< PreviousPIONEERING EXCELLENCE IN CONSTRUCTION AND EMBRACING THE VISION 2030 Abniya Innovative Limited on how its mission to foster innovation, growth, and excellence in the construction industry aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 Abniya Innovative Limited, a premier general contracting company headquartered in Riyadh, is making waves in the construction industry with its commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability. With a rich history and a visionary leader at its helm, Abniya is poised to play a signifi cant role in Saudi Arabia’s journey towards achieving Vision 2030. A VISIONARY APPROACH TO CONSTRUCTION Abniya’s core mission is clear: to ensure that clients meet their project handover targets not only on time but also with unparalleled quality. The company specialises in civil construction, industrial automation, and turnkey electro-mechanical projects, leveraging state-of-the-art technology and innovative practices to deliver impeccable results. What sets Abniya apart is its unwavering commitment to safety, quality, and risk mitigation at every stage of the project lifecycle. This commitment aligns perfectly The company’s goals align with KSA’s Vision 2030 | PARTNER CONTENT | 20Abniya’s mission is to foster innovation, growth, and excellence with the goals of Vision 2030, which envisions a future where sustainability and growth go hand in hand. “Abniya isn’t merely a contracting and construction company,” says Khalil Awada, CEO of Abniya Innovative Limited. “We are a collective of dedicated professionals, driven by the goal of creating spaces that resonate with excellence and sustainability.” A HISTORY ROOTED IN PROGRESS Abniya’s journey began against the backdrop of Saudi Arabia’s modern history, a period marked by unprecedented transformation and innovation. With 15 years of industry experience, the company was founded with a clear objective: to become a leading innovator and competitive powerhouse within the kingdom’s construction sector. Each chapter of Abniya’s history echoes its commitment to pushing boundaries, delivering exceptional results, and contributing meaningfully to the nation’s landscape. The company is dedicated to fostering innovation, growth, and excellence. LEADERS IN CONSTRUCTION KSA SUMMIT 2023 Abniya’s dedication to excellence has earned it a place among the industry’s leaders. Khalil Awada, CEO of Abniya Innovative Limited, was selected as one of the main speakers at Construction Week Middle East’s Leaders in Construction KSA Summit 2023. This prestigious event took place on 5 September 2023 at Crowne Plaza in Riyadh, bringing together industry innovators and experts to discuss the latest technologies, trends, and the future of construction in Saudi Arabia. WHO IS KHALIL AWADA? Khalil Awada, CEO of Abniya, is a seasoned professional with a diverse background spanning multiple sectors. A graduate in Business Management and Marketing from the Lebanese American University (LAU), Awada’s career journey includes roles in advertising and marketing, including a stint as Marketing Manager at British American Tobacco. His transition to the construction industry saw him rise from Commercial Director to Managing Director at Spectrum Engineering Solutions. In 2022, leveraging his extensive experience and in alignment with Vision 2030, Awada co-founded Abniya Innovative Limited. His vision for the company is rooted in combining his vast knowledge with the evolving demands of the modern construction landscape, positioning Abniya at the forefront of industry innovation and excellence. JOINING THE VISION 2030 JOURNEY Abniya Innovative Limited invites partners, clients, and stakeholders to join them on their journey towards a future characterised by innovation, growth, and excellence. As Saudi Arabia’s construction sector experiences unprecedented growth and transformation, Abniya is committed to playing a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable and prosperous future. Abniya at the Leaders in Construction KSA Summit 2023 | PARTNER CONTENT | 21Modular construction has gained signifi cant traction in recent years, especially in large-scale projects such as Saudi Arabia’s mega and gigaprojects. The rising popularity of modular building as a modern method of construction is the result of its fl exibility and the ease with which it can be integrated with other advanced building technologies. This has led to modular construction being used more extensively in the types of projects that have, in the past, relied solely on traditional building methods. Complex, large-scale projects come with unique challenges, including construction over vast areas, the development of accurate cost estimates and forecasts, and late changes. It is in addressing these challenges that modular construction can shine. It has become a more viable alternative to traditional construction for gigaprojects, off ering a long list of benefi ts, moving beyond pre-cast elements and containers to provide the same level of comfort and ease of use as traditional buildings while off ering fl exibility and a