< PreviousVALUE OF JUBAIL ISLAND PROJECT $2.7BN | THE BIG PICTURE | 20 FEBRUARY 2023 Lead Development launched The Souk, Jubail Island’s modern and vibrant destination, which is the main link connecting the six villages across the island, providing residents with a central hub that combines wellbeing, connectivity, leisure, retail and commercial services. The central hub of The Souk includes a mosque, nursery, clinic, sports gym, supermarket, and restaurants. [Image: Supplied]FEBRUARY 2023 21 | THE BIG PICTURE || COVER STORY | 22 FEBRUARY 2023 SETTING BENCHMARKS Faisal Bouzo and Tarek Al Ajlani, the co-founders and managing partners of Construction & Planning Co., on delivering a proven track record of prestigious projects that are shaping the skyline of Saudi Arabia Words by: Angitha Pradeep | Images: Supplied| COVER STORY | FEBRUARY 2023 23 Construction & Planning Co. (C&P) co-founders and managing partners Faisal Bouzo and Tarek Al Ajlani have a clear vision for their company: to deliver a track record of prestigious projects that produce iconic landmarks in Saudi Arabia. The partners have achieved these objectives as a result of their extensive experience working on a multifaceted range of projects, which has enabled them to attain excellence in all aspects of the construction process. As well as the company’s strong emphasis on deploying the latest technologies and techniques has ensured that their projects are not only visually impressive but also built to last. Construction Week Middle East recently sat down with Bouzo and Al Ajlani, to discuss the company’s vision and approach to building iconic landmarks in Saudi Arabia. C&P’s project value for its current pipeline of projects is set to exceed $266.2 million (SAR 1 billion) thanks to their focus on mega structural and fit- out projects. The company has set itself apart by offering turnkey solutions, from idea to conception to full implementation and delivery. This includes ensuring that C&P is in charge of construction, fit-out, MEP, and project management. They also specialise in high-end mega-fit-out projects, ensuring that all aspects of a project are handled in-house. “One of the main keys to our success is the use of high-quality expertise from project directors to project managers and architects. As a result, all the required personnel have the appropriate expertise to take part efficiently in each of the projects we are working on,” says Bouzo. C&P has also experienced significant growth, now having over 13 offices in Saudi Arabia and have expanded its back offices in Saudi and to Egypt. Bouzo points out that backup support from Cairo is to facilitate and cater to the projects in the kingdom. He adds: “We are focusing on the development of the skyline of Riyadh, which is contributing to Vision 2030, an ambitious plan by the kingdom, C&P has delivered over 50 theatres for AMC Cinemas in the kingdom, since 2019. The projects for AMC Cinemas are executed on a design and build basis.| COVER STORY | 24 FEBRUARY 2023 enabling a very healthy market and a healthy appetite for growth within the Saudi market.” According to the International Monetary Fund, Saudi Arabia is set to grow at the fastest pace in a decade. Furthermore, a report from August 2022 mentions that the authorities’ continued implementation of Vision 2030 policies will help diversify and liberalise the economy and thus pave the way to more stable growth. The kingdom’s cornerstones Over the last few years, C&P has created not only functional but aesthetically pleasing structures, paying attention to every detail, from materials used to colours and textures of the finished product. Bouzo elaborates on C&P’s current megaprojects in the kingdom: “We are currently working on multiple megaprojects, one of which is Tadawul, or the Saudi Stock Exchange, for which we have been selected as the main fit-out contractor to develop and execute the LEED-certified building. Spanning over 18,000m2, we are implementing fit-out services across eight floors at its new headquarters (HQ). “With JLL as the managing party, our scope of work includes fit- out and MEP, and as always, we are applying our signature trademark, which is high-end quality in terms of implementation, timely delivery, and finishing.” One of the projects in progress is the Twenty Five Mall, set to launch in 2024 in Riyadh, for which C&P is the main contractor. He adds that C&P has also executed the fit-out for Saudi National Bank’s (SNB) HQ, a 40-storey tower located at the heart of Financial Plaza, in Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District. “Surrounded by a grouped cluster of high-rise towers, SNB’s innovative tower features a bold design and 3D façade giving the building a distinctive presence.” While C&P is one of the leading fit- out service providers in the kingdom, they have also transitioned to a mega- construction company over the last few years, expanding its services to provide all-trade projects. Bouzo explains: “This means that the scope of work now includes everything from construction to fit-out, including MEP, and landscape and irrigation of the entire project. This allows us to provide a comprehensive and cohesive service to our clients, ensuring that all aspects of the project are completed to the highest standards and the client’s complete satisfaction. Moreover, by maintaining control over all aspects and stages of a project, we are able to ensure that our “WE ARE FOCUSING ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SKYLINE