ITP MEDIA GROUP / BUSINESS APRIL 2021 • ISSUE 774 CONSTRUCTION FIRMS DRIVING GROWTH IN SAUDI ARABIA CONTENTS APRIL 2021 • ISSUE 774 We independently review the Top 50 Construction Firms shaping Saudi Arabia’s built environment supported by the Vision 2030 agenda CO V ER S TOR Y 10 INTERVIEW Terraco outlines how its partnerships are “evolving” the modular construction landscape EDITOR’S LETTER Ashley Williams re ects on the need to shift focus to inclusion as part of International Women’s Day BIG PICTURE Bahrain’s Diyar Al Muharraq’s tourist destination takes shape with the launch of “Mazoon” KSA INFRA SUMMIT Construction Week shares key takeaways from the two-day virtual KSA Infrastructure Summit 2021 PROJECT UPDATE As the economy opens back up from the COVID-19 pandemic, CW resumes site visits across the GCC 9 38 40 42 46 STAT OF THE MONTH $4.1BN CONTRACTS FOR BAHRAIN Bahrain Tender Board revealed “robust gures” for 2020 as part of the govt’s infra ambitions QUOTE OF THE MONTH IWD:“NOT JUST A TICK IN A BOX” CW speaks with prominent people in the industry who are challenging stereotypes 08 06 EVENTS Construction Week unveils its exciting pipeline of events including Leaders Egypt on the 14th July, Leaders KSA & KSA Awards on the 8th September and Women in Construction in October 2021 50 APRIL 2021 CONSTRUCTION WEEK 3WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM4 CONSTRUCTION WEEK APRIL 2021WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM PUBLISHED BY AND © 2021 ITP MEDIA GROUP FZ-LLC. PO Box 500024, Dubai, United Arab Emirates TEL +971 4 444 3000 WEB : www.itp.com Offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, London & Mumbai ITP MEDIA GROUP CEO Ali Akawi MANAGING DIRECTOR Alex Reeve EDITORIAL CW EDITOR ashley.williams@itp.com CW DIGITAL EDITOR ranju.warrier@itp.com CW MULTIMEDIA REPORTER disha.dadlani@itp.com MEP EDITOR anup.oommen@itp.com PMV EDITOR dennis.daniel@itp.com FM EDITOR rajiv.pillai@itp.com ADVERTISING COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR Saraswati Agarwal TEL +971 4 444 3352, EMAIL saraswati.agarwal@itp.com SENIOR SALES MANAGER Moutaz Gadelhak TEL +971 4 444 3177, EMAIL moutaz.gadelhak@itp.com ITP LIVE GENERAL MANAGER Ahmad Bashour TEL +971 4 444 3549, EMAIL ahmad.bashour@itp.com STUDIO SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERS Efraim Evidor, Adel Rashid STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Aasiya Jagadeesh, Ajith Narendra, Fritz John Asuro PRODUCTION & DISTRIBUTION GROUP PRODUCTION & DISTRIBUTION DIRECTOR Kyle Smith PRODUCTION MANAGER Basel Al Kassem PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR Mahendra Pawar SENIOR IMAGE EDITOR Emmalyn Robles CIRCULATION DISTRIBUTION & WAREHOUSE MANAGER Praveen Nair MARKETING DIRECTOR OF AWARDS & MARKETING Daniel Fewtrell ITP GROUP CEO Ali Akawi CFO Toby Jay Spencer-Davies WEB www.ConstructionWeekOnline.com SUBSCRIBE online at www.itp.com/subscriptions NOTICE The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for errors or omissions contained in this publication, however caused. 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MEDIA WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM The most important project, contract, and tender information, updated every week To have your copy of Construction Week delivered to your doorstep, subscribe by logging on to www.itp.com/subscriptionsMARBLE GRANITE QUARTZITE ONYX TRAVERTINE QUARTZ PRECIOUS STONE Surface Solutions, Designed By Nature www.glaze.ae/ SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSttttttttttttttttttttttaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaatttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuurrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrriiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiioooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbblllllllllllllllllllllllleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeQUOTE OF THE MONTH WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM6 CONSTRUCTION WEEK APRIL 2021 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2021: “BEYOND A TICK IN THE BOX” Aligned with International Women’s Day 2021, Construction Week, “broke ground” on its first panel discussion, shedding light on a pertinent topic - diversity and inclusion - within the industry, featuring an exciting panel of members ranging from the boardroom and to the site. Disha Dadlani, Multimedia Reporter at Construction Week was joined by Kathleen McGrail, Managing Director – Advisory Services for WSP Middle East; Catherine Workman, Partner and Head of Middle East at Pinsent Masons; Vanja Dimitrijevic, structural engineer at WME; Bushra Anwar, Associate, Electrical Services at Cundall; and Gosia Baron, Associate Principal, CallisonRTKL. Speaking at the panel, Workman stressed: “Everybody should be given a role