CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY AWARDS KSA WINNERS 2024
ORGANISATION AWARDS
BIM ORGANISATION OF THE YEAR
WINNER
RED SEA GLOBAL
Red Sea Global (RSG) is the developer behind The Red Sea and AMAALA, two exceptional, regenerative tourism destinations that aim to set new standards in sustainable development and put Saudi Arabia on the global tourism map. RSG’s Virtual Design Management team have driven the use of BIM to position the company as a leading BIM organisation in the Kingdom. The team’s delivery of current operating assets has been recognised by the British Standards Institute with two Kitemark awards for BIM implementation and use.
In August 2021, RSG was the first asset owner to be awarded the BIM Project Kitemark from BSI for delivering to ISO 19650, reflecting the developer’s advanced state of applied technology and processes. This has been achieved over the past four years in a market that is at the beginning of its BIM journey. The team has worked on several constraints such as legal, cybersecurity, market maturity and connectivity in a remote area of Saudi Arabia. As well as providing tangible project benefits and ensuring the development kept pace during the pandemic, the team has also brought sustainability benefits through creating new roles, removing barriers to entry for BIM and leaving a digital legacy for future projects.
CONSULTANT OF THE YEAR
WINNER
AtkinsRéalis
AtkinsRéalis is digitally transforming infrastructure project delivery by connecting people, data, and technology. Through initiatives like design transformation, digitally enabled program management, digital twins, and an integrated data ecosystem, AtkinsRéalis unlocks efficiencies at every stage of the project lifecycle. Key objectives include improving design quality, enhancing project transparency and decision-making, reducing project delivery times and costs, and tracking sustainability metrics in real-time.
AtkinsRéalis’ digital strategy aligns with its vision to engineer a better future by improving infrastructure sustainability and outcomes. With digital intrinsically embedded across operations, AtkinsRéalis helps clients maximize value while pioneering innovative solutions to humanity's pressing challenges. Its integrated, data-led approach also enables effective collaboration across teams and partners. Through its relentless focus on digital excellence and innovation, AtkinsRéalis continues setting new industry benchmarks.
CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR
WINNER
NESMA & PARTNERS
Nesma & Partners' digital transformation roadmap is structured around two key strategic roadmaps: the Digitalization Roadmap and the VDC (Virtual Design and Construction) Strategic Transformation Roadmap. These roadmaps are designed to achieve three overarching business objectives. Firstly, the company aims to increase productivity and dependability in project execution processes by leveraging digital technologies and innovative methodologies to streamline workflows, reduce manual inefficiencies, and enhance the reliability of project delivery. Secondly, Nesma & Partners seeks to reduce risk in project management and execution through the implementation of advanced data analytics, predictive modeling, and risk mitigation strategies, thereby minimizing project risks, anticipating challenges, and ensuring smoother project outcomes. Lastly, the company aims to foster knowledge transfer across company functions, recognizing the importance of sharing knowledge and expertise to enhance collaboration, improve decision-making, and drive innovation across various departments and functions.
The Digitalization Roadmap, currently in its second phase, has already demonstrated significant success in achieving its objectives from the initial phase. This success is reflected in the notable improvements in key performance indicators associated with the company's digitalized workflows. Meanwhile, the VDC Strategic Transformation Roadmap is focused on fully integrating VDC principles into estimation, engineering, and project controls processes, aiming to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of project planning, design, and execution through virtual modeling and simulation techniques.
Through the execution of these roadmaps, Nesma & Partners aims to harness digital technologies and innovative methodologies to streamline project execution processes, mitigate risks associated with project management and execution, and bolster collaboration and knowledge sharing across the organization. This strategic approach underscores Nesma & Partners' commitment to setting industry trends and driving operational excellence through digital initiatives and new ways of working. By embracing digital transformation, Nesma & Partners aims to remain agile and competitive in a rapidly evolving business landscape, ensuring that its business objectives are effectively met and sustained over time.