OF RIYADH, WHICH IS CONTRIBUTING TO VISION 2030, AN AMBITIOUS PLAN BY THE KINGDOM, ENABLING A VERY HEALTHY MARKET AND A HEALTHY APPETITE FOR GROWTH WITHIN THE SAUDI MARKET.” FAISAL BOUZO, CO-FOUNDER AND MANAGING PARTNER, C&P projects are delivered in accordance with our strict standards and specifications. “Another one of our major projects, for which we are the main contractor, is the Twenty Five Mall project, which is funded by Alinma Invest and developed by Retail Real Estate Co., with Henning Larsen Architects as the design consultant. It’s set to launch in the summer of 2024 and will be a premium mall located on Prince Turki bin Abdulaziz Al Awwal road in the Mohammadiah District in Riyadh. The mall will feature outdoor shopping, retail shops, restaurants, coffee shops, and entertainment options, including cinemas and office spaces. The approximate investment for this project is $43.6 million (SAR 164 million).” Al Ajlani states that the Twenty Five Mall has a total area of around 41,000m2 of exterior complex and is designed with a nice mix of concrete, metal, and glass. According to him, the result is a modern and visually striking space that will be a popular destination for shoppers and visitors. “Another project we’re currently developing is the La Perle Mall in Jeddah. It’s funded by Jadwa Investment and owned by our sister company, First Avenue For Real Estate Development. Located on Sari Street - a very prominent neighbourhood, La Perle has a total built- up area of 12,000m2.” Specialised expertise C&P is working on delivering for its current fit-out projects in the pipeline, a collective built-up area of 137,000m2, according to Bouzo. He also elaborates that the company has various upscale projects in diverse sectors, including commercial, corporate, healthcare, F&B, and entertainment, among others. “In the booming entertainment industry in the kingdom, we are the roll- out/fit-out contractor for AMC Cinemas,” Al Ajlani says. He elaborates on C&P’s involvement with AMC Cinemas: “As the | COVER STORY | FEBRUARY 2023 25 partner of choice for AMC Cinemas, C&P is proud to have eight cinemas, with 50 theatres combined, across the kingdom, including in locations such as Al Khair and Aziziyah in Riyadh, Hafar Al-Batin, Al Duwadimi, Jeddah, Ajdan and Hofuf. “Since 2019, our relationship with AMC has been incredibly fruitful, and we are responsible for executing their cinemas in both urban and rural areas, and we complete these projects on a full design and build basis.” Additionally, Al Ajlani explains that C&P focuses on implementing its specialised expertise in developing cinemas, which comprises the full scope of work, including acoustics studies, seating arrangements, insulation, technical placements, and visitor navigation, all managed in-house. He adds: “We have a robust supply chain for materials such as acoustic panels, seating options, food concession materials, and lighting controls. Additionally, we work with specialised suppliers for the surround sound system while managing the process ourselves. “Meanwhile, C&P’s portfolio of projects in the retail sector include EL&N London, Starbucks, and Crate & Barrel, among others,” Al Ajlani explains, adding that the company has, over the years, also been the fit- out partner of choice for government company HQs, including Saudi Downtown Company, Saudi Investment Recycling Company, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the 2020 G20 Riyadh Summit, The Royal Commission of AlUla, The Red Sea Global (previously The Red Sea Development Company), and the Public Investment Fund. C&P staff on-site. C&P is the main contractor for La Perle Mall in Jeddah.| COVER STORY | 26 FEBRUARY 2023 He points out that in the private sector, C&P has implemented the HQ for consulting firm Strategy& with impressive designs that were built with employees’ comfort in mind, featuring spacious workspaces and contemporary designs. Similarly, C&P has provided complete fit-out services for the HQs of Deloitte, Softbank, and Alamar – managing company for Domino’s Pizza, and Saudi AZM. Meanwhile, Al Ajlani states that one of the healthcare sector projects C&P has completed is the National Care Hospital, where they were responsible for the construction and fit-out services. Elaborating on the methodology that has allowed C&P to work across sectors on multiple projects, Bouzo says: “At C&P, our success is centred on the hard work and dedication of our employees, as well as the efficient internal structure we have established. “Our decision to expand our back office teams to manage and support the execution of our growing portfolio of projects in the kingdom has proven to be extremely beneficial. It has allowed us to effectively manage various aspects of our projects, from design to delivery, resulting in improved project outcomes.” “Additionally, we have fully adopted BIM modelling in our design process. BIM modelling allows us to map out the entire process in 3D, and has proven to be an effective tool in saving time,” Al Ajlani continues. “Unlike static shop drawings, BIM modelling allows us to identify and address potential risks, conflicts, or clashes early-on in the pre- construction phase.” Using a model-first approach allows for the creation of a virtual prototype of a proposed project, giving all stakeholders a clear and detailed understanding of the project, he notes, adding: “A fully integrated BIM environment enables the collection and dissemination