< Previous| CITY FOCUS | 10 DECEMBER 2023 Foster + Partners will be the lead designer and planning head, while Bjarke Ingels Group has been appointed as architects, alongside Turkish practices DB Architects and KEYM F ollowing the devastating earthquake in February 2023, Türkiye Design Council (TDC) has brought together the world’s best architects and designers to start the long-term process of revitalising its historic province, Hatay, situated in southeast Türkiye. TDC has convened 13 design practices composed of leading experts in architecture, design, engineering, environmental sustainability, culture, heritage, and archaeology, including British design fi rm Foster + Partners and New York City-based Bjarke Ingels Group. Foster + Partners will be the lead designer and planning head, while globally renowned Bjarke Ingels Group has been signed as architects, alongside Turkish practices DB Architects and KEYM. Collectively they are working towards a vision for the next era of Hatay that ensures it is resilient, sustainable, and liveable for TÜRKIYE BEGINS LONG-TERM PROCESS OF REVITALISING ITS HISTORIC PROVINCE ‘HATAY’ place, and we have an enormous responsibility to its people and to honour its rich past while ensuring its vitality as a modern city continues for generations to come,” he noted. With an estimated 80% of the central city of Antakya destroyed during the earthquake, there is an urgent need and opportunity to reimagine the city for future generations with improved climate resilience, connectivity, and social and environmental well-being. The location of central districts, administrative buildings and new infrastructure must all be considered. Described as a mosaic of archaeological and historic religious features, it is the site of two signifi cant ancient cities: Seleukeia Pieria and Antiokheia. Plans will be refl ective of this, incorporating the restoration of important sites such as the Uzun Bazaar, churches, mosques, bathhouses, and synagogues to reassert its skyline and reputation for religious tolerance. generations to come while preserving its 2,300-year-old cultural heritage and identity. Over the coming months and years, TDC aims to create a new global approach to rebuilding cities after natural disasters that brings together the world’s best architects whilst giving the local community of Hatay a voice in their city’s recovery. Hatay will become a global exemplar for earthquake recovery, taking best practice principles from around the world and applying them to its truly unique context, it stated. Mehmet Kalyoncu, Chairman of the Türkiye Design Council, said, “Following the earthquake, we experienced the biggest-ever global cooperation for the relief eff ort. Now, we want this to be the biggest-ever global collaboration of experts to shape the next era of Hatay. “This province, and its centre Antakya, are places of great signifi cance to humanity, both culturally and historically. It is a centuries-old Join the number one: difc.ae/make-enquiry Join the #1 financial centre for a sustainable future When you join the number one financial centre in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, you will work with us to drive a more sustainable future. Our industry leading approach includes powering the Dubai Sustainable Finance Working Group, which is the first initiative of its kind in the UAE. We also have an active year-long Path to COP28 campaign with the Global Ethical Finance Initiative which has led the industry towards supporting a sustainable future. We are proud that more than 80 per cent of our clients already include environmental, social and governance principles in their decision making. Sustainability is incorporated into everything we do, and we are committed to being a catalyst for good.| NEWS | 12 DECEMBER 2023 The Dubai Metro Blue Line will reportedly feature 14 stations, including seven elevated stops, one of which will be ‘iconic’ Dubai’s Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) has invited contractors to express their interest in a substantial infrastructure project. According to a notice issued by the entity, RTA is welcoming contractors to engage in the planning and construction of the Dubai Metro network’s new Blue Line. In this initiative, international contractors are expected to form partnerships with local counterparts. The scope of this extensive project includes civil works, electromechanical works, rolling stock, and rail systems. Moreover, the selected contractor will play a pivotal role in the maintenance and operations of the new line for an initial three- year period upon completion. The upcoming Blue Line is intended to connect the current Red and Green lines, spanning a total distance of 30 kilometres. About half of this distance, roughly 15.5 kilometres, will be situated underground, while