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BUILDING SAFER, FASTER, AND GREENER. THE AMANA WAY VISION 2030 THE MOST IMPORTANT ACHIEVEMENTS FIVE YEARS AFTER ITS INCEPTION
JOHN PAGANO WORK WITH US WHAT TRSDC & AMAALA LOOKS FOR IN A PARTNER
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Editors Foreword
SUCCEEDING FOR THE BENEFIT OF SOCIETY IT IS A PLEASURE TO WELCOME YOU TO THIS NEW ISSUE OF SAUDI PROJECTS. AS THE WORLD CONTINUES TO RECOVER FROM THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, THE NEED TO ACHIEVE EXCELLENCE IN DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, ENGINEERING, ENERGY – IN FACT, ALL AREAS OF BUSINESS - FOR THE BENEFIT OF SOCIETY IS MORE CRITICAL THAN EVER. Saudi Arabia is at the forefront of all of these fields of endeavour and, in the pages of this SPM, we look at a number of projects and solutions that will continue to drive the Kingdom forwards. We speak to Andrew Tyson, Executive Director – Project and Construction Management,
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on The Red Sea Project, the world's most ambitious luxury tourism development. Ash T Arshad, General Manager at Resa Gulf Scaffolding, joins us too, explaining how
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the company's enlightened business philosophy, coming up with bespoke solutions for individual problems, is helping it to take on the big boys of the industry. Looking at Phase One of the King Salman Energy Park (SPARK) project, the region's only fully integrated energy hub, we discover that 80% of the work on the infrastructure, land paving, road construction, service delivery and administrative office buildings is now complete. The Saudi Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC) is also in the news, having picked up a Guinness World Record for the lowest energy consumption for a water desalination plant, with an impressive 2.27 kW/h per cubic meter of desalinated water. We also look to the future of food production, including the fact that chemicals fertilizers mask the problem of degraded soil. Since chemical agriculture became mainstream in the 1970s, the Earth has lost one-third of its topsoil, resulting in desertification. As a result, we now need to grow crops with greater efficiency and fewer resources. In addition, there are stories on World
BUILDING SAFER, FASTER, AND GREENER. THE AMANA WAY VISION 2030 THE MOST IMPORTANT ACHIEVEMENTS FIVE YEARS AFTER ITS INCEPTION
JOHN PAGANO WORK WITH US WHAT TRSDC & AMAALA LOOKS FOR IN A PARTNER
RESA GULF SCAFFOLDING THERE ARE NO PROBLEMS ONLY SOLUTIONS
CONTACT info@tpg.media https://saudi.tpg.media/
SOCIAL MEDIA @saudiprojectsmag @saudiprojectmag @saudiprojectmag
Health Day, the construction chemicals market, the future of infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, the new bus network being developed in Makkah, plus news and project updates. And don't forget, this is your magazine, so if you've got news you'd like to share about your company, product or project, get in touch!
Rod Millington EDITOR
All our publications are printed using recycled paper.
BECAUSE WE CARE
5
Contents
6
COVER STORY
44
AMANA GROUP
HOW TO BUILD SAFER WORKPLACES FEATURES
30
76
FUTURE OF INFRASTRUCTURE
ANDREW TYSON - TRSDC
90
112
PACE
NESMA WATER & ENERGY
Contents
8 SAUDI VISION 2030 ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
16
32
NEWS
GETTING TO KNOW ASH T ARSAHD
76
78
SAUDI TOURISM GEA
GIGA PROJECTS
7
8
Vision 2030
THE KINGDOM’S VISION 2030'S MOST IMPORTANT ACHIEVEMENTS FIVE YEARS AFTER ITS INCEPTION
CONVEYING HIS GRATITUDE TO THE CUSTODIAN OF THE TWO HOLY MOSQUES, KING SALMAN BIN ABDULAZIZ AL SAUD, FOR THE SPECIAL CARE AND GREAT SUPPORT HE IS PROVIDING TO THE KINGDOM'S VISION 2030, HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS CROWN PRINCE MOHAMMED BIN SALMAN BIN ABDULAZIZ, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL OF ECONOMIC AND DEVELOPMENT AFFAIRS CONFIRMED THAT THE VISION 2030 PROGRAMS HAVE MADE GREAT STRIDES AND ADDRESSED STRUCTURAL CHALLENGES WITHIN ONLY FIVE YEARS.
Vision 2030
9
addition, obtaining housing assistance is now immediate, whereas it previously took up to 15 years before the launch of the Vision. The Council noted indicators related to the growing interest in archaeological and heritage sites, which had a direct impact on registering new Saudi sites in the World Heritage List of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The number of heritage sites that can be visited in the Kingdom in 2020 has risen to 354 sites, compared to 241 sites in 2017. The Council also reviewed efforts to strengthen Saudi national identity and enhance its presence globally, evidenced by the increase in the number of intangible cultural heritage elements registered in the UNESCO to eight elements, compared to only three elements before the launch of the Vision. The number of urban heritage sites registered in the National Cultural Heritage has also reached 1,000 locations in 2020, compared to only 400 sites in 2016. The Council discussed the Vision's success in increasing the Kingdom's capacity to receive and accommodate pilgrims to the holy sites by expanding the system of services at the Two Holy Mosques and the holy sites, in addition to automating the process of obtaining an
H
Umrah visa within only five minutes, which is Royal Highness also expressed
THE REVIEW COVERED THE VISION'S
previously took 14 days. This is in addition
his appreciation for the efforts
THREE MAJOR THEMES AS FOLLOWS:
to the issuance of the 'Electronic Tourist
of all governmental authorities for
(1) Vibrant Society
Visa' that can be obtained electronically
overcoming many challenges in recent
The Council reviewed achievements aimed at
within minutes. This has made it easier to
months, praising the invaluable experiences
raising the quality of life within the framework
visit tourist destinations and monuments
gained, which enhanced confidence in
of an attractive and distinctive environment
in the Kingdom and has contributed to
achieving the objectives of the Vision.
to make the Kingdom a leading global
revitalizing the tourism sector and raising its
destination. This included facilitating access to
contribution to the Gross Domestic Product
remains to be done on various fronts
HRH also confirmed that much more
emergency health services within four hours,
(GDP). Furthermore, developing various tourist
to achieve Vision 2030's goals.
at the rate of more than 87%, compared to
destinations, it has created job opportunities
The Council of Economic and Development
36% before the inauguration of the Vision;
for male and female citizens. The Kingdom's
Affairs has reviewed the achievements of the
reducing the percentage of traffic accident
tourism sector has become the fastest-growing
Kingdom's Vision after five years of its inception.
fatalities annually to 13.5 deaths per 100,000,
sector in the world, with a growth of 14%.
The Vision has focused over the past five years
previously 28.8; and increasing the percentage
on establishing an empowering infrastructure,
of people who participate in sports activities
of the Vision's programs over the past five
building the institutional and legislative
at least once a week to 19% in 2020, compared
years towards improving the quality of life
structures, establishing general policies,
to 13% before the launch of the Vision.
in the Kingdom via attracting and organizing
and supporting initiatives. The next phase of
The Council also reviewed the most notable
The Council also noted the contributions
several world-famous sporting events. In
the Vision will focus on the continuation of
achievements in the housing sector, as the
addition, it also highlighted sports, cultural
implementation, ensuring greater participation
percentage of home ownership increased
and volunteer events, which attracted more
by citizens and the private sector.
to 60%, compared to 47% five years ago. In
than 46 million visitors through 2020.
10
Vision 2030
The number of companies operating in the entertainment sector has doubled, reaching
Home ownership increased
Public Investment Fund assets
more than 1,000 and generating more
to 60%, compared to
have doubled to approximately
than 101,000 jobs by the end of 2020.
47% five years ago
SAR1.5 trillion in 2020, from
The Council also reviewed achievements
SAR570 billion riyals in 2015
related to the preservation, sustainability,
The number of urban
and protection of the environment,
heritage sites has reached
Foreign direct investment
including establishing seven Royal natural
1,000, compared to only
increased to SAR17.625
reserves in 2018 and 2019 to preserve
400 sites in 2016
billion, an increase of 331%
various plant and animal species. Access to emergency health
The Kingdom advanced to the
production of desalinated water too. The
services within four hours, at
24th position globally in the
Kingdom topped the global production of
the rate of more than 87%,
Global Competitiveness Report
desalination of saline water with the highest
compared to 36% before the
2020, after ranking 39th in 2018
production capacity reached by the Saline
inauguration of the Vision
It has achieved global milestones in the
Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC), which
Saudi women's participation
reached 5.9 million m per day in 2020. The
Reducing the percentage
in the workforce increased
replacement of thermal technologies and
of traffic accident fatalities
to 33.2% in 2020, compared
the expansion of environmentally friendly
13.5 deaths per 100,000,
to 19.4% in 2017
technologies contributed to a reduction in
down from 28.8
3
carbon dioxide emissions of 28 million tons
Acceleration in the growth of
per year. In addition to announcing mega-
People who participate in sports
the non-oil GDP ratio to 59% in
projects to preserve the environment during
at least once a week up to 19%
2020, compared to 55% in 2016
the same period, the recently announced Saudi
in 2020, compared to 13%
Green Initiative and the Middle East Green
before the launch of the Vision
initiative will raise vegetation cover, reduce carbon emissions, combat pollution and land degradation, and preserve marine life. (2) Prosperous Economy
which included the Saudi Stock Exchange
past five years since its establishment to
The Council reviewed initiatives aimed at
(Tadawul) joining the emerging market indices
support the general budget of the Kingdom
establishing an environment that supports
MSCI and Standard & Poor's Dow Jones, which
by approximately SR897 billion.
business potential and broadens the economic
made it easier for foreign investors to invest
The Council discussed the achievements
base. It also noted that the assets of the Public
in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as the value
made in generating jobs for the future and
Investment Fund have doubled to reach
of their holdings in the market increased by
supporting innovation by encouraging small
approximately SR1.5 trillion in 2020, after not
195.9% to reach SR208.3 billion by the end of
and medium enterprises as one of the most
exceeding SR570 billion riyals in 2015. It should
2020, with an ownership rate of 12.8% of the
important engines of economic growth. It noted
be noted that the rate of international foreign
total value of shares. Moreover, the Fintech
with interest that the Kingdom's has moved
investment flows has decreased by 58% since
Saudi Center was established to open financial
up to the 12th rank in the Venture Availability
2015. In contrast, foreign direct investment
services to new types of entities in financial
of Capital Index in the Global Competitiveness
inflows in Saudi Arabia increased to reach
technology and developing funds, accelerators,
Report 2020 and ranked third globally in
SR17.625 billion, an increase of 331%, given it
and incubators that focus on financial
Minority Investor Protection Index. Moreover,
was SR5.321 billion before the launch of Vision
technology to provide venture capital and
the Kingdom advanced to the 24th position
2030. These initiatives also included launching
equity financing to stimulate an entrepreneurial
globally in the Global Competitiveness Report
major projects that contribute to the welfare of
environment. These achievements contributed
2020, after ranking 39th in 2018. Meanwhile,
society, provide jobs and attract international
to making Tadawul one of the 10 largest
in addition to passing laws that protect
investments, the most important of which are:
financial markets around the world.
and enhance their rights at the personal
NEOM, Qiddiya, Red Sea projects, and others. The Council reviewed achievements related to the development of the financial sector,
The Council reviewed the performance
and professional levels, Saudi women's
of the National Debt Management Center,
participation in the workforce increased to
as the center has managed during the
33.2% in 2020, compared to 19.4% in 2017.
Vision 2030
Non-oil revenues increased
In localizing military industries,
to SAR369 billion in 2020,
as the Kingdom's Vision 2030
compared to SAR166 billion
programs were able to increase
in 2015, an increase of 222%
the rate to reach 8% by the end of 2020, compared to 2% in 2016
The number of factories increased by 38% to 9,984
The number of judicial
compared to 7,206 before
sessions held between 2015
the launch of the Vision.
and 2020 reached more than 10 million sessions,
3.5 million homes in urban
compared to 2.7 million judicial
areas were covered by optical
sessions from 2009 to 2014
11
THE NUMBER OF URBAN HERITAGE SITES REGISTERED IN THE NATIONAL CULTURAL HERITAGE HAS REACHED 1,000
fiber networks in 2020, up from 1.2 million in 2017
The number of Power of
other cities by deploying more than 12,000
Attorney issuance increased to
towers that support 5G technology. The Kingdom also ranked sixth among the
The number of universities
11 million notaries from 2015 to
and colleges reached 63,
2020, compared to 2.2 million
G20 states in the Global Cybersecurity Index
while the published scientific
notaries between 2009 and 2014
of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and in the expansion of optical
research reached 33,588 compared to 15,056 in previous
The number of volunteers
fiber network coverage, as 3.5 million homes
years, an increase of 223%
in 2020 reached 409,123,
in urban areas were covered by optical fiber
compared to 23,000
networks in 2020 after it was only 1.2 million in
volunteers in 2016
2017. Furthermore, the Kingdom attracted the
The enrolment rate in kindergartens has increased
largest technology investments in the Middle
to 23%, compared to 13%
East and North Africa, with deals that exceeded SAR6 billion in the cloud computing sector. In the field of energy, the Council reviewed the most important achievements made since
The Council also discussed the acceleration in the growth of the non-oil GDP ratio to reach 59% in 2020, compared to 55% in 2016. Nonoil revenues also increased to reach SAR369 billion in 2020, compared to SAR166 billion in 2015, an increase of 222%. The number of factories increased by 38% to 9,984 factories compared to 7,206 factories before the launch of the Vision. This coincided with the launch of pioneering initiatives, including the Made
the launch of Vision 2030, which included
THE PERCENTAGE OF HOME OWNERSHIP HAS INCREASED TO 60%
distinguished achievements at the national and international levels. The Kingdom, which founded the OPEC Plus grouping of nations, reached a historic achievement in 2020 represented by the largest reduction in production the oil market has ever known. This contributed to restoring stability and balance to global markets and addressing the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the
in Saudi program, the 'Shareek' program
global economy. The Kingdom also encouraged
to strengthen partnership with the private
the concept of a circular carbon economy
sector and increase the pace of GDP growth,
adopted by the G20, demonstrating the
establishing an export-import bank, and the launch a mining investment system. In the field of the digital economy, the Council reviewed the initiatives that propelled the Kingdom to first place in digital competitiveness at the level of the G20, achieving first place in the world in 5G Internet speed, and covering more than 60% of major cities and 45% of
THE NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS REGISTERED REACHED 533,950
Kingdom's commitment to protecting the environment and combating climate change within the framework of the Paris Agreement and relevant international conventions. Furthermore, the first of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques projects for renewable energy was also inaugurated, including Sakaka plant to produce electricity.
12
Vision 2030
Other projects to produce electricity
The maturity rate of digital
The replacement of thermal
from solar energy have been announced
government services
technologies and the expansion
in different regions of the Kingdom, and
increased to 81.3%
of environmentally friendly
some of these projects have achieved
technologies contributed
new records represented in registering
The Kingdom's tourism sector
to a reduction in carbon
the lowest cost of purchasing electricity
has become the fastest-
dioxide emissions of 28
produced from solar energy in the world.
growing sector in the world,
million tons per year
The total capacity of these projects was
with a growth of 14% In the field of the digital
estimated at more than 3600 megawatts. These projects will provide energy for more
Sports, cultural and volunteer
economy, the Council reviewed
than 600,000 housing units. This is in addition
events attracted more than 46
the initiatives that propelled
to several clean energy projects to produce
million visitors through 2020
the Kingdom to first place in digital competitiveness at the
hydrogen and ammonia. Renewable energy projects will contribute to diversifying the
Companies operating in
level of the G20, achieving first
energy mix used in electricity production, so
the entertainment sector
place in the world in 5G Internet
that electricity production from renewable
doubled to more than 1,000,
speed, and covering more than
energy and gas will be 50% each by 2030,
generating more than 101,000
60% of major cities and 45%
resulting in the displacement of approximately
jobs by the end of 2020
of other cities by deploying more than 12,000 towers that
one million oil-equivalent barrels of liquid fuel. The electricity sector also witnessed clear
The Kingdom topped the global
support 5G technology
and deliberate steps towards enhancing its
production of desalination
efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability,
of saline water with the
The Council reviewed the
such as the restructuring of the sector, the
highest production capacity
qualitative leaps of the
issuance of the new electricity system, and
reached by the Saline Water
achievements made in
the reorganization of the Water and Electricity
Conversion Corporation
the judiciary, as the rate
Regulatory Authority. In addition, more than
(SWCC), which reached 5.9
of enforcement courts'
ten million smart electronic meters have been
million m3 per day in 2020
achievement increased to 82%
installed, a step towards digitizing the sector. The Saudi petroleum industry also witnessed the approval of the development of the Jafurah gas field, the discovery of five new oil and gas fields, and the continued integration of
Kingdom, a program of licenses to engage in
in 2017, which contributed significantly to
the petroleum and petrochemical sectors.
military industries activities was launched,
the improvement of services being provided
whereby 91 local and international companies
for citizens and residents of the Kingdom.
were licensed, with 142 foundation licenses.
The Council reviewed what has been achieved
The Council reviewed the contributions of the vision programs in creating an environment
in terms of combating corruption and enhancing
conducive to developing skills and continuing to invest in education and training, as the
(3) Ambitious Nation
integrity, as the culture of accountability has
number of universities and colleges reached
Within the framework of improving regulations
been entrenched at the level of the government
63, while the published scientific research
and services and expanding communication
apparatus and among citizens, the total
reached 33,588 compared to 15,056 in
channels between government agencies,
money recovered by the public treasury
previous years, an increase of 223%.
citizens and the private sector, the Council
following anti-corruption settlements reached
The enrolment rate in kindergartens has
reviewed the achievements of the initiatives that
SAR247 billion in the past three years. This
also increased, to 23%, compared to 13%
made major transformations in the effectiveness
represented 20% of the total non-oil revenues,
The Council reviewed the achievements in
of government work. These included the
in addition to tens of billions of non-cash
localizing military industries, as the Kingdom's
issuance of more than 197 legislations in
assets transferred to the finance ministry.
Vision 2030 programs were able to increase
various fields, including laws, regulations,
The Council reviewed the qualitative
the rate of localization in the sector to reach
bylaws and organizational arrangements.
leaps of the achievements made in the
8% by the end of 2020, compared to 2% in 2016. For the first time in the history of the
The maturity rate of digital government services increased to 81.3% compared to 60%
judiciary, as the rate of enforcement courts' achievement increased to 82%.
Vision 2030
13
The rate of personal status courts' achievement increased to 59%, along with strengthening the specialized judiciary system, the activation of litigation at two degrees and the activation of electronic litigation, as the number of judicial sessions held between 2015 and 2020 reached more than 10 million sessions, compared to 2.7 million judicial sessions from 2009 to 2014. The number of Power of Attorney issuance increased to 11 million notaries from 2015 to 2020 compared to 2.2 million notaries between 2009 and 2014. The number of localization agreements was signed and entered into effect with various supervisory authorities to increase the localization rates in various sectors, contributing to the employment of more than 422,000 male and female citizens since the beginning of 2019.
THE MATURITY RATE OF DIGITAL GOVERNMENT SERVICES INCREASED TO 81.3%
The Council discussed what has been achieved in the non-profit sector and social responsibility. The number of volunteers in 2020
THE NEXT PHASE IN REALIZING THE
Third: Transferring the initiatives of
reached 409,123 male and female volunteers in
KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA'S VISION 2030
'promotion of national character', 'leading
more than 156,000 volunteering opportunities
The Council took several recommendations
national companies' and 'strategic
compared to 23,000 volunteers in 2016.
necessary to move to the next stage of
partnerships' to the relevant entities and
The number of male and female volunteers
the process of realizing the Kingdom's
under their programs. This comes after
registered in the volunteering platform
Vision 2030, which was launched at the
these initiatives have achieved most of
reached 533,950, with the economic value for
beginning of this year 2021, and continues
their goals in the first five years of the
individual volunteering increased from 0.6
until 2025, which is the phase of advancing
Vision, absence of the need to preserve
riyals per hour in 2016 to 21.27 riyals per hour.
achievement and maintaining the momentum
its independence in the next phase.
In addition, the Council discussed providing adequate housing for those covered by social
required to continue the reforms. This includes making development
The next phase of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 is set to be marked by the continued
security services according to the ownership
updates on the vision realization
development of promising and new
or the right of usufruct system, through
programs to ensure its consistency with
sectors. The acceleration of achievement
integration and partnership with the non-profit
the targets, increase the efficiency of
in implementing the vision realization
sector and more than 350 social association
spending and respond to economic
programs will contribute to promoting
by providing more than 46,000 housing units
developments through three basic areas:
economic growth and supporting local
First: Restructuring some of the current
content, increase its contribution to the
platform of 'Joud' for housing was launched to
programs and creating others that are in line
economic development in the Kingdom,
involve the community in providing a helping
with the requirements of the next phase, such
and facilitate the business environment.
hand for charitable giving housing through
as establishing a health sector transformation
It will also further strengthen the role of
a reliable platform and in cooperation with
program that aims to restructure the
citizens and the private sector in achieving
121 charitable societies. This platform has
health sector to be a comprehensive health
the Vision through more empowerment to
contributed to supporting more than 23,000
system to realize the vision aspirations.
employ capabilities and invest the potentials
with society's contributions exceeding SAR400
Second: Giving flexibility to the
to achieve more success and progress.
million through two tracks: the provision of
implementation schedules of some programs,
housing and the support of citizens who are
setting priorities for implementing initiatives,
defaulting on payment for housing rental.
and enabling changes in legislative policies.
all over the Kingdom's regions. Besides, the
14
News
SAUDI ARABIA REPORTS SHARP RISE IN INWARD INVESTMENT $1.87 BILLION IN FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT (FDI) WAS ATTRACTED IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 2020
The Kingdom has reported its highest rate of inward investment for four years, with the Central Bank of Saudi Arabia revealing in its latest set of monthly statistics that $1.87 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) was attracted in the fourth quarter of 2020. That was up 72% on the previous quarter and up 80% on the same period a year earlier. It also saw the highest level of quarterly FDI since Q4 2016, when inflows
THE TOTAL FIGURE FOR 2020 REACHED $5.49 BILLION
of just over $2 were recorded billion. The total figure for 2020 reached $5.49 billion, 20% higher than in 2019 and the biggest fullyear total since 2016, when it was $7.45 billion.
NEOM has Become a Global Partner of AFC from 2021-2024 major AFC national team competitions, including, but not limited to, the AFC Asian qualifiers, featuring 12 football nations, NEOM and the Asian Football
and Asia’s flagship
Confederation (AFC)
national team competition,
have announced a global
which is set to take place in
partnership agreement for a
China in 2023, as well as the AFC
period of four years starting,
Women’s Asian Cup in 2022 and
from 2021 through to 2024.
all Asian club championships
The agreement encompasses
until the end of the 2024 season.
SAUDI ARABIA SETS NEW PLAN FOR TACKLING CARBON EMISSIONS During its G20 presidency, Saudi Arabia launched a
something useful and integrating renewable resources.
global platform for the circular carbon economy
Included in its work, KAUST is looking to find
(CCE), a system where carbon emissions are
ways to reduce CO2 emissions by improving
reduced, reused, recycled and removed (4R).
the ability to harness the sun’s energy.
