< PreviousHEART OF MAKKAH Eng Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al-Aboudi, CEO of Thakher Development Company, explains how the developer’s urban living project will modernise the Holy City of Makkah without disturbing its historical, religious, and cultural signi cance Words by: Angitha Pradeep | Images: Supplied IN THE 70 | CITY FOCUS | 70Real estate firm JLL’s The KSA Real Estate Market – Q2 2022 report stated that in the first six months of the year, the kingdom’s retail sector witnessed an increase in retail space and saw a strong recovery in domestic demand. In line with this trend, investment and real estate development company Thakher Development Company stated that work on the first phase of its $7bn Thakher Makkah development is almost complete. Spanning an area of 320,000m2, on a site located 1km from Masjid al- Haram (the Grand Mosque) in Makkah Al-Mukarramah (more commonly Makkah), the Thakher Makkah project aims to become the preferred destination for visitors to the Holy City, according to its developer. Once complete, the project will provide 15,000 direct and 18,000 indirect jobs and aims to contribute to Makkah’s sustainable development. “The project participates in achieving the objectives of Vision 2030 about enhancing the services provided to pilgrims and Umrah performers and enriching their experience, in addition to promoting the real estate and economic development of the city. Additionally, it enables those wishing to own a unique property an integrated community with services, a vibrant and safe environment close to the Grand Mosque,” the development firm said in a statement. A game changer Pursuant to these recent announcements, Construction Week Saudi spoke to Eng Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al-Aboudi, the CEO of Thakher Development Company, to learn more about its modern urban living project and how it could impact one of the most historically significant locations in the world. “The Thakher project is equipped with best-in-class urban planners and designers, and it elevates the rocky hills of the Holy City to one of the most accessible, diverse and welcoming destinations, providing residents, investors, and visitors with exceptional opportunities and an unprecedented living experience in a historical location,” Al-Aboudi says. He noted that the project’s design phase has been ongoing for a few years with a certain level of agility to | CITY FOCUS | 71The project’s infrastructure facilities include road networks, tunnels, sidewalks, amd landscapes. accommodate continuous improvements that might be of need. Al-Aboudi points out that project phases have also allowed for a smooth operation between infra and superstructures. He explains further: “Our main objective is now focused on the completion of the project’s second phase by 2024, and to support the objective of hosting 30 million pilgrims by 2030, part of Vision 2030. “Thakher Makkah is one of the largest and most important projects in Saudi Arabia, and we aim to change the real estate development scene in the Holy City of Makkah. The company’s vision is to contribute to the sustainable development of Makkah and to become the preferred destination for visitors to the Holy City.” According to the CEO, Thakher Makkah is also “a game changer in the property, hospitality, and retail space”. He adds that the development offers new investments and sustainable growth opportunities, collaborations, and living experiences, with its strategic location providing exceptional options and opportunities for visitors and investors. Al-Aboudi further notes that the development aims to enhance the services provided to pilgrims and Umrah performers and enrich their experience, adding that “this will allow the contemporary and distinctive development of the project to perfectly meet the aspirations of visitors and investors”. Enriching experiences The Thakher Makkah project is not only located 1km away from the Grand Mosque but is also close to the holy sites of Muzdalifah, Mina, and Arafat. Additionally, Al-Aboudi says that the development is one hour from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, which adds to its distinctive investment opportunities and standard of living. Elaborating on the project, he notes: “The project’s infrastructure facilities include road networks, tunnels, sidewalks, landscapes, as well as shopping areas, restaurants, and cafes. A shopping centre within the project will contain 124 international and local brand stores. It will offer various options for shoppers, including entertainment centres for children, cafes, and restaurants from “THAKHER MAKKAH IS ONE OF THE LARGEST AND MOST IMPORTANT PROJECTS IN SAUDI ARABIA, AND WE AIM TO CHANGE THE REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT SCENE IN THE HOLY CITY OF MAKKAH.” Eng Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al-Aboudi, CEO, Thakher Development Company | CITY FOCUS | 72The development aims to enhance the services provided to pilgrims and Umrah performers. Work on the rst phase of the $7bn Thakher Makkah is almost complete. different global cuisines that will cater to all visitors and residents’ palates. The