the remaining 14.5 kilometres will be elevated above the ground. This line is expected to comprise a total of 14 stations, with seven of them being elevated stops. Notably, one of these elevated stations will be of iconic signifi cance. Additionally, there will be fi ve underground stations, which will include an interchange station and two elevated transfer stations that will link to Centrepoint and Creek stations. In addition to the railway infrastructure, the contract includes the supply of 28 driverless trains, the construction of a depot capable of accommodating up to 60 trains, and the development of associated roads, facilities, and utility diversion works. This expansion project, which is reportedly estimated to cost several billion dollars, aligns with Dubai’s urban development plans, particularly the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan unveiled in March 2021. It expects a high increase in the emirate’s population, with a projected rise to 5.8 RTA’S DUBAI METRO TO SEE A 30KM BLUE LINE EXPANSION million residents by 2040, up from 3.3 million in 2020. The daytime population is expected to surge from 4.5 million in 2020 to 7.8 million in 2040. Highlighting the commitment to enhancing residents’ quality of life and reducing commute times, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, approved the 20-Minute City strategy in December 2022 as part of the second phase of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. The expansion of the metro system is a key component of Dubai’s strategy to provide residents with 80% of their daily needs within a 20-minute travel radius, whether on foot or by bicycle. This initiative will include the establishment of integrated service centres and a concentration of population density around mass transit stations, contributing to a more accessible and effi cient urban landscape. 42KM MARATHON • 10KM ROAD RACE • 4KM FUN RUN Sunday 7th January Register now at dubaimarathon.org Run for the chance to win an EXEED RX *T&Cs Apply| PROJECTS | 14 DECEMBER 2023 PMR Property’s latest project, The Rings, is a development designed to consist of two independent buildings, each housing a selection of exclusive mansions. Each mansion will occupy two or three entire fl oors. Ranging from 9,000 to 16,000 sq ft, the units will boast double-height living areas that feature private amenities like cinemas, swimming pools, elevators, and more. THE RINGS Inspired by the aesthetic of traditional Mediterranean homes, Bloom’s Granada will feature low-rise apartment buildings centred around community living. The fi rst phase encompasses a variety of residential units across eight luxury four-story buildings. The one-, two-, and three- bedroom apartments, will include generous living spaces, sweeping balconies, and access to top-class amenities. GRANADA PROJECT LAUNCH Construction Week Middle East unveils the most anticipated, innovative, and creative project launches in November 2023, ranging from branded residences to vibrant urban developments.atlas by Etihad Airways, home to award-winning content and read by over 1.3 million engaged readers a month Michael Underdown Commercial Director michael.underdown@itp.com +971 50 396 2115 +971 4 444 3566 To elevate your brand and connect with Etihad Airways’ passengers, contact: November 2023 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | 3332 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | November 2023 10.1632° N, 76.6413° E10.1632° N, 76.6413° E he image of palm-lined beaches and verdant rolling grasslands sloping towards the Arabian Sea is seared into my mind after a four-hour flight with Etihad Airways into Cochin International Airport, situated in the Indian state of Kerala. As we descend, I peer out of the window to the scene beneath and I’m filled with anticipation to discover a land I’ve already heard so much about. Away from the busy streets of Mumbai and crowded Delhi, Kerala offers a more laidback atmosphere, but one that is every bit as memorable. It’s known as God’s Own Country, thanks to its vast emerald valleys and lush landscapes. The term has a mythological origin, too, tied to the belief that Parashurama, a manifestation of Lord Vishnu, a principal deity in Hinduism, threw his axe into the sea to create a home in which his followers could live peacefully. If ever a story epitomises a place, it’s this one: Kerala, born at the hands of a God for the purpose of people living in harmony. Kerala is world-famous for its houseboats that plough the glistening backwaters, a labyrinthine 900-kilometre network of brackish canals, lakes Beaches BackwatersBackwaters & Kerala, India’s tropical coastal jewel, has much to offer curious travellers By Francesca Kirby November 2023 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | 2524 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | November 2023 suitcase Smooth skin The Barbiere multi-action face cream for men from Acqua Di Parma combines moisturing, smoothing, and revitalising properties to combat exposure to blue light from digital screens and environmental elements. It also comes in eco-friendly packaging ($120, acquadiparma.com). Wild ocean Enriched with almond, hazelnut, and prickly pear oils, this Wildocean beard oil is designed for medium to long facial hair that needs softening ($21, beautyethic.com). 