This closed-loop was inspired my how nature
A team led by Ian McCulloch from the KAUST
works, with the King Abdullah University of
Solar Center, in partnership with researchers
Science and Technology (KAUST) now aiming
from the US and the UK, has developed hydrogen
to change the carbon narrative to 4R.
evolution photocatalysts (HEPs) made from two distinct semiconducting materials. They integrated
In December 2020, KAUST launched a CCE
these materials into organic nanoparticles that can
initiative that focuses on increasing energy efficiency, capturing and storing carbon, transforming carbon into
be tuned to soak up more of the visible light spectrum.
Digital Transformation Unit Releases Annual Report The National Digital Transformation
Sign-On' service, while the Twakkalna
Unit has released its annual report,
application has more than 19 million users.
which sheds light on the most important
According to the global competitiveness
digital transformation achievements in
yearbook, internationally, Saudi Arabia is
Saudi Arabia, considered a cornerstone
ranked second in corporate cybersecurity
for achieving the Kingdom's 2030
and seventh in financing technical
vision for a vibrant society thriving
development. Saudi Arabia is ranked
economy and an ambitious nation.
seventh globally on average mobile Internet
The report highlights extraordinary 'smart
speeds, with more than 54.66 MB /s. In
government' success, including having
addition, it won the ITU's (International
more than 300 million authentication
Telecommunication Union) Award for
processes done via 'the National Single
Government Leadership in 2020.
The Twakkalna application has more than 19 million users Saudi Arabia is ranked seventh globally on average mobile Internet speeds
News
15
OPEC Fund Welcomes Saudi Arabia's Newly Announced Environmental Initiatives
KPMG, the leading provider of
are keen on exploring the impact
audit, tax and advisory services
of cloud led digital transformation
The OPEC Fund for International
in Saudi Arabia, has signed
across their businesses, can now
Development has welcomed
an agreement with Oracle
benefit from the joint capabilities
the Saudi Green Initiative
to accelerate the adoption
of KPMG’s Insights Centre and
and the Middle East Green
of cloud-based emerging
Oracle Innovation Hub in Riyadh.
Initiative, which call for
technologies in the Kingdom
Leading Saudi organizations,
regional cooperation to
to support the growth of the
including Ma’aden, Saudi Railway
tackle the environmental
country’s digital economy in
Company (SAR), Saudi Ground
line with Saudi Vision 2030.
Services (SGS), King Abdullah
challenges facing the region.
KPMG, ORACLE COLLABORATE TO SUPPORT SAUDI DIGITAL ECONOMY
in line with our development
Under this initiative, Saudi
Dr Abdulhamid Alkhalifa
mandate.” To date, the OPEC
organizations across the public
Centre (KAIMRC), Arabian
commented: “We look forward
Fund has approved more than $1
and private sector, or from the
Centres Company and many
to helping to drive socio-
billion in finance for renewable
start-up community that are
more, are driving major digital
economic progress in the region,
energy projects in 68 countries.
already on a digital journey and
transformation with Oracle Cloud.
OPEC Fund Director-General
International Medical Research
SAUDI ISLAMIC FINTECH MARKET SET TO HIT $47.5 BILLION BY 2025 The Saudi Islamic financial technology (fintech) market is the largest globally, estimated to be worth $17.8 billion in transaction volume, and projected to grow by 22% annually to reach $47.5 billion by 2025, according to an industry report. The Global Islamic Fintech (GIFT)
Central Bank and the Capital Market
Report was conducted jointly by
Authority, was pleased about Saudi Arabia
DinarStandard, an Islamic economic
being recognized as having the largest
management consultancy, and Elipses,
Islamic fintech market size. “Fintech
a finance advisory and investment
Saudi continues to work with all the
firm, and looks at the fintech market
relevant stakeholders in the Kingdom
across the Organization of Islamic
to develop an environment in which
Cooperation (OIC) countries.
Islamic fintech companies can prosper
Nejoud Almulaik, director of Fintech Saudi, an initiative launched by the Saudi
Emirates Becomes First Airline to Operate A380 to Terminal 1 at Jeddah's King Abdulaziz International Airport EMIRATES HAS MADE ITS FIRST A380 TOUCHDOWN AT TERMINAL 1 IN JEDDAH'S KING ABDULAZIZ INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (KAIA), MAKING IT THE FIRST AIRLINE TO OPERATE THE DOUBLEDECKER AIRCRAFT TO THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA'S LATEST AVIATION LANDMARK. EK FLIGHT 2803 LANDED IN JEDDAH ON 29 MARCH AND WAS GREETED WITH A WATER CANNON SALUTE.
and become global leaders in driving Islamic fintech innovation,” she said.
16
News
NEOM, Tabuk Fisheries to Develop Largest Fish Farm across MENA LOGIPOINT AND UNITED WAREHOUSING COMPANY SIGN STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
In the presence of the Minister of Environment, Water and
LogiPoint and United Warehouse Company Ltd. (UWC) have
aquaculture industry in the region, both within artificial lakes and
signed a strategic partnership contract under which LogiPoint
natural waters, and establish a solid infrastructure in the Kingdom, in
will build a dedicated multipurpose built-to-suit facility for
line with Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the country's economy
UWC in Jeddah. It will be developed in LogiPoint's Logistics
and sources of income.
Hub located in the heart of Modon, Jeddah Industrial City 1. The new facility will be built over a 15,000m2 area and will include a 12,000 covered warehousing space. This will be a state-of-the-art facility designed to include frozen, chilled, ambient, and dry sections. Therefore, it will enable United Warehousing Company to
THE NEW FACILITY WILL BE BUILT OVER A 15,000M2 AREA JEDDAH LOGISTICS HUB (JLH) IS A 120,000M2 FULLY INTEGRATED LOGISTICS PLATFORM
Agriculture Abdulrahman AlFadley, NEOM Company, and Tabuk Fish Company signed a Memorandum of Understanding to expand local aquaculture production and apply the new generation of aquaculture technologies in the NEOM region. The MoU included developing a fish farm to promote the
The hatchery will operate with a capacity of 70 million fingerlings, which makes it the largest in the Middle East and North Africa region. It will focus on improving the production of local fish species in the Red Sea to contribute to achieving the Kingdom's goal of producing 600,000 tons of fish products by 2030, placing the Kingdom at the forefront of the pioneering countries in sustainable aquaculture. Dr Ali Al-Sheikhi, the CEO of the National Fisheries Development Program and Director General of the General Department of Fisheries at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, explained that this agreement is a fundamental turning point. It is particularly so with the entry of significant companies such as NEOM Company to
cater to the full spectrum
invest in the aquaculture industry, seen as one of the most promising
of warehousing clientele, from meat and poultry to dairy to
and effective industries for supporting economic growth and
foodstuff to raw materials for manufacturing.
achieving food security.
ACWA POWER INAUGURATES KSA’S FIRST UTILITY SCALE RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECT
Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Minister of Energy,
a pivotal moment in the continued energy
said: "The private sector plays a fundamental
diversification and development plans of
role in the development of renewable energy
Saudi Arabia. The project was awarded to an
ACWA Power, a leading Saudi developer,
projects in the Kingdom. The Sakaka project we
ACWA Power led consortium at a world record
investor and operator of power generation
are inaugurating today was developed by ACWA
tariff, at the time. This has paved the way for
and water desalination plants, has
Power, together with various Saudi companies
subsequent projects of the National Renewable
announced the 300MW Sakaka PV IPP's
that have worked alongside ACWA Power to
Energy Program (NREP) to lower the cost
official inauguration, KSA's first utility-
make this remarkable achievement a reality.”
of clean solar electricity in the Kingdom.
scale renewable energy project, at an
The inauguration of Sakaka PV IPP marks
investment value of SAR 1.2 billion. Commenting on the milestone, His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz Bin Salman Bin
THE 300MW PV PLANT EXEMPLIFIES THE ROLE OF PPPS IN ENABLING SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROGRESS IN KSA
News
INTRODUCING ARAMCO LIFE Aramco LIFE is a comprehensive mobile app experience and information marketplace that empowers and engages the people of Aramco, transforming the company's internal
17
“BY LAUNCHING ARAMCO LIFE, WE ARE CREATING A 21ST CENTURY PLATFORM TO HOUSE OUR VARIOUS TITLES”
communications. Initially, the assignment for AKQA was to simply digitize Aramco's weekly newsletters and magazines. But to do justice to the company's strong culture spanning more than eight decades and its rich contribution across multiple communities much more was needed. And so, Aramco LIFE was born. Aramco LIFE is a combined app and website based on the Sitecore platform. A content hub and information marketplace for news, articles, and updates. It provides a digital version of the company's publications and content, grouped by topic and publication. The channel includes user engagement, social feed, personalization of content, and content segmentation for employees and the public. Aramco LIFE is available for download now in Apple App Store and Google Play.
URBAN FORESTRY: the Future of Cities Even in Arid and Torrid Areas "We have entered a new phase of human history, in which we will finally see a new alliance between forests and cities, two environments that our species has always kept separate as an expression of, respectively, one of the maximum of artifice and the other of the maximum of naturalness,” says architect and urbanist Stefano Boeri, founder of Stefano Boeri Architetti and the author of the globally renowned Vertical Forest in Milan that has contributed to the development of the concept of Urban Forestry worldwide.
THE PROJECT AIMS TO BUILD 500,000 HECTARES OF NEW URBAN FORESTS LANDSCAPING WITH NATIVE PLANTS CAN MITIGATE CLIMATE CHANGE THE CITIES OF THE WORLD PRODUCE ABOUT 70% OF THE CO2 PRESENT IN THE ATMOSPHERE
Boeri has been involved in many international working tables, and committees from the Urban Forestry of Milan to the Great Green Wall of Cities presented during the last United Nations Climate Action Summit. Several examples show methodologies and techniques to achieve excellent results in arid and hyper-arid climates; for example, the Vertical Forests in Cairo, which will host 350 trees and more than 14,000 shrubs and perennials belonging to 100 different species.
18
News
KPMG TO ASSESS CYBERSECURITY POSTURE FOR ENERGY GIANT ARAMCO’S SUPPLIERS
KPMG Professional Services in Saudi Arabia has signed an agreement with Aramco, one of the largest energy and chemicals companies in the world, to examine and strengthen cybersecurity compliance checks. The agreement stipulates that KPMG is to assess Aramco's third parties and suppliers, as per the CCC framework, and issue certificates verifying their complete adherence to the Saudi Aramco Third-Party Cybersecurity Standard (SACS-002). The types of suppliers who need to obtain the certificate include general vendors, outsourced infrastructure, customized software, network connectivity and critical data processors. Issued certificates will be valid for two years.
THE TYPES OF SUPPLIERS WHO NEED TO OBTAIN THE CERTIFICATE INCLUDE GENERAL VENDORS, OUTSOURCED INFRASTRUCTURE, CUSTOMIZED SOFTWARE, NETWORK CONNECTIVITY AND CRITICAL DATA PROCESSORS
Samsung Engineering Wins $653 million AGIC PDH & UTOS Project
Samsung Engineering, one of the world’s leading engineering, procurement, construction and project management (EPC & PM) companies, has announced that it has received a contract from Advanced Global Investment Company (AGIC) for a $653 million PDH (Propane Dehydration) and UTOS (Utilities and Off-sites) project. It will be located in Jubail Industrial City in the east of the Kingdom, 100km north of Dammam. AGIC is a 100%-owned Advanced Petrochemical Company (APC) subsidiary. The PDH plant will be able to produce 843,000 tonnes/year of propylene and Samsung Engineering will construct the UTOS work related to the PDH plant. The PDH plant and the UTOS work are expected to be completed in 2024.
THE PDH PLANT WILL BE ABLE TO PRODUCE 843,000 TONNES/YEAR OF PROPYLENE
ROYAL COMMISSION FOR ALULA CONFIRMS $15 BILLION MASTERPLAN OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS With an estimated total development value of
featuring a UNESCO World Heritage Site,”
over $15 billion, The Journey Through Time
stated Amr AlMadani, Chief Executive Officer
Masterplan is an important opportunity to
of the Royal Commission for AlUla. “With
showcase AlUla’s full potential. By de-risking
USD 3.2 billion reserved for priority primary
investment opportunities through our $2 billion
infrastructure, the development of AlUla will be
(SAR 7.5 billion) seed funding and creating a
anchored in building strong foundations as well
robust governance framework, we have created
as safeguarding AlUla’s cultural and heritage
a platform for responsible and sustainable
assets.”
development to regenerate a unique location
$3.2 BILLION (SAR 12 BILLION) TO BE DEDICATED TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF PRIORITY PRIMARY INFRASTRUCTURE WITH OPPORTUNITIES FOR PRIVATE INVESTMENT
News
DAR AL ARKAN REVEALS EXCLUSIVE VILLAS IN SHAMS AR RIYADH
19
YORK Accompanies the Guest of Allah inside the Two Holy Mosques with Cool Fresh Air With the pandemic still posing a threat to the lives of many, the government of Saudi Arabia has set strategic plans to implement all necessary precautionary measures at the Two Holy Mosques for this year's Ramadan to ensure the health and safety of the Guests of Allah. Al Salem Johnson Controls (YORK), a leading 'one-stop destination' for integrated solutions, including HVAC, Building Management and Control Systems and Aftermarket Services, stated that the HVAC System is a vital part of these precautionary measures. It will control temperature, humidity and the purity and freshness of cold air inside the Two Holy Mosques for infection control and prevent its spread.
YORK’S AIR HANDLING UNITS ALSO GUARANTEE THE COMFORT OF PILGRIMS AND WORSHIPERS THE TWO COOLING PLANTS FOR THE HOLY MOSQUE IN MAKKAH AND THE PROPHET’S MOSQUE IN MEDINA ARE AMONG THE LARGEST COOLING PLANTS IN THE WORLD In a unique collaboration, Dar Al Arkan, the leading real estate company in Saudi Arabia, introduces exclusive co-
In a continuous cycle, the air moves around the Two Holy Mosques,
branded villas with global designer Elie Saab to be part of the
absorbing heat from the atmosphere and the pilgrims’ bodies,
Kingdom’s Shams Ar Riyadh project.
catching dust particles and some airborne bacteria or microbes
THE SHAMS AR RIYADH PROJECT IS LOCATED IN A STRATEGIC AREA NORTH OF RIYADH, EXTENDING OVER AN AREA OF MORE THAN 5 MILLION SQUARE METERS
on its way to the YORK Air Handling Units. Inside the Units, this air first passes through several highly efficient filtration stages to trap the dust and microbes, and then it flows over the cooling coils containing the chilled water. The filtered, fresh, cooled and dehumidified air then blows out of the Units into the Mosque to repeat its cycle. The YORK Air Handling Units control the fresh air
Reflecting the sophisticated elegance and exceptional detailing
flow rates through several technologies, including partial closure
that Elie Saab is recognized for in the haute couture world, the
of the air outlets or through a Variable Speed Drive connected
villas have the Elie Saab signature style with exquisite designs,
to the fans for speed control, thus the flow rates as needed.
setting a new standard for modern luxury living in the Kingdom. The Shams Ar Riyadh project is located in a strategic area north of Riyadh, on the King Khalid Road, extending over an area of more than 5 million square meters. Residents of ELIE SAAB villas can also enjoy the idyllic environment of the wider community, which includes world-class shopping, dining, entertainment and cultural amenities, as well as beautifully landscaped gardens and parks that summon a life of peace and tranquillity. The community is within easy access to the city’s prime lifestyle destinations, business centres, and top attractions that Riyadh offers.
20
Appointments
Atkins appoints Campbell Gray as CEO for the Middle East and Africa Atkins, a member of the SNC-Lavalin
Pacific, will position the business well for the
Group, is pleased to announce the
future. Campbell went to Currie & Brown in the
appointment of Campbell Gray as Chief
fourth quarter of 2019 and is now returning to
Executive Officer (CEO) for the Middle
Atkins, a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group.
East and Africa, effective August 2021, leading the business's end-to-end advisory, design and engineering and project management services under the Atkins, Faithful+Gould and Atkins Acuity brands.
THE COMPANY IS TRANSFORMING THE WAY IT DELIVERS PROJECTS, USING NEW DIGITAL AND DATADRIVEN TOOLS AND TECHNOLOGIES
Campbell is an experienced executive in leading both businesses and projects. His strong ability to drive growth and deliver operational excellence, gained during his 24-year career with Faithful+Gould and Atkins in the Middle East & Africa, the UK and Asia
Gary Player Unveiled as Newest Golf Saudi Ambassador Nine-time Major Champion, Gary Player, has joined Golf Saudi as its latest and most influential ambassador to date. One of the most decorated golfers of all time, Mr Player will work with Golf Saudi to help implement a shared vision for golf and its future development within the Kingdom. As part of his role as an ambassador with Golf Saudi, Gary Player will share his views on how health and well-being are integral to the game's long-term success and sustainability.
THE COMPANY HAS A TRACK RECORD OF DELIVERING AND SUPPORTING FLAGSHIP PROJECTS IN THE MIDDLE EAST
He will support and champion Golf Saudi's growth plans to bring golf to the wider population within Saudi Arabia. As a renowned golf course designer, Gary Player has also had initial conversations with Golf Saudi about how to develop the Kingdom's infrastructure further and deliver on the scale of the organisation's ambition when it comes to playing its part in Saudi Arabia's transformation and meeting Vision 2030 targets, particularly regarding the socio-economic benefits golf course development can bring to the country.
THREE-TIME MASTERS WINNER AND ICON OF THE GAME JOINS GOLF SAUDI AS THE ORGANIZATION’S INTERNATIONAL AMBASSADOR
Appointments
HKA Appoints Majdi Al-Madani
Accounting and Commercial Damages (FACD)
HKA, the world's leading consultancy of
is a pleasure to join the HKA family. We are
choice for multi-disciplinary expert and specialist services in risk mitigation and dispute resolution within the capital projects and infrastructure sector, has announced that Majdi Al-Madani has joined the firm as Partner, based in Saudi Arabia. Majdi will play a critical role in the further development and growth of the firm's Forensic
service offering in the Middle East across a wide variety of industries, jurisdictions and forums. Commenting on his move, Majdi said: "It aiming to add value to support our clients and partners to reach their targets. Our vision is to build a robust business environment."
MAJDI HAS AN ESTABLISHED RECORD OF WORKING FOR OVER 10 YEARS AT FOUR MAJOR BANKS IN SAUDI ARABIA
Qiddiya Appoints Abdullah AldaWood as Board Member and Managing Director Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC), a project
He will be working under the leadership of the
of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi
board of directors and in cooperation with the
Arabia, has announced the appointment
executive management led by Philippe Gas,
of Abdullah bin Nasser Aldawood as
Qiddiya’s CEO, in which he will contribute to the
board member and Managing Director.
development of Qiddiya and achieve its goals.
Aldawood is an industry veteran who holds a wealth of knowledge and experience in complex enterprises and transformation and growth journeys.
New Saudi Condair Sales Manager
Rajaee, who joins Condair as a highly
Condair, humidity control and evaporative
Ovivo and Aquatreat in Jordan, Saudi
cooling specialist, has appointed Rajaee Karasneh as its new Business Development Manager for Saudi Arabia. Based out of Riyadh, Rajaee takes on the responsibility for expanding sales of Condair's humidifiers, dehumidifiers and evaporative cooling systems across the region.
experienced sales manager in the engineering and construction sectors, working for international companies such as Veolia, and UAE, commented: “I feel very proud to have been given this opportunity to lead Condair's operations in the region and expand the company's sales.”
21
22
Appointments
BINLADIN INTERNATIONAL HOLDING GROUP ANNOUNCES KEY APPOINTMENTS Binladin International Holding Group (BIHG), the parent company of Saudi Arabia’s largest construction conglomerate, the Saudi Binladin Group (SBG), announced the expansion of its executive leadership team with the appointment of Balaji Prasad as Group Chief Financial Officer and Roberto Liuzza as Group Chief Organisation Excellence Officer.
Prasad and Liuzza are recent appointments made at a senior level to overhaul the organisation’s governance and operations. Other appointments included Ahmed Al Sanie as Group Managing Director; Abdulrahman Bajunaid as CEO of Real Estate; and Samer Khawashki as CEO of Investments over the past year. BALAJI PRASAD Prasad brings 24 years of experience across the
& Gas. Past appointments include CFO of Abu Dhabi listed developer Manazel PJSC
region with a focus on
as well as leadership positions in blue-chip
debt restructuring,
companies such as TYCO, Reliance Industries,
corporate
Pentair, Sobha Group, KEF Holdings and
turnaround, business
Suhail Bahwan Group, as well as Indian Oil.
transformation and complex fundraising across diverse industries such as Contracting,
Appointments made at a senior level to overhaul the organisation’s governance and operations.
Real Estate, Manufacturing, Trading and Oil ROBERTO LIUZZA Liuzza has 27 years of experience across Europe, the Middle East, and
MNEs, government institutions, industry regulators, and private equity funds. Established in March 2019, BIHG oversees and
the Far East in complex
manages the affairs of numerous subsidiaries
transformation and
across its portfolio, including SBG – Saudi
turnarounds across
Arabia’s largest construction company and
various industries, with an emphasis on
one of the world’s largest contractors. It is currently undergoing a transformation
performance improvement, strategic
programme in order to establish a strong
planning and change management. Past
financial and operational platform from
appointments include Senior Director of
which it can capitalise on the sizeable market
Corporate Strategic Planning at BHC, senior
opportunity for major construction projects in
positions in primary management consulting
Saudi Arabia. BIHG has identified a significant
firms (namely Booz & Company, Booz Allen
market opportunity, with c.SAR 1 trillion of
Hamilton and Accenture), serving blue-chip
new contract awards expected by 2025 alone.
Appointments
Saudi Arabia’s Real Estate Development Fund Appoints Mansour bin Madi as CEO
Mansour bin Madi possesses more than 30 years of leadership and practical experience in the financial sector. He has worked on strategising, planning and launching various financial and funding products and solutions, as well as spearheading digital projects on both local and international levels, a statement said.
Mansour bin Saeed bin Madi has been
The appointment was approved by the
appointed as the CEO of Saudi Arabia’s
fund’s board of directors, headed by Majid
Real Estate Development Fund.
bin Abdullah Al-Hogail, the Minister of Municipal Rural Affairs and Housing.
Esraa Al-Buti join WEF's global leaders class The World Economic Forum (WEF) has
Having become the first-ever woman partner
announced its 2021 class of Young
in EY’s Saudi member firm in 2019 (as well as
Global Leaders – a group of “remarkable
the youngest ever partner), Esraa Al-Buti has
people under 40” that are committed
become a role model for female leadership and
to making the world a better place.
empowerment in the Kingdom. Today, she leads
Each year, WEF goes through a rigorous
EY’s Tax Controversy practice in Saudi Arabia.
selection process to select leaders from
Her work includes advising multinational
different communities and industries
groups and local family businesses on tax
worldwide. This year, a cohort of 112
advisory assignments and tax- and zakat-
leaders welcomed to the network.
compliance matters. She also provides
Among the group working at professional
international tax structuring advisory
services firm Ernst and Young KSA is
services to Saudi Arabian inbound and
Esraa Al-Buti. According to the WEF, the
outbound clients and investors, and has
EY leader “exemplifies what we need
gained experience with tax due diligence
most today: hope, empathy, authenticity
assignments for private equity and corporate
and the drive to develop solutions that
clients for transactions in Saudi Arabia.
can change the world for the better.”