project will also be capable of providing up to 10,000 car parking lots and will have a mosque that can accommodate 5,000 prayers.” Thakher Development Company notes that upon completion, the development would include about 100 land plots for hotels, residential, commercial, and service-related areas. “Residential and hotel apartment units will be available in various categories, and the units will also be available for freehold ownership. Among the international hotels in the Thakher Makkah development are the Radisson Hotel, the Park Inn by Radisson, and the Novotel Hotel,” Al-Aboudi states. He adds that huge undertakings such as the Thakher Makkah project collaborates with an extensive network of partners, including CIMS, RMJM, SAK, HVS, Knight Frank, Meinhardt, HVS, CA+, Khatib & Alami, and AlArif, among others. Regarding plans in the kingdom and the broader Middle East region, Al-Aboudi notes: “Business success is measured by our commitment in delivering the project according to the timelines set and providing unprecedented high-quality services and opportunities to investors and visitors.” “The project’s various facilities make it one of the most comprehensive real estate projects in Makkah, and it aims to contribute to rising accommodation requirements in the Holy City. In addition, we are enhancing the services provided to pilgrims and enriching their experiences, so the contemporary and distinctive development of the project perfectly meets the aspirations of residents, investors, and visitors,” he concludes. Eng Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al-Aboudi, CEO, Thakher Development Company. | CITY FOCUS | 73| COMMENT | 74 The challenge has historically been persuading the market that modular construction is a viable alternative not just in the short term but also on a semi-permanent and even permanent basis, says Waleed Khaled, sales director at Losberger De Boer Middle East HOW KSA IS BUILDING A MORE MODULAR FUTURE Around the world, developers are increasingly gravitating toward modular construction over traditional permanent construction to meet the demand for new buildings resulting from more people living in established cities and new mega and gigaprojects, seeking out shorter building times and accelerated commercialisation of projects. While the Asia Pacific region dominates the modular construction market in terms of adoption and projects, we are seeing a greater appetite in the Middle East, with Saudi Arabia leading the way. What is driving the increased demand for modular construction solutions in Saudi Arabia? They say necessity is the mother of invention, and in the case of Saudi Arabia, it is also a key factor in the greater adoption of modular construction. Developers need buildings and infrastructure to be built and be operational at a far greater pace than ever before. Compared to traditional building construction methods, modular structures can be completed in 30-50% less time. This time-saving is going to be a critical factor in Saudi Arabia’s plans to open its mega and gigaprojects to residents and visitors, which will, in turn, help the country to realise its ambitions to become a major tourism and business hub, not just in the Middle East but globally. While building speed is a feather in modular construction’s hat, it is not | COMMENT || COMMENT | 75 the only advantage this alternative building method offers. How far modular construction has come in terms of what is now possible is also of great appeal to the kingdom’s developers and master planners. Going back a few decades, the perception of modular construction began and ended with pre-cast concrete buildings, dropped into place to provide temporary facilities for offices and commercial activities. With new technology and advancements, modular construction can now become whatever is needed, from homes, hotels and schools to healthcare facilities, retail space and event locations. Modular construction can be designed and adapted to fit any space and fulfil any purpose. Multi-storey options are available, the quality of the materials used rivals that of permanent construction, and, in many cases, it would take an expert eye to tell the difference between the two. It is not just speed and quality that have increased the attractiveness of modular construction in Saudi Arabia. It is the very nature of this build method that makes it such a perfect fit for the kingdom’s mega and gigaprojects. What has previously been identified as a weakness is in fact a strength in the context of many projects in Saudi Arabia: design certainty. While designs may change during the construction of a building or project using traditional methods, this is not possible with modular construction. The design must be agreed ahead of construction, and approvals cannot be obtained in stages. However, the masterplans associated with some of Saudi Arabia’s biggest ongoing and upcoming projects are, by their design, not flexible. The areas in which these projects are being constructed have fragile ecosystems, and the intent is to disrupt as little of the surrounding area as possible. The offsite production of modular construction presents a solution to this