of information from the start of the project, ensuring all parties are kept informed and aligned with the evolving designs.” Core competencies “At C&P, our commitment to quality is at the forefront of everything we do,” says Bouzo when asked about the company’s success as a preferred contractor for new and existing clients. “We pride ourselves on ensuring that our work is of the highest standard, delivered on time, and at an appropriate price point. These three pillars have allowed us to maintain our reputation in the market.” He explains that the company’s reputation is evident in its many repeat One of C&P’s in-progress projects is the AlArgan Strip Mall. C&P is EL&N London’s roll-out general contractor and has since delivered multiple projects in Saudi. clients, including but not limited to PIF, AMC Cinemas, EL&N, and others. “We have established ourselves as a trusted roll-out contractor in the Saudi market, where word of mouth is highly valued,” he says. He also highlights that many of C&P’s clients had initially approached them for one project but then went on to work with them on multiple projects, cultivating long-lasting relationships. “EL&N London is a great example; initially, we were employed as their fit-out contractor for their branch in Panorama Mall in Riyadh. Now, we have | COVER STORY | FEBRUARY 2023 27 completed two more projects for them in Riyadh Park and Riyadh Front, and are currently working on more branches for them.” Furthermore, Al Ajlani and Bouzo emphasise the company’s contributions to the development of many governmental projects, stating that the firm takes pride in meeting the challenges posed by an increasingly aware clientele. They acknowledge that the clients’ demands have become more sophisticated, and expectations for speed of delivery have increased. However, they also emphasise that C&P gives equal priority to all projects, ensuring that all are delivered within the agreed-upon timeline and scope of work while maintaining their “world- class quality standards.” When asked to elaborate on how C&P maintains its quality standard, Bouzo says: “We launched SMEP, a specialised MEP company, which allows us to focus on MEP works as a major core segment in projects. With SMEP, we can diversify our offerings by focusing more on industrial electromechanical projects, and cater to huge governmental and area projects.” He also highlights the launch of BACH Industrial, a company specialising in metal industrial works such as conveyors, batching plants, and all the steelwork required by C&P, which also acts as a supplier to C&P with materials needed for projects. He also spoke about C&P’s carpentry factory: “The team within the carpentry factory are extremely skilled at recreating the materials required from woodworks to furnishings to all the “WE PRIDE OURSELVES ON ENSURING THAT OUR WORK IS OF THE HIGHEST STANDARD, DELIVERED ON TIME, AND AT AN APPROPRIATE PRICE POINT. THESE THREE PILLARS HAVE ALLOWED US TO MAINTAIN OUR REPUTATION IN THE MARKET.” TAREK AL AJLANI, CO-FOUNDER AND MANAGING PARTNER, C&P Strategy&’s HQ was built with employees’ comfort in mind, featuring spacious workspaces and contemporary designs. accessories, the props and materials needed within the project and was founded solely to accommodate extensive carpentry works required for the company’s projects.” Bouzo explains that these divisions allow C&P to provide tailor-made solutions and services for its projects and take up projects of its own. Adding to this, Bouzo says that they are looking forward to expanding C&P’s services to the UAE and Oman within the GCC. Localisation in the kingdom Faisal highlights the company’s commitment to supporting the localisation of employment in the kingdom. “We are witnessing quite remarkable Saudi talents – both males and females – as designers, engineers, and leaders in our company, taking on technical and managerial positions. C&P is also actively involved in multiple CSR programmes that focus on providing internships to architecture and engineering students. “Many of them have ended up joining us as full-time employees, while others have gone on to have successful, enriching careers after their training with us,” he says. He also acknowledges the vital role that women play within the company’s workforce: “About 50% of our company’s team leaders are women, and they occupy executive roles, such as designers, coordinators, specialists, and even in procurement and finance departments.” As we wind down the conversation, it’s clear that Bouzo and Al Ajlani’s leadership and commitment to excellence are the driving force behind C&P’s success. “We are passionate about creating iconic landmarks that will stand the test of time and make a lasting impact on the built environment of Saudi Arabia,” says Al Ajlani. Meanwhile, Bouzo adds that the contracting industry is seeing significant changes due to technological advancements, increased focus on sustainability, and a shift towards integrated project delivery methods. “Our emphasis on changing and evolving with the times and adapting our practices so as to become a mega contracting company has been the main key to our success,” he concludes. | KSA FOCUS | 28 FEBRUARY 2023 Marzouq Al Harbi, the CEO of Mofarreh Al Harbi, outlines how the rm is creating sustainable solutions and supporting the infrastructure needs of the growing urban population in the kingdom Specialising in earthworks, mining, oil & gas, infrastructure, and construction projects, Mofarreh