23
24
Appointments
SNC-LAVALIN’S ATKINS EXPANDS IN SAUDI ARABIA Atkins, a member of the SNCLavalin Group, is expanding its design and engineering services in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) to meet the needs of the country’s growing mixed-use developments, leisure and entertainment industries. This sees the appointment of new senior positions to support the Company’s existing projects and new market opportunities.
David Manfredi, Director of Architecture
setting new industry standards. This will
and Building Engineering, Saudi Arabia,
help set a new precedent for Atkin’s creative
is leading Atkins’ KSA-based Building Design
services in the theming and entertainment
team, working closely with the regional
sectors. Bradley comes with 25 years’
business and global team of experts to
experience across the US, Asia Pacific and
understand and deliver clients’ visions. David
the Middle East, and has founded several
is an award-winning architect possessing a
creative companies over the past decades.
uniquely balanced range of conceptual, project
More recently, leading a team of writers,
delivery and business skills. His approach
designers and architects, he conceptualized
embraces design concept and critique,
the show design for seven major attractions
technical delivery, studio culture and team
for the Ocean Flower Island currently under
development, and the exploitation of digital
construction off the north coast of Danzhou,
transformation. He has 25 years of experience,
Hainan, China. He also provided his creative
18 of which have been in the Middle East. He
expertise to Sony Entertainment, Walt Disney
has run his own practice, has been a tutor
Studios, EA, Activision, LucasArts, Paramount
and lecturer in design, construction, and
Studios & Universal Studios, to name a few.
professional practice, and has worked on projects across the GCC, Asia and Australia.
“WE ARE COMMITTED TO CONTINUE SUPPORTING SAUDI ARABIA’S VISION 2030 BY BRINGING WORLDCLASS TALENT TO THE KINGDOM”
In addition, Edward McIntosh, who is leading Atkins’ Architectural Design team in the Middle East, is currently based in Saudi Arabia to support the design business expansion and provide in-country strategic advisory to major projects. Edward has 18 years of experience leading international architectural design teams and projects in
We are pleased to announce Bradley Caruk to
sports, commercial, retail, residential, and
the newly formed role of Creative Project
hospitality markets in South America, the UK,
Director, Saudi Arabia. Working closely
China, South East Asia, and the Middle East.
with Atkins’ Design teams, Bradley brings
He started his career in Ecuador, where he
international expertise in spearheading major
delivered several commercial and hospitality
innovations in the creative themed leisure
projects incorporating innovative low-carbon
and entertainment destinations, championing
construction materials. He also worked for
cutting-edge technologies and concepts
six years at Populous in London, where he
that redefine the customer experience and
successfully led the design of more than two
Appointments
25
dozen arena, stadia and sports masterplan
class talent to the Kingdom and providing our
provide both recreational and professional
projects. He also led the Grimshaw’s South
engineering and design expertise to nurture
opportunities to the Saudi population and
East Asia design team focusing on retail,
local capabilities through our Riyadh Design
boast a number of record-breaking attractions.
hospitality, workplace, transit-oriented
Studio and Training Academy,” said Ian
development and sports projects.
Redmayne, Managing Director of Atkins KSA,
career professionals master technical and
Engineering, Design and Project Management,
soft skills in engineering, design, and project
Planning, Middle East, has been with Atkins
SNC-Lavalin. “Our country-focused design
management and gain the knowledge needed
for 12 years and has led the urban design team
leadership team is key to expanding our market
to progress in their careers. Over the past six
to deliver world-class projects across the GCC.
offering and delivering 360 creative, sustainable,
months, the academy has trained more than
She is leading flagship master plan projects in
and data-driven design and architecture
500 employees in Saudi Arabia with specialized
the Kingdom, including King Abdullah Financial
solutions that meet the needs of growing
programmes designed to develop their skills.
District and Diriyah Gate project that aim to
mixed-used developments in the Kingdom.”
Vasushree Mohta, Design Director, Master
create the leisure, culture and entertainment
With over 50 years’ presence in the Middle
focal points within mixed-use urban precincts.
East, Atkins has established a proven track
Atkins is spearheading urban master plans
record of designing some of the region’s
that emphasize user experience and draw in
most iconic projects ranging from full-scale
design experts early in the process to create
communities to individual buildings that
urban districts that are cohesive, synergetic
blend aesthetic and functional elements while
and deliverable with a clear focus on the
promoting human interaction and sustainable
project vision as the main driving force.
impact. Currently, Atkins is providing lead
“We are committed to continue supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by bringing world-
The Company’s Training Academy helps early
WITH OVER 50 YEARS’ PRESENCE IN THE MIDDLE EAST, ATKINS HAS ESTABLISHED A PROVEN TRACK RECORD OF DESIGNING SOME OF THE REGION’S MOST ICONIC PROJECTS
design consultant services for the Six Flags Qiddiya theme park project, which will
DAVID MANFREDI Director of Architecture and Building Engineering, Saudi Arabia, Atkins, a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group
B RADLEY CARUK Creative Project Director, Saudi Arabia, Atkins, a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group
EDWARD MCINTOSH Regional Design Director, Middle East, Atkins, a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group
V ASUSHREE MOHTA Design Director, Master Planning, Middle East, Atkins, a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group
(Photo : AETOSWire)
(Photo : AETOSWire)
(Photo : AETOSWire)
(Photo : AETOSWire)
26
JOHN PAGANO INTERVIEW
SP: When tendering, timing is often crucial, so how long do you like a contractor's presentation to be? JP: It is a case-by-case scenario. Every project is different, unique in its own way, which requires adapted approaches. At TRSDC, each
WORK WITH US
THE RED SEA DEVELOPMENT COMPANY (TRSDC), THE COMPANY BEHIND THE WORLD'S MOST AMBITIOUS REGENERATIVE TOURISM PROJECT, HAS A MISSION TO REIMAGINE AND INNOVATE IN ORDER TO CREATE A UNIQUE, LUXURY DESTINATION THAT EMBRACES NATURE, CULTURE AND ADVENTURE, WHILE SETTING NEW STANDARDS IN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT. SUCH A GRAND VISION, OF COURSE, REQUIRES BROAD EXPERTISE, NOT ONLY FROM WITHIN TRSDC ITSELF, BUT ALSO FROM OTHER SPECIALIST COMPANIES THAT CAN OFFER THE RELEVANT SKILLS, QUALITY, AND SERVICE REQUIRED.
tender is governed by a multi-disciplinary Tender Committee that will carefully evaluate the proposals. We always make sure the market understands our approach, engaging long before our tenders reach them, which we have found to be the best way to ensure that the responses to our requests are optimal. The timing is indeed crucial. Our significant progress against our timeline can be explained by the agility and efficiency of our procurement processes. The completion of the Public-Private Partnership for our Utilities Package is an interesting example. It was a complex process involving more than 2,000 documents per bidder. We have developed sophisticated online management systems that facilitate the bidders' submissions, the coordination of our evaluation teams, bidder selection, and negotiation. This enabled us to go from publishing the Request for Proposals to commercial close and contract signature in under 18 months.
B
ut how do these companies get
Still, we make sure we don't ask for the
The process timeline, running from June 2019
involved; what is TRSDC searching
impossible. Our approach is based on realistic
to November 2020, was directly impacted
for? We spoke to John Pagano, CEO at
expectations on technical capabilities and
by the Covid-19 pandemic and the need
TRSDC and AMAALA, to gain a little insight
a reasonable allocation of scope and risk.
for lockdowns. Still, we adapted to the
into what TRSDC looks for in a partner.
challenging circumstances by completing Procurement aligns with our corporate strategy
the procurement process entirely online. The
Saudi Projects: What type of tendering
to be an instrumental contributor to KSA's Vision
outcome is a highly sophisticated commercial
does TRSDC/AMAALA typically use –
2030 and a catalyzer in the global transition
instrument, a utility package financed by
open tendering, selective tendering,
to regenerative sustainability. That means we
local and international investors to provide
negotiated tendering etc. – and why?
actively consider how we impact the market,
100% renewable energy 24/7. We are now on
John Pagano (JP): The Red Sea Development
acting like a leader who encourages all kinds of
track to become the world's largest tourist
Company's (TRSDC) tendering is always
industries to go one step further and step out of
destination powered exclusively by renewable
fair, equitable, transparent, and a driver for
our comfort zones. As I said, we know what we
energy day and night, supported by the largest
free competition in all its projects. We have
want, which makes us quite prescriptive, and
installed battery storage facility in the world.
a clear mandate and vision of what we are
as a business, we remain very much involved in
Business continuity planning has been a key
looking for in the market, and we engage
the development of the project at all stages. We
focus during 2020, ensuring that we continue
early to ensure the 'buildability' factor in our
are a vertically integrated real estate developer
destination development with minimal
innovative and sometimes pioneering requests.
with the capacity to manage interfaces at all
diSARuption, and this includes procurement.
We understand we often ask suppliers to
supply chain levels proactively. Our suppliers
do things that have previously never been
truly become our partners in delivering the
done before using methods never attempted.
best possible outcome for the project.
JOHN PAGANO INTERVIEW
WE ARE CONSTANTLY LOOKING FOR INDUSTRY CHAMPIONS THAT CAN ADD VALUE AND CONTRIBUTE TO OUR PROJECTS
J OHN PAGANO CEO THE RED SEA DEVELOPMENT COMPANY AND AMAALA
27
28
JOHN PAGANO INTERVIEW
We have awarded over 500 contracts
innovate and are willing to work with us to help
destination and guests can become part of it.
worth more than SAR 15 billion, including
us deliver on our ambitious regenerative goals.
Sustainability commitments are of utmost
critical developments like the airport, road infrastructure and jetties, and our first hotels. SP: Do you include pre-qualification
importance when choosing the right supplier We know we will have to work together
for one of our projects. A potential contractor
with our partners to lead the way, and we
must be willing to engage with the same level
factor that into our evaluations too.
of commitment as we do. Sustainability is non-
questionnaires or carry out
negotiable and a deal-breaker at any stage of
pre-tender interviews?
discussions or during the delivery of a contract.
JP: We actually do both. We are constantly looking for industry champions that can add value and contribute to our projects. Potential vendors can register online at any time via our website, and more than 3,000 companies have already completed this process. After registration, companies are contacted by our technical and commercial
WE ARE PROUD THAT OVER 70% OF OUR CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT VALUE HAS BEEN AWARDED TO SAUDI COMPANIES
experts for an evaluation and final approval as
Pioneering large-scale regenerative sustainable development means that some of our standards are yet to exist in the market. We have decided to fully control sustainability matters, from setting new standards to designing the best strategies and procedures to meet them. Our role during construction is sometimes dual, acting both as the client and the contractor. We prescribe and request goals, and we support
a potential supplier. Then, once an opportunity
Giga-projects like The Red Sea Project and
and follow third parties' efforts to achieve
arises, they can apply to pre-qualify. This is
AMAALA are opportunities for any company
them, constantly evaluating performance and
part of our ongoing conversation with the
involved in construction, real estate, energy,
the contractor's capacity to evolve towards the
market, which we believe is crucial to staying
transport, hospitality, and many other
levels of excellence we demand. We believe that
connected with industry and technological
industries to grow strategically. These kinds of
this is the way to drive industry innovation.
trends, interests, and challenges.
projects are hard to find anywhere else in the
SP: What do you look for when a
world. Companies can learn how to scale up,
SP: What are you looking for when
innovate and be more competitive globally.
it comes to employee welfare
contractor demonstrates its capability,
when taking on a contractor?
such as systems to be used etc.?
Finally, we are proud that over 70% of our
JP: We believe that if we take great care of the
JP: All our procurement processes are led by
construction contract value has been awarded
workers, they, in turn, will build with great care.
a dedicated Tender Committee. They rely on
to Saudi companies on both projects. The mix
We aim to protect and enhance the destination
well-defined, strict evaluation criteria that
of Saudi and international organizations will
as we develop it, and as such, it makes sense
apply to all candidates. Having technical
enrich and diversify the national industrial
to ensure that we protect and enhance the
capabilities and a solid record of high-
fabric, one of the critical goals of Vision 2030.
wellbeing of those more directly involved in
standard project delivery in this region and internationally is undoubtedly important.
building the place. Taking care of their physical SP: How do you measure how sustainability-
and mental wellbeing is very important, least
focused a potential contractor is?
of all because it is the right thing to do, but
But as I said earlier, we have a clear mandate.
JP: Similarly to the evaluation of other
because happy, healthy workers are more
Our mission is to lead the global transition into
capabilities, we'd be looking at records and
productive. The more care and attention you
regenerative development. We are a driver for
company capacity. But for us, sustainability
put in, the greater the return you can expect.
paradigmatic change, redefining luxury tourism,
is much more than a skillset. It's a principle, a
We have a moral mandate to set standards
development, and even considering our natural
transversal obligation, a culture. We are meeting
on workers' welfare and set an example to
capital when evaluating our investment returns.
the highest sustainability standards you can
follow as we do in so many other areas.
find in tourism development and beyond, We are pioneering large-scale sustainable
and in fact, seek to set new standards in this
Existing international standards like those
development, which means some of the
area. Our drive is regenerative sustainability,
from the International Finance Corporation
solutions we are looking for are not yet
an approach inspired by the living-systems
(IFC) are a valid reference to create adequate
available in the market or have never been
theory that aims to conserve, protect and
living conditions for workers. In practice,
implemented before on this scale. In that
enhance the destination's environment. We
this looks like shared rooms with bunk
case, previous track records or size are not
don't design just buildings or infrastructure. We
beds, shared external toilet facilities,
the only relevant variables when considering
design for human, ecosystem, and planetary
and essential medical care provision.
new partners. We will look for companies that
health, blending with nature so that our
JOHN PAGANO INTERVIEW
29
and assistance for up to 28,000 construction workers at peak operation, including general practitioner and occupational health doctors and nurses, pharmacists, ambulance drivers, and emergency evacuation capacity. Additionally, we have a helicopter available on-site ready to transport patients to larger hospitals in Jeddah or Tabuk, for example, and being based in a remote location, readily available medical assistance to this degree could quite literally a lifesaver for us. In summary, it is our camp, with our standards and conditions, and we request contractors to host all their workers in it. Consequently to this approach, we demand from all contractors full compliance with respecting workers' health, safety, and wellbeing at all times. SP: If unsuccessful, do you welcome debriefings so that a contractor can understand where they went wrong and perhaps correct it for next time? John Pagano: Definitely - as part of our proactive relationship with the market and the learning process the giga-projects represent for the industry, we provide feedback whenever requested. The projects will keep
PIONEERING LARGE-SCALE REGENERATIVE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT MEANS THAT SOME OF OUR STANDARDS ARE YET TO EXIST IN THE MARKET
offering numerous opportunities during the construction and operation phases. Therefore lesson learning is a valuable exercise for potential contractors, TRSDC and the industry. SP: If you had one piece of advice for a contractor who wants to work with TRSDC/AMAALA, what would it be? John Pagano: I'd tell them to be bold and
But we want to go one step further and
room is shared by a maximum of three workers
dare to think outside of the box. Be innovative,
chose to exceed IFC standards, setting
and is equipped with partitions between beds
pioneer new ways of doing things, and most of
a new global industry benchmark.
for privacy and en-suite bathrooms with shower.
all, believe they can be part of this opportunity
There are 12 landscaped neighborhoods, sports
to grow together with TRSDC and our projects.
Similar to our approach to other crucial
pitches, gyms, recreational facilities, including
We want companies of all types and sizes to get
project factors, the best way to do that is
television, games rooms, cinema, a minimarket,
involved and contribute to our goals and the
by taking complete control of workers'
and a barbershop, among other amenities.
realization of these groundbreaking projects.
welfare, requesting all contractors to
We invite them to follow our principles, buy
host their workers in our facility.
Importantly, last month we opened a Central
into our ethos, and join us in this exciting trip
We designed and built the Construction Village,
Medical Facility managed by our partners
towards regenerative sustainability, Saudi
which accommodates up to 10,000 workers
International SOS. The facility, coupled
Vision 2030 and the global future of tourism.
comfortably, which we now operate with our
with several satellite clinics, ensures we are
partners Red Sea International and FMCO. Each
providing the highest quality medical care
30
Future of Infrastructure
THE FUTURE OF INFRASTRUCTURE IN SAUDI ARABIA INFRASTRUCTURE IS NOT THE MOST EXCITING WORD IN ARCHITECTURE. THERE ARE NO CELEBRITY ARCHITECTS PROUDLY DISCUSSING THEIR BELOW-GROUND WASTE SYSTEMS WITH THE MEDIA. INDEED, BY ITS VERY NATURE, INFRASTRUCTURE IS USUALLY OUT OF SIGHT, BUT OUR TOWNS AND CITIES COULDN'T EXIST WITHOUT IT. WHAT'S MORE, WITHOUT FINDING WAYS TO IMPROVE IT, OUR FUTURE URBAN ENVIRONMENTS WILL STRUGGLE TO SURVIVE.
Not surprisingly, technology is coming to
Estimated to grow at a CAGR of approximately
For instance, the Qiddiya project, situated
the rescue, helping us adapt to everything
6% to 2026, Saudi Arabia’s infrastructure
45km west of Riyadh, is being developed
from extreme weather conditions to grid-
sector was buoyed by the announcement
as a city for entertainment, sports and the
locked highways. Technology, of course,
of a trillion-dollar pipeline of projects
arts, with a completion date of 2022 for the
has been shaping cities for millennia, with
that will help to position the Kingdom as
first phase. Initial infrastructure costs are
Rome, for instance, creating aqueducts to
a global hub for investment and logistics.
approximately $8 billion, with the project
transport water to its citizens and, in doing
This development programme has created
requiring additional investment to achieve its
so, created the first mega-metropolis.
opportunities in a variety of new areas, such
objective of 17 million visitors per year by 2035.
as smart cities, tourism and clean energy. Today, though, we are facing up to new challenges, not least climate change and population growth. Yet if there is one thing that the Covid-19 pandemic has allowed us all to do, it's to re-appraise... everything. It has delivered an intense economic shock, with governments clambering to stabilize markets with a rush of stimulus and job protection packages. A TRILLION-DOLLAR PIPELINE OF PROJECTS As the world begins to recover, Saudi Arabia's construction sector will return to positive growth during 2021 following its backward move throughout 2020 amid the Covid-19 pandemic's initial economic impact. The long-term outlook remains strong, with efforts to diversify the economy away from oil offering opportunities for residential and non-residential projects and significant transport infrastructure.
ESTIMATED TO GROW AT A CAGR OF APPROXIMATELY 6% TO 2026
Future of Infrastructure
31
100% DIGITAL DESIGN The digital revolution is playing its part too. AECOM, the world's leading infrastructure consulting firm, is designing the transport and utilities backbone infrastructure for NEOM, another giga-project and a new model for urbanization and sustainability. Bill Price, program director at AECOM, said: "In order to accelerate the delivery of this transformative project, our global team will be using the latest innovations to deliver a 100% digital design. Digital tools will play a vital role in the collaborative approach and stakeholder engagement, with quickly produced visualizations that are built from live design data that is geospatial accurate, enabling and unlocking the power of a data-driven design."
SAUDI ARABIA ALSO PLANS TO INVEST $66.67 BILLION IN HEALTHCARE INFRASTRUCTURE
Digital will perform a crucial role in delivering
HEALTHCARE INFRASTRUCTURE
And while evolving customer demands
the core scope of services within the program
Saudi Arabia also plans to invest $66.67 billion
and accelerating technological innovations
requirements, in addition to achieving the
in healthcare infrastructure and enhance
will transform the way the world buys,
vision for technological advancement. The
private sector involvement from the existing
sells and regulates electricity, the sector
delivery team will adopt a data-led process,
40% to 65% by 2030. It is estimated that
will be challenged by the transformation's
providing information-rich 3D models and
the Kingdom's population will grow from
rapidity. This will see the Kingdom's
geospatial data. The digital delivery processes
34.3 million in 2019 to 39.4 million by 2030
energy sector witness an era of high-speed
will also facilitate collaboration across global
and rise to as high as 45 million by 2050.
digital transformation as an investment
teams and make available to them the tools
Robust growth in the GCC healthcare sector,
of $90 billion fast-tracks its Vision 2030
to efficiently design for construction.
driven by a surge in medical devices and
sustainability, R&D and manufacturing aims.
the developing branded generics market,
THIS WILL SEE THE KINGDOM’S ENERGY SECTOR WITNESS AN ERA OF HIGHSPEED DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
will ensure that an estimated 40-50% of
Across all sectors, the demographics of Saudi
planned healthcare investment is likely
cities hold great significance, not just for
to be on infrastructure until 2025.
deciding the fate of swiftly urbanizing cities, but also for their potential contribution to achieving
HIGHER LEVELS OF URBAN LIFESTYLE
Saudi Arabia's medium-to-long term vision for
Other planned projects aim to address a specific
delivering a sustainable economy. Within this
social challenge. For example, to tackle the
vision and the national transformation program,
shortage in affordable housing, the housing
Saudi Arabia aims to improve its infrastructure
ministry has set up the Sakani programme,
and attain higher levels of urban lifestyle for its
which provides Saudi nationals with access to
people. This effort will be supplemented by a
residential plots, self-construction residential
$500 billion investment, which will be focused
housing, prefabricated housing units, among
on modernizing the infrastructure of the
other options. All of these require the necessary
existing 285 municipalities across the Kingdom.
infrastructure, including electricity.
32
GET TO KNOW ASH ARSHAD OF RESA GULF SCAFFOLDING
THERE ARE NO PROBLEMS, ONLY SOLUTIONS RESA GULF SCAFFOLDING (RGS), PART OF TAMIMI ENERGY (A DIVISION OF TAMIMI GROUP) AND GRUPO RESA, A WORLDWIDE LEADER IN SCAFFOLDING BASED IN SPAIN, WITH A PRESENCE IN OVER 20 COUNTRIES WORLDWIDE, IS A DIFFERENT KIND OF COMPANY. ITS SINGLE MOST DEFINING CHARACTERISTIC UNDERLINES THIS - ITS PRIMARY FOCUS IS ON COMING UP WITH BESPOKE SOLUTIONS FOR INDIVIDUAL PROBLEMS. IT IS A UNIQUE APPROACH IN WHAT IS A FAIRLY TRADITIONAL INDUSTRY.
contracting," says Ash. "We're the first to come in with a high-spec galvanized product that we take all the way through, from design to installation." Resablok ringlock system is manufactured by Resa and is becoming increasingly popular with discerning customers. Aramco, for instance, is now very impressed with the system, having
"Like most companies, we are customer-
So the solutions we provide revolves
seen it in operation for many years, and tends
orientated," explains Ash T Arshad, General
entirely around the customer and their
not to want to go back to some of the older
Manager at RGS, "but we also approach the
specific needs and requirements."
systems such as 'cuplock' and 'tube and fitting'.
industry a little differently. We offer a multi-
"The older stuff still does a job," Ash says, "but
disciplined solution, frequently going outside
RGS is different in several other ways, including
it looks tardy and worn out because it's not the
of our sphere of product and service offering.
the fact that it holds internal competitions
same quality. You can't erect it as quickly, either.