DIGITAL DESIGN ORGANISATION OF THE YEAR
WINNER
ATKINSRÉALIS
AtkinsRéalis has implemented a comprehensive digital transformation strategy to establish seamless flows of information across projects, minimize data fragmentation, and adopt emerging technologies like computational design and artificial intelligence. Key initiatives optimize workflows through automation to boost productivity and sustainability. AtkinsRéalis has achieved widespread enhancements in efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and timely project delivery. Data analytics empower teams to make informed decisions. Extensive training programs and leadership commitment drive company-wide adoption.
With a focus on pioneering digital design excellence, AtkinsRéalis assembles talented teams and invests substantially in research and development to continuously explore innovative solutions. Notable projects demonstrating success include dramatically streamlining the master planning process, establishing an extensive design library to enable reuse, and implementing automated geometry conversion resulting in major productivity gains. Overall, AtkinsRéalis' purpose-driven digital strategy aims to push the possibilities of engineering, delivering exceptional, technology-enabled solutions for clients that optimize critical outcomes like schedule, cost, quality and sustainability.
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF THE YEAR - CLIENT
WINNER
NEOM
NEOM Engineering & Technical Services Department (ETSD) oversees various areas of project development at NEOM, including planning, design, quality, cost, and others. Considering the scale, complexity and ambition of NEOM, digitalization is a must to deliver on objectives, overcome key challenges and enhance efficiency and visibility. ETSD initiated a strategy to digitize its operations across 15 functional areas, searching the market and 150+ vendors for appropriate and scalable solutions.
After 100+ workshops and a proof-of-concept exercise, ETSD designed its digital architecture and redefined operations to improve efficiency, visibility, and service delivery. This transformation benefits hundreds of internal and external NEOM stakeholders, requiring thorough engagement, coordination, and collaboration. ETSD worked closely with key technological partners to understand their product strategy and roadmap. This was necessary to ensure trust, collaboration, accountability, and commitment, not only in terms of execution and implementation but also in terms of knowledge sharing and capacity building. New applications are already deployed across nine of the functional domains, and others are in progress.
The roadmap is continuously updated in line with the latest NEOM requirements. ETSD is pushing applications and vendors to continuously improve applications and deploy the most advanced features and capabilities in the Kingdom.
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF THE YEAR - CONSULTANT
WINNER
KEO International Consultants
KEO's digital transformation is characterized by its comprehensive strategy spanning from the integration of computers in the 1980s, making it one of the first consultancies to utilize such technology, to receiving ISO 19650 BIM accreditation in 2019, and the publication of a Digital Strategy in 2023. Notably, their Digital Blueprint outlines objectives until June 2026, emphasizing growth in digital services, workforce development, and aligning with broader organizational goals. The establishment of the Digital Capability Network further reinforces their commitment, ensuring successful strategy execution and fostering a culture of innovation.
Key features include bespoke digital plans for each sector, a structured Innovation Framework Hub, and investments in capability and data analytics. The organization aims to achieve an 80% digital competency rate among employees by 2024. The business objectives focus on accelerating growth, enhancing workforce skills, and fostering innovation. By leveraging digital tools like the Learning Management System (LMS) and partnerships with technology firms like Giraffe, Autodesk, Bentley, OpenSpace, TwinView and Microsoft.
KEO has demonstrated tangible benefits including improved project efficiency, enhanced quality, cost reduction, revenue generation, and sustainability gains. Overall, KEO's digital transformation shows innovation, efficiency, and strategic alignment.
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF THE YEAR - CONTRACTOR
WINNER
Saudi Binladin Group - Contracting
SBG's digital transformation is a paradigm shift beyond mere technology adoption, epitomising a fundamental cultural change underpinned by a strategic determination to enhance various departments via digitisation. This sweeping transformation touches on key areas: Project Controls, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, HR, and Construction Operations, each experiencing targeted initiatives and realising significant gains. SBG has deployed sophisticated digital governance systems to minimise human errors and guarantee precision. These advanced digital tools enable real-time monitoring of workflows, thereby enhancing transparency and bolstering decision-making processes.
