna materials quickly become carbonnegative, without the need for expensive CCUS technology (carbon capture, usage, and storage). Through this process, buildings and infrastructure made with Partanna actively heal the planet, by repurposing waste materials and removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere – like a tree.

In Saudi Arabia, desalination plants produce 70% of the country’s drinking water. Partanna's technology is poised to make a monumental environmental impact that will bolster ROSHN’s commitment to conserving natural resources and reducing waste. Its technology converts waste brine, generated by desalination plants, into a non-toxic, usable material, diverting vast quantities from reaching waterways, and causing damage to marine ecosystems.

The new facility will also help to realize the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 sustainability ambitions, including Saudi’s commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2060. The construction industry is one of the hardest to abate industries, contributing 38% of global carbon emissions. Saudi Arabia’s construction industry is currently the strongest in the world, according to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), underlining the need for innovative solutions.

Partanna estimates that if 100,000 homes were built with Partanna material, they would avoid or remove the equivalent CO₂ of the annual emissions of over one million cars.

Operating at full capacity, the planned facility has the potential to generate 1.3 million carbon credits annually.

Carbon-negative building materials represent a transformative shift in the construction industry and are key in embedding sustainable technologies in the Kingdom’s urban landscape

These high-quality grey-carbon credits – so-called because they emanate from the grey, built environment – can be sold to Saudi businesses looking to offset their own emissions.

Rick Fox, CEO of Partanna said: “This is a partnership of pioneers. Partanna has developed the world’s first and only carbon-negative concrete production process. ROSHN has long been recognized as a champion of utilizing ground-breaking technologies, such as ours.

“Together, we’re going to show the world that you can build sustainably without compromise. Together, we’re going to delink Saudi Arabia’s development from pollution. Together, we’re going to change the way the world builds – for good.

“I am grateful to be starting 2024 with this announcement, and our signing of a historic Heads of Agreement with the Government of The Bahamas. Thanks to the leadership of Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis, Partanna is scaling globally from the frontline of climate change to frontier emerging markets.”

ROSHN Group is investing in the creation of sustainable and self-sufficient communities. Their partnership with Partanna underscores a shared commitment to sustainable development and showcases their dedication to implementing green technologies in their expansive housing projects.

The agreement with Partanna comes just months after Partanna launched its first carbon-negative ‘home for the world’ in The Bahamas, which is the first of 1,000 to be delivered in partnership with the Bahamian Government. In 2023, Partanna signed a long-term supply agreement with Red Sea Global and has already delivered over 11,000 paving slabs to the developer. In addition, Partanna also has a collaboration agreement with the Diriyah Gate Development Authority.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ROSHN GROUP’S NEW WAY OF LIVING VISIT ROSHN.SA

PARTANNA

ROSHN GROUP

THE WORLD’S LARGEST

BATTERY-OPERATED TRAMWAY

TO RUN IN ALULA

ALSTOM, HAS RECENTLY SIGNED AN IMPORTANT DEAL WITH THE ROYAL COMMISSION FOR ALULA TO BUILD THE WORLD’S LONGEST BATTERYOPERATED TRAMWAY, TRAVERSING 22.4KM.

This trailblazing project, which will entertain, educate, and thrill passengers with a fascinating journey through time, takes in access to UNESCO World Heritage sites and seamlessly aligns with the Royal Commission’s commitment to sustainability and the Saudi Vision 2030.

Featuring 17 strategically positioned stations, this tramway system will include 20 advanced Citadis trams equipped with the Mitrac B battery solution. It will also incorporate an innovative, rapid, and unobtrusive SRS ground-based static charging system, along with power supply, signaling, communication systems, and depot equipment.

Described as a fusion of historical routes with climate-adapted trams, the tram system will provide unparalleled access to AlUla’s five main historical districts: AlUla Old Town (District 1), Dadan (District 2), Jabal Ikmah (District 3), Nabataean Horizon (District 4), and Hegra Historical City (District 5).

Featuring 17 strategically positioned stations, this tramway system will include 20 advanced Citadis trams

Under this contract, Alstom will supply power and warehouse equipment, and deliver comprehensive maintenance services for 10 years, using the HealthHub, a new predictive maintenance tool that can monitor the health of trains, infrastructure, and signaling assets using cutting-edge data analytics. Alstom will also provide dedicated training programs for the tram staff to ensure operating efficiency is always at an optimum level.