What this means is that if there is a problem
between its designers and value management
We did a test on all three systems. Our system,
or challenge on a project, 99 times out of 100,
team to develop the best designs for clients.
Resablok, proved to be 50% quicker than tube
we can support the customer. We can do this
In doing so, it saves on materials and
and fitting and 30% quicker than cuplock.
because we have a strong team locally and have
human resources and minimizes risk by
access to specialists outside of our group who
introducing a health and safety perspective.
can assist, so we can provide a more rounded
A CALCULATED RISK RGS operates in both the industrial and
plan, instead of 'here's the scaffolding' or
FROM DESIGN TO INSTALLATION
construction sectors and now has its eyes set
'here's something from our parent company'.
The company's services are comprehensive
on getting involved with some of the Kingdom's
We don't do that. We go outside. For example,
and include the complete value chain from
giga-projects. These include NEOM, the Red Sea
we have sister companies such as Enerco to
scaffolding structural design and analysis
Project, and Qiddiyah – projects that will run
provide generators and TAFGA who provide
through to safety analysis, installation and
for the next six, seven or even ten years. "This
portable cabins and modular buildings.
disassembly. This broad expertise has seen
is something we are aiming for, as well as other
RGS serve a wide range of diverse industries
sizeable projects, including major shopping
"We have formed alliances and partnerships
and market sectors, including oil and gas,
malls and other big developments," Ash says.
– so we call on different companies, including
petrochemical, pipeline, naval, and construction.
our competitors, to provide a solution for
Of course, moving forwards has not been
our customers, such as Global Construction
"Most companies just sell or rent their equipment
easy for anyone over the last year, yet those
Company, and then we project manage it.
and have no involvement with the actual
with a bit of forward planning have prospered
GET TO KNOW ASH ARSHAD OF RESA GULF SCAFFOLDING
WE MANAGED TO KEEP AROUND 95% OF OUR SITES OPERATIONAL
A SH T ARSHAD GENERAL MANAGER
33
34
GET TO KNOW ASH ARSHAD OF RESA GULF SCAFFOLDING
OUR SYSTEM SCAFFOLD, RESABLOK RINGLOCK, PROVED TO BE 50% QUICKER THAN TUBE AND FITTING AND 30% QUICKER THAN CUPLOCK WATCH RESA GULF SCAFFOLDING VIDEO
better than most, as Ash explains: "We did
We minimized the impact, but it's all
BALANCING THE PORTFOLIO
remarkably well with the Covid pandemic. We
to do with forward planning."
'Going the extra mile' has not gone unnoticed
were fortunate enough to realize that things
either. The company has received two
would go downhill, and we understood there
As with most businesses, RGS suddenly found
awards from Saudi Aramco; for health and
was a risk to the business. So I chaired a very
itself having lots of meetings via Zoom and had
safety and scaffolding performance. And this
small – four/five people – committee for risk
to realign its sales approach and rethink its
constant quest for excellence and a point-
analysis, and we quickly identified the areas
marketing to stay in touch with its customers.
of-difference has seen RGS post an increase
that were a risk to us, not least that we had
But, as Ash explains, the company was
in business revenues by 32% in 2020, driven
different projects in different cities. It was almost
adopting new technologies before the crisis:
by continuous improvement program and
impossible to travel at one stage. So we put
"We had started to roll out a collaboration and
a genuine desire to exceed expectations.
men and materials into sites that we thought
communication tool that connects employees
might go into lockdown. It was a calculated
via an internal social network. We are also
"2020 turned out to be remarkable; we
risk. Thankfully it paid off with projects that
digitizing our handover certificates. So basically,
managed to pay out bonuses and keep our
wanted to keep going, such as Aramco, SWCC,
once we build our scaffolding, the customer
staff happy amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.
Sadara Chemical Plant. We managed to
needs a copy of the certificate and can easily
Now, in 2021, the bar has been raised, and
keep around 95% of our sites operational.
access a digital copy directly from our system.
the first quarter has been good. I think 2021 will be good in general, and in 2022 I believe the construction sector will improve. This is where we're looking to balance our portfolio of market segments. We're too heavily focused on industrial at the moment and want to shift increasingly over to construction as we have specialist products to suit this sector. As we do that, the market should open up. The future is quite exciting for RGS," Ash concludes.
IF THERE IS A PROBLEM OR CHALLENGE ON A PROJECT, 99 TIMES OUT OF 100, WE CAN SUPPORT THE CUSTOMER
GET TO KNOW ASH ARSHAD OF RESA GULF SCAFFOLDING
35
RGS POSTED AN INCREASE IN BUSINESS REVENUES BY 32% IN 2020
RESA GULF SCAFFOLDING T: +966 13 8126611 E: info@rgsksa.com www.rgsksa.com
38
THE PUBLIC INVESTMENT FUND (PIF)
HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman Announces Soudah Development Company H
is Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown
Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has announced the launch of Soudah Development Company (SDC) in the Asir region in Saudi Arabia. The new entity, fully owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), will lead the development of a luxury mountain destination with immersive cultural experiences and celebration of the natural assets
INVESTMENT OF $3 BILLION IN TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE AND ATTRACTIONS PLANNED DEVELOPMENTS INCLUDE 2,700 HOTEL ROOMS AND 1,300 RESIDENTIAL UNITS THE COMPANY AIMS TO ATTRACT OVER TWO MILLION VISITORS ANNUALLY
empowering the local and national economies. Launched to be a key driver of the kingdom’s
of the location, which is a rich amalgamation of
Vision 2030 ambitions, SDC will infuse $3 billion into
identity, heritage and experience. Through careful and
infrastructure and tourism projects, aimed at enhancing
considerate development, (SDC) will provide yet another
the visitor experience in Soudah and parts of Rijal
remarkable destination in the diverse and growing
Alma’a Governorate in the Asir region of Saudi Arabia.
portfolio of Saudi Arabia’s experiences capturing the
The planned developments include 2,700 hotel rooms,
imagination of a broad range of investors and travelers.”
1,300 residential units, and 30 unique commercial
The Public Investment Fund (PIF) will inject at least $40
and entertainment attractions. SDC aims to develop
billion a year into the local economy and aims to grow
the project area into a repeat, year-long sustainable
assets under management to over $2 trillion by 2030.
destination for residents and visitors that will contribute
The destination adds another dimension to
an estimate of $8 billion to the kingdom’s cumulative
Saudi Arabia’s ambitious tourism goals and
GDP by 2030. SDC intends to partner with the local
complements destinations being created on the Red
community and investors to build a robust and diverse
Sea coast and around the capital city of Riyadh.
network of offerings across the hospitality, residential,
SDC aims to create a roadmap to transform
commercial and entertainment sectors. It aims to
the region’s vast public areas to highlight the
attract over two million visitors annually and create
region’s distinct culture, geography and verdant
8,000 direct and indirect permanent jobs by 2030.
nature. Preserving the environmental integrity
HE Yasir Othman Al-Rumayyan, Governor for the
of the destination will be a priority, and the
Public Investment Fund, said: “Our investment in the
development will follow a rigorous regulatory
Asir region reflects our confidence in the character
framework and urban planning code.
THE PUBLIC INVESTMENT FUND (PIF)
39
PIF REACHES MAJOR MILESTONE IN SOLAR PV PROJECT PIF Signs $15 Billion Multicurrency Revolving Credit Facility The Public Investment Fund (PIF) has signed a US$ 15 billion multicurrency revolving credit facility agreement with a group of 17 leading global financial institutions from Asia, Middle East, Europe, the United Kingdom and the United States. The PIF said in a statement that loans and
The Public Investment Fund (PIF) has reached a major milestone in its renewable energy program with the launch of the Sudair Solar PV plant in Sudair Industrial City, with a PIF-backed consortium signing a power purchase agreement with the Saudi Power Procurement Company for 25 years. This represents a significant step within the renewable energy program that is being implemented under the umbrella of the National Renewable Energy Program.
AN INVESTMENT VALUE OF APPROXIMATELY SAR 3.4 BILLION With an investment value of approximately SAR 3.4 billion, Sudair PV IPP
debt instruments are one of PIF’s four sources
will be capable of powering 185,000 homes and offsetting nearly 2.9 million
of funding as part of its strategy. The statement
tons of emissions per year. The project has also recorded the second-lowest-
added that the multicurrency revolving facility
cost globally for Solar PV electricity production (1.239 US cents/kWh).
reflects PIF prudent asset-liability management
The PIF-backed consortium is led by ACWA Power, in
and flexibility, and forms part of PIF’s diverse and
which PIF holds a 50% stake, which has partnered with
sustainable funding strategy within PIF’s Vision
Badeel, a 100%-owned PIF portfolio company.
Realization Programs 2018-2020 and 2021-2025.
MULTICURRENCY REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY AGREEMENT WITH A GROUP OF 17 LEADING GLOBAL FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS The facility provides PIF with access to additional capital that can be deployed at speed when convenient. PIF continues to act as a partner of choice globally, and will continue to drive the economic diversification of Saudi Arabia, investing SAR 150 billion (US$ 40 billion) into the domestic economy per year, the statement concluded.
WATCH PUBLIC INVESTMENT FUND FUNDING NEW HUMAN FUTURES
40
THE PUBLIC INVESTMENT FUND (PIF)
PIF TO SUPPORT CORPORATE CREDIT GROWTH R
atings agency S&P Global Ratings has said that investments by
The Saudi Central Bank has extended a deferred payment program to support
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund
private sector financing until 30 June as
(PIF) will support credit growth amongst
part of measures to restrict the impact of
companies throughout the Kingdom.
the Covid-19 pandemic on the economy. It
An SAR 1500 billion investment channel,
also said a guaranteed financing program
PIF is at the heart of economic reforms to
had been extended for a further year until
change the economy in a manner that moves
1 March 14 2022, in order to encourage and
it away from oil-dependency. It plans to
support small and medium enterprises.
inject at least SAR 150 billion annually into
Domestic credit growth in the Kingdom, the
the local economy until 2025 and to amplify
largest Arab economy, is expected to remain
its assets to SAR 4 trillion within four years.
robust in 2021 and 2022, following a 14%
S&P explained: "The Public Investment
year-on-year increase in 2020, S&P said. One
Fund has recently announced investment
reason for this growth is the escalating demand
initiatives that we expect will spur corporate
for housing from Saudi nationals, which has
credit growth, mostly in construction-
been a shot in the arm for mortgage growth.
related industries. This will offset the
"Over the next couple of years, we
gradual lifting of support aimed at
forecast that mortgage portfolios will
easing the impact of the pandemic."
expand by about 30% a year," said S&P.
“INVESTMENT INITIATIVES THAT WE EXPECT WILL SPUR CORPORATE CREDIT GROWTH, MOSTLY IN CONSTRUCTION-RELATED INDUSTRIES” THE FUND PLANS TO INJECT AT LEAST $40 BILLION ANNUALLY IN THE LOCAL ECONOMY UNTIL 2025
Sustainability
41
SWCC SETS NEW WORLD RECORD FOR LOWEST ENERGY CONSUMPTION THE SAUDI WATER CONVERSION CORPORATION (SWCC) HAS PRODUCED A NEW GUINNESS WORLD RECORD FOR THE LOWEST ENERGY CONSUMPTION FOR A WATER DESALINATION PLANT, WITH AN IMPRESSIVE 2.27 KW/H PER CUBIC METER OF DESALINATED WATER.
SWCC has been investing in its engineering and research expertise to drive design innovation further than ever before, with a company spokesperson commenting: "Our objective is to supply high-efficiency, low-energy consuming and flexible desalination plants, by utilizing the
This new triumph is the most recent of several records and milestones that SWCC has
efforts of our national cadres who were at the
reached, further strengthening its international standing as a leader in the desalination
center of this new global record that enhanced
industry. It is now fully committed to continuing to move forwards to carry out the
the operational efficiency and reduced energy
objectives of the Kingdom's long-term Vision 2030 strategy by utilizing local content and
consumption to unprecedented levels.
expertise in all its current and future expansion projects, said a statement from SWCC.
"The new eco-friendly reverse osmosis plants were designed using the latest global standards and will complement the supply chain and further reduce operational costs. "The entire system is operated by an integrated control system employing the latest technologies and specifications and is highly mobile, given the ease and flexibility of the assembly process of its various units."
UTILIZING LOCAL CONTENT AND EXPERTISE IN ALL ITS CURRENT AND FUTURE EXPANSION PROJECTS
42
Project Focus - King Salman Energy Park
KING SALMAN ENERGY PARK PHASE ONE WORK 80% COMPLETE A
lmost 80% of the work on the
land is now ready for investment, and 35
the regional energy sector, amounting
infrastructure, land paving,
investment applications have been approved
to something like SAR6 billion.
road construction, service delivery and
for companies and their support services.
administrative office buildings within
"Despite the challenges and exceptional
Phase One of King Salman Energy Park
Contracts have already been signed with 23
circumstances that have occurred as a
(known as SPARK), the region's only fully
other companies. In early March, SPARK had
result of the pandemic, we were able to
integrated energy hub, has been completed.
signed two strategic agreements with the
achieve more progress in construction
Industrialization and Energy Services Company
operations in line with the goals set
SPARK is a new mega-project located
(Taqa) and the Arab Minerals Company (Amco).
for July of this year, especially after
between Dammam and Al-Ahsa in the Eastern
Under the agreement, Taqa is looking to
adopting advanced and environmentally
Province of Saudi Arabia. This project is being
develop its local operations through the Taqa
friendly building solutions," he said.
developed, operated and managed by Saudi
Industrial Complex, with an initial investment
Aramco in partnership with the Saudi Authority
of up to SAR300 million. Amco is investing
"SPARK is the first in the Middle East
for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones.
SAR260 million to create a new city center.
region to adopt such innovative solutions to ensure that sustainability remains a
With work moving along on schedule, Phase
Chairman Dr Muhammad Yahya Al Qahtani
primary focus for the development of
One is due for completion later in 2021. This
said the investments of the project's first
the project," Dr Al Qahtani concluded.
advanced stage means that the allotted
phase would form a 'global gateway' to
Project Focus - King Salman Energy Park
WATCH THE KING SALMAN ENERGY PARK (SPARK)
AMCO IS INVESTING SAR260 MILLION TO CREATE A NEW CITY CENTER PHASE ONE IS DUE FOR COMPLETION LATER IN 2021 INVESTMENTS OF THE FIRST PHASE, AMOUNTING TO SOMETHING LIKE SAR6 BILLION
SPARK has also launched 'green building' solutions to enhance sustainability and support the circular carbon economy, as well as enhancing safety levels on-site and reducing time spent and materials used in construction, he added. SPARK aims to attract local and international industry investors across five strategic sectors, including upstream, downstream, petrochemicals, power and water treatment. Investors will benefit from its wide range of services to help them achieve success and sustainability of their projects. SPARK’s readily available industrial project sites offer high-quality infrastructure, which include internal road networks, an advanced network of electrical power, water, natural gas, sanitation systems, rainwater drainage and the most modern communication network in the Kingdom.
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44
Cover Story - How to Build Safer Workplaces
HOW TO BUILD SAFER WORKPLACES
SAFETY EXCELLENCE BENEFITS INDIVIDUAL EMPLOYEES AS WELL AS THE ORGANIZATION AS A WHOLE. BUT AS HEALTH AND SAFETY MOVE TO THE TOP OF THE POST-PANDEMIC AGENDA, IT IS IMPORTANT TO ENSURE IT DOESN'T BECOME JUST ANOTHER BOX TO BE TICKED. TRUE HEALTH AND SAFETY EXCELLENCE IS ONLY POSSIBLE THROUGH AN ENGAGED, COMMITTED WORKFORCE AT ALL LEVELS.
Cover Story - How to Build Safer Workplaces
45
external training hour rate. It recorded a total of 51,643 total training hours that translates into 6.35 training hours per employee per year. The safety education program witnessed more than 200 managers and engineers from all levels train along with site supervisors. A COLLABORATIVE APPROACH The nature of construction makes it an industry fraught with dangers. Working at height, electrical work, falling objects, confined spaces, mechanical hazards, and moving equipment (heavy mobile equipment, tools, high pressure and hydraulic tools) all entail significant risks. Additionally, soil, air, and water contamination impact environmental safety. At Amana, health and safety training is built on a two-pronged strategy. First, understanding the major risk-prone areas and secondly, adopting practices to address those areas and developing guidelines to follow on a day-to-day basis. Trainees are also taken for frequent
J IHAD JOSEPH BSAIBES PRESIDENT AND CEO OF AMANA CONTRACTING AT AMANA GROUP
safety management tours for a first-hand experience of the risks faced by workers so
F
they can come up with specific solutions. or the region's construction companies,
the C-suite – is accountable. As such, they
Additionally, a behavioral-based safety
safety has become a project-critical
all need to be sensitized and trained.
program notes worker behavior, risk
aspect since the pandemic. As a regional
This has been backed up by numerous studies
mitigation strategies and seeks feedback
leader in the design-build construction of
which recognize that focusing organizational
from workers. This 360 degree-approach
industrial and commercial facilities across
effort to nurture a culture of involvement and
exemplifies an organization-wide safety
the GCC, workplace safety has always been a
participation can result in zero injuries. Rather
culture. Workers can convey their suggestions
priority for Amana. The results of this long-
than being just a regulatory requirement,
to top management for changes in risk-prone
time prioritization of health and safety have
health and safety should be the happy
areas that help prevent mishaps on sites.
stood it in good stead during the lockdown and
by-product of a collaborative process.
These initiatives have contributed tremendously
subsequent months. The company’s safety
Everyone participates and understands
in creating a better understanding of health,
culture has translated into multiple awards and
their role in making the workplace safer.
safety and environment (HSE) rules and
industry recognition. So how does it do it?
regulations related to work activities, better The proof of this collaborative approach
and quick reporting of accidents, near-misses,
LEADERSHIP SUPPORT
can be seen in Amana's impressive record.
and hazards, to line supervisors and the HSE
When safety culture permeates the whole
Having clocked a record 20 million work-hours
team. Workers are more acquainted with the
organization, every person – from the
with no lost time injury (LTI) in 2020, Amana
right tools for the right job and follow electrical
labourer on-site to the leadership teams in
also works to maintain its high internal and
safety requirements today than ever before.
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Cover Story - How to Build Safer Workplaces
They participate effectively in HSE initiatives such as toolbox talks, mock drills, risk assessment communication meetings etc. Amana's in-house safety awards recognize and celebrate HSE achievements and excellent performance by employees, including subcontractors. Held monthly, the awards are intended to promote positive attitudes towards Health and Safety, a commitment to high standards by senior management and line supervisors, motivating employees towards proactive, safe behavior, and improving the overall HSE culture. Clearly, incentivizing and recognizing safety works.
AMANA HAS CELEBRATED ONE MILLION (1,000,000) LTI FREE MAN-HOURS AT PROJECTS. THESE SAFETY MILESTONE CELEBRATIONS ARE ATTENDED BY TOP MANAGEMENT AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT Amana is also licensed to provide safety training on IOSH Managing Safely (UK), IOSH Working Safely (UK), IOSH Managing Occupational Health and Wellbeing (UK), and the British Safety Council online training program.
A RECORD 20 MILLION WORK-HOURS WITH NO LOST TIME INJURY (LTI) IN 2020
Cover Story - How to Build Safer Workplaces
47
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Cover Story - How to Build Safer Workplaces
TOP FIVE TOP FOUR
HEALTH & SAFTEY HAZARDS ON CONSTRUCTION SITES 1
HEALTH & SAFTEY PRACTICES FOLLOWED BY 1
2
Falls
163
Electrocution
3
4
Fires & Explosions
Falling debris
(objects or materials)
5
Machinery accidents (getting hit by vehicles or getting caught in-between objects)
2
safety recognition programs implemented in 2020
313
annual safety management tours conducted in 2020
3
51,643
training man-hours of the behavioural based safety program
4
In-house training centers for: A. IOSH Managing safely (UK) – 190 attendees, 4,560 training man-hours. B. IOSH Working safely (UK) – 73 attendees, 1,752 training man-hours C. IOSH Managing occupational health and wellbeing (UK) – 263 attendees, 6,312 training man-hours D. British safety council online training program – 2,822 attendees or training man-hours E. In-house online safety training that covers OSHA outreach program
Cover Story - How to Build Safer Workplaces
49
IT IS ESTIMATED THAT SHIFTING 85% OF TRADITIONAL LABOUR ACTIVITY TO A CONTROLLED MANUFACTURING FACILITY CAN BRING DOWN THE RATE OF HEALTH AND SAFETY-RELATED INCIDENTS BY UP TO 70%
THE ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY Technology adoption on the region's construction sites was accelerated by the pandemic. Newer construction technologies, such as modular construction – which involves manufacturing modules constructed off-site and put together on-site later – not only trims labour requirements by 30% and potentially reduces material waste by 30%, it also significantly improves work safety and occupational health. It is estimated that shifting 85% of traditional labour activity to a controlled manufacturing facility can bring down the rate of health and safety-related incidents by up to 70%. This is just the beginning. The focus on building safe workplaces and the quest for innovative solutions to achieve them will continue in the future too. However, any technology is only as good as its implementation. Understanding the risks posed by 'the human factor' and training people on an ongoing basis goes a long way in mitigating dangers and preventing accidents before they occur.
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COver story - Building safer, better and greener
BUILDING SAFER, FASTER, GREENER. THE AMANA WAY TO BETTER UNDERSTAND HOW MODERN CONSTRUCTION METHODS CAN FUEL HEALTH, SAFETY AND SUSTAINABILITY, WE SPEAK TO ZIAD ABBOUT – SENIOR HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT MANAGER AT AMANA GROUP.
COver story - Building safer, better and greener
51
Saudi Projects: In recent years, there have been major improvements to health and safety in the construction industry. However, modular building can help improve health and safety even further – so can you share the top three health and safety benefits of modular construction? Ziad Abbout: Modular construction creates a safer building environment by reducing manpower requirements by 30%. It allows for much lower waste rates than an open construction site, and it improves worker safety by up to 70%. Furthermore, as modular construction shifts up to 85% of construction to a factory environment, on-site repetitive and hazardous activities can be automated, resulting in improved health and safety.
ZIAD ABBOUT SENIOR HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT MANAGER AT AMANA GROUP
SPM: How many accident-free hours has Amana enjoyed on the TRSDC projects, and how does this compare to more traditional construction? ZA: Amana Group reported 20 million manhours worked which was also the number of man-hours worked with no lost time injury (LTI) in 2020. For The Red Sea Development Company projects, Amana Group reported 2,285,229 man-hours worked: the same number of accident-free hours. Thus, for all man-hours worked, Amana and TDRSC projects have reported no accidents. This stellar safety record with zero incidents or accidents reported would be unheard of in a traditional
MODULAR CONSTRUCTION CREATES A SAFER BUILDING ENVIRONMENT BY REDUCING MANPOWER REQUIREMENTS BY 30%
construction project of this size and scale.