A noteworthy achievement is the seamless integration between supply chain management and project operations, which cultivates a spirit of collaboration and ensures strategic alignment. In the realm of Engineering, the adoption of Digital Construction and digitisation has streamlined workflows, bolstered collaborative efforts, and underpinned efficient project management. The HR department has witnessed a revolution through digital solutions, optimising recruitment processes, performance management, and talent development. Construction Operations have been transformed with cutting-edge project management systems and real-time collaboration tools, resulting in heightened productivity and the successful execution of projects. Embracing this all-encompassing digital transformation, SBG has not only empowered its workforce but also significantly enhanced accuracy and efficiency, thereby fostering an environment ripe for innovation.
SUSTAINABLE ORGANISATION OF THE YEAR
WINNER
EMAAR, THE ECONOMIC CITY (KAEC)
King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) exemplifies the integration of sustainability practices into urban operations through its ‘Sustainability Excellence Framework’. This framework aligns with ISO 37120 to ensure data transparency and adopts the GHG Protocol to aggressively reduce carbon emissions.
Furthermore, this framework commits to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Reporting Standards and adheres to the United Nations Global Compact Principles, facilitating enhanced stakeholder engagement and actively contributing to the Saudi Green Initiative's national sustainability ambitions.
By leveraging advanced data analytics and cutting-edge technology, KAEC fosters an environment of continuous improvement, adaptability, and tangible, measurable outcomes. This strategic focus on effective communication with stakeholders underscores KAEC’s leadership in sustainable urban operations, demonstrating how cities can embody Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles to drive progress and innovation.
KAEC’s dedication to managing assets across their entire lifecycle, coupled with its innovative data-driven practices, not only sets a global benchmark for excellence in urban operations but also positions it as a leading light in the realm of sustainable urban operation excellence. Through this holistic approach, KAEC not only addresses current sustainability challenges but also paves the way for future generations, ensuring a lasting legacy of environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and governance transparency.
STARTUP OF THE YEAR
WINNER
PULSE TECHNOLOGIES
Pulse is the Fitbit of civil structures. We develop IoT solutions for the health monitoring of buildings, bridges, tunnels and infrastructure. Pulse Platform gathers meaningful insights from concrete structures, allowing for timely, cost-effective interventions. With sensors 3D printed and assembled in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, Pulse offers a smart way to extend asset life, reduce lifecycle costs and secure peace of mind. Additionally, longevity of structures distributes the embodied environmental impact over a longer lifespan directly reducing environmental impact.
Our first product is for the early detection of corrosion, which is the primary cause of structural failure. It is particularly relevant in the Arabian Gulf where high salinity, humidity and temperature create the perfect conditions for corrosion and material degradation. Future products will include AI-powered predictive analytics as well as sensors for construction joint integrity monitoring, corrosion in existing structures and other critical aspects of structural health.
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
CONTECH LEADER OF THE YEAR
WINNER
Syed Shah Saud
Red Sea Global
Syed Saud is Senior Director of Digital Delivery at Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind The Red Sea and AMAALA, two exceptional, regenerative tourism destinations that aim to set new standards in sustainable development and put Saudi Arabia on the global tourism map. Syed has been an integral part of the Department since its inception, thanks to his 20 years of experience and technical know-how from working across the GCC. He has been instrumental in developing and launching innovative solutions that have helped RSG grow and expand its digital journey.
Along with his team, Syed’s leadership and expertise are paving the way to enable RSG to become a leader in the ConTech industry, supporting RSG’s ambitious vision. Within the department, Syed has been responsible for creating a culture of collaboration and innovation, allowing for the development of creative solutions to complex business and industry challenges.