because of their suitability and not because they’re a tick in the box.” There is much talk about the improvements being made in terms of gender diversity and inclusion at the workplace, especially for the construction industry. But, are we there yet? Are depictions of roles still gender-specific? Commenting on this, Anwar made a strong point as she said, “I want to be identified as an engineer, not a female engineer.” The narrative will change only when the industry takes conscious steps to drive that change. Being a bystander of the industry’s happenings isn’t enough. If we talk about change, it is crucial that the industry is at the forefront of driving that change, the panel agreed. “I have held biases myself; it’s embedded into all of us, but I think this is changing. We all need to collectively work on it,” Dimitrijevic said. Baron added: “It’s time we engage our male colleagues in our efforts as well.” “If we keep it only between the female members, I don’t think it will garner the impact it requires. It is crucial to receive the support from male peers as well to drive this change we’re aiming for.” Diversity and inclusion must be practised in conjunction; this was the sentiment Construction Week gathered during the panel. Addressing the growing need for this, McGrail said: “Our clients are pushing us to have more blended teams.” The panel deliberated on a variety of pertinent topics including the change in on-site roles and functions to suit female members of the industry, the need to revaluate hiring strategies and gender diversity at the workplace, going beyond diversity to shift the spotlight onto inclusion and more. Traditionally male-dominated, the industry has welcomed more female voices and faces, many of whom we have hosted on Construction Week’s Expert Interviews series on YouTube and Construction Week Viewpoint podcasts. Scan the QR code below to watch the panel In conversation with Construction Week, industry members discuss their expertise, upcoming projects, 2021 strategies and the need to practise diversity and inclusion in tandem [L-R] Bushra Anwar, Associate, Electrical Services at Cundall; Vanja Dimitrijevic, structural engineer at WME; Disha Dadlani, Multimedia Reporter, Construction Week, Kathleen McGrail, Managing Director – Advisory Services for WSP Middle East; Catherine Workman, Partner and Head of Middle East at Pinsent Masons; and Gosia Baron, Associate Principal, CallisonRTKL [Image: ITP Photographer | Efraim Evidor]STAT OF THE MONTH BAHRAIN AWARDS 1,688 TENDERS CONTRACTS THROUGH 2020 AT A VALUE OF $4.1BN Bahrain’s Tender Board has revealed in its latest set of data that it awarded 1,688 tenders in 2020 worth a total of $4.1bn. The yearly summary showed year- on-year contract awards were down by $700,000 compared to 2019. However, the Bahrain Tender Board said these “robust figures” come despite the impact of COVID-19 on the global economy. In terms of value of contracts, the oil sector took on 228 tenders worth $1.6bn followed by the construction and engineering industry, winning 317 tenders worth a combined $875.7m. The Bahrain Tender Board said it’s continued progression for the oil and construction sector underscores the government’s continued commitment to its extensive pipeline of major infrastructure projects, currently valued at approximately $32bn. Other notable contract awards came from Bahrain’s Ministry of Health (MoH), which saw a sizeable increase over last year – in terms of both number of tenders issued and value of tenders. In 2019 the MoH awarded 93 tenders, valued at approximately $123.8m. In 2020 the MoH awarded 137 tenders valued at $298.1m – a near threefold increase in value. Commenting on the new figures, the Chairman of the Tender Board, Shaikh Nayef bin Khalid Al Khalifa said: “2020 has proven one of the most challenging and unpredictable years globally for businesses in all sectors across the board.” “Despite these less than friendly conditions, throughout the year, Bahrain has awarded an impressive 1,688 contracts valued at well over $4bn.” He added: “This dynamic performance BAHRAIN AWARDS 1,688 TENDERS CONTRACTS TTHHRROOUUGGHH 22002200 AATT AA VVAALLUUEE OOFF $$44.11BBNN According to data released by Bahrain’s Tender Board, the year- on-year results are down by $700,000 compared to 2019 is indicative of Bahrain’s commitment and ability to remain open for business even in times of crisis. The Kingdom’s extensive, multi-billion dollar pipeline of infrastructure projects is a case in point, and has driven the consistently high value of contracts in the our thriving construction and engineering sector throughout the year.” At the start of 2020, HM King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, King of Bahrain, issued Decree 1 of 2020 reforming the Bahrain Tender Board at the time. The board is chaired by Chief