SPM: Does the company work to international standards such as ISO 14001, and how does Amana continue to raise the bar? ZA: Definitely. Amana Group has ISO 14001, ISO 9001 and ISO 45001 certifications. We continue to raise the bar by constantly aiming to build smarter, safer, quicker, better and greener. SPM: What is Amana most proud of as a company concerning health & safety? ZA: Amana Group prides itself in its ability to maintain a significantly high internal and external training hour average in the construction industry, with 51,643 total
SPM: Explain a typical day at work for
training hours or 6.35 training hours per
health & safety personnel at Amana?
employee, per year. We follow a top-to-
ZA: Amana Group's health and safety team
Inspections of firefighting equipment, ladder
bottom safety culture that includes senior
perform a wide range of tasks on a regular
inspections, scaffolding inspections, light
and mid-level management in its safety
basis. Morning meetings with the foreman and
vehicle inspections and first aid box inspections
education program. Over 200 managers
supervisors are held to discuss the day's work.
are some of the safety procedures that make
and engineers at all levels receive IOSH
a day's work for Amana’s health and safety
managing safety training, while supervisors
Risk evaluations are carried out with the
staff. Moreover, the training matrix and site
are trained in IOSH working safety training.
aim of lowering the risk. Employees are
Health Safety and Environment inductions
mandated to obtain a permit to work (PTW)
are used to perform in-house training. HSE
Amana subsidiary DuBox is a specialist in
alongside all relevant paperwork such as
personnel at Amana are responsible for
modular construction, which means that a
job-specific risk assessments. Regular site
ensuring that on-site and laydown area welfare
majority of work is done off-site. This model of
inspections to ensure safety procedures
services are available, as well as leading the
construction, by default, improves worker safety
are implemented and adhered to.
accident investigation team when required.
by up to 70%, which is an achievement in itself.
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COver story - Building safer, better and greener
AMANA GROUP HAS ISO 14001, ISO 9001 AND ISO 45001 CERTIFICATIONS SPM: How do you encourage employees to go the extra mile with health & safety – do you recognize individuals and reward them in any way? ZA: Amana Group ensures health and safety by implementing incentive and safety appreciation systems, initiating regular safety management tours with employees and workers, and implementing a behavior-based safety program. IOSH Managing Safely (UK), IOSH Working Safely (UK), IOSH Managing Occupational Health and Wellbeing (UK), The British Safety Council online training program, and in-house online safety training covering the OSHA outreach program are all available via Amana Group, which is licensed to provide these safety trainings. Our employees are certified with the HSE certificate and are also incentivized with H&S corporate gift bags to promote a healthy work culture. SPM: How did the Covid-19 pandemic affect Amana, and what steps did it take to ensure the safety of its workforce? ZA: As Covid-19 was realized in our markets, we saw that the real threat to business continuity was not the pandemic but the uncertainty it created. Amana’s culture is built on simple beliefs. One of them is: “We take every effort
on how the project could be managed in view
The above exercise held over April and May
not to surprise others, and equally expect
of the unprecedented circumstances and
gave us reasonable clarity. As a company,
that we are not surprised by others.”
support them with a detailed cash flow forecast
Amana approached the challenge as ‘one
so they could make well-informed decisions.
community’. It was decided that no employee
We have a basic belief built on clarity,
Through this quick, candid and thorough
would lose their job for those two months.
supported by candid communication
communication approach, we had clarity on 45
Every employee would contribute 30% of
and based on objective planning.
running projects across the GCC and could see
their pay as unpaid leave to support during
how best they could be managed to serve the
these times of uncertainty. As of May end,
To deal with the uncertainty, we pivoted to
common interests of clients, contractors and
unpaid leave was stopped. In December
quick communications by phone and email
supply chains. The annual budget was revised
2020, the full 30% contribution was
with all stakeholders (clients for now) to better
down 30% for the year 2020 and was later met
returned to staff. In January 2021, a bonus
understand their intent to continue with their
profitably. Based on our clients’ responses, we
was released in full to all entitled staff.
jobs. Our conversations with our clients were
maintained transparency with our supply chain
to reassure them that we are still here, to check
as risk is best managed by those closest to it.
COver story - Building safer, better and greener
FOR ALL MANHOURS WORKED, AMANA AND TDRSC PROJECTS HAVE REPORTED NO ACCIDENTS.
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COver story - Building safer, better and greener
2020
HEALTH & SAFETY ACHIEVEMENTS
At the coastal village residential buildings for The Red Sea Development Project.
1,293,739
man-hours worked with no lost time injury (LTI)
0%
injury or illness rate
819
workers on site
WINNER of the International Safety Award 2021, with distinction.
1.56
hours of safety induction training per employee for the year 2020
1,561
regular site inspections to ensure safety procedures are implemented and adhered to: Inspection of firefighting equipment Ladder inspection Scaffolding inspection Light vehicle inspection First Aid Box Inspections
COver story - Building safer, better and greener
51,643 TOTAL TRAINING HOURS OR 6.35 TRAINING HOURS PER EMPLOYEE, PER YEAR SPM: What are the ultimate aims and
SPM: How would you sum up the company’s
objectives at Amana concerning health &
general health & safety philosophy?
safety in areas such as risk assessments,
ZA: Health and safety of all workers
responsibilities, Methods, plans of
across all levels of the organization are of
action, induction, training & supervision,
utmost priority. People are our greatest
safety standards, hazard management,
asset, and we ensure they are protected
emergency procedures, safe work
at all times through a collaborative and
practices, safe systems of work.
people-focused approach to safety.
ZA: Amana Group's ultimate goal is to protect
At Amana Group, all construction activities
its workers and employees from all work-
are considered high risk, with varying risk
related health and safety risks. We aim to
and severity levels. As a result, a standardized
provide a safe working environment for all
risk rating methodology is used, which
workers and subcontractors while adhering
includes international, local, and internal
to relevant legal and regulatory requirements.
metrics as well as published statistics.
We are also working towards developing
Amana Group maintains high health and
AMANA GROUP LIMITED.
an HSE community in the workplace, which
safety standards and strives to improve with
T: +971 4 885 4448 Ext: 4451
should come to fruition in the near future.
continued health and safety training.
E: cor.comm@amanabuildings.com
WATCH AMANA GROUP VIDEO
www.amanabuildings.com
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THE RED SEA DEVELOPMENT COMPANY - NEWS
TRSDC is committed to setting new standards in worker welfare and was awarded the Excellence in Health and Employee Safety award at Big Project Awards 2020 for their Covid-19 Health and Safety Plan, which demonstrated the efforts employed to maintain the health and safety of their workforce during the pandemic, whether on-site or at their headquarters. “We are honored to have won this contract with The Red Sea Development Company,” said Nawaaf Alshalani, CEO of MachinesTalk. “It shows real forwardthinking and care for employees when a company wants to implement these solutions at such scale. Using IoT technologies will keep the workforce safer and support secure and more efficient operations.” The new technology aims to address four key
THE RED SEA DEVELOPMENT COMPANY AWARDS FIRST IOT CONTRACT TO MACHINESTALK FOR ‘VEHICLES’ SMART LOCATOR The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC) has awarded a contract to leading national IoT service provider, MachinesTalk, for the provision of smart wearable technology and wireless tagging solutions for its construction workforce and fleet of vehicles at its site on the west coast of Saudi Arabia. MachinesTalk will be tasked with deploying a LoRaWAN network to cover more than 3,500km2, implementing a state-of-the-art IoT platform, and providing smart badges for up to 36,000 construction workers and wireless tags for up to 3,000 vehicles. “Delivering a project of this scale against an ambitious timeline while aiming to meet and exceed the highest international standards for health, safety and sustainability requires innovative solutions,” said John Pagano, CEO of TRSDC. “Our partnership with MachinesTalk will play an important role in ensuring the welfare of our workers, given their proven track record providing smart construction technology and alignment with our business goals.”
SMART LOCATOR BADGES WILL EVENTUALLY BE WORN BY UP TO 36,000 CONSTRUCTION WORKERS
considerations for TRSDC’s core construction site area of 3,500km2: site security, worker safety, access control, and process efficiency. “We asked ourselves how we could enhance security on our site and enable an efficient construction process at the same time, while considering upwards of 36,000 workers across 3,500km2,” said Ian Williamson, TRSDC’s Chief Projects Delivery Officer. “How could we ensure worker safety in case of health emergencies or prevent workers from getting lost in remote locations in the desert or on islands?
THE RED SEA DEVELOPMENT COMPANY - NEWS
How could we control access and track the 3,000 vehicles of multiple contractors across the construction site, delivering materials, tools and transporting employees?” MachinesTalk’s smart badges and tags allow TRSDC to identify workers and vehicles and secure the construction area against unauthorized individual and vehicle access.
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THE RED SEA PROJECT UNVEILS CENTRAL MEDICAL FACILITY
Individual access rights will be granted based on role, responsibility, category and group of workers. In addition, the possibility of identifying vehicles remotely, geo-fencing perimeters and setting up alerts based on worker and vehicle access breaches will further enhance security.
MORE THAN 3,000 VEHICLES WILL BE TAGGED TO ENSURE SAFETY AND SECURITY A panic button will enable workers in distress to send an SOS signal back to
A new 700m2 central medical facility was
The central ‘hub’ medical facility, as
TRSDC’s security and emergency response
officially opened on 24 March 2021 in The
well as satellite clinics at construction
centre, allowing response teams to be
Red Sea Project’s Construction Village
worksites across the development, are
sent directly to the location of the worker
Housing Complex. Delivering dedicated
being created, managed, and operated by
without losing potentially life-saving time.
medical care, including primary health
International SOS – Al Rushaid. Medical
From a process efficiency perspective,
care and emergency care, the facility
services at remote sites are being delivered
all tagged vehicles will have an estimated
has an emergency room, laboratory,
through mobile containerized facilities,
arrival time (ETA) to ensure no delays
and pharmacy. Medical services will be
which can easily be relocated across the
between required tasks. In addition, alerts
provided through a centralized operator
development as construction progresses.
will be triggered for idle workers or vehicles
and delivered by a full suite of doctors
This approach allows TRSDC’s workforce
to enable improved worker supervision.
and nurses operating according to
to access facilities as required and leaves
Saudi and international standards.
little to no impact on the environment.
The technology MachinesTalk provides will apply to all TRSDC’s contractors, who will be able to register their workers and vehicles and receive accreditation for them as required. Real-time and map-based remote tracking of workers and vehicles with heat maps and counts will allow for
TRSDC IS GOING BEYOND INTERNATIONAL GUIDELINES AND SETTING NEW STANDARDS FOR THE WELFARE OF WORKERS IN THE REGION
more effective resource allocation across locations within TRSDC’s construction area. Given the criticality of the solution and the
TRSDC has also opened a dedicated fire station serviced by two fire trucks.
ensuring their happiness and well-being. The Central Medical Facility is part of
In every area of endeavour, TRSDC is
TRSDC’s effort to set a new standard by
the smart badge and tag’s operability will be
going beyond international guidelines
creating a full-service community in the
actively monitored with exchanges of devices
and setting new standards for workers’
Construction Village Housing Complex,
with low battery and remote deactivation
welfare in the region. It achieves this by
which is intended to lead the way in
in cases of loss or misappropriation.
ensuring that the environment its people
setting a high level of living standards for
work in is safe and comfortable, thereby
construction workers across the region.
ranging temperatures experienced on-site,
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THE RED SEA DEVELOPMENT COMPANY - NEWS
THE RED SEA PROJECT SECURES FIRST STAGE OF LEED PLATINUM CERTIFICATION
The Red Sea Development Company
“We look forward to working with the U.S
USGBC benchmarks current performance
(TRSDC), the developer behind the
Green Building Council as we continue to
and establishes targeted metrics that enable
world’s most ambitious regenerative
develop our world-class destination, ensuring
continuous improvement and demonstrate
tourism project, has completed the first
we protect, preserve and enhance our natural
a commitment to sustainability, human
stage of the LEED for Cities (Leadership
environment throughout our construction
health and economic prosperity.
in Energy and Environmental Design)
period and beyond,” Mr Pagano added.
platinum certification in the ‘Plan and Design’ criteria for The Red Sea Project. The award recognises TRSDC’s
LEED for Cities is an internationally recognised urban sustainability rating system and certification programme that provides third-
execution of practical and measurable
party verification of the current performance
strategies and solutions to improve the
of built-out cities and communities.
sustainability and standard of living for those involved in the project. “As part of our ambition to become standard-bearers in luxury ecotourism, we are proud to have passed this first stage of LEED accreditation. The award is a recognition of our efforts to go beyond the current expectations associated with sustainable tourism, and to become one of the first global destinations to demonstrate a regenerative approach to tourism,” said John Pagano, CEO of TRSDC.
THE PROJECT HAS SECURED THE U.S. GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL’S (USGBC) HIGHEST LEVEL OF CERTIFICATION
TRSDC IS COMMITTED TO DELIVERING A 30% NET CONSERVATION BENEFIT BY 2040
THE RED SEA DEVELOPMENT COMPANY - NEWS
As well as the destination-wide final certification set for award in Q2 2021, TRSDC
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TRSDC AND SOURCE GLOBAL, PBC, JOIN FORCES TO SET NEW STANDARDS FOR SUSTAINABLE BOTTLED WATER
is working with the USGBC to achieve certification on a number of hero buildings on-site, including 15 hotels, an international airport and staff accommodation buildings. Mahesh Ramanujam, president and CEO of USGBC said: “The work of cities and communities such as The Red Sea Project is a driving force in ensuring a more sustainable future for all. Cities and communities that achieve LEED certification are lowering carbon emissions, creating a healthier environment and striving to improve the quality of life for their residents. The Red Sea Development Company is setting the standard for what it means to be a
In response to growing consumer demand
“As we push the boundaries and set
high performer, and their efforts and
for sustainable products and travel
new global standards for sustainable
achievements should be an example for all.”
experiences, The Red Sea Development
development, we are adopting cutting-
Company (TRSDC) – the developer
edge technology and business practices
was recognised during the assessment process;
behind the most regenerative tourism
that are in harmony with nature.
specifically, the master plan, informed by
project in the world – and SOURCE®–the
a comprehensive Marine Spatial Planning
earth’s first renewable, sustainable
makes us the only destination in the
(MSP) exercise. This initiative helped identify
water brand, have come together to set
world with truly regenerative bottled
priority conservation areas and ensured 75%
a new global standard in bottled water.
water and reflects our commitment
TRSDC’s commitment to regenerative tourism
of the islands within The Red Sea Project
TRSDC is the first company to collaborate
Our partnership with SOURCE Global
to operate using only renewable
area were left untouched, with nine islands
with SOURCE Global, PBC, as it launches
energy and free of single-use plastics,”
designated as special conservation zones.
its sustainable bottled water brand,
said John Pagano, CEO of TRSDC.
making The Red Sea Project the first
UPON COMPLETION IN 2030, THE RED SEA PROJECT WILL COMPRISE 50 HOTELS
destination on Earth to offer bottled water made purely from sunlight and air. SOURCE water is produced using patented solar technology that draws pure water vapor out of the air and converts it to premium, mineralized drinking water. Water created
SOURCE GLOBAL, PBC LAUNCHES THE WORLD’S FIRST TRULY RENEWABLE BOTTLED WATER BRAND
Moreover, TRSDC is committed to delivering
from these hydropanels will be bottled at a
a 30% net conservation benefit by 2040. As
plant that also runs on solar energy, creating
As the official bottled water of The Red
part of this, it is creating the world’s largest
the largest solar-powered facility of its kind.
Sea Project, SOURCE will initially serve the
battery storage facility to enable the entire
Located on-site at The Red Sea Project,
Coastal Village, a residential and commercial
site to be powered by renewable energy 24
the SOURCE facility will have a capacity
area that will house the 600 employees and
hours a day, including the island sites.
of two million 330ml bottles annually
operators working at the site. When the first
and will initially produce 300,000 bottles
hotels begin opening in 2022, SOURCE will
will comprise 50 hotels, offering up to 8,000
a year. The reusable glass bottles will be
be the only bottled water served to guests,
hotel rooms and around 1,300 residential
refilled on-site as part of a fully circular
further extending the sustainable experience.
properties across 22 islands and six inland
sustainable distribution model. Water
sites. The destination will also include a luxury
harvesting and bottling will generate zero
marina, entertainment and leisure facilities.
carbon and zero single-use plastic bottles.
Upon completion in 2030, The Red Sea Project
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THE RED SEA DEVELOPMENT COMPANY - NEWS
A REGENERATIVE APPROACH TO AGRICULTURE T
HE WAY THE WORLD FEEDS ITSELF IS NOT SUSTAINABLE. EVERY DAY WE CONTINUE ON THIS PATH, WE DAMAGE THE VERY ECOLOGY ON WHICH WE ARE DEPENDENT. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN EXACERBATED OVER THE LAST HUNDRED YEARS AS THE DEMAND FOR FOOD HAS RISEN CONSIDERABLY, INCREASING PRESSURE ON FOOD PRODUCERS TO GROW CROPS WITH GREATER EFFICIENCY AND FEWER RESOURCES.
THE CHALLENGES OF DESERT AGRICULTURE
desert. Despite this, TRSDC, which is building
Modern agriculture was not designed for
the world's most ambitious regenerative
the betterment of nature. One of the key
tourism destination, The Red Sea Project, on
challenges food producers face when using
the western coast of the Kingdom of Saudi
solutions like chemicals fertilizers is that they
Arabia, has committed to meeting these
mask the problem of degraded soil. Since
challenges with regenerative solutions. To do
chemical agriculture became mainstream
this means growing and serving food in a way
in the 1970s, the earth has lost one-third
that is not harmful to the environment and, if
of its topsoil resulting in desertification.
possible, even improves it.
Through desertification, fertile areas become increasingly arid, posing a problem for food
Equally, TRSDC aims to ensure that food
production.
production protects the environment and contributes to its socio-economic sustainability
Another challenge is the availability of water
goals by ensuring that local farmers are among
in the desert. It is hard to imagine that just 50
the first to benefit from the uptick in demand.
years ago, there were approximately 500 cubic kilometers of water beneath the Saudi desert.
When employees and guests alike arrive at
However, in recent years 21 cubic kilometers
The Red Sea Project in Q4 2022, the demand
has been pumped out annually for agriculture
for food will rise significantly. Beyond the
use, causing an 80% reduction in the
estimated one million guests per year expected
availability of the original underground water.
by 2030, a permanent new town for the 14,000 employees who will operate the destination is
As a result, the desert now has a negative water
being built.
balance which leeches nutrients and leaves salt deposits in the soil. The lack of nutrients and
The company seeks to take advantage of
salt deposits make for a hostile environment
the latest sustainable agriculture research
for organic matter to grow, causing the soil to
and technological advances to help meet
become thin and infertile.
this demand and is investigating high-tech solutions like Hydroponics and Aeroponic
R OBA ALJOHANI CONTENT DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST
SMART AND SUSTAINABLE
Farming. In this production method, plants are
There is no shortage of challenges to overcome
grown in a nutrient solution rather than in soil.
when creating sustainable food resources in the
THE RED SEA DEVELOPMENT COMPANY - NEWS
This will be coupled with indoor and vertical
Most of these locally run businesses are
farming, using climate-controlled temperatures
growing organic edible crops such as citrus
which limit a plant's exposure to outdoor
fruits, dates, mangoes, guava, figs, olives and
temperatures and pests and diseases, reducing
moringa. Local farmers also cultivate herbs
reliance on pesticides.
such as rosemary and henna. The company also believes that by utilizing local produce
In addition, Aquaculture, also known as aqua
and traditional plants, herbs and even seafood
farming, is being explored. This will allow the
unique to the area and present in local
farming of fish, crustaceans, mollusks, aquatic
cuisine, they will be able to offer guests a truly
plants, algae, and other aquatic food organisms
immersive cultural experience.
in freshwater and saltwater tanks under controlled conditions.
By respecting nature and local communities and actively working together, it is possible to
INNOVATION IN PRACTICE TRSDC is no stranger
COLLABORATION IS KEY
overcome the difficult challenge of producing
to using technology
While innovative technologies will solve part
a sustainable food supply at scale in the
of the puzzle of creating food sustainably, the
desert. By collaborating with local farmers and
to tackle complex
real answer is right on the doorstep. TRSDC
exploring new and innovative technologies,
is laser-focused on collaborating with a local
TRSDC remains committed to delivering a
partnering with SOURCE
network of 900 farms within a two-hour drive of
nutritious food supply that is developed in line
the project to realize opportunities to create a
with its regenerative approach.
Global, PBC, to produce
larger supply to feed guests and employees.
challenges, recently
bottled water from sunlight and air. The Red Sea Project will be the first destination on earth to use the patented solar technology that draws pure water vapor out of the air and converts it to premium, mineralized drinking water. Through this partnership, the SOURCE facility being established on site will initially produce 300,000 bottles per year using reusable glass bottles.
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THE RED SEA DEVELOPMENT COMPANY - NEWS
THE RED SEA DEVELOPMENT COMPANY SECURES SAR 14.120 BILLION LOAN AND FIRST EVER RIYAL-DENOMINATED GREEN FINANCE CREDIT FACILITY “The scale of this project is unmatched anywhere in the world and we are setting new standards in regenerative tourism at every turn. By applying a unique approach to design, utilizing more sustainable methods of construction and using groundbreaking technology, we are not only reducing our impact on the environment but helping to deliver on our commitment to achieve a 30 percent net conservation benefit by 2040. It is this pioneering approach that has helped us secure the first ever Riyal-denominated Green Finance credit facility,” said John Pagano, CEO of TRSDC.
THE RED SEA PROJECT ACHIEVES GREEN FINANCING ACCREDITATION THANKS TO STANDARD SETTING APPROACH TO REGENERATIVE TOURISM
Jay Rosen, Chief Financial Officer at TRSDC, said: “This is another milestone for the Red Sea Project and Vision 2030, and we are pleased to have secured our debt financing and capital commitment for our initial phase.
The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC), the developer behind the world’s most ambitious regenerative tourism project, announced today that it has closed a SAR 14.120 billion (USD 3.76 billion) term loan facility and revolving credit facility with four Saudi banks. Banque Saudi Fransi, Riyad Bank, Saudi British Bank and Saudi National Bank acted as Mandated Lead Arrangers. HSBC served as Green Loan Coordinator on the transaction. Green Financing accreditation was awarded due to TRSDC’s market leading approach to social and environmental sustainability and the Red Sea Project’s international recognition as a green project. The financing is the first Riyaldenominated credit facility to receive Green Financing accreditation.
THE RED SEA DEVELOPMENT COMPANY - NEWS
J AY ROSEN CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER AT TRSDC
to issue green loans and other green financial instruments and allows TRSDC to identify,
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J OHN PAGANO CEO of TRSDC
select, manage and report on eligible projects and assets in line with principles. DNV provided an independent, Second Party Opinion on TRSDC’s Green Finance Framework, confirming its alignment with these internationally recognized principles. Through this credit facility, the four participating banks are demonstrating their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) credentials, while TRSDC is able to establish itself as a world-leader in sustainable development. “We aim to lead the international luxury tourism industry’s transformation into a more sustainable model, including environmental and social sustainability. This Green Finance classification is the latest proof that we are setting new standards in ecotourism and This financing adds another level of credibility
showing the industry that things can be done in
by having the banks support the project.
a different way both here in the Kingdom, and
With a fully secured capital structure our project will become more attractive to investors.” The Green Financing accreditation is
globally,” said Mr. Pagano. The Red Sea Project has already passed significant milestones and work is on track to
hotel rooms and more than 1,000 residential
governed by a Green Financing Framework
welcome the first guests by the end of 2022,
properties across 22 islands and six inland
aligned with the Green Bond Principles (2018)
when the international airport and the first
sites. The destination will also include luxury
and Green Loan Principles (2020) set out by
hotels will open. Phase one, which includes 16
marinas, golf courses, entertainment and
the International Capital Markets Association
hotels in total, will complete in 2023.
leisure facilities.