challenge. With the majority of people associated with the build process working offsite, modular construction requires fewer people and less equipment onsite. Not only does this minimise disruption to the surrounding area, but it also reduces the carbon footprint of the project site, helping developers to reach their sustainability goals while having assurances relating to quality and building schedules, which are less likely to change when utilising modular construction methods. With all the advantages modular construction offers when timelines are so tight, the question remains: why isn’t there more modular construction in Saudi Arabia and the rest of the Middle East region? We estimate that only 30% of the kingdom’s construction is modular, which means 70% of all projects are still relying on traditional, permanent construction methods. The challenge has historically been persuading the market that modular construction is a viable alternative not just in the short term but also on a semi- permanent and even permanent basis. However, we foresee somewhat of a domino effect coming into play. As more developers transition to modular construction and its benefits, the question will no longer be: can we utilise modular construction? It will become: can we keep up if we don’t use modular construction? The benefits have been proven, and I don’t think we will have to look too far into the future to see modular builds being seamlessly integrated into many, if not all, of Saudi Arabia’s new projects. Waleed Khaled is the sales director at Losberger De Boer Middle East. Representational image [Shutterstock] Waleed Khaled, sales director, Losberger De Boer Middle East.| DESIGN | 76 Saudi Arabia reveals the design for the new headquarters of the Misk Foundation that is targeting LEED Gold Certi cation by incorporating numerous green and sustainable initiatives Words by: Julianne Tolentino Located in the Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Non-profit City, the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation is the world’s first non-profit city launched by HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Misk Foundation. It will contribute to achieving the goals of Misk in supporting innovation and entrepreneurship while nurturing future leaders. Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City is located in Irqah neighborhood, adjacent to Wadi Hanifa, on an area of around 3.4km2. Earlier this year, details about the Misk Foundation Headquarters was revealed, with Brewer Smith Brewer Group (BSBG) being signed up as the executive architect, executive interior designer, and structural engineers for the new building. The development is the second project for BSBG in KSA. BLENDING SALMANI ARCHITECTURE WITH MODERNITY The design focuses on the Salmani architectural style The building is designed by the international architect Conrad Gargett| DESIGN | 77 Supporting Riyadh Green Initiative BSBG director, Demetrios Tourtouras, explained that in addition to the iconic design of the project and its setting at the edge of Wadi Hanifa, there is a huge focus on creating a healthy, sustainable environment which promotes wellbeing in both employees and visitors. Tourtouras referred to Misk Foundation as a “fantastic client”, saying that the company has developed a “great working” relationship with the organisation. He further added: “As well as targeting LEED Gold Certification by incorporating numerous green and sustainable initiatives, the project features wellness design strategies and post-pandemic office design principles to create an optimum working environment for employees. “It’s a fantastic project for us to be involved in, and to further cement our partnership with Misk Foundation.” The foundation headquarters also supports the Riyadh Green Initiative, reflecting the kingdom’s vision of increasing the per capita share of green space while adding to the Misk Foundation team’s overall well-being. With professionals seeking a healthy work environment, the focus on setting the highest standards in environmental care will attract more talent. Spirit of modernity in design Designed by the international architect Conrad Gargett, the headquarters’ structure and concept highlights the innovation and the captures the spirit of the foundation. The design focuses on the Salmani architectural style, which follows the wishes of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, to ensure it reflects the identity of the city of Riyadh. It also combines the originality and spirit of the ancient Najd with the spirit of modernity. The Salmani style encompasses the details of the overall scheme, identifies the materials, and ensures the design has open and integrated spaces. Misk Foundation headquarters will include a museum that showcases the foundation’s journey, and also highlights the rich heritage of Wadi Hanifa. ‘Garden Court’ is one focal point of the design, and is at the heart of the Misk Foundation headquarters. It is a publicly accessible, landscaped central gathering space to attract pedestrians into the building and allow them to experience the micro-climates of the covered garden. The office accommodation wraps