lifespan of 30 years and beyond if maintained properly. Losberger De Boer’s modular solutions have been used for facilities that will remain in place for longer periods. As the main contractor, we delivered and erected fi fteen semi-permanent buildings for the Qiddiya entertainment, sports, and cultural resort. Our client required the design, build, and turnkey management of design-led, semi-permanent buildings, including administrative offi ces, visitor centres, and entertainment and exhibition halls, all within a sixty-day completion deadline. In addition to providing the building shell, Losberger De Boer coordinated the turnkey fi t-out in collaboration with our trusted network of third-party suppliers, delivering partitioning, air conditioning, MODULAR CONSTRUCTION REVOLUTION: BUILDING GIGAPROJECTS WITH SPEED, PRECISION, AND SUSTAINABILITY Paul Machin of Losberger De Boer discusses the use of modular construction as an approach to developing and constructing Saudi Arabia’s ambitious gigaprojects | OPINION | 22fl ooring, lighting, and the fi re system. This demonstrates one of the key advantages of modular construction that makes it a viable methodology for large-scale projects — buildings can be manufactured and built, ready to open within weeks and months, rather than years. Other benefi ts modular construction provides include the ability to make modular buildings to exact specifi cations, which, by using blueprints, can be replicated numerous times in a very short span of time. Our structures can be scaled up and down or even refi tted for other purposes, making gigaprojects more future-proof, as buildings can be adapted to meet changing demands or relocated to make room for a diff erent type of facility while the structure serves its purpose at another destination. For example, if we look at some of Saudi Arabia’s gigaprojects, construction takes place over hundreds of kilometres. Thousands of workers are required on remote sites that may not have any existing infrastructure. Building permanent facilities and accommodations at each location would not be feasible in terms of cost and time, as once construction in that location is complete, the entire workforce moves on. In these cases, building semi-permanent facilities that can be assembled in days and disassembled and moved with ease is helping to make the logistics of large-scale building projects more effi cient. Another key advantage of modular construction is that it can be adapted to resolve identifi ed issues or optimise buildings. Off ering build times impossible for traditional construction, less disruption to surrounding areas, and cost certainty, modular construction presents a solution to the construction challenges associated with large-scale projects. The pace at which new modular building technology has been developed and embraced is also a driving force behind the shift to modular construction. In addition to structures that are fabricated off -site and assembled on-site, modular construction can also be integrated with traditional construction methods to provide hybrid modular construction, which allows for greater fl exibility in design and construction. Building Information Modelling (BIM) can be used to create digital representations of a modular structure’s physical and functional characteristics, enabling more precise planning, design, and construction, whether the building will be a standalone project or an additional element of an existing structure. Losberger De Boer has successfully implemented this integration across its facilities, with our European R&D centre incorporating modular elements. At Losberger De Boer, we are also exploring a range of new technologies that will further speed up construction and make modular construction an even more viable alternative to traditional construction. Virtual reality and augmented reality are enabling our clients to virtually walk through every building during the design process, and even view a building in its exact location. Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, has the potential to create entire building components, including walls and structural elements, layer by layer, signifi cantly increasing build speed while reducing material waste. During the off -site manufacturing process, robotics and automation can improve speed and precision, assisting in tasks including cutting, welding, and assembly. A core focus for Losberger De Boer is sustainability, and we are combining modular building technology with sustainable practices to create more environmentally friendly structures. We have developed more sustainable fl ooring options and are using renewable materials and energy-effi cient designs that incorporate green technologies. Our French subsidiary has expanded on this commitment to sustainability, creating a multifunctional sports building that is fully recyclable. Paul Machin, Sales Director, Losberger De Boer Losberger De Boer utilises the ‘Delta Emperor’ structure Sustainability is a core focus at Losberger De Boer | OPINION | 23As the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia seeks innovative solutions to address its current housing challenge, the integration of Artifi cial Intelligence (AI) into architectural techniques holds great promise, according to Maximiliano Development Management Services (MDMS), a leading provider of project development services in Saudi Arabia. “With a collaborative and cautious approach, AI has the potential to transform the fi eld, assisting architects and engineers to create sustainable, effi cient, and visionary architectural designs that will cater to the needs of the present and future generations,” says Engineer Marwa Murad, Managing Director and Founder of MDMS. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is currently facing a shortage of suitable accommodations after a mandate issued in 2021 required foreign fi rms to establish local headquarters by the end of 2023. This resulted in the infl ux of foreign workers or expats to the kingdom looking for properties to move into. Recognising the urgent need to address this issue, architects and engineers are exploring innovative solutions and considering the role of AI in the future of architecture as technology advances. “By leveraging AI algorithms, architects can create effi cient designs and perform rapid complex calculations, leading to enhanced building performance and optimised use of resources. Moreover, AI INTEGRATING AI INTO ARCHITECTURE: A PROMISING SOLUTION TO ADDRESS SAUDI ARABIA’S HOUSING CHALLENGES Eng Marwa Murad, Founder and Managing Director at Maximiliano Development Management Services, studies the potential predominant use of AI in future architectural practices | CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY | 24can analyse vast amounts of data, allowing architects to compare multiple options and make informed decisions regarding design, materials, and construction methods,” explains Eng Murad. “At MDMS, we foresee the predominant use of AI in the future of architecture. As technology continues to advance, AI will play an increasingly pivotal role in driving the development of smart cities, where buildings seamlessly integrate with transportation and energy networks. With our commitment to innovation and collaboration, we are prepared to embrace AI as a tool to enhance our capabilities and empower our architects to create groundbreaking designs that meet the kingdom’s housing demands while fostering sustainable urban development.” Meanwhile, Eng Murad explained that “it is crucial to approach the integration of AI into architecture with careful consideration and thorough examination.” She elaborates: “Any application of AI should be subjected to rigorous study and evaluation by specialists to ensure its reliability, safety, and compliance with regulations. Collaboration between architects, engineers, AI experts, and relevant stakeholders will be essential in driving the responsible and eff ective implementation of AI technologies in the architectural industry.” Eng Murad further adds to this, saying: “While embracing the possibilities off ered by AI, it is essential to emphasise that human architects and engineers must remain at the helm of the creative and decision-making processes. The integration of AI should be seen as a tool to augment human capabilities rather than replace them. Architects and engineers will continue to provide the necessary expertise, oversight, and creativity to ensure the successful implementation of AI technologies in the fi eld of architecture.” Maximiliano Development Management Services, headquartered in Saudi Arabia with branches in Bahrain, Egypt, and Australia, brings together a team of highly skilled professionals in project management and development. The company works closely with The National Housing Company in Saudi Arabia to develop housing projects for Saudi citizens, as well as collaborates with private sector developers under the Ministry of Housing’s housing program in partnership with The National Housing Company. Maximiliano off ers a range of services that effi ciently meet the requirements of the real estate market, including engineering services, marketing services, and research and economic studies. Eng Marwa Murad, Founder and MD, Maximiliano Development Management Services Deerab project in Saudi Arabia “It is crucial to approach the integration of AI into architecture with careful consideration and thorough examination” | CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY | 25OUR HERITAGE FILES: THE ARCHITECTURAL DOCUMENTATION OF JEDDAH’S AL BALAD The FalconViz team exclusively discusses the Jeddah Al Balad HBIM project, its challenges from a data collection perspective, and its advancements in cultural heritage documentation Building Information Modelling, better known as BIM, has been garnering attention in recent years, particularly in countries that are beginning to design and build with sustainable values, high safety standards, and innovation in mind. This process works by adding and preserving a project’s information from beginning to completion. The information is modelled in three-dimensions and tracked through every single