What strategies are set to strengthen ALEC’s position in Saudi Arabia and help deliver differentiating value to clients?

The scale of investment we are witnessing in Saudi Arabia is unprecedented. Last year, analysts estimated the value of the Kingdom’s construction market at US$65.58 billion. It is poised for even greater growth - with projections of US$75.12 billion by 2028.

Much of this investment is being directed towards projects that raise the bar for the global construction industry – Neom, Qiddiya, Diriyah Gate and AlUla to name just a few. As with any undertakings that push the boundaries of what isO possible, these projects call for world- class expertise and the implementation of best practices that have been tried and tested in other iconic developments from across the world. At the same time, this expertise needs to be melded with a commitment to buying into and actively supporting the government’s vision for the progress of the nation.

This is why ALEC is especially well positioned. We have already delivered some of the region’s most complex and iconic projects – from entertainment and leisure designations such as Yas Waterworld and SeaWorld in Abu Dhabi, to large scale infrastructure projects such as Dubai Airport, and world-firsts such as the One Zaabeel which boasts the longest cantilever bridge in the world. At the same time, we have developed all this expertise within the region, which has given us a deep understanding of the cultural nuances, ways of working, social dynamics and other ‘soft factors’ that are so essential to the success of large- scale construction undertakings.

Moreover, at ALEC, we have been steadily building an impressive portfolio of subsidiaries that excel in various construction-adjacent lines of business. These include modular construction, fitout, MEP works, and even data centres. These subsidiaries draw on each other’s strengths and expertise and collaborate with unrivalled efficiency. By offering clients – even those with the most complex and ambitious of projects – everything under one roof, from consultancy and construction to fit-out and MEP works, we eliminate many of the greatest impediments they are facing in achieving their desired outcomes on-time, and within budget. This is the differentiating value that resonates strongly with our clients and prospects and perfectly positions us to be the partner of choice as we look to be part of some of the region’s most ambitious projects.

What initiatives does ALEC have in place to develop and nurture a skilled workforce in Saudi Arabia’s construction industry? What strategies do you have in mind to attract and engage top talent in construction?

We are committed to fostering local talent in Saudi Arabia, this is essential to the sustainability of our business and the overall construction sector. We have implemented cadet programs for early-stage recruitment and training of Saudi professionals and are in dialogue with local educational institutions to bolster this initiative.

Please tell us about modular construction and other techniques as well as materials that ALEC is adopting for eco-friendly construction.

With its vast geographic expanse, and often challenging topography, Saudi Arabia stands to benefit especially well from modular construction. This approach can effectively eliminate many of the challenges associated with developing projects in remote areas such as deploying skilled workers, transporting materials, or collaborating effectively with clients and off-site teams.

It isn’t only for far-flung locations that the modular approach offers benefits over traditional construction techniques. Just this month, reports of the housing challenges in Riyadh made headlines. The city’s population is expected to grow from 7.5 million today to around 17 to 18 million by the end of the decade, and other major cities in the Kingdom are seeing similar trends. Modular units, which can be cost-effectively manufactured at scale, with impressive levels of speed, repeatability and quality assurance can help deliver a portion of the building stock that will be required to house this growing population.

Modular construction offers environmental benefits as well. These units can be constructed with a greater proportion of sustainable materials than their traditionally constructed  counterparts. Furthermore, because modular units are produced off-site in purpose-built facilities, there is far more control than at a construction site. Such controlled environments allow for best practices to be stringently followed. Moreover, a high degree of repeatability can be introduced which translates to highly precise processes. All this translates to better utilisation of resources and less wastage, thereby offering a more sustainable approach.

How is technology enabling ALEC’s projects in Saudi Arabia, especially in terms of delivering excellence and in timely project delivery?

Technology is playing an increasingly significant role in not only how we approach projects, but also how we collaborate with industry stakeholders. In fact, another factor that sets ALEC apart from some of our industry peers is our relentless focus on innovation and technology. There is no doubt in my mind that it is this commitment to continuous improvement and willingness to embrace technology that has allowed us to stay ahead of the curve in an industry that is notoriously slow to change.

Having successfully leveraged the latest technologies on several projects, including BIM, augmented/virtual reality, robotics, drones, and cloud software, we have been directing our digital transformation inwards. In a move that underscores our commitment to digital transformation, we appointed a head of Digital Construction with a mission to digitise the entire value chain for our projects, with an emphasis on increasing workflow communication and vertical efficiencies.

We are streamlining our operations through digital technologies, tackling interoperability, standardising the data layer, and integrating different technologies where required. In doing so, we will inevitably promote technology adoption among our clients and partners, leading to a digital-first mindset across the industry that advances the sector towards greater efficiency, quality, and sustainability.