ALSTOM

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TAP INTO BUYERS FROM SAUDI ARABIA'S TRILLION DOLLAR CONSTRUCTION MARKET

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST TODAY

Top Saudi Projects Represented Decision Makers Only

Pre Determined Requirements

Strategized Networking

Pre Matched Buyers And Suppliers

Thought Provoking Agenda

Inspiring Industry Experts AsSpeakers Focused Face To Face Meetings

GBB - EXTRAORDINARY SUMMITS CREATING EXTRAORDINARY OPPORTUNITIES. CREATING VALUE.

4 - 5 JULY 2024

Palau de Congressos de Palma, Palma de Mallorca, Spain

ALULA TO BECOME A DESTINATION FOR DESERT POLO

The agreement was signed at the third edition of the Richard Mille Desert Polo tournament, which took place in AlUla from January 17–20. It establishes the technical framework for future additions to the elite equine sport and its continued success.

La Dolfina will help RCU establish a new Polo Academy in AlUla in addition to organizing and carrying out instructional courses for locals, guests, and Saudis who are keen to learn the game under the guidance of some of the world's top players and coaches. In addition, La Dolfina will supply horses for AlUla polo competitions.

Adolfo Cambiaso is a prominent player for La Dolfina and one of the all-time great polo players, and he and his teammates, along with the technical staff, will contribute their wealth of expertise and experience to the growth of polo in AlUla.

The new strategic partnership with La Dolfina will accelerate the introduction of robust technical developments, boosting AlUla's standing as the top winter destination for equestrian competitions and drawing players, teams, enthusiasts, and more to the region and its quickly changing landscape of facilities and purpose-built infrastructure, like the Al Fursan Village.

La Dolfina players, who are from the province of Buenos Aires, will offer high-level professional, technical, and advisory support

La Dolfina players, who are from the province of Buenos Aires, will offer highlevel professional, technical, and advisory support to AlUla's polo community in addition to promoting participation in the game, developing skills, and assisting in the creation of new business opportunities.

Ziad Alsuhaibani, Chief Sports Officer at the Royal Commission for AlUla, commented: “We are delighted to announce the signing of a new strategic partnership with the La Dolfina polo team that will greatly support the growth and development of desert polo in AlUla and establish northwest Arabia as the number one winter destination for equestrian sports. Having La Dolfina join our network of international partners, who will share their years of knowledge, sporting achievement, and experience of winning major international tournaments, will help to elevate equestrian sports in AlUla to a greater level of sophistication, participation, and excitement.”

La Dolfina will help RCU establish a new Polo Academy in AlUla

ALULA

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.

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 Walt 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

‘FUTURISTIC’ CLIFFTOP 2034 WORLD CUP STADIUM REVEALED

A FIFA CONGRESS IS SET TO CONFIRM THAT SAUDI ARABIA WILL HOST THE 2034 WORLD CUP TOWARDS THE LATTER END OF 2024, AND THE KINGDOM IS NOW PUSHING AHEAD WITH PLANS THAT INCLUDE A HIGH-TECH STADIUM ON THE CREST OF A 200-METER-HIGH CLIFF NEAR RIYADH.

To be named the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium, the 45,000-seat venue will feature a retractable roof and field, plus an LED wall with hundreds of meters of screens to create an immersive experience for fans. The QIC, wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund, also stated that the new stadium is intended to become the home venue of Saudi ProLeague clubs Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal.

The 45,000-seat venue will feature a retractable roof and field

“The futuristic venue aims to reinvent the traditional stadium concept,” said the Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC), and will be a centerpiece of the Qiddiya City project, 30 miles from downtown Riyadh.

The architect attached to the new Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium project is the globally renowned firm Populous, which worked on Olympic stadia in Australia and Russia and designed the 62,850-capacity Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which was purpose-built for NFL games as well as football matches.