Al Harbi (MAH) is an established company based in Saudi Arabia with over 40 years of experience in the field. In addition to earthworks projects, MAH is an expert in infrastructure, roads, bridges, tunnels, landscapes, temporary construction facilities, camps, utilities, commercial buildings and industrial, and O&M projects. In 2022, MAH attained significant accomplishments, one being recognised as the top contractor in Saudi Arabia in 2021 by the Saudi Contractors Authority. In addition, the company has completed five projects with SEVEN, one project with the Royal Commission of AlUla, and 18 projects for NEOM, solidifying its position as a leading player in the industry. In an interview with Construction Week Middle East, Marzouq Al Harbi, the CEO of MAH, noted the company’s comprehensive track record of successfully executing projects and its dedication to realising the kingdom’s ambitious visions. “Our projects are not only aligned with Vision 2030 but also with the broader socio-economic objectives outlined in the National Transformation Program 2020.” He added: “This entails that all aspects of our projects, from planning to operations and logistics, are tailored to promote economic development and social progress throughout the country. Additionally, the company is firmly committed to collaborating with government and private entities to guarantee that these projects meet the national goals and objectives outlined by Vision 2030.” MAH has collaborated with private and government entities and has executed infrastructure works for several mega and gigaprojects, among others. Al Harbi elaborated on the importance of collaboration: “The company places a strong emphasis on delivering projects with the necessary quality, on time and within budget as a key factor to achieving client satisfaction. Utilising our experienced team and own equipment, we operate under the principle that ‘together we can succeed’. “We also value incorporating new and advanced equipment in our field and are committed to researching and Marzouq Al Ha outlines ho ltid BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE KSAFEBRUARY 2023 29 | KSA FOCUS | implementing new technologies to improve our operations and resources.” Technological prowess MAH is dedicated to utilising the latest technologies in the areas of environment, technical, engineering, surveying, safety, and execution to deliver optimal results. Al Harbi pointed out that incorporating technology in any project is a crucial aspect of achieving success. “Three key strategies should guide the adoption of technology: scalability, collaboration, and security,” he stated, adding that scalability pertains to the capability of a system to grow and adapt to shifting demands, while collaboration guarantees that all parties are aligned with the organisation’s goals and objectives. Further elaborating on security, Al Harbi noted that data privacy and security protocols must also be established timely to safeguard against attempts to steal or compromise sensitive data. As a mission-driven company, MAH is already anticipating solutions for the future, where 68% of the world’s population will live in major cities by 2050. “As a part of our vision, we’re looking to help our clients find solutions and build infrastructure for the upcoming urban population growth,” he said. Sustainable development The CEO also highlighted some of the critical issues that will affect the world population and how MAH can help to resolve them. “CO2 and global warming are major concerns; we are experiencing the highest historical carbon dioxide levels in the past three glacial cycles spanning 400,000+ years, a major contributor to global warming,” Al Harbi said. “Clean energy is also a major concern, with fossil fuels - a non-renewable resource - being one of the main sources of greenhouse gas emissions which contribute to global warming.” “Water is another fundamental issue. Due to absorbing increased levels of carbon dioxide since the industrial revolution, oceans are becoming more acidic, affecting marine life and the food chain that we depend on. Moreover, only 1% of freshwater is easily accessible to people, and we are mismanaging this finite resource through pollution and waste. In addition, freshwater shortage will become an increasingly pressing issue with our strong population expansion,” he explained. The CEO acknowledged that during the last decades, generations were busy industrialising society without considering the full-cycle impact of production and consumption. However, today, MAH is becoming more aware of these issues and feels a responsibility to resolve them. “MAH is in a great position to increase this awareness further and leverage its own sustainable actions,” he stated. Concluding the conversation, Al Harbi noted that in the short term, MAH is planning to increase its equipment fleet to cover Vision 2030 projects and establish a soil improvement division. He explained that this would allow the company to serve its clients better and support the infrastructure needs of the future. “In the long-term, MAH plans to expand its services to cover all equipment disciplines and become one of the biggest and best contractors in the MENA region. This will enable the company to provide comprehensive solutions and support the region’s infrastructure needs,” he concluded. MAH has completed ve projects with SEVEN, one project with RCU, and 18 projects for NEOM. Marzouq Al Harbi, CEO, Mofarreh Al Harbi.Next >