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Groom yourself Men, look your best with this selection of personal care products suitcase The stylish way to travel THIS P A GE: A C QU A DI P A RMA; OPPOSITE P A GE: RITU ALS; A C QU A DI P ARMA; AP A BEA UTY ; BEA UTY ETHIC 7.8804° N, 98.3923° E7.8804° N, 98.3923° E 2023 ﺮﺒﻤﻓﻮﻧ | ناﺮﻴﻄﻠﻟ دﺎﺤﺗﻻا ﻦﻣ ﺲﻠﻃأ | 2627 | ناﺮﻴﻄﻠﻟ دﺎﺤﺗﻻا ﻦﻣ ﺲﻠﻃأ | 2023 ﺮﺒﻤﻓﻮﻧ ﺔﻀﺑﺎﻨﻟا ﺔﻨﻳﺪﻤﻟا هﺬﻫ ﻒﺸﺘﻛا لﺎﻣﺮﻟاو ﺲﻤﺸﻟا ﺮﻴﺛأ ﻰﻠﻋ ةﺎﻴﺤﻟﺎﺑ ناﺮﻴﻄﻠﻟ دﺎﺤﺗﻻا ﻊﻣ ﺔﻨﻴﻜﺴﻟاو ﺰﻧارﺎﻤﻟو ﻦﻴﻟ ﺖﻴﻛ 72 ﺦﻳرﺎﺘﻟا ﻖﺒﻌﺑ ﺔﻗرﺎﻏ ﺔﻨﻳﺪﻣ لوﻷا مﻮﻴﻟا تاو” ﺪﺒﻌﻣ :ﻦﻴﻤﻴﻟا ﻰﻟإ رﺎﺴﻴﻟا ﻦﻣ ﺔﻨﻳﺪﻣ ﻲﻓ “ﻎﻧﻻﺎﺗ” ﻖﻳﺮﻃ ؛“ﻎﻧﻮﻟﺎﺸﺗ .ﺔﻤﻳﺪﻘﻟا ﺖﻴﻛﻮﺑ مﺎﻳأ ﺔﺛﻼﺛ ﺖﻴﻛﻮﺑ ﻲﻓ ﺔﻳﺎﻜﺤﻟا ﺔﻳﺪﻧﻼﻳﺎﺘﻟا KENZIE KRAFT A / UNSPLASH; SHUTTERST OCK16 DECEMBER 2023 | INTERVIEW | BUILDING BEYOND BOUNDARIES Hamad Binyousef, CEO of MARCO, on the company’s steadfast dedication to surpassing boundaries and broadening its horizons within the construction industry In Saudi Arabia’s thriving construction sector, Mohamed Al Rashid Contracting Company (MARCO) shines as a trusted leader. With a diverse range of services — including hospitality, governmental, commercial, industrial, infrastructure, and high-end fi t-out projects — as well as a stellar reputation, MARCO has solidifi ed its position as one of the kingdom’s most respected fi rms. Construction Week Middle East sat down with CEO Hamad Binyousef, a visionary leader who has expanded the company’s project portfolio into new realms of high-end fi t-out, infrastructure projects, and hospitality ventures. With a wealth of experience and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Binyousef shares MARCO’s strategies and vital role in shaping the kingdom’s ambitious construction landscape. “Saudi Arabia is undertaking highly ambitious construction programmes,” Binyousef begins, referring to monumental projects like NEOM, Red Sea, AlUla, and New Murabba, among others. “MARCO aims to be a key contributor to these endeavours with our highly talented team and extensive experience in successfully delivering projects to the government.” He goes on to explain the company’s strategic approach, emphasising its commitment to engineering excellence, “Our strategy centres on growing engineering capabilities through software adoption and investing in state-of-the-art equipment to elevate work quality and productivity. This approach sets MARCO’s position as a leader in the construction industry as we are committed to continuous optimisation of processes.” As part of this commitment, MARCO has embraced cutting-edge software, including AI technology, to enhance precision in quantity calculation, thereby minimising errors in project planning and resource allocation. “This innovative approach not only streamlines the engineering process but also ensures precise calculations, minimising the margin for error in project planning and resource allocation,” he notes. However, MARCO’s pursuit of excellence extends beyond software. The company is investing substantially in advanced equipment as well. Continuing, Binyousef underlines the importance of collaboration at MARCO, citing two fundamental principles, “Transparent DECEMBER 2023 17 | INTERVIEW | KAFD mixed-use development project “Working with MARCO means partnering with more than just a contractor; it’s about engaging with a team that offers a hands-on approach and meticulous attention to every detail” communication and alignment of interests.” Elaborating on the former, he says that it ensures that information fl ows seamlessly across all levels of project development, fostering a shared understanding of project objectives among partners, clients, and stakeholders. He further states that aligning its interests with partners allows for a shared commitment to project success. “Prioritising the project, we ensure that all communication with stakeholders serves the overarching goal of advancing construction rates on-site,” he adds. ADAPTING TO CHANGE MARCO’s dedication to excellence and innovation is vividly evident in the impactful projects they are currently engaged in. Two standout examples are the KAFD Wadi Public Realm and DGDA Diriyah Art Futures projects. Binyousef explains, “The KAFD Wadi Public Realm project encountered complexities due to the suspension of KAFD development for several years, resulting in the award