He has been at the forefront of adapting and enabling new technologies, products and services, as well as pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
His goal is for RSG to become a major player in the real estate technology sector. Syed's hard work to support the company’s development and contributions to people and the planet are invaluable. He holds a Master of Science in Computer Science and many industry certifications.
CONTECH RISING STAR OF THE YEAR
WINNER
KHALID ABDULLAH ALHOQAIL
Misk Foundation
In recent years, I played a key role in the Ministry of Housing's Innovation Park project, contributing innovative ideas and hands-on involvement. Beyond this, I spearheaded initiatives to promote the adoption of advanced building technologies in the residential sector, conducting pilots and collaboratively testing market strategies. A significant achievement during this period was the development and implementation of a comprehensive report assessing the role of technology in both commercial and residential real estate.
This report, a testament to my analytical capabilities, has been instrumental in informing strategic decisions within our organization. Quantifying the impact of my work reveals improvements in project timelines, operational efficiency, safety standards, construction quality, and cost savings. I am excited about the potential of further contributing to the industry's advancement and am confident that my track record of delivering innovation and driving digital initiatives makes me a deserving candidate for the Award.
BIM CHAMPION OF THE YEAR
WINNER
AHMED EL SAMNI
RED SEA GLOBAL
Ahmed El Samni is Senior BIM Manager at Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind The Red Sea and AMAALA, two regenerative tourism destinations that aim to set new standards in sustainable development and put Saudi Arabia on the global tourism map. Ahmed joined RSG in 2021 as an experienced Architect with a Master’s in Construction Management.
Leaning on many years of project information management across different industries, he has played a significant and instrumental role in the successful implementation of digital delivery systems, BIM processes, and information management platforms across RSG’s project portfolio.
A team player, with strong leadership skills, and an intelligent manager with an encyclopaedic knowledge of information standards, technology platforms including modelling, document management and data analytics, Ahmed has led and inspired RSG’s project teams to develop their digital engineering skills.
He successfully led RSG’s BIM Implementation for Red Sea International Airport (RSI), the biggest deployment of BIM Implementation in the Middle East. He also ensured that RSG followed ISO 19650, winning the company BSI Kitemark certification.
As an inspirational digital delivery project leader, Ahmed has championed the development of BIM skills and competencies, and has demonstrated the business value of BIM.
WOMAN IN CONTECH AWARD
WINNER
ANA W. HUDSON
Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN)
Ana currently serves as the Head of Sustainability at Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN) and has been a key player in the shift towards more sustainable standards and practices in the built environment in the Middle East since 2008. Ana is a sustainability leader with architectural, urban and environmental planning background, who progressively surpassed environmental and sustainability standards and expectations with each project and team she led. Her work spans from the early development of one of the first green building regulations in the Middle East to the establishment of one of the first Sustainability Frameworks in a giga project in KSA, setting the high aspiration and solid groundwork for the achievement of the first LEED for Cities Platinum certification in the country.
At SEVEN, Ana drives the efforts for excellence in sustainability and environmental performance in the Entertainment and Attractions Industry in KSA, expanding the scope of the sustainability work into the lasting social contributions that SEVEN’s entertainment complexes can bring to the community. Ana is a pioneer and inspiring female role model, who believes that no challenge is too great for a team that shares a clear vision, embraces collaboration, and is provided with the necessary tools to succeed.
PROJECT AWARDS
BIM PROJECT OF THE YEAR
WINNER
TURTLE BAY STUDIOS BY RSG
GROUP AMANA
An ambitious, regenerative destination being developed 500km north of Jeddah on the Red Sea in Umluj, Saudi Arabia, is leading the way in sustainable design and ecotourism in the Middle East. Technology, design, and innovative construction techniques are being leveraged to ensure sustainability targets are met at the 28,000 sqkm Red Sea project
The scope of the project included the design, manufacture, construction, testing, and commissioning of Package C – 10 Blocks of Studio Apartments at Studio Coastal Village.