component during its process, rendering a detailed representation of the project. Given its potential, Thuwal-based data- collection pioneer FalconViz has made use of BIM in documenting the UNESCO- listed historic site of Jeddah Al Balad, a development characterised by its distinctive architectural tradition, imposing tower houses and large wooden “Roshans”, as observed by the World Heritage Convention. The HBIM (Historical Building Information Modeling) project, which was done for the Ministry of Culture, is considered the fi rst implementation of its kind in Saudi Arabia. Construction Week Saudi recently conducted interviews with key individuals from FalconViz, including its Chief Operating Offi cer, Khaled Abdelgawad, Chief Technology Offi cer, Dr Luca Passone, Data Processing and Acquisition Manager, Ahmed Hasanat, and Geomatics Engineer, Firas Saati. The discussions delved into various aspects such as the enterprise’s objectives, the technology employed for comprehensive documentation, the unique challenges faced at the historical site, and the company’s future plans moving forward. Commenting on the main goal of the project, Saati said: “The idea, which is under the umbrella of the eff orts and initiatives of Vision 2030, was the restoration and revival of Jeddah Al Balad. “For our part, that task required us to understand what it (Al Balad) is beyond the Hijazi architecture, its Roshans and coral stones, and actually carry out thorough documentation that encapsulates aspects other than the observable physical beauty.” A true and genuine restoration relies heavily on the documentation process, allowing the structures to retain the same design, building style, and materials, and be revived according to their traditional assets. It is only through these eff orts and adherence to certain regulations that Jeddah Al Balad can maintain its place as a UNESCO site. The Ministry of Culture wanted a holistic and eff ective solution that accurately captures the entirety of these landmarks without the cost of rapidity. Abdelgawad explained that the Reality Capture method they employed at the site uses drones, laser scanners, and high-resolution cameras to capture the details of the buildings from inside and out. Following that, the team would then convert that data into a complete 3D digital model. The heavy multi-million point model would have to be recreated again into a simpler | DESIGN TECHNOLOGY | 26Revolution in heritage documentation format to make it accessible for engineers and contractors setting out to fi x and rebuild the historic houses. “After we convert it into an HBIM model and deliver the complete engineering document to our client, which can be shared with diff erent stakeholders, that is when on-the- ground work can start, when the intervention can begin.” He added: “Our work impacts the entire value chain all the way to providing the required situational analysis for the buildings, summarised and ready to be used in compliance with UNESCO procedures and policies.” THE DEEP CONNECTION BETWEEN JEDDAH AL BALAD AND FALCONVIZ Jeddah Al Balad was the fi rst project that the team delivered coming into the market; it challenged them through the limitations of back-then drones, cameras, ineffi cient fl ight time, and connections. The houses themselves presented their own diffi culties as they were structurally in poor shape and were at risk of collapsing. “Since then, things have moved on quite dramatically both from our side, from a technological point of view, and also how UNESCO and Historical Building Information Models, in general, have evolved to be much stricter and more detailed,” Passone said. He explained that as things progressed, the requirements for these jobs became more demanding, and where 4-5 cm per pixel was excellent, the industry had upgraded the standard to 4-5 mm per pixel. The mapping process undertaken stands as a transformative milestone in contrast to the conventional approach of documenting cultural heritage structures and historical edifi ces. The traditional method entailed a draftsman physically visiting the site and hand- sketching each detail on paper with a pencil. In contrast, the new technology demands a signifi cant level of expertise and meticulous planning. Consequently, through its utilisation, FalconViz achieved an impressive 80% reduction in documentation time. The team followed the project with several more successful historical documentation assignments, improving on the process as they went. To name a few, they have scanned the entire historical Turaif and Samhan areas for the Diriyah Company, carried out interior and exterior scanning of royal palaces for the Public Investment Fund (PIF), as well as another assignment for the Ministry of Culture (MoC) tasking them with the complete documentation of the historical Zubaydah Trail. REALITY CAPTURE AND THE METAVERSE The technology used at the historical site has a high potential of playing a role in metaverse applications, something FalconViz is venturing into. By utilising Reality Capture it can achieve a higher level of an immersive experience