(ICMA) and the Loan Market Association’s (LMA) respectively. The framework enables TRSDC
Upon completion in 2030, The Red Sea Project will comprise 50 resorts, offering up to 8,000
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THE RED SEA DEVELOPMENT COMPANY - ANDREW TYSON INTERVIEW
BROAD VISION, CAREFUL THOUGHT
Chatting with Andrew Tyson, Executive Director – Project and Construction Management, The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC)
THE RED SEA DEVELOPMENT COMPANY - ANDREW TYSON INTERVIEW
“OUR MASTER PLAN FOR THE PROJECT PREDICTS A 30% NET CONSERVATION BENEFIT BY 2040”
Coastal Village development is underway to house 14,000 employees and their families
I
nfrastructure, a term used by
with the architectural firm WATG and
plastics, once operational, zero-waste-to-
architects, engineers, and urban
integrated engineers and consultants Buro
landfill and an aspiration to achieve 100%
planners to describe essential facilities and
Happold. It includes unique infrastructure
carbon neutrality across the entire project.
services for communal use, is at the heart
elements designed to protect and enhance the
of any major development. But The Red Sea
environment surrounding the destination.
We are currently working on phase one of the project which is targeted for completion
Project is taking infrastructure to a new
Before development started on site, the
level, driven by a commitment to utilize
plan was informed by an extensive Marine
rooms across five islands and two inland
solely renewable energy, a feat that has
Spatial Planning (MSP) exercise, which helped
resorts, as well as commercial, retail and
never before been achieved on this scale
us to decide which areas of the 28,000km2 site
leisure facilities and other infrastructure.
anywhere in the world. We speak to Andrew
would be developed. We were able to model
The first few hotels will be completed by
Tyson to find out more about the objectives
the environmental impact of the development
the end of 2022, along with our dedicated
and challenges of developing infrastructure
and operation of the destination. Based on
international airport, with the remainder of
for this most ambitious of giga-projects.
this, our Master Plan for the project predicts a
phase one completing by the end of 2023.
30% net conservation benefit by 2040 based
in 2023 and offers 16 hotels and 3,000
SP: At what stage is the project
Saudi Projects (SP): What is the brief
on the design, approach to construction
now in terms of infrastructure,
for the design of the infrastructure on
and future operations of the destination.
and what is the timeline?
The Red Sea Project, what elements are involved, and in how many phases? Andrew Tyson (AT): The Master Plan for the project has been developed in partnership
Specific initiatives are in place to not
AT: Despite the difficult circumstances
only protect but also to further enhance the
surrounding the pandemic, we have
environment, including a 100% reliance on
continued to make significant progress on
renewable energy, a total ban on single-use
the ground, and there are 500 contracts
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THE RED SEA DEVELOPMENT COMPANY - ANDREW TYSON INTERVIEW
worth over SAR 15 billion now awarded
ground on-site and continuing to move forward
to local and international partners.
with our plans to welcome the first guests by
The 100-hectare Landscape Nursery,
the end of 2022. Upon completion in 2030,
the largest in Saudi Arabia, which will
there will be 50 hotels, offering up to 8,000
provide more than 15 million plants for the
hotel rooms and more than 1,000 residences
destination, has been operational since early
across 22 islands and six inland sites.
2020. There are more than 6,000 workers currently on-site, and the first 80km of new roads are near complete. The Construction
SP: How are you ensuring sustainability and environmental awareness? AT: Nature is the world's most important
Village, which is set to house 10,000 workers,
asset, and we all have a part to play in
is already open, and development is also
protecting it, which is why we have been
progressing well at the Coastal Village, which
deliberately ambitious in aiming for TRSDC to
will be home to around 14,000 people who
become the world's first regenerative tourism
will eventually operate the destination. This
destination. Regenerative tourism means going
includes a 3-star management hotel, the
beyond sustainability to not only protect but
first accommodation and our new offices.
enhance the environment, the habitats, and the
Last year, we marked a significant milestone
surrounding communities for years to come.
in the construction of our eco-friendly Red Sea
As mentioned above, our Master Plan
International Airport. We awarded a substantial
predicts a 30% net conservation benefit by
contract to an all-Saudi JV between Nesma &
2040, which will be achieved by enhancing
Partners and Almabani for airside infrastructure
biologically diverse habitats, including
works ahead of the airport opening in 2022.
mangroves, seagrass, corals and land
This includes the design and building of a Code
vegetation. Careful selection of areas for
F Runway 3,700 meters long, Code B Seaplane
development is another way in which we will
Runway, Parallel & Link taxiways and pavement
achieve this; we're leaving 75% of our island
works, Aeronautical Navigational Aids,
archipelago untouched and designating
Aerodrome Ground Lighting, Airside utilities,
nine islands as special conversation zones.
helipads, roads and associated buildings.
We are also developing less than 1% of
We have an exciting year ahead at TRSDC. As we move into a post-Covid world, we are creating more partnerships, breaking new
the destination's total 28,000km2. Environmental considerations inform every decision we make, and technology has the potential to not only support our ambitions but help us to track our goals. Part of our environmental enhancement aim will be achieved by exploring new technologies, such as 3D coral printing and coral farming processes to boost coral populations. We are also investigating suitable carbon sequestration techniques to help us reduce our overall carbon footprint, such as marine algae farms and mechanical trees, as well as sustainable drinking water production technology. Partnering with others is also helping us to deliver on our ambitious sustainability commitments. In 2019, we partnered with King Abdullah University for Science and Technology (KAUST) to launch The Red Sea Project's turtle tagging program through which we have tracked the endangered Green and
The nursery at The Red Sea Project will provide more than 15 million plants
Hawksbill Turtles species native to the area. So that we can continue to measure and track
THE RED SEA DEVELOPMENT COMPANY - ANDREW TYSON INTERVIEW
67
Construction Village at The Red Sea Project housing 10,000 workers
our progress, we are deploying around 2,500
SP: What are some of the unique
dramatically reduce our environmental
Internet of Things (IoT) sensors throughout
aspects with regards to infrastructure
impact. Switching from standard concrete
the coral reefs, lagoons, and turtle nesting
on The Red Sea Project?
cement to specially designed green concrete
locations to constantly monitor these sites. We are working on extremely sensitive
AT: The location of the project is particularly
(made from recycled materials) is allowing
unique, and we have a variety of landscapes
us to significantly reduce our overall carbon
areas, which means planning and construction
and topographies to consider. From the
footprint. This work is already underway, and
work needs to be carefully considered in
mountain resort we are building, to the
we are now able to produce around 1,200 cubic
order to avoid harm to the environment and
overwater villas, no two parts of the site are
meters of green concrete per day on site.
protect the flora around the destination. For
the same, which is why the infrastructure must
instance, the access roads at our Desert Rock
adapt. For instance, in order to create our
to do at The Red Sea Project has never been
location are designed to wind in-between
Desert Rock Mountain Resort, we're having to
done before in Saudi Arabia or anywhere else
trees, shrubs and other protected areas to
physically build the rooms and hotels into the
in the world - our approach to infrastructure
avoid destroying any natural habitat.
mountainside around huge rocks and valleys.
is very new. This not only challenges us but
We also route boats around the lagoon as
Last year, we also had to complete significant
A large proportion of what we are trying
also challenges the contractors we work
opposed to directly through it. These routes
land raising and ground improvement works
are not selected for their speed but to minimize
for the 1.5 million square meter Coastal
impact on the environment. To save time
Village area, which will house the workers,
entail? I understand that sustainability is
elsewhere, we must be extremely efficient
staff and management of The Red Sea
being approached in quite a unique way?
with the loading, sailing full, offloading, and
Project. This required raising the ground
sailing empty cycle with little room for errors
3.5 meters above sea level and transporting
infrastructure was one of the first major
or breakdowns. We also have special lookouts
2.6 million cubic meters of fill by extracting
construction contracts we awarded at The Red
on board each boat to maintain vigilant visual
soil and other material from a nearby hill.
Sea Project to our partner Archirodon. We have
inspection in the water for turtles and other mega-fauna to avoid potential collisions.
In addition, we're using innovative 'green concrete' across the destination to
with to come up with new solutions. SP: What does the marine infrastructure
AT: The enabling works for marine
strict sustainability commitments in place, which means that in any infrastructure works
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THE RED SEA DEVELOPMENT COMPANY - ANDREW TYSON INTERVIEW
we carry out, we must ensure that no coral
differently. For instance, often the provision
transmission, wastewater treatment and
and marine life are harmed in the process.
of water is hard to come by as not every hotel
centralized district cooling for the 16 hotels,
Archirodon assisted us in constructing two
is connected to a main supply, and we've also
international airport and infrastructure
causeways as part of the 3.3km crossing to
had to run a substantial length of subsea cable
that will be developed in phase one.
Shurayrah, the main hub island for the first
to provide utilities to the most remote hotels.
phase of The Red Sea Project, which will
Protecting the coral is also something
Under the PPP, we will power assets, infrastructure and utility systems that make
eventually be connected by a bridge span. The
we have considered extremely carefully.
up phase one of the project with 100%
crossing will connect the hub island, which will
There have been months of planning to
renewable energy. We will use solar panels
feature 11 hotels as well as retail, leisure and
ensure that our methods don't damage
and wind farms to do this, with no connection
entertainment amenities, to the mainland.
the reefs, which was a huge challenge.
to the national grid. We expect that 210MW of
The crossing route was modeled to ensure
SP: It seems to be time to say goodbye
energy will be generated initially and that this
water flows and marine life were not impacted.
to the traditional car on The Red Sea
will be expanded in line with development
Rather than taking the shortest route to the
Project; tell us more about the road and
up to 650,000MWh. The resulting saving in
island, it makes use of existing landmasses and
transport infrastructure, including the
was carefully located to avoid corals and to
CO2 emissions to the atmosphere will equate
80km road network that is replacing
protect the surrounding ecosystems. The initial
the single highway you inherited?
structure will later be built upon to provide
AT: Working on such a huge site, road
to around half a million tons per year.
The partnership is a significant step forward for The Red Sea Project, as it will become the
the permanent crossing to the hub island
and transport infrastructure had to be one
region's first tourism destination powered
when the destination opens, further limiting
of the first components we put in place to
solely by renewable energy. A tourism
the environmental impact of construction.
allow our workforce to travel from A to B.
project of this size with the ability to operate
SP: With regards to hotel infrastructure
Currently, 79km out of the total 80km of our
completely off-grid has never been achieved
work, I understand you are doing this at
road network is completed, and we are on
on this scale anywhere in the world, and
the same time as off-site manufacturing
course to finish this by the end of April.
we are building the world's largest battery
to be efficient and meet tight deadlines
We are working with Binyah to develop
storage facility as part of the program.
– can you talk about this and what
the construction of the coastal and inland
benefits and challenges it presents?
connecting road links at the destination. This
that limits the environmental impact through
We want to create a tourist destination
AT: Off-site manufacturing has been a
includes a 10km highway, a 13km airport
the provision of zero-carbon emitting and
real game-changer for us in terms of driving
access road, interconnecting roads within
zero-waste generating utility services, and
efficiencies and ensuring the project timeline
the destination and an access road to the
this partnership promises exactly that.
remains on target. However, the key reason
crossing connecting the main hub island.
SP: Can you talk about the new
why we decided to undertake this process
Last year, we awarded a contract to global
waste management centre that has recently been opened?
was to minimize the environmental impact of
engineering firm Mott MacDonald to provide
construction – something which is our utmost
consultancy services to determine the optimal
priority. Off-site manufacturing methods
sustainable vehicle and fleet configuration
contract award to a joint-venture between
are helping us to reduce waste, as well as
at the destination. The company is set to
leading waste management company, Averda
lessen the human impact of construction
deliver a comprehensive and robust analysis
and the Saudi Naval Support Company (SNS) to
activities on-site, such as noise, ground
of the total land, sea and air transport
help us recycle and re-use waste responsibly.
disturbance and vehicle movements.
needs for the development and operation.
The partnership involves collecting and
Additionally, our construction sites
AT: Last year, we awarded a solid waste
This will involve a strategy for destination-
recycling waste generated by administration
will produce much less pollution, making
wide clean mobility using electric and
offices, residential facilities, and construction
them considerably less diSARuptive. With
hydrogen vehicles, boats and aircraft.
activities, meeting the high environmental
substantial elements of the hotel construction
SP: How are the utilities being
taking place off-site, it means we can focus
handled, including aspects such as PPP
attention on the infrastructure network we
being utilized for renewable energy,
want to put in place at the same time.
centralized district cooling etc.?
However, as unique as the locations of the
AT: At the end of 2020, we announced
standards set for the project and with the goal of 'zero waste to landfill. Both companies have supported us in designing, building, and operating Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) and Construction and
hotel projects are, they present a challenge.
a public-private partnership (PPP) with
Demolition Waste (CDW) plants. The recyclable
Some hotel suites are in the mountains, while
a consortium led by ACWA Power – our
material that is recovered from both the
others are in the desert or on islands 30km
highest value contract to date. ACWA Power
MSW and CDW stream is then transferred for
out to sea. When it comes to implementing
will deliver environmentally responsible
further processing or, where possible, re-used
infrastructure plans, we need to think
renewable energy, water generation and
as construction material on the project.
THE RED SEA DEVELOPMENT COMPANY - ANDREW TYSON INTERVIEW
We also have a composting unit, which turns organic-rich waste into compost to be used for the project's landscaped areas and in the site nursery. Finally, incinerators are used for processing any non-recyclable waste, and the ash generated is mixed with cement for the production of bricks. In addition to the above partnership, we also prioritize the management of our water consumption to achieve a near-zero water discharge target, and in line with our water strategy, we have structured our water management approach around four categories: potable, irrigation, stormwater and wastewater. SP: How would you describe the entire infrastructure philosophy in 25 words or less? AP: We're breaking new ground: setting new standards in sustainable construction, testing the market and raising the bar in terms of quality, delivery and efficiencies.
“WE ARE NOW ABLE TO PRODUCE AROUND 1,200 CUBIC METERS OF GREEN CONCRETE PER DAY ON SITE.”
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The red sea development company - Putting People First at The Red Sea
BETTER HEALTH THROUGH BETTER LIVING AT TRSDC WORLD HEALTH DAY WAS COMMEMORATED GLOBALLY, UNDER THE THEME 'TOGETHER FOR A FAIRER, HEALTHIER WORLD', WITH A CALL GOING OUT FOR URGENT ACTION TO ELIMINATE HEALTH INEQUITIES AND MOBILIZE ACTION TO ATTAIN BETTER HEALTH FOR ALL AND LEAVE NO ONE BEHIND. THIS IS A MISSION THAT IS ALREADY CENTRAL TO THE RED SEA DEVELOPMENT COMPANY'S (TRSDC) BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY, WHICH REVOLVES AROUND ENSURING THAT EMPLOYEES ARE NOT ONLY FIT AND HEALTHY BUT HAPPY AND CONTENT TOO, WITH EVERYONE'S PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL NEEDS TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT.
THIS IS A GENUINE COMMUNITY
WATCH VIDEO
The red sea development company - Putting People First at The Red Sea
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his was underlined on World Health Day, when TRSDC celebrated the event
in a number of ways, not least by hosting a webinar in tandem with Jensen & Hughes, a global leader in safety, security and risk-based engineering and consulting. "The topic was how we anticipate and respond to a crisis," explains Brian Spraker, Executive Director Health, Safety and Security at TRSDC. "There was someone from Jenson & Hughes who spoke on this particular subject. And the purpose of the webinar was to educate and help our staff and employees understand some of the things our business is looking at and preparing for and what families should do. We're in the middle of a global crisis right now that's affected all of
There's a lot of opportunity for a healthy lifestyle.
A big part of what we do here at the Health &
us. So it's really about raising awareness and
And it's not just the management that has access
Safety Department is set goals and objectives
educating employees and their families on
to all of this – it's the carpenters, labourers,
for health and wellness, and we'll be
how to prepare for any crisis in their lives."
masons, electricians, truck drivers, everybody."
introducing some new health initiatives this year. This includes activities like sponsored
‘Family' is at the heart of the TRSDC ethos,
"In terms of making the workplace a healthier
cycle rides and step challenges. We'll get a
with Mick James, Health and Safety Director,
place to be, here at the TRSDC Base Camp
bit of competition going – perhaps create
saying: "Whenever someone new joins us,
and the Construction Village Housing (CVH)
a league table and offer some prizes."
we say "welcome to the family," and we
community, we have access to a fully functional
mean it. It does feel more like a family than
gymnasium, we have bicycles available for
Indeed, TRSDC not only encourages a healthy
a place to work. The big thing for us is that
the staff to use," adds Health and Safety
lifestyle, it provides everything to achieve
we're really proud of our welfare structure
Director Simon Horner. "That's something I
one. Recently, for instance, the company
and how we've set new standards for the
do myself, get out there and do a bit of cycling
sponsored three boats - two with divers and
industry. We really care about the workforce."
out in the very expansive countryside and
one with snorkelers - and stayed out for the
scenery that Saudi Arabia has to offer.
day, visiting one of the islands. Those breaks
BUILDING A HEALTHY TEAM
"Both Base Camp and CVH are really
are good for both physical and mental fitness.
One only has to look at the Construction Village
superbly equipped communities that
to understand where Mick is coming from.
promote a healthy lifestyle.
This is a very modern community with lots of green space, as well as recreational areas such as cricket and football (soccer) pitches, and volleyball and basketball courts. Instead of just being a workers' camp, which usually has a pretty negative connotation, this is a genuine community. And in many cases, people are living in better accommodation in the Construction Village, with access to better primary medical care, than they would in their country. Employees are not confined to the Village either, with Mick continuing: In the area people can go out biking, kayaking, diving, hiking and participate in numerous other outdoor activities.
'FAMILY' IS AT THE HEART OF THE TRSDC ETHOS
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The red sea development company - Putting People First at The Red Sea
INTEGRATIVE HEALTH AND WELLNESS TRSDC has contracted International SOS – Al Rushaid, one of the world's blue-chip health and security companies, to provide its site-wide medical services. "We have a central medical facility at our Construction Village housing community," says Brian. "It's a 700m2 facility where we have doctors, nurses, an x-ray machine, pharmacy, primary and emergency care services, a laboratory, and it's all available to our entire workforce. This is for Red Sea employees, construction workers, visitors – anyone associated with this project has access to this facility." "The other thing we're working on with International SOS," Brian adds, "is an annual physical protocol for our employees based on age and any medical conditions. So if we have employees who have diabetes or respiratory issues, something like that, we would have a standard physical that each one of those individuals would have. “Furthermore, from a health emergency standpoint, because of the remoteness of some of the sites, we have seven different remote medical facilities across the project, all equipped with ambulances. There is also an EMS helicopter if fast transport is required to get someone to a hospital in Yanbu, Jeddah or another city.
"IT'S UNDOUBTEDLY THE BEST COMPANY I'VE EVER WORKED FOR” ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY A good way to describe TRSDC would be 'a big company with a small company attitude'. "We are a global family," explains Brian. "We've got a very diverse ethnic group of individuals - around 30 different nationalities - from Peruvians and Argentineans through to Egyptians, Filipinos, Brits, Americans, Indians, Spaniards , Bosnians, the list goes on. We have all of the different cultures and religions, so if it's Easter, it's 'Happy Easter', if it's Ramadan, it's 'Ramadan Kareem’, if it's Diwali, it's 'Happy Diwali'. Everyone recognizes everyone's holidays and special days. Muslims take the Eid period off; Christians take Christmas etc. "It's undoubtedly the best company I've ever worked for; it's the only place where the entire team is here to make each other successful instead of being on their own personal agenda. The company has done a really good job of recruiting people with the right attitude. I've never had a team of people who were this solid and had each other's backs. It's universal across the company."
The red sea development company - Putting People First at The Red Sea
73
A CARING, SHARING ATTITUDE World Health Day 2021 is being celebrated during one of the most challenging times in recent history, and it is interesting to ponder whether Covid-19 will make people more responsive to the message? Mick thinks it probably will, saying: "I'd like to say, yes. Certainly, my family and I are more focused on wellness, particularly the health side. So I'd like to think that people would be more drawn towards World Health Day than ever." Around 60% of the TRSDC workforce has received at least the first Covid-19 jab. But it's not only the medical side of things where the company excels. "I think the other thing we do well out here," says Brian, "is we realize that not everyone gets a chance to go and see their families as much as they would like. So we watch out for each other and do a pretty good job of inviting people to different events and activities. We had a dinner recently for the team, which was just a very pleasant evening. It's important to recognize the social and mental health aspect of what we do. We support each other."
THIS IS A GENUINE COMMUNITY DESERVED SUCCESS The TRSDC health strategy goes across the entire business, including the digital business stream, so the company is utilizing technology as well as more traditional routes to ensure the health and wellbeing of its workforce. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that TRSDC was presented with the Excellence in Health and Employee Safety award for its Covid-19 Health and Safety Plan at the Big Project Middle East Awards on 26 January at the Ritz Carlton JBR in Dubai. This celebrated its efforts to maintain the health and safety of its workforce during the pandemic, whether on-site or at the company's headquarters. Also picking up The Developer of the Year award at the same event, TRSDC is setting standards right across the board and has put the health and wellbeing of its workforce right at the top of its list. And in a world so often run by accountants and people with little or no imagination, this is to be applauded. The Red Sea Project is unique and, I would suggest, for one very good reason – it is run by unique people who care. TRSDC is not only a company that will succeed because of the quality of its projects; it will succeed because it deserves to.
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Saudi Tourism
DOMESTIC TOURISM SPEND TO HIT $25.2 BILLION BY 2025 A
ccording to a new
Not withstanding the
report, inbound
dismal global picture, the
tourism spending in Saudi
Saudi Ministry of Tourism
Arabia will reach $25.3
announced in September that
billion by 2025, recovering
internal tourism saw a notable
from the impact of the
rise in traveler numbers,
Covid-19 pandemic.
exceeding official projections.
"World inbound tourism
During the 2021 Budget
spending collapsed by 57% in
Forum in December, Saudi
2020, and our forecast expects
Arabia's Minister of Tourism
it to rebound by 82% in 2021,"
Ahmed Al-Khateeb explained
Caroline Bremner, head of
that the Kingdom is aiming
travel and tourism research
to attract new tourism
at Euromonitor International,
investments worth SAR220
said, continuing: "In our
billion ($58 billion) by 2023
most pessimistic scenario,
and more than SAR500 billion
spending growth is predicted
by the end of the decade.
to rise by 40% in 2021,
In 2019, Saudi travelers
leading to a more prolonged
spent $22 billion traveling
recovery timeline, returning
overseas. One of the ways
to pre-crisis levels by 2024."
the ministry aims to expand
Saudi domestic tourism
the Kingdom's tourism
outperformed expectations
revenues is to encourage
throughout the pandemic,
Saudis to spend some of
despite the UN World Tourism
their tourism cash at home.