Executive Officer of the kingdom’s Urban Planning and Development Authority, HE Shaikh Nayef bin Khalid Al Khalifa. The board features the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning, Ahmed Abdulaziz Al-Khayyat in the position of the Deputy CEO. 8 CONSTRUCTION WEEK APRIL 2021WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM Bahrain Bay is among the many projects in the kingdom currently taking shape [Image: Bahrain Bay]MODULAR CONSTRUCTION CONTRIBUTES TO FAST, COST-EFFECTIVE & SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS MODULAR CONSTRUCTION CONTRIBUTES TO FAST, COST-EFFECTIVE & SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS Terraco’s Group Product Systems Manager, Thomas Ryle, talks to Construction Week about how the modularisation trend is “evolving” through its partnerships The concept of modular construction was an instant hit in the US when it was first introduced in 1908, for economy housing. This was mainly because of market requirement for a quick and economical construction solution. Today, modular construction has evolved substantially by integrating various planning and application technologies along with the use of sustainable building materials which contribute to speed and economy. The construction industry demands less downtime and minimal disruption to project flow. Modularisation saves time and provides certainty on delivery because of its factory-based production. It improves safety and minimises disruption by significantly reducing the on-site construction work. Mass production of precast materials results in less wastage, effectively cutting down the cost. Moreover, use of advanced technology ensures product durability and versatility. Terraco, a global manufacturer of sustainable construction materials, has partnered with several modular manufacturers across the world and is evolving with the modularisation trend. Thomas Ryle, Group Product Systems Manager talks to Construction Week about how Terraco’s products were engineered in line with modular manufacturers with a strong focus on sustainability and how Terraco’s product innovations help solve real world issues of modular construction. Enhancing utility When sourcing products for modular construction, the manufacturers look for versatility in application. Explaining the flexibility and utility of the products, Ryle says: “Terraco’s cementitious and acrylic renders for interior walls and ceilings are extremely versatile and have multiple uses. The manufacturer has the option to apply a final coat of texture, or leave it as it is, or apply ceiling paint without the need for a primer. This gives manufacturers multiple options to utilise product functionality depending on product specifications.” Engineered durability advantage Our technical team works closely with modular manufacturers and identifies surface cracks to be a vital challenge during production. May it be facade, joint or structural cracks, the impact could be devastating. Precast units are transported over long distances usually on road or sea, which exposes them to a lot of movement and vibrations. The construction materials used need to be designed in a way to accommodate this movement with the right balance of flexibility and durability. Ryle adds: “Terraco’s bonding agents are formulated to control the residual release of agents on the surface of the precast panels. This ensures that the panels are joined securely. The same applies to Terraco’s acrylic-based mastics used in jointing and filling gaps between structure panels. Its non-shrink grouts are best for narrow void grouting and anchoring different types of fixings, creating sturdy and stable structures.” Speeding up production One of the main reasons for the growth of modularisation is the enhancement in speed of construction. Modular manufacturers automate production lines that streamline production processes and boost output speed. Ryle says: “Terraco products help manufacturers cut production labour- hours in many ways. For example, with Terraco’s self-levelling flooring compounds, preparing a surface to become flat and smooth is less extensive and requires less time. These products can expedite the production process.” Key Partnerships Terraco has been actively working on multiple projects across the globe. One of the recent projects was to create modular retail pods for a key partner in Dubai, UAE where Terraco offered a complete modular solution consisting of high-quality waterproofing products with high performance primers and bonding agents. Ryle explains that “Terraco’s strength lies in providing tailored solutions for the prefab and modular industry which consist of high quality, environmentally friendly, easy to apply finishing materials”. INTERVIEW APRIL 2021 CONSTRUCTION WEEK 9WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COMNext >