AN ITP MEDIA SAUDI LTD PUBLICATION VOL.4 2025 • ISSUE 01 In p a rt n e rs h ip w it h A l M a ja l A la ra b i FORGING TOMORROW Fahad AlQifari’s vision for Saudi Arabia’s future with Al Majal Alarabi CWKSA_Jan2025_00_Cover_13480824.indd 120/12/2024 11:47@ALBAWANI ALBAWANI.NET Partner of Choice For Better Investment Untitled-1 104/12/2024 15:043 BUILDING MOMENTUM Julianne Tolentino Associate Editor As we step into 2025, it’s a fi tting moment to refl ect on the whirlwind year that was 2024 for Saudi Arabia’s construction industry. The kingdom has been a hive of activity, with cranes dominating the skyline and ambitious projects reshaping our urban and cultural landscapes. At Construction Week Saudi, we’ve had the privilege of being your trusted lens into this dynamic world, reporting on the trends, challenges, and triumphs shaping the sector. As we march ahead, our priorities remain the same: to bring you unique stories of innovation, sustainability, and leadership that continue to defi ne Saudi Arabia’s construction narrative. This month, we’re kicking off the year with a cover story featuring Fahad Alqifari, the CEO of Al Majal Alarabi. Alqifari’s professional journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Under his leadership, Al Majal Alarabi has evolved to become one of the kingdom’s leading contractors and facilities management companies. Whether you’re curious about how he navigated challenges or what’s next for the company, this feature is packed with insights and inspiration. In this new year, expect our signature mix of sharp analysis, engaging interviews, and exclusive lists. We’ll dive deep into the stories that matter, from the tech reshaping construction to the human stories driving these achievements. As always, stay informed, stay ahead, and enjoy the read. Signing off ! Lessons for young construction professionals: This feature is a must-read for aspiring professionals looking to make their mark in the construction industry. It brings together valuable career advice from seasoned veterans, inspiring success stories, and actionable tips to navigate the challenges of the fi eld PAGE 10 Saudi’s real estate boom: With 18 new legislations, including updated real estate systems and regulatory frameworks, the kingdom is now ranked second among the top improved markets in real estate transparency globally PAGE 28 The Elite Builders: Construction Week Saudi is thrilled to unveil the second edition of The Elite Builders list—a bold and buzzing lineup of visionary powerhouses who are shaping the kingdom’s construction story PAGE 12 Reimagining luxury: From airports and stadiums to hotels and cultural venues, the kingdom is investing in reacting spaces that blend tradition, modernity, and opulence PAGE 30 MUST READ THIS ISSUE EDITOR’S LETTER Scan to learn more and register for our events! CWKSA_Jan2025_3_Editor Letter_13478396.indd 317/12/2024 13:004 CONTENTS 8 5 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW Essential insights into Saudi Arabia’s construction industry 10 CAREER ADVICE Construction leaders provide lessons for young professionals looking to enter the market 108 COVER STORY Fahad AlQifari on the company’s evolution from a small maintenance rm to a major player in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 transformation 32 CWKSA_Jan2025_4-5_Contents_13478529.indd 417/12/2024 13:025 12 28 38 12 THE ELITE BUILDERS Revealing the kingdom’s board of pioneers in 2024 28 REAL ESTATE With 18 new legislations, the kingdom is now ranked second among the top improved markets in real estate transparency globally 30 SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE From airports and stadiums to hotels and cultural venues, Saudi Arabia is investing in creating spaces that blend tradition, modernity, and opulence 38 BIG PICTURE A closer look at the world’s rst adventure tourism destination inspired by off-shore oil rig platforms 30 CWKSA_Jan2025_4-5_Contents_13478529.indd 517/12/2024 13:036 PO Box 12262, Riyadh, King Fahd, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia TEL +966 11 279 5115 WEB: WWW.ITP.COM Offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, London, Mumbai, Riyadh & Geneva ITP MEDIA GROUP CEO Ali Akawi Managing Director Martin Chambers Head of Digital Media Thomas Shambler EDITORIAL Associate Editor Julianne Tolentino +971 4 444 3855; julianne.tolentino@itp.com Deputy Editor Shehzin Shaikh +971 4 444 3719; shehzin.shaikh@itp.com Commercial Editor Angitha Pradeep +971 4 444 3278; angitha.pradeep@itp.com ART Art Director Amjad Ayche amjad.ayche@itp.com Art Editor Tofiq Memon tofiq.memon@itp.com ADVERTISING Group Commercial Director Anup Nagpurkar +971 4 444 3573; anup.nagpurkar@itp.com Commercial Director Moutaz Gadelhak +971 4 444 3177; moutaz.gadelhak@itp.com Senior Commercial Manager Ahmad Amer +966 11 512 2570; ahmad.amer@itp.com PHOTOGRAPHY Senior Video Editor Liju Cheruvathur MARKETING Head of Events Eleanor Ashton eleanor.ashton@itp.com Events & Marketing Manager Kate Galaktionova Associate Events Manager Vrinali Nazareth Events Administrative Assistant Aronn Pureza Events Administrative Assistant Bobbie Rosario Events Sales Assistant Joyce Salonga events@itp.com PRODUCTION Production Manager Balasubramanian P DISTRIBUTION Head of Distribution and Newstrade Abdulrahim Alparambil Circulation Executive Rajesh Pillai Distribution Coordinator Avinash Pereira Website www.constructionweekonline.com NOTICE: The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for errors or omissions contained in this publication, however caused. 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An exemption is hereby granted for extracts used for the purpose of fair review. 6 To fl ip through previous editions of Construction Week Saudi magazine, visit constructionweekonline.com/emagazines/digital-magazine PUBLISHED BY AND © 2025 ITP MEDIA SAUDI LTD CWKSA_Jan2025_6_Flannel_13478533.indd 617/12/2024 13:10NAVIGATE THE LANDSCAPE OF BUILDING BRILLIANCE, WITH NO INTERRUPTIONS UH OH, THE REST IS ONLY FOR SUBSCRIBERS SCAN BELOW TO JOIN THE EXCLUSIVE COMMUNITY5 THINGS 8 5 THINGS 88888888 The kingdom’s construction industry is operating at maximum capacity, resulting in a surge of activity in the infrastructure, real estate, and tourism sectors. Construction Week Saudi provides essential insights into Saudi Arabia’s construction industry, including updates on gigaprojects and signi cant infrastructure projects. Saudi Arabia’s King Salman inaugurates the Riyadh Metro Spanning 176 kilometres and encompassing six lines with 85 state-of-the-art stations, the Riyadh Metro is a key milestone in the kingdom’s push toward modernisation under Vision 2030. The metro system is complemented by a comprehensive bus network, together forming the Riyadh Public Transport Project (RPTP). The Royal Commission for AlUla opens a 7-star hotel in Saudi’s fi rst UNESCO site The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) and General Hotel Management (GHM) unveiled their fi rst fl agship project, The Chedi Hegra, set amidst the ancient Nabataean site of Hegra, marking the kingdom’s fi rst seven-star hotel. CWKSA_Jan2025_8-9_5 Things_13477608.indd 817/12/2024 13:115 THINGS 9 5 THINGS 9999999 Saudi Arabia unveils Culture Square in Historic Jeddah The Ministry of Culture’s Historic Jeddah Programme unveiled the Culture Square, which will span 26,000 square metres, and will feature two fl agship facilities: the Centre for Performing Arts and the Digital Arts Museum “TeamLab Without Borders.” RCU and Saudi Railway Polytechnic have partnered up to create jobs in the rail industry The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) and the Saudi Railway Polytechnic (SRP) have signed a new agreement to boost the capabilities of young Saudis looking to launch a career in AlUla and the kingdom’s rapidly growing rail sector. Hilton expands in Saudi Arabia with three new hotels in Madinah’s Knowledge Economic City The agreement will see Hilton debut its award- winning extended-stay brand, Home2 Suites by Hilton, in the Middle East & Africa (MEA) region, bringing a new level of accommodation to Madinah. The three hotels will collectively add 1,415 keys to Hilton’s growing portfolio in Saudi Arabia. CWKSA_Jan2025_8-9_5 Things_13477608.indd 917/12/2024 13:12Next >