Organization (UNWTO)
"We have reduced the
describing 2020 as "the
leakage," Al-Khateeb told
worst year on record in
Arab News in December.
the history of tourism."
"In 2019, we launched 11
In December, figures from
'seasons' in Saudi Arabia
the UNWTO revealed that
and reduced travel outside
destinations welcomed 900
by 30%. If we continue to do
million fewer international
this, we will definitely reduce
tourists between January
the leakage - Saudis will like
and October, compared with
to stay at home, and they
the same period in 2019 - a
will enjoy the offering."
72% year-on-year slump.
SAUDI DOMESTIC TOURISM OUTPERFORMED EXPECTATIONS THROUGHOUT THE PANDEMIC
Saudi Tourism
75
THE KINGDOM IS AIMING TO ATTRACT NEW TOURISM INVESTMENTS WORTH SAR220 BILLION BY 2023
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Saudi Tourism - General Entertainment Authority
GEA PROMOTES DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION THROUGH THE TARFEEH PORTAL THE TARFEEH PORTAL, LAUNCHED BY THE GENERAL ENTERTAINMENT AUTHORITY (GEA), FOR DEVELOPING AND ORGANIZING THE ENTERTAINMENT SECTOR AND SUPPORTING ITS INFRASTRUCTURE, HAS STOOD OUT AMONG MORE THAN 800 DIGITAL PROJECTS AFTER BEING CHOSEN BY THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE FOR DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION.
Saudi Tourism - General Entertainment Authority
Since its launch, the Tarfeeh Portal has allowed investors and companies operating in the entertainment sector
77
IN 2020, GEA ISSUED, THROUGH THE TARFEEH PORTAL, 117 PERMITS FOR ENTERTAINMENT EVENTS
to acquire licenses, permits and apply for accreditation certificates for
In 2020, GEA issued, through the Tarfeeh
international arena for digital transformation.
entertainment events and activities.
Portal, 117 permits for entertainment events,
According to the National Digital Transformation
219 licenses for operating entertainment
annual report for 2020, the Kingdom ranked
The Tarfeeh Portal project comes
venues, and 398 permits for live shows at
first worldwide in four of those achievements.
as part of GEA's efforts to support
restaurants and cafés. The portal has also
digital transformation in the Kingdom
allowed 188 investors to acquire licenses
Notably, GEA solidified its significant role in
through automating all procedures,
to manage and develop talents and artists.
supporting digital transformation in the Kingdom
services and internal operations
Additionally, the number of restaurants and
by achieving ISO/IEC 20000 certification for
supplementing the various systems
cafés registered on the portal for obtaining
the excellence of its information technology
for licenses and permits. The portal
permits for live shows reached more than 410.
(IT) service management framework from the
further streamlines business operations
British Standards Institution (BSI), which is
and processes for investors and those
In parallel, the Kingdom edges ever closer to a
accredited by the International Organization for
interested in offering entertainment
full-scale expansion of its economic foundation
Standardization. This milestone highlights GEA's
services through four main avenues:
and keeps pace with global digital advancement.
top performance in technical solutions, which
In doing so, the Kingdom has secured its position
contribute to developing the entertainment
1. Permits for entertainment events
among the top digitally-advanced countries,
sector's framework in line with global standards.
2. Licences for entertainment activities
especially after being recognized 15 times in the
3. Registration services for restaurants and cafés 4. Facilities for service providers.
RECOGNIZED 15 TIMES IN THE INTERNATIONAL ARENA FOR DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
78
GIGA PROJECTS - AlUla
DISCOVERY CHANNEL JOURNEYS DEEPER INTO ALULA PAST A
t the forefront of the Vision 2030,
Digital & Creative, EMEA Pay TV & Global
the AlUla project is the cornerstone
Brands at Discovery, commented: "An
of the Kingdom's cultural and touristic
untouched desert Kingdom, Saudi Arabia
ambitions, an archaeological, cultural and
has retained some of the most stunningly
tourist complex - an open-air living museum
well-preserved evidence of ancient
- in a region roughly the size of Belgium.
civilizations. As the global leader in real
And the project recently received significant
life entertainment, Discovery is delighted
international exposure when the Discovery
to be able to continue its longstanding
Channel took a behind-the-scenes look
commitment to the region by uncovering
at one of the most important discoveries
the history of this ancient masterpiece and
of modern history in a new documentary,
sharing it with viewers around the world."
revealing that human civilization's first
Robert Kirwan, the Executive Producer/Editor
building blocks were set in place in AlUla.
of the documentary, said: "The weeks we spent
Narrated by Academy Award, Tony Award,
in AlUla filming alongside the archaeological
Golden Globe and Emmy Award winner
team were a life-altering experience for
Jeremy Irons, 'The Architects of Ancient
me and the rest of the crew. The startlingly
Arabia' journeyed into Saudi Arabia's
spectacular landscape is like nothing I've
deeper past, following teams of leading
ever seen. And the stone structures, literally
international and Saudi archaeologists
thousands of them dotting the area, have
and a local historian as they revealed new
sat untouched for thousands of years. We
wonders in the previously unexplored land.
were walking among the ghosts of unknown
Some of the most important survey and
ancients, and we could feel their presence,
excavation work in modern history has
their yearning, to have their story told."
been taking place in the region, revealing
The documentary was made by
the distant past of AlUla. Specialist teams,
Discovery in association with The Royal
for instance, are seeking to make sense of
Commission for AlUla (RCU) and produced
the activities connected with ancient stone
by Powderhouse Productions.
structures they are excavating surrounding the AlUla oasis, with their findings aiming to expand and intensify the historical legacy of the Kingdom and ancient Arabia. In the documentary, the archaeologists uncover evidence for an ancient ritual, wholly unexpected and extraordinary, as they continue to piece together AlUla's rich history in time to welcome guests from around the world. Henry Windridge, Senior Director: Marketing,
“THE STARTLINGLY SPECTACULAR LANDSCAPE IS LIKE NOTHING I’VE EVER SEEN” OBERT KIRWAN, R EXECUTIVE PRODUCER/EDITOR
GIGA PROJECTS - AlUla
WATCH ALULA THE PLACE OF HERITAGE FOR THE WORLD
A REGION ROUGHLY THE SIZE OF BELGIUM
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80
GIGA PROJECTS - NEOM
NEOM AWARDS CONTRACT TO BUILD AND OPERATE WELLNESS CENTRE N
EOM, Saudi Arabia's revolutionary
Commenting on the appointment, Dr Maliha
supports Neom's ambition to be a world
$500-billion city, has appointed
Hashmi, Executive Director of Neom's
leader in health and wellbeing," she stated.
Burj Al Shifa Medical Complex to
Health and Wellbeing Sector, said: "We are
design, construct and operate a new
pleased to be working with Burj Al Shifa
Rasheed A Al Rushaid, Vice Chairman and
health and wellness center.
Medical Complex to deliver a best-in-class
President of Al Rushaid Group, explained:
This high-tech and sustainable primary
international standard of healthcare at Neom.
"Our commitment to Saudi Arabia's 2030
healthcare center, known as the Neom
Vision and our dedication to improving the
Community Advanced Health Center, will offer
"Their ability to draw on the global experience
quality of healthcare and wellbeing in the
health and wellbeing services to local residents
of International SOS as well as the capabilities
Kingdom has paved the way for Al Rushaid
and is scheduled to open during the first half
of Al Rushaid Construction Company, an Al
Group to be a natural partner to Neom.
of 2021. Burj Al Shifa Medical Complex will
Rushaid Group company and one of the largest
"Neom invest in people and choose to
then operate and maintain the center for three
construction companies in Saudi Arabia, to
implement the latest and most advanced
years, with a potential extension of 18 months.
deliver the construction phase of the project,
technologies. This, combined with an alliance
GIGA PROJECTS - NEOM
81
"AT ITS PEAK, THE NEOM COMMUNITY ADVANCED HEALTH CENTER WILL SERVE A POPULATION OF APPROXIMATELY 2,000 OVER THE COURSE OF THE THREE-YEAR PROJECT," Sunset in NEOM
with the global leader in providing healthcare
"We're proud to be selected by Neom and
Neom to work on this incredibly important
services in remote areas, our partner
honored by the trust they're putting in us; we
and fascinating project in the Kingdom.
International SOS, is positioning us through our
shall draw our strength from the four decades
subsidiary, Burj Al Shifa Medical Complex, to
of achievements and gained experience to
"At its peak, the NEOM Community Advanced
support Neom in building the most challenging
accomplish Neom's entire satisfaction," he said.
Health Center will serve a population of
and exciting project of the next decades and
approximately 2,000 over the course of
contribute to realizing the vision of HRH Crown
General Manager of International SOS-
Prince Mohammed Bin Salman," he stated.
Al Rushaid, Joerg Buenzel, commented:
the three-year project," he concluded.
"We share Neom's desire and aspiration He explained that a few of Al Rushaid Group's
to develop state-of-the-art health and
subsidiaries are involved in this enterprise
wellbeing services using the latest
too, and are committed to providing their
technologies to support its community. It
best efforts to achieve Neom's vision.
is a real privilege to have been invited by
SCHEDULED TO OPEN DURING THE FIRST HALF OF 2021
82
GIGA PROJECTS - AL DIRIYAH GATE
‘FEELING THE STONES’ UNVEILED AS CREATIVE THEME FOR INAUGURAL EDITION OF SAUDI ARABIA'S AD-DIRIYAH BIENNALE T
he Ad-Diriyah Biennale
Life Program and overseen by the
Foundation has announced
Ad-Diriyah Biennale Foundation,
the theme for Saudi Arabia’s first
it will present two Biennales
contemporary art Biennale entitled
alternating each year: contemporary
‘Feeling the Stones’. It is inspired
art (2021) and Islamic arts (2022).
by the idea of ‘crossing the river
The exhibition will unfold in six
by feeling the stones’, a slogan
sections, examining themes that
that emerged during the 1980s as
include memory and preservation,
a metaphor for action at a time of
cultural transmission, social
social and economic transformation.
engagement, the anthropocene, and
Set to open from 7 December 2021
the spiritual. It aims to create new
to 7 March 2022, the Biennale will
connections between the Saudi and
take place at JAX district in Diriyah.
international art worlds, bringing new
Philip Tinari, Director and Chief
trends in global contemporary art to
Executive of UCCA Center for
Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning cultural
Contemporary Art in Beijing and
scene with nearly 70 artists exhibiting.
the curator of the Biennale, said:
“Saudi Arabia’s first art Biennale is an
“We hope that this exhibition will
important milestone and builds on the
expose new generations of viewers
unprecedented cultural transformation
to global contemporary art, not just
underway in the Kingdom,” said Aya
as a mode of visual expression but
Albakree, CEO of Ad-Diriyah Biennale
as a space for critical thinking. The
Foundation. “It is part of a wider
art scene in Saudi Arabia finds itself
plan to transform Ad-Diriyah into a
at a crucial juncture, and art has an
global arts destination and encourage
important role to play in reflecting
dialogue between artists from around
on key issues of the moment.”
the world in a dedicated environment
The Biennale will take place in a
that supports creative expression.”
27,000m2 area located in the recently
The Biennale curatorial team also
developed creative district of JAX
includes Wejdan Reda, founder of
in Diriyah. Initiated by the Ministry
Sahaba art consultancy, Jeddah;
of Culture as part of its efforts to
Shixuan Luan, curator at UCCA; and
support the Kingdom’s Vision 2030
Neil Zhang, assistant curator.
strategic framework and Quality of
SET TO OPEN FROM 7 DECEMBER 2021 TO 7 MARCH 2022
FEATURING OVER 70 INTERNATIONAL AND NATIONAL ARTISTS AT THE NEWLY CONVERTED JAX CREATIVE DISTRICT IN DIRIYAH
GIGA PROJECTS - AL DIRIYAH GATE
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84
GIGA PROJECTS - QIDDIYA
WORLD’S FASTEST ROLLER COASTER BEING BUILT AT SIX FLAGS THEME PARK A
new roller coaster being developed at Six Flags Theme Park, Qiddiya is
destined to set new records as the world's fastest, transporting passengers at speeds of in excess of 250+ kilometers per hour! The ride, named 'Falcon's Flight', will also be the world's longest and tallest roller coaster, carrying passengers almost 4 kilometers. The ride will incorporate a vertical cliff dive maneuver and a parabolic airtime hill that will provide a 'weightlessness airtime experience'. The whole ride will last more or less three minutes. Philippe Gas, CEO of Qiddiya, commented: "Falcon's Flight will dominate the skyline at Qiddiya, weaving all the way around our destination, right out of the theme park, up the cliffside and down the cliff face - the greatest drop of any ride in the world. It won't be for the fainthearted." At present, the world's fastest roller coaster is the Formula Rossa at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, which hits a maximum speed of 239km/h, according to Roller Coaster Database. The US holds the record for the current tallest coaster, the 418-foot-tall Kingda Ka at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey. Kingda Ka is also presently the world's second-fastest coaster, reaching speeds of 205km/h.
GIGA PROJECTS - QIDDIYA
THE WORLD’S LONGEST AND TALLEST ROLLER COASTER, CARRYING PASSENGERS ALMOST 4KMS Intamin, the company that is designing Falcon's Flight, also worked on Formula Rossa and various other prestigious rides around the world. The 79-acre Six Flags Theme Park will consist of 28 rides plus other attractions such as sports arenas and concert venues. Falcon's Flight is set to be unveiled in the first phase of the development, which is expected to open in 2023. The park is being built in a valley beside Tuwaiq Mountain, which features spectacular 650-foot cliffs. "The worldwide unique setting and heights such as the natural cliff will enable us to design an architectural masterpiece in steep," said Daniel Schoppen, Vice President of Design and Development at Intamin.
WATCH FALCON'S FLIGHT SIX FLAGS QIDDIYA
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86
Giga Projects - Amaala
AMAALA INKS MOU WITH SAUDI CONTRACTORS AUTHORITY AMAALA, THE ULTRA-LUXURY DEVELOPMENT LOCATED ALONG SAUDI ARABIA’S NORTH WESTERN COAST, HAS ANNOUNCED THE SIGNING OF A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) WITH THE SAUDI CONTRACTORS AUTHORITY (SCA), A GOVERNMENT SUBSIDIARY AUTHORITY OF THE MINISTRY OF MUNICIPAL AND RURAL AFFAIRS.
2030 strategy forward successfully. Working with AMAALA and their existing contractors in this capacity will also allow us to further enable the uptake of our localization programs which incentivize organizations to empower Saudis through training and employment.”
In line with the ambitions of both organizations
us to better connect with Saudi people
and the wider Vision 2030 goals, the MoU
and businesses, which will, in turn, enable
contracting sector by encouraging contractors
sets forth a preliminary pact for cooperation
us to meet our ambitious Saudization
engaged with AMAALA to benefit from
in a number of fields, including allowing
targets, whilst connecting the association
SCA’s localization programs and incentives.
access to an online ‘Project Participation
with contractors already engaged on
AMAALA is central to many growing industries
Platform’ which will enable AMAALA to share
our project to drive awareness of their
and, once completed, the destination will
projects in its pipeline with members of the
important programs” added Pagano.
support more than 50,000 direct, indirect
SCA and receive information of qualified and interested parties intending to bid.
THE DESTINATION WILL SUPPORT MORE THAN 50,000 DIRECT, INDIRECT AND INDUCED JOBS
A PRELIMINARY PACT FOR COOPERATION IN A NUMBER OF FIELDS, INCLUDING ALLOWING ACCESS TO AN ONLINE ‘PROJECT PARTICIPATION PLATFORM’
Efforts will be aligned to localize the
and induced jobs providing opportunities to people throughout the country. This MoU follows efforts to strengthen relationships with local private and public sector organizations. Similar MoUs creating partnerships, outlining collaborative ways of working and providing cross-development
“Saudi Arabia is undergoing an exciting
The MoU also outlines a framework of
opportunities have already been signed with
transition towards a new and diversified
joint cooperation between both entities,
the Saudi Council of Engineers, Ministry of
economy,” said John Pagano, CEO at AMAALA.
including establishing staff training courses
Tourism, Ministry of Environment, Water and
“AMAALA is a key driver of change, bringing
and sharing of studies and statistics
Agriculture and MOMRA. AMAALA has recently
with it a wealth of opportunities for the
relating to the local construction sector.
awarded several construction contracts to
private sector, and it is our ambition to ensure
Eng. Thabet Al-Sawayeed, Governor at
Saudi companies, including Al-Tamimi Group,
we support Saudi businesses to participate
SCA, said: “This partnership is a key step
HASCO and Saudi Real Estate (Binyah). Work
and benefit from the development of this
towards achieving our goal of aiding Saudi
is well underway on-site to progress the
significant destination from the outset.”
contractors to participate in the new landscape
enabling infrastructure and groundwork
of projects established to drive the Vision
required to develop the destination.
“This new partnership with SCA will help
Giga Projects - Amaala
87
88
ARCHITECTURE
LIKE NO OTHER AIRPORT ON EARTH THE AIRPORT IS DESIGNED TO BE POWERED BY 100% RENEWABLE ENERGY
T
he Red Sea International
spas and restaurants. Between the
by 100% renewable energy and
Airport, currently being
pods, spaces filled with greenery will
constructed and operated using a
constructed on the west coast of Saudi
be created for the initial stage of the
zero single-use plastic philosophy.
Arabia, is yet another architectural
arrivals process. Each of the quintet of
marvel designed by Foster +
pods can be operated autonomously as
The terminal's roof shells will extend
Partners, inspired by the colours and
a 'mini terminal', dictating that parts of
from the building to shade both the
textures of the desert landscape.
the airport can be closed through low
airport's landside and airside areas.
demand periods to reduce energy usage. Scheduled for completion in 2022 and
The general shape of the terminal building
designed to reach a capacity of one
Two wings extending from either side
has been planned to shelter the internal
million passengers a year by 2030, the
of the main terminal will enclose the
environment from solar gains and, as a
new airport will almost exclusively
airport's ancillary spaces, including
result, significantly reduce the overall
serve tourists visiting The Red Sea
hangers, logistics bags and baggage
energy demand for cooling in the building
Project tourist development.
handling facilities. This arrangement will
through self-shading. Moreover, with most
reduce the overall envelope and energy
of the glazing facing north, there will be
Reducing Energy Demand
demand when compared to traditional
increased daylight penetration without
The visuals are fascinating, showing a
stand-alone ancillary buildings.
compromising solar performance.
radially around a central drop-off and
Foster + Partners is aiming for a LEED
Along with the main terminal building, a
pick-up space. Each pod will house a
Platinum sustainability rating, with
runway and dedicated seaplane runway
departure lounge that will incorporate
the airport designed to be powered
and three helipads are under construction.
series of five dune-like pods arranged
ARCHITECTURE
SAUDI ARABIA TO PARTICIPATE IN VENICE BIENNALE
SAUDI ARCHITECTS REVIVE SCHOOLS IN UNDERDEVELOPED AREAS OF JEDDAH
I
hyaa, a word that means 'to
revive' in Arabic, is a social enterprise founded by budding architects and engineers back in 2015. They began by renovating schools in underdeveloped neighbourhoods of Jeddah to inspire hope and support less fortunate areas in the city. Although this initial renovation project started as a volunteer initiative, the team said the positive feedback they received made it clear that communities needed more than they realised. They even started getting inquiries from nearby schools for renovations.
Ihyaa Group has now completed eight other school renovations and community projects Ihyaa Group has now completed eight other school renovations and community projects, affecting over 1,000 students' and teachers' lives. And in 2021, the team The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will participate in the Venice Biennale of Architecture,
is more dedicated than ever
which will be held from 22 May to 21 November 21, 2021, under the banner of 'How Will
to their vision, with two of
We Live Together?' Three architects have been chosen to represent the Kingdom.
the founding members even
The Architecture and Design Commission is responsible for supervising the pavilion due
having left their corporate
to its supportive roles for the architecture and design sector of the Kingdom and its efforts
positions to pursue this
to promote international cultural exchange between Saudi Arabia and the world.
social work full time.
89
90
ARCHITECTURE - PACE
EXPERIENCE YOU CAN TRUST, QUALITY YOU CAN COUNT ON A LEADING REGIONAL MULTIDISCIPLINARY CONSULTANCY FIRM, PACE PROVIDES A FULL SUITE OF INTEGRATED ARCHITECTURE, ENGINEERING, AND PLANNING SERVICES TO A WIDE RANGE OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTOR CLIENTS.
Jazan Waterfront
ARCHITECTURE - PACE
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92
ARCHITECTURE - PACE
Jazan Waterfront
F
ounded in Kuwait in 1968, Pace
minds, coming together from a broad range
Diversifying its portfolio across planning,
is considered a trusted partner
of backgrounds and across all design,
property and infrastructure, as well as
across the entire Middle East and Africa,
architecture, and engineering disciplines to
developing a project management consultancy,
contributing with multiple globally awarded/
deliver its all-inclusive and integrated portfolio
Pace's operations across the GCC led it to
nominated national landmarks and enduring
of services with seamless cohesion. With
establish two regional offices: one in Bahrain
infrastructure developments that have
over 750 professionals, Pace plans, designs,
and one in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,
had a long-lasting positive impact on the
manages and constructs solutions, whether
from where it has overseen key projects that
societies and environments they serve.
it's the concept for a new city, the detailed
include Riyadh Metro Line-3, Bawabat Mecca
design of a rail network, a skyscraper, the
Master Plan, and Jazan City Waterfronts.