of a legacy contract encompassing partially completed scope, including underground services that required thorough examination.” He adds that locating matching materials for the incomplete scope presented a signifi cant hurdle. To tackle this, MARCO did an extensive assessment by undertaking a thorough dilapidation survey and researching to fi nd materials similar to the original ones. He continues, “In the case of DGDA Diriyah Art Futures, unforeseen archaeological discoveries related to Saudi heritage emerged during execution on site. The project’s purpose shifted from a traditional to a digital art centre, necessitating redesign amid ongoing construction. As a result, we collaborated closely with design consultants, implementing redesigns and space planning adjustments to meet the updated project’s purpose by introducing new systems, equipment, and technologies.” According to Binyousef, these real-world examples highlight MARCO’s unwavering commitment to overcoming challenges and adapting to changing project dynamics, reinforcing its core belief that “projects come fi rst.” FOSTERING NATIONAL GROWTH As an established government contractor for over four decades, Binyousef asserts that MARCO is acutely aware of the evolving priorities in Saudi Arabia’s project development approach. “We at MARCO have quickly understood the magnitude of the upcoming ambitious programme that Vision 2030 promises to deliver to the kingdom.” He goes on to highlight MARCO’s strategic pivot to align with the changing objectives of Vision 2030, emphasising its role in supporting the nation’s economic diversifi cation, green urban development, and the enhancement of the quality of life for Saudi citizens. “MARCO’s strategic shift towards the new initiatives launched by the government showcases our commitment to aligning with national priorities,” Binyousef states emphatically, underscoring the company’s role as a signifi cant contributor to the economic, environmental, and societal objectives outlined in Vision 2030. The Wadi public realm in KAFD Hamad Binyousef, CEO of MARCO18 DECEMBER 2023 | INTERVIEW | STEPPING UP CORPORATE GOVERNANCE IN SAUDI ARABIA Bushra Khaled Abu Salem, Governance Affairs Director and Board Secretary at Nesma & Partners on the importance of implementing robust corporate governance structures in the industry Nesma & Partners has entered into a strategic three-year partnership with the GCC Board Directors Institute (GCC BDI), a non-profi t organisation dedicated to enhancing board directorship. This collaboration is set to strengthen corporate governance and is in line with GCC BDI’s goal of improving board eff ectiveness across the Gulf region. The Saudi Arabian contractor has been associated with GCC BDI for over a decade, demonstrating its commitment to cementing its status as a premier contracting company. Their decision to become a Corporate Affi liate of GCC BDI refl ects a deep-rooted commitment to governance excellence and setting a benchmark in the market with their robust governance pillars. This partnership signifi es a signifi cant step in Nesma & Partners’ ongoing journey to maintain and elevate corporate governance standards. In line with this, Construction Week Middle East caught up with Bushra Khaled Abu Salem, Governance Aff airs Director and Board Secretary at Nesma & Partners, to learn more about the company’s governance strategies and future initiatives. How has your approach to corporate governance evolved in response to changes in Saudi Arabia’s construction industry? Nesma & Partners is a leading construction fi rm in Saudi Arabia that has continually adapted its corporate governance to align with the industry’s evolving dynamics. This includes responding to technological advancements and regulatory changes, ensuring transparent and eff ective governance. We prioritise the highest ethical standards in all our operations, striving to positively impact our shareholders, employees, communities, the environment, and local economies. Despite no legal requirement for limited liability companies or family businesses at the time, our shareholders proactively adopted best corporate governance practices. This decision was driven by a vision to sustain and grow the business in harmony with our core values and culture, leading to the establishment of our internal corporate governance standards. Considering Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, in what ways do you see Nesma & Partners’ corporate governance aligning with and contributing to the kingdom’s broader economic goals? Nesma & Partners’ shareholders have committed exceptionally to Vision 2030, focusing on creating value for both the community and the economy in every way possible. For years, they have embraced an inclusive approach, prioritising not just shareholder value DECEMBER 