than recreated abstractions, which can be accessed with other technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR). Commenting on the initiative, Saati said: “We’re trying to change the way we look at data and the way we visualise it. So rather than looking at a 2D PDF fi le of an environment and having an engineer try to assess it, why not take the engineer into the environment and have them assess in real-time.” The asset digitisation projects carried out by FalconViz are not only of national signifi cance but have drawn the interest and attention of several international fi rms, tracing all the way back to the fi rst documentation of the quaint Jeddah Al Balad houses. FalconViz achieved an 80% reduction in documentation time Dramatic shift in mapping tech | DESIGN TECHNOLOGY | 27MODON TOWERS: THE NEW CONCEPT OF OFFICES IN KSA The design philosophy behind the new Headquarters of the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON), its aims, and the positive effects it had on productivity The MODON Towers project is a new and visionary headquarters for the MODON organisation, located in the bustling heart of Riyadh at Laysen Valley. The project is designed to redefi ne the way we perceive offi ce spaces in Saudi Arabia and to create spaces that refl ect MODON’s goal to provide a comprehensive and motivating environment for its employees. The project consists of two 9-storey towers, spanning over 12,500m2 of usable areas. The towers feature 685 working spaces, two meeting rooms per fl oor, two fl oors of multi-purpose entertainment spaces, and managerial levels with their own customised- to-usage spaces. There are also 16 creativity areas to encourage knowledge exchange and idea sharing, and multi-level areas that allow employees and their families to enjoy activities and social events together after working hours. The interior design of the towers is designed to create all the characteristics of a positive work environment, with open spaces to encourage collaboration, quiet zones to off er focused work areas, thoughtfully chosen colour schemes to invoke energy and creativity, ergonomic furniture, innovative lighting solutions, and acoustical treatments to ensure a peaceful and relaxing environment. The completion of the MODON Towers project on time and within budget is a testament to the talented and creative work team involved. The project is a signifi cant step forward in the development of offi ce spaces in Saudi Arabia, and it is sure to have a positive impact on the employee experience and productivity in MODON. PRODUCTIVITY INITIATIVES The Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON) has launched the National Productivity Program (NPP) to The project was completed after 36 months | PARTNER CONTENT | 28help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) reach the highest levels of production effi ciency by supporting the development of transformation plans, promoting the adoption of operational excellence principles, and encouraging the use of technologies. The more successful SMEs are then elevated to become model factories for other manufacturers. The program also evaluates maturity levels, helps build Industry 4.0 roadmaps aimed at upgrading operational excellence practices, and introduces Industry 4.0 technologies to SMEs. The program was launched in 2019 and aims to support 100 SMEs by providing Industry 4.0 implementation plans in a triple transformation approach integrating business technology and organisation perspectives. NPP follows a three-phase approach: 1. Awareness – Conducting webinars and boot camps on operational excellence and the latest digital technology with SME employees and building understanding of the manufacturing process. 2. Diagnostic – Conducting digital maturity assessments, developing the initial hypothesis for key challenges or value drivers, analysing factory operational data, understanding the factory information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) architecture, mapping the business process and assessing the current skill matrix. 3. Design – Conducting an idea generation workshop with the SME to identify and prioritise digital initiatives for business, technology and organisation levers, then building the business case with the proposed IT/OT architecture. NPP was initially designed to assist 100 SMEs in their digital transformation eff orts but its success prompted an extension to include 300 SMEs. It has trained more than 550 leaders from 100 SMEs in cooperation with global technological partners. SMEs are also evaluated and provided with the necessary fi nancing through grants and soft loans that cover up to 75% of project costs. To date, this combined eff ort includes delivering training to more than 550 employees from 100 SMEs, SIRI assessments of over 80 SMEs, and the deployment of a prototype Fourth Industrial Revolution use cases involving 11 industrial sectors, including food and beverage, paper and carton manufacturing, and chemicals. The of ce features 685 working spaces The HQ is expected to house 700 employees | PARTNER CONTENT | 29Next >