The firm's multidisciplinary capabilities
modeling of a flood defense system, or the
are demonstrated through its diverse and
improvement of a management process.
talented team of professionals and creative
ARCHITECTURE - PACE
MAXIMUM QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE
benefit from improved project efficiencies,
Pace has successfully built a reputation over
reduced environmental impact, and savings
the past five decades as a firm that designs for
in operational and management costs.
speed and opulence, whilst employing the latest
The firm constantly ensures that the latest
design and construction technologies. This
developments in digitized design technology
allows it to deliver world-class developments
are always incorporated into its practices,
with optimum long-term value, highest quality,
increasing the scope and location of projects
cost management and fast-track proficiency.
on an international scale and across all
93
disciplines. Its latest Building Information Continuing to push the boundaries of design and
Modeling (BIM), ‘digital delivery’, design
architecture with every project it takes on, Pace
processes supported the move to Revit as its
is able to generate groundbreaking concepts
technical production software platform.
and master functional designs, with a deep and
When it comes to construction and delivery,
pragmatic understanding of project needs, in
big jobs require big players. The firm's
order to provide solutions that have far-reaching
50-year legacy delivering mega projects
benefits for both clients and project users.
worldwide, with hard-earned field expertise, extensive knowledge of building techniques,
Pace is also known across the region for its
and strong multidisciplinary capabilities,
'early adoption' of advanced new design
enables it to confidently come forth with
technologies and construction methodologies,
impeccable technical proposals, and guarantee
offering new opportunities for innovation
maximum quality and performance.
and quality for clients who, as a result,
Jazan Waterfront
PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES OF DESIGN AND DRIVING INNOVATION
96
ARCHITECTURE - PACE
BIG PROJECTS, BROAD EXPERTISE Pace is currently working on several large and important projects throughout the Kingdom. The Riyadh Metro, for instance, is a mega-project that is part of the Riyadh Public Transport Project (RPTP), which comprises construction
WITH OVER 750 PROFESSIONALS, PACE PLANS, DESIGNS, MANAGES AND CONSTRUCTS SOLUTIONS
of a metro, a bus system and other transport services in Riyadh. Pace is the local consultant
At present, for instance, it is working on
for undertaking the design and relocation of
a framework project as part of delivering
services and utilities for Line 3 – a 42 km line
Qiddiya's vision to drive cultural change in Saudi
(above and below ground) for a total of 23
Arabia through the creation of a mega-hub
stations and 17 sections between the stations,
of entertainment. The framework agreement
passing through populated areas and residential
essentially sees Pace with the opportunity to
zones. An expert in transport infrastructure,
provide its full range of construction supervision
delivery mega road projects, Pace has also been
consultancy services in 2021 to support the
mandated with on-ground engineering support,
ongoing progress of the infrastructure projects,
upgrading infrastructure where required, liaising
ranging from design review, inspection and
with authorities to facilitate approvals and
project management through to technical
permits, and coordination of project teams to
consultancy and commissioning.
streamline communication and workflow. Infrastructure has always been a key sector
Road development projects continue to be
and a major focus for Pace. Its work includes
among the most significant infrastructure
the regionally and globally award-winning
investments in Saudi Arabia, with ambitious
'Jahra Road and Jamal Abdul Nasser
plans to develop mega infrastructures. Driven by
Street' developments, which led to further
the Saudi Vision 2030, the Ministry of Transport
involvement with large-scale infrastructure
has completed a number of road projects across
work across the Middle East and Africa.
various regions of the Kingdom during 2020.
Qiddiya
IT IS WORKING ON A FRAMEWORK PROJECT AS PART OF DELIVERING QIDDIYA'S VISION TO DRIVE CULTURAL CHANGE IN SAUDI ARABIA
Riyadh Metro Line 3
ARCHITECTURE - PACE
Riyadh Metro Line 3
Riyadh Metro Line 3
97
ARCHITECTURE - PACE
99
Pace is also working on redevelopment of Wadi Hanifah Park. As part of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority's vision to transform the historically important Diriyah region into a global gathering place, the authority has embarked on an extensive development program. One of four key developments of the program is the redevelopment of Wadi Hanifah Park, an expansive 2,359,406m2 green belt valley on the western and southern sides of the Diriyah Gate development.
WADI HANIFAH PARK, AN EXPANSIVE 2,359, 406M2 GREEN BELT VALLEY ON THE WESTERN AND SOUTHERN SIDES OF THE DIRIYAH GATE DEVELOPMENT The firm has been commissioned with the design and construction supervision of The Spine area, which is an essential part of the entire program, connecting many parts of the project. It was awarded this contract towards the end of December 2020. Pace has conducted the traffic, hydrology and environmental studies. Submission of concepts has been completed, and construction works
Wadi Hanifa Infrastructure Spine
should commence by September 2021. Waldorf Astoria
TIGHT SCHEDULES, SUPERIOR WORKMANSHIP The tourism sector has been witnessing exponential growth, driven by cultural shifts and the Kingdom's desire to expand tourism beyond religious visits. With the Saudi Vision 2030 in place, aiming to double hotel sector opportunities, Pace is, in turn, being offered plenty of projects, including blue-chip developments such as the Waldorf Astoria, Hilton Garden Inn, and Arraya. With the DUR Group, Pace has been awarded a crucial job - as a firm that designs for speed - and that is to undertake subsequent works for a project that wasn't meeting its deadline and managing its on-time delivery as much as possible.
100 ARCHITECTURE - PACE
J ahra Road and Jamal Abdul Nasser Street
ARCHITECTURE - PACE 101
Jazan Waterfront
So far, tight project timeframes and acquiring
area to improve its economic and social growth
authority approvals are some of the major
whilst reducing the negative impacts on a
challenges within this project, in addition to
range of issues, including wildlife and flora.
streamlining communication and coordinating between the range of contractors that the firm
The study also assessed the climate and
working alongside to deliver the project.
environment of Jazan City to provide necessary design solutions to support the
A RANGE OF DESIGN OPTIONS
development of neighboring areas of interest,
The Jazan City Waterfronts project is
including Jazan University, heritage village,
a masterplan for social, economic and
sport city, and citadel. Pace's scope of work
environmental prosperity. Pace has been
entails master and transport planning
commissioned with the study and design of the
and public realm and urban design.
north and south waterfront, shelterbelts and marine sidewalk areas for the port of Jazan
The project had been nominated for the Ministry
city in the southwest corner of the Kingdom.
of Municipal & Rural Affairs (MOMRA) awards
The project's objective is to provide a range
as Best Waterfront Design Project in 2015.
of design options for the development of the
Jahra Road and Jamal Abdul Nasser Street
102 ARCHITECTURE - PACE
PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES OF DESIGN AND DRIVING INNOVATION
Medina Museum
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Sounds Beautiful
The student struggling to hear. The businessperson trying to concentrate. The couple wanting an intimate conversation over dinner out. Focusing on their wellbeing inspired our beautiful range of colours and styles, so now places that sound great, can also be uplifting, calming or inspiring. And it expanded our vision to create fire safe, hygienic, and even light reflecting solutions for healthier, happier workspaces.
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ARCHITECTURE - PACE 103
THINKING GLOBALLY, ACTING LOCALLY
Additionally, its strict and inclusive quality
Environmental sustainability plays a major
assurance measures guarantee buildings
role in Pace's design philosophy. As strong
that require very little maintenance.
advocates of sustainable practices, and LEED-certified specialists, it has always
DREAMS MADE REAL
been keen on adopting green building
Pace is currently enjoying success with
solutions and technologies in both
its involvement in some of the Kingdom's
its designs and pre, during, and post-
largest developments, such as the Qiddiya
implementation and project completion.
and Wadi Hanifa projects. It is clear to
The firm's skills and technical know-how
everyone that Saudi Arabia's cultural change
in utilizing effective waste management
and ambitious development plans are
systems, shading and lighting solutions,
driving major opportunities across all the
along with innovations in heating and water
different sectors, including entertainment,
reutilization, and using locally sourced
hospitality, education, infrastructure and
materials whenever possible, help create
healthcare. Through its presence in the
buildings with a positive impact on the
Kingdom and as partners of development,
environment and the spaces they occupy.
Pace looks forward to further collaborations
Pace also deliver smart buildings by
with public and private sector clients.
constructing smart infrastructure, employing the latest energy conservation systems with smart metering/monitoring equipment.
MAKING ITS MARK ON HISTORY As part of the Kingdom's efforts to preserve cultural identity while still demonstrating its forward-looking drive towards modernity, the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH) has collaborated with Pace to manage the construction of five museum projects located in different areas. These are the Medina Museum in Medina, Ahsa Museum in Hofuf, Qassim Museum in Buraidah, Arar Museum in Arar, and Tayma Museum in Tayma. The museum buildings similarly comprise components such as exhibition halls, theaters, libraries, gift shops, cafes and administrative offices. Each museum's exhibits and artifacts focus on local heritage within Saudi Arabia, with halls of ancient and Islamic history, contemporary and modern history and heritage of civilization.
Medina Museum
PACE E: communications@pace-me.com www.pace-me.com
104 Benefits of Acoustics at Work
HOW TO MAKE AN OFFICE SOUND QUIET OPEN-PLAN OFFICE LANDSCAPES SHOULD SUPPORT EMPLOYEES’ WORK ACTIVITIES AND ENHANCE THEIR WELLBEING. SO, START TO THINK ACOUSTICALLY AND REMOVE ANY HARMFUL NOISY DISTURBANCES: THIS GUIDE WILL REVEAL THE ACOUSTIC MEASURES YOU SHOULD CONSIDER TO MAKE AN OFFICE PLEASANT AND QUIET.
Benefits of Acoustics at Work 105
WHY IS NOISE CONSIDERED A DANGEROUS FEATURE IN OPEN OFFICE SPACES?
START TO THINK ACOUSTICALLY AND
Nowadays, more and more modern office designs have polished concrete floors
REMOVE ‘CONVERSATIONAL DISTRACTIONS’
and exposed ceilings. The design of workspaces accommodates different needs
When considering an indoor acoustic
and support employees’ work activities, but have you considered that an excessive
environment, it is important to consider the
noise level can harm productivity and the wellbeing of employees?
source of the noise, its path, and the receiver
Hard and smooth surfaces look good, but every sound wave is reflected
who hears in order to reduce noise pollution.
and harms the acoustic environment. This, in tandem with a demand for a
Modular acoustic ceiling tiles or wall
social connection between colleagues, creates a noisy workplace.
panels are textile art that can reduce the auditory disturbance of sound reflection.
RESEARCH SHOWS THAT BAD ACOUSTIC environments with no sound absorption will decrease productivity by 66 %, which means that nearly one in
Therefore, the four C’s can be useful to look at
every three employees are losing one or more hours of productivity.
as they refer to the dynamic within the office. Contemplation
We take noise seriously as it impacts our health. Around 51 % of office workers
Collaboration
complain about concentration problems while working in an open office and
Communication
around 36 % of workers have experienced annoyance or frustration.
Concentration
“We are seeing trends for collaborative spaces, learning and performance spaces that are starting to find synergies. We are creating a variety of areas that support different human functions. When we look at the office, employees want to be on their own, but in a social context, and I think that those are some of the exciting things.” Tiago Pereira (ARCHITECT FROM SCHMIDT HAMMER LASSEN)
But there is no one size fits all answer, as it depends on the type of people who work in the office and the kind of work that is being done. But it is highly beneficial to create office spaces that sound as beautiful they look. The benefits of acoustic comfort are: 48 % increase in task focus 51 % decrease in ‘conversational distractions’ 10 % drop in errors during performance 27 % reduction in employees stress level Despite the challenges and health issues, employees prefer open office spaces as they reflect their need for social context. To combat these challenges and remain productive, an office with excellent acoustics can create a healthier and more attractive indoor environment, allowing employees to be more creative and productive.
106 Benefits of Acoustics at Work
HOW TO MAKE AN OFFICE SOUND QUIET When sound waves hit a hard surface like walls, floors and windows, the audible energy wave will be reflected into the room as the materials don’t absorb the noise. This causes the overall noise level to rise in the room. Therefore, the right acoustic materials can provide better sound and a healthier indoor environment. STEP 1: The office design and the occupants The first step in creating an office that sounds quiet is to figure out the diverse needs of the office workers. How do they like to work, what design solution will benefit their work performance, and do they want a collaborative approach in the office? Once you know what measures to include in the interior design, you can take the next step and look at the sound solutions. STEP 2: What sound solution fits your layout the best? The quality of sound absorption available in different rooms is determined by the layout of the space and what materials are being selected. In our acoustic tiles and panels, the core material is stone wool as it has by nature a high sound absorption. If you choose the right acoustic products, you can create flexible, private and
Low reverberation time
STEP 4: The aesthetic touch
engaging environments that combine
Creating an acoustic environment
The office design should reflect the brand
the benefits of great sound insulation
also reduces reverberation time and
and, therefore, it should be attractive
and superior sound absorption.
echoes. Sound absorption materials
and comforting. Architects and designers
will balance the sound level and create
aim to create a more interactive and
STEP 3: Balance your office
a dynamic environment with a focus
dynamic workspace, and that’s what
Design with great acoustics
on employee wellbeing and privacy.
the right ceiling design can inspire,
Acoustic comfort should provide perfect
Proper sound insulation
transforming the artistic expression.
harmony between employee wellbeing and
To prevent sound from one activity
Find the right balance between style,
privacy while the environment continues
transmitting and disturbing people in the
comfort and top-grade solutions to produce
to be collaborative and dynamic.
next room, you should consider proper
elegant spaces that inspire employees.
Proper sound absorption
sound insulation. Soundproofing relates
Proper sound absorption controls the
to the overall ability of a building element
ambient sound pressure level in a room.
to reduce the level of distractions and
And it will create comfortable environments
the harmful effects of noise between
where people can concentrate and
a room and a neighbouring space.
work productively without noiseinduced irritation or stress. It also has
Create flexible, private, and engaging
other benefits as it increases speech
environments with our acoustic product
intelligibility, making presentation and
range, with great sound insulation
conversation easier to understand.
and superior sound absorption.
Benefits of Acoustics at Work 107
108 Benefits of Acoustics at Work
Benefits of Acoustics at Work 109
WHAT BENEFITS WILL YOU GET OUT OF AN ACOUSTIC INVESTMENT? Building materials need to meet the long-term needs of users without expensive upkeeping due to maintenance or repair. Demands for functionality, reliability and durability are key performances of a desirable acoustic product. Investment in acoustic ceiling solutions is an investment in employees. Improved satisfaction 79 % of building owners witnessed an improvement in employee
WATCH ROCKFON ACOUSTIC SOLUTIONS VIDEO
satisfaction and engagement.[3] Higher value
AN ACOUSTIC DESIGN WITH A UNIQUE
it be in the office design? Modularity refers
PERSONALITY HAS OTHER ADVANTAGES
to the degree to which the ceiling system
impact on the building’s value, meaning
Every building has its unique personality and a
can be recombined with the benefit of
that the building’s sustainable features
unique set of needs to consider. Office buildings
flexibility. When thinking about an acoustic
can potentially affect the resale rate.[4]
can be different in nature and functionality,
ceiling solution, it’s crucial to consider the
presenting different challenges that create
flexibility with modular ceilings or moveable
Improved productivity
crucial demands on building materials. The
partition walls to create acoustic comfort.
75 % of building owners witnessed an
acoustic ceiling design is no different. Now
A modular ceiling gives absolute control of the
improvement in indoor lightning conditions
you have the acoustic comfort in place, let’s
noise and safety of the spaces and ensures a
after installing acoustic ceilings.[5]
see the other advantages you will achieve.
smoother integration of services and fittings.
62 % of building owners saw a positive
Our acoustic solutions integrate harmoniously Durability:
with the other building materials for a holistic
If a product is durable, it can endure
design as we offer a variety of colors, formats,
continued use over a long period. Durability
edges to address different artistic designs.
is a crucial factor when selecting materials as it will reflect on the level of maintenance.
The quality of light:
A durable construction product consumes
Light is an essential part of our life, and light
fewer resources, creates less waste, and
determines how we experience a space. But
its manufacturing impact is spread over
it’s also crucial for our wellbeing. For the best
long periods. Durability supports eco-
quality of light, the office should be illuminated
efficiency and secures progress towards
by as much natural sunlight as possible. The
sustainable consumption and production.
natural light should be spread equally through the room to minimize the usage of electricity
Modularity is key:
and artificial light. It’s an important aspect,
Now we have considered how to reduce
as office workers prefer to be near windows
distraction and create flexible, private and
because they provide good natural daylight.
engaging workspaces. But how flexible can
SOUNDS BEAUTIFUL [1] https://cdw-prod.adobecqms.net/content/dam/cdw/on-domain-cdw/brands/poly/poly-perils-ebook.pdf [2] Sykes, David; M., PhD, ”Productivity: How Acoustics Affect Workers’ Performance in Offices and Open Areas. https://mpsllc.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/Productivity.pdf [3]Dodge Data & Analytics, “Smart Market Report”, 2016 Pg. 06 [4] Dodge Data & Analytics, “Smart Market Report”, 2016 Pg. 07 [5] Dodge Data & Analytics, “Smart Market Report”, 2016 Pg. 06
ROCKFON T: +971 4 214 6280 E: rockfonme@rockfon.com ae.rockfon.com
110 Building Materials
CONSTRUCTION CHEMICALS MARKET TO REACH $1.09 BILLION BY 2027 A
n increase in demand from the infrastructure and construction industry, in tandem with a rise
in demand for green buildings, has been a boon to the growth of the Kingdom's construction chemicals market. A report, published by Allied Market Research, said that the Saudi construction chemicals market was $741.1 million in 2019 and is anticipated to touch $1.09 billion by 2027, increasing at a CAGR of 6.9% from 2020 to 2027. Despite this, a lack of awareness on the topic of concrete surface retarders impedes the market
C
growth. However, a swell in construction activities
M
is expected to open rewarding opportunities for
Y
companies within the industry in the years ahead.
CM
MY
DiSARuption of the Supply Chain
CY
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the lockdown,
CMY
construction activities and shipping of goods were
K
temporarily halted to help control the virus's spread. This hurt the demand for construction chemicals. The drawn-out lockdown resulted in diSARuption of the supply chain and raw material procurement. What is more, the unpredictability of raw material prices further weighed down demand. Product and Application Saudi Arabia's construction chemicals market is divided based on product and application. Based on product, the market is categorized into areas such as, but not limited to, concrete admixture, waterproofing and roofing chemicals, protective coatings, adhesive and sealants, industrial flooring, and asphalt additives. The waterproofing and roofing chemicals segment is expected to display the highest CAGR of 7.5% throughout the forecast period. Concerning application, the market is divided into residential, industrial/commercial, and infrastructure. The residential sector had the most significant share in 2019, contributing to just about half of the market. Furthermore, it is estimated that it will record the highest CAGR of 7% for the duration of the forecast period.
SAUDI CONSTRUCTION CHEMICALS MARKET $741.1 million in 2019 T o touch $1.09 billion by 2027 C AGR of 6.9% from 2020 to 2027 Waterproofing and roofing chemicals to hit CAGR of 7.5%
“ILF is proud of having been engaged in most of the key Water Transmission Systems in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia since 1977”.
www.ilf.com ilf.ksa@ilf.com
112 Nesma Water & Energy
DIVERSIFIED SERVICES, UNVARYING QUALITY WITH THE UTILITY MARKET BOOM IN 2010, THE NEED FOR A REGIONAL COMPANY TO LEAD THE WATER AND ENERGY SERVICES SECTOR IN SAUDI ARABIA BECAME ESSENTIAL. AS A RESULT, JUST ONE YEAR LATER, IN 2011, FOLLOWING CAREFUL CONSIDERATION BY SH. SALEH AL TURKI, ENG. MAHMOUD FALLATAH AND ENG. ABDUL AZIZ GABEL, NESMA WATER & ENERGY OPENED ITS DOORS FOR BUSINESS, QUICKLY EVOLVING INTO A LEADING REGIONAL PLAYER IN THE UTILITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SECTOR.
NW&E partners with international technology providers for advanced technical solutions as per its current business model, providing them with the required local infrastructure and logistics support and becoming their civil arm to execute various projects. A GROWING FOOTPRINT
A
NW&E has recently completed the fourth subsidiary of the Nesma Group,
Nesma is still operating the BWRO plant in
infrastructure project in King Abdullah
a privately owned Saudi Arabian
Dawadmi.
Economic City (KAEC) – the IV4 project
company established in 1979, Nesma Water
after successfully completing the IV2/
& Energy's (NW&E) first contract was for NWC
ADVANCED TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS
IV3 /Muruj projects. This underlines the
JCBU's Water Meters House Connections
With corporate headquarters in Jeddah and
confidence that customers have in the
project. This led to the prestigious Riyadh
branch offices in all major cities of the Kingdom,
capabilities and capacity of the company.
Water Supply Enhancement project
NW&E is a Class One contractor offering a full
award by NWC, with a total capacity
range of commercial construction, in addition to
It has also completed its ninth year in the
of 65,000 cum/day, 13 borewells, and
operation and maintenance services to support
cities of Dawadmi and Affif, starting with the
reservoirs with associated networks.
clients in both government and private sectors.
operation and maintenance of the cities and their surrounding villages in a span of 230km
This was a challenging task, with the
These services include, but are not
from 2011 to 2018, and ending in operating the
company contracted to complete the project
limited to:
BWRO treatment plant from 2018 up to now.
in a timeframe of just six months. NW&E
Seawater desalination.
The project is owned by NWC/MEWA. With the
rose to this challenge admirably, delivering
Water distribution network and
same client, the company has recently been
the project successfully, named the Best
wastewater collection
awarded 90,000 cum/day STP of Tabuk O&M.
Global Water Summit Project for 2014 by
Water and wastewater treatment plants
GWI, and was well received by NWC.
Storm water drainage systems
NW&E has crossed borders, too, venturing
Concrete and steel reservoirs
into other GCC countries. Its initial success has
NW&E also successfully operated and
Infrastructure and transmission systems
come from Bahrain, where it has won a contract
maintained Afif and Dawadmi total city
Information and control systems
with the Electricity and Water Authority.
wastewater management, which comprised
Operation and maintenance services
Apart from these, the company's first success
25 pumping stations, 20 borewells, and one
Sludge and solid waste reuse
in PPP business has come in the water and
thousand kilometers of network pipelines
Build Operate Own Transfer
wastewater sector at the Yanbu 4 Desalination
over an area of 230kms, 20 filling stations, and water meters for a period from 2012 to 2018.
(BOOT, BOO … etc.)
Plant, an SWRO to serve the Madina region.
Nesma Water & Energy 113
A VAST RESOURCE POOL
According to a recent survey, it is one of largest construction companies
NW&E has established a diversified portfolio of key technology and
in the Kingdom and, although the after effects of the Covid-19
international partners, allowing it to respond quickly to a dynamically
pandemic will continue to impact the world for the next couple of
changing marketplace. Through its partnerships and joint ventures,
years at least, NW&E looks at this as an opportunity to streamline
NW&E today offers a full range of commercial construction and 'operation
its operations and continue on a growth path. The impact on the
& maintenance services to support clients in both the government and
business world in the Kingdom is not so severe as elsewhere, and
private sectors. NW&E is a mid-size subsidiary with a total workforce of
from the beginning 2021, the 'curve' has been moving upwards.
less than 500 and an annual turnover in the region of 150-200 million SAR. PROVIDING ‘PEACE-OF-MIND’ AS STANDARD However, the Nesma Group employs more than 30,000 people, spread
'Nesma' is a well-known and highly respected brand name in Saudi Arabia,
out across the entire Kingdom, with an annual turnover exceeding 10
having more than 40 companies in different segments of the market
billion SAR. This gives it a depth of resources and expertise that allow it
that cater to the needs of a diversified client base. Moreover, with more
to attract blue-chip that refuse to compromise on quality workmanship.
than four decades of experience, it has accumulated a level of expertise that provides customers with confidence and total peace of mind.
These clients include leading names such as SWPC, NWC, MEWA, MODON, KAEC, and EWA-Bahrain. The company has
Looking to the future, the company is moving into the PPP market in
traditionally been focused on executing projects in Saudi Arabia
the water and wastewater industry and is focused on being a leading
but is now slowly expanding its operations further afield.
regional player throughout the entire GCC in this sector, becoming a principal developer and EPC contractors over the next five years.
MOVING BEYOND THE PANDEMIC Even with the impact of Covid-19, Saudi Arabia is continuing to move forwards by announcing many IWPs, ISTPs and other infrastructure
NESMA WATER AND ENERGY
projects. Nesma, as one of the leading conglomerates in the Kingdom,
T: 966 12 234 6213
is fully poised to take full participation in this ongoing growth.
nesmawater@nesma.com www.nesmawae.com www.nesma.com