around this central garden space. The area will be shaded by an over-scaled Mashrabiya roof structure that filters light and heat for optimal comfort. According to BSBG, the foundation held an employees’ survey to get them involved in the design process by understanding what they look for in their work environment. Tourtouras concluded: “We’re fortunate to be working as part of a team, which includes the Concept Design Architect and Interior Designer, Conrad Gargett. In delivering on their vision and design intent, we will be delivering a facility befitting of the client and their many wonderful initiatives.” The development is BSBG’s second project in KSA The Foundation headquarters supports the Riyadh Green Initiative | DESIGN |The International Monetary Fund recently reported that Saudi Arabia’s economy will grow at the fastest pace in almost a decade this year. With inflation to be contained at 2.8%, gross domestic product is expected to expand by 7.6%. This is an especially interesting outlook in the current market conditions, where the global economy is on the brink of recession. One of the significant driving forces is the $1.1tn investment in Saudi Arabia’s infrastructure and real estate development. Many individuals from neighbouring countries, and beyond, are flocking to the kingdom, considering it a haven for what is yet to come globally. As well as that corporations are also looking to open offices locally as a hedge against global market dips. The projects in the pipeline, are not only note-worthy due to their monetary value, but also due to their sophistication and required innovation. This presents both extreme challenges, as well as opportunities, for developers, designers, architects, and contractors alike. For those who seek an unparalleled opportunity today, Saudi Arabia is the place to be. Taking the front-stage seat in this time of major transformation, UNIMAC has been fortunate enough to foresee the requirements and set in motion a development plan. Investing in human capital and technology has been a priority and ensures that the company not only has the adequate resources to take on the challenge, but to do so in the most efficient way with the least environmental impact possible. EMBRACING TRANSFORMATION During a time of radical change in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, UNIMAC has foreseen the requirements to set in motion an elaborate development plan for the future UNIMAC delivered Riyadh Street Circuit. | BRANDVIEW | 78With that in mind, it is imperative to not only innovate but to use the most modern technologies available in its sector, coupled with the freshest and greatest minds. Recruiting dynamic engineers gives UNIMAC a different perspective from the typical, traditional ways of construction, focusing more on sustainable solutions and better quality. As a matter of fact, UNIMAC has developed an Environmental Division that tests and treats water and sediments for rehabilitation in support of Vision 2030’s efforts to reduce carbon footprint in the kingdom. In addition, the company has also initiated discussions with international companies conducting research and development on scalable renewable technology that combined waste carbon dioxide with calcium sourced from recycled waste. This process will allow UNIMAC to manufacture synthetic limestone aggregate to process it into limestone aggregates and concrete. All in all, as the company develops plans for the future, the focus on hiring practices remains steadfast as UNIMAC believes that its workforce is the pillar of its success. Not only are the most qualified candidates in the market hired, but employee turnaround is low through the integration of key human capital retention methods in corporate strategies. On another note, with over 7.5 million people residing in the kingdom’s capital, the population growth poses a great challenge on the city’s transportation infrastructure. These challenges, coupled with Vision 2030, presents opportunities to enhance infrastructure in an impactful way, proving them to be a catalyst not only for development, but also for modern design-driven development. As a Class 1 road and infrastructure company, UNIMAC’s all-inclusive service is in high demand today. The contractor has been successfully delivering projects ranging from major roads and highways, to more recently, entertainment infrastructure including the Riyadh Street Circuit, host of the Formula E Diriyah ePrix. With over four decades in the industry, UNIMAC has positively impacted the modern infrastructure changes that have morphed with the country over the years. UNIMAC’s innovation goes beyond the requirements for the short-term, but looks at the long-term, concentrating on environmental and sustainable developments within the industry – whether it be carbon captured aggregate production or inductive power transfer systems for electric vehicles. In such a fast-paced world, it’s never too soon to start the research required as these changes will be implemented in what feels like a New York minute. UNIMAC is investing in human capital and technology. [Images: Supplied] UNIMAC operates an Environmental Division. | BRANDVIEW | 79Next >