QIDDIYA ANNOUNCES SPECTACULAR MOTORSPORT TRACK

QIDDIYA CITY WILL BE HOME TO A GROUNDBREAKING NEW RACETRACK THAT AIMS TO ELEVATE SAUDI ARABIA TO THE PINNACLE OF MOTORSPORT BY BECOMING ONE OF THE WORLD’S LEADING MOTORSPORT VENUES, THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE QIDDIYA INVESTMENT COMPANY HAS ANNOUNCED.

Located in the heart of Qiddiya City, the configurable Speed Park Track will blend functionality, state-of-the-art technology, and unique customer experience and is poised to host an impressive roster of the world’s most prestigious racing events.

The track, which will sit at the center of an area dedicated to motorsports, will also boast some of racing’s most recognizable track design features.

Commenting on the launch, Abdullah Aldawood, Managing Director of Qiddiya Investment Company said: “The Speed Park Track will be a true embodiment of Qiddiya’s power of play philosophy and position Qiddiya City as the home of Saudi motorsport and one of the world’s leading motorsport venues.

“Visitors and spectators will be treated to one of the most unique race experiences in the world with a pioneering track that will be ready to host some of the world’s biggest motorsport events.”

Designed by Austrian former Formula One driver Alex Wurz and German circuit designer Hermann Tilke, the fast-flowing track has been designed by race drivers, for race drivers, and pushes boundaries to the extreme, featuring 21 corners and utilizing Qiddiya City’s dramatic landscape to create over 108m of elevation gain per lap.

Its centerpiece will be the pioneering ‘Blade’ at turn one – an awe-inspiring elevated section of the circuit that dramatically rises more than 20 stories above the ground.

The Speed Park Track has multiple configurations with two distinctive sections, including a street circuit section and the fast open track section, which are fully integrated into Qiddiya’s neighboring attractions, bringing entertainment, sports, and culture together.

When it comes to spectating, motorsport enthusiasts will enjoy one of the most thrilling and immersive race experiences in the world with multiple vantage points for fans and viewing terraces at the edge of and within the track.

An awe-inspiring elevated section of the circuit that dramatically rises more than 20 stories above the ground

Adrenaline-fueled attractions, experiences, and events will also surround the circuit, blending the thrills of motorsports with the vibrancy of cultural and entertainment hubs – drawing on Qiddiya’s power of play philosophy.

21 Corners 108m Elevation gap per lap

The Blade at turn one climbs 20 stories in height

To add to the excitement and unrivaled experience, the track will be seamlessly integrated with surrounding attractions, with the ‘Blade’ turn rising above a music venue below and drivers racing alongside Falcon’s flight, the world’s tallest rollercoaster located at the neighboring Six Flags Qiddiya City. Sections of the track will also run alongside a water theme park located in the city.

Qiddiya’s power of play concept leverages decades of research showing that play is vital

for human cognitive development, emotional expression, social skills, creativity, and physical health. Studies have demonstrated the positive effects of recreational activities on society, their ability to bridge differences between individuals and enhance levels of empathy and social cohesion.

The unveiling of the track also follows the announcements of the Qiddiya City Gaming & Esports District and the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium.

The fast-flowing track has been designed by race drivers, for race drivers

QIDDIYA

PIONEERING FEMALE LEADERSHIP MASTERMIND - BREAKING BARRIERS

THE MUCH ANTICIPATED WILD LEADERSHIP MASTERMIND KICKED OFF IN MID-FEBRUARY AND HAS ALREADY CAUSED A STIR IN THE MARKET. WILD GROUP WITNESSED A GAP IN THE MARKET TO BRING TOGETHER SENIOR FEMALES AND BUSINESS HEADS.

“Having been in the region for over 10 years and leading the WILD community for six years, I have been privy to many conversations with female leaders. More often than not, many women have endured an arduous journey of challenges to reach a senior position. In particular, bullying, less access to resources, being talked over in meetings, and less pay than male counterparts.”

Emma explains that women at the top care about creating change for future generations of female talent.

“Women in these senior positions care about making a difference and creating change for the younger women climbing the ranks in their careers. We want to ensure they don’t have to go through the challenges we did.”

The WILD Leadership Mastermind, in partnership with Saudi Projects, is a think tank for high-level female leaders to come together and challenge the status quo. This compelling initiative has garnered support from like-minded females in the private sector, such as Jena Ladhani, the newly appointed Managing Director at CBRE in Saudi Arabia (Part of Dar Al Riyadh).