2023 19 | INTERVIEW | “Nesma & Partners is dedicated to addressing industry challenges and implementing robust governance structures” local laws and international best practices, integrating sustainability and responsible practices into our operations. This approach refl ects our commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility. Furthermore, we have established robust whistleblowing procedures, positioning Nesma & Partners as a leader. Our achievement of the ISO 37001:2016 certifi cation for anti-bribery management underscores our dedication to international standards against bribery and corruption, maintaining the highest ethical standards. What metrics does Nesma & Partners use to assess the eff ectiveness of its corporate governance? Since 2015, Nesma & Partners has committed to robust corporate governance practices underpinned by a well-structured framework. This framework, which outlines clear strategies, goals, and delegation of authority, ensures adherence to highly eff ective and effi cient governance systems in all business operations. Key to strengthening our corporate governance are principles of enhanced transparency, accountability, and compliance. We have maintained a transparent reporting structure, making relevant information readily accessible to stakeholders. Additionally, we’ve established channels for stakeholders but also the well-being of the community and the environment. Our fi rm believes in strict corporate governance as a means to deliver these positive impacts. We depend on our governance framework to embed Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices into our business strategy at all organisational levels. Our primary aim is to enhance our triple-bottom- line reporting, focusing equally on Profi t, People, and Planet. How has Nesma & Partners tackled the challenges of implementing robust corporate governance in the construction industry? One major challenge in implementing robust corporate governance in the construction industry is its fragmented nature, involving multiple stakeholders like contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and clients. Coordinating their diverse interests to establish eff ective governance takes time and eff ort. Additionally, the complexity of large-scale projects, with various parties and contracts, poses challenges in maintaining transparency, accountability, and eff ective decision-making. The industry also faces regulatory compliance challenges and inherent risks such as cost overruns, delays, and quality issues. Eff ective governance must include risk management to address these concerns. We have responded to these challenges by developing a robust governance framework that emphasises collaboration and communication among all stakeholders. We have also fostered strategic partnerships to align interests and uphold governance principles. Our Board of Directors, comprising dedicated and knowledgeable members, commits to serving with diligence in the company’s best interest. We adhere to to voice concerns or provide feedback, promoting greater accountability throughout the organisation. In line with technological advancements in the construction industry, we have embraced digitalisation and advanced project management tools. This approach has not only improved effi ciency and decision-making but also enhanced our risk management capabilities. What are Nesma & Partners’ future plans to enhance governance practices, and how will these benefi t your stakeholders? Nesma & Partners is dedicated to addressing industry challenges and implementing robust governance structures, aiming to improve transparency, accountability, and overall project performance in the construction sector. Our approach to corporate governance has evolved to keep pace with the changing industry landscape, focusing on transparency, accountability, compliance, and sustainable practices. This positions us well to navigate the dynamic construction sector in Saudi Arabia. Our governance success at Nesma & Partners hinges on consistent alignment among shareholders, the Board, and management. In 2022, we established the Corporate Governance and Compliance Department, underscoring our long-standing commitment to governance excellence. This department’s mission is to promote corporate governance across our organisation and ensure the highest standards of ethics and integrity in all business activities. Our diverse corporate governance team, starting at the level of the Board of Directors and its committees, is committed to operational excellence and adherence to governance best practices. Since 2015, Nesma & Partners has committed to robust corporate governance practices underpinned by a well-structured framework Nesma & Partners established its Corporate Governance and Compliance Department in 2022Next >