“This collaboration with WILD enables the culmination of a powerful manifesto for change, challenging the status quo, ensuring we are creating and supporting the future leaders of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia aligning perfectly with CBRE values – Respect, Integrity, Service and Excellence and Dar Al Riyadh compass of People, Accountability, Collaboration, Trust & Integrity, Excellence.

"I aim to harness the power of fashion to amplify my leadership impact and drive positive change for women."

The WILD Leadership Mastermind supports my personal purpose here in KSA, and I am proud to be part of this dynamic think tank of female leaders.”

The WILD Leadership Mastermind has diverse female leaders from various backgrounds joining.

“This think tank represents diversity with a variety of different backgrounds. I can't wait to see the results, it is an exciting time for WILD and our WILD community of female leaders in the region right now.’ Says Emma, WILD Founder.

One participant is joining from London. A wellknown fashion designer originally from Afghanistan and who grew up in Saudi Arabia, Somy has built a fashion brand fueled by resilience and originated from adversity. Somy weaves in her personal journey, using her platform as a canvas for change.

“WILD deeply inspires me, and I am excited to be a part of the Leadership Mastermind as it offers a powerful forum for senior women to break barriers and redefine norms”, says Somy.

“I hope to bring a different perspective to this unique group through the lens of fashion. I firmly believe that dressing fashionably isn't just about looking good; it embodies the confidence to pursue our dreams fearlessly.

 EMMA WITH JENA LADHANI, MANAGING DIRECTOR AT CBRE IN SAUDI ARABIA

 SOMY MAVLAVIZADA, FOUNDER, SOMY LONDON



PAULA NEWBY, FOUNDER OF CEO, PREDIXA

I aim to harness the power of fashion to amplify my leadership impact and drive positive change for women.”Adding a different perspective is Paula Newby, Founder of CEO of PREDIXA (An AI diagnostic tool to assess the DEI gap analysis of a company).

“I am thrilled to be part of the WILD Leadership Mindset program since gender equality is needed in today's business landscape now more than ever. Diversity brings different perspectives and ideas to the table that can be further enhanced through the correct use of new technologies. Moreover, the evidence is clear - equality promotes fairness and social justice, contributing to a more inclusive and better society. The momentum continues, and the WLM is part of this movement.'

Saudi projects will document and publish the various findings, closely keeping track of the leadership mastermind's findings.

“Being part of this think tank means being part of a community that is committed to making a difference, and I am keen to contribute to this purpose.”

“As a leader, I care deeply about creating sustainable, inclusive growth, supporting talent, and using technology in the solutions of the future. The Middle East has always been a place of opportunity and growth, attracting professionals worldwide and developing talent. By recognizing and valuing our unique strengths, we can collectively contribute to building prosperous communities.

Being part of this think tank means being part of a community committed to making a difference, and I am keen to contribute to this purpose.”

“As a leader, I care deeply about creating sustainable, inclusive growth, supporting talent, and using technology in the solutions of the future.

ARE YOU A DISTINGUISHED FEMALE LEADER BASED IN THE UAE OR KSA? ARE YOU INTERESTED IN JOINING LIKE-MINDED HIGH-LEVEL FEMALE LEADERS TO INNOVATE, EVOLVE, AND LEARN TOGETHER? IF SO, CONSIDER APPLYING FOR THE WILD LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS HERE

WILD LEADERSHIP MASTERMIND

VISIT WEBSITE APPLY NOW APPLY NOW

LEADER IN YOU GROUP COACHING PROGRAM

WILD: WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP DELIVER

 TESS VEENBOER, REGIONAL SALES OPERATIONS DIRECTOR, MIDDLE EAST, JACOBS

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SeraCon International Contracting LLC is a global company specializing in design, architecture and fit-out works to renovate and build up projects in swimming pools, hotels waterparks, spa, restaurants, landscaping requirements and many more in MENA & GCC region.

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We are the largest company in hotel’s room, restaurant, entertainment, pool and spa renovating and contracting.

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We will be happy to work with you by examining your requests. For further information info please contact us!

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