DuBox, an AMANA subsidiary, used modular construction for residential buildings, comprising 288 one- and two-bedroom apartments, providing quality housing to more than 350 staff. Three-quarters (75%) of this project is designed, manufactured, and assembled offsite in a controlled environment at a DuBox factory in KSA before being transported by road to the Red Sea site.
The challenge was the client is a well BIM Matured and knows what exactly would be targeted from BIM Usage for his/her project.
As part of its digitally driven strategy, DuBox uses BIM to shorten production cycles and smooth engineering and design flow. DuBox believes that the future success of the sector depends on its ability to adopt digital solutions in line with the market needs. DuBox delivers complete buildings, single or multi-story, and modules are designed and built using virtual design and construction digital techniques.
TECH FOR SAFETY AWARD
WINNER
Safety Command Centre C3/C4 Project
Aramco
Through this award submission, we showcase Aramco's proactive commitment to enhancing construction site safety by leveraging cutting-edge technology. Aramco's vision encompasses not only safety but also the seamless integration of digital tools to boost safety management and site productivity. The integration of IoT and AI technologies plays a pivotal role in redefining site safety. Aramco has established dedicated project site control centres staffed with experts overseeing the implementation and control of digital solutions. These centres serve as nerve centres for real-time monitoring of site performance and safety metrics.
Recognising the unique challenges of each construction site, Aramco collaborates closely with technology specialists to develop fully integrated solutions. These tailor-made solutions ensure that every construction project benefits from the latest safety technology. Aramco sets rigorous minimum standards for technology support, ensuring subcontractors adhere to project requirements and industry safety regulations. This standardised approach guarantees consistency across all projects. Aramco recognises that safety extends beyond one dimension. It encompasses personnel safety, equipment safety, site visitation protocols, and regulatory compliance, including work permits, certifications, and medical clearances. Aramco's commitment is holistic, ensuring the well-being of every stakeholder involved.
DIGITAL PROJECT OF THE YEAR
WINNER
ROSHN HORIZON
ROSHN Group
The ROSHN Horizon emerged from a strategic initiative to standardize the Roshn Investment Control Process (RICP) framework, ensuring uniformity in processes, procedures, and templates. The driving force behind this digital project was the need to overcome the challenges posed by varied workflows across ROSHN portfolio.
The aim was to establish foundation where Processes and Templates are not just defined but rigorously followed. This commitment to standardization extends to every aspect of the RACI matrix creating a cohesive framework that fosters clarity and accountability.
In achieving our goals, Digitalization project streamlines RICP and overall development cycle. Leveraging technologies and methodologies, we've harmonized disparate processes, and reduced redundancy across ROSHN.
The unique strength of RICP is its ability to bridge the gap between standardization and innovation. We not only met but exceeded the stated aims, establishing a new benchmark for the RICP RACI framework within ROSHN. This project serves as a transformative force, ensuring not only adherence to standards but a streamlined d development cycle that propels our portfolio towards sustained success.
In 2024, we have added an additional capability to the project by enabling ROSHN GPT leveraging internal knowledge library and powered by Generative Pre-trained Transformer to support all employees.
DIGITAL TWIN PROJECT OF THE YEAR
WINNER
KAFD GIS & DIGITAL TWIN
KAFD
The King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) is an iconic district in Riyadh, with 50+ operational towers. It spans 6.2 million sqm of built-up area and includes the city’s tallest skyscraper. The district offers a diverse range of community spaces such as offices, retail outlets, hospitality venues, entertainment centres, and residential spaces.
The digital twin platform was developed to serve various KAFD stakeholders, including Development, Community Management, Commercial & Leasing, Marketing, and Security.
It involves delivering the 3D model in BIM for buildings and GIS for common areas based on as-built data, as well as more than 1,500 scans for outdoor areas and utility tunnels to capture the latest conditions. All data sources are integrated into one single source of truth, with several tools that cover multiple use cases and support the different stakeholders' daily needs.
The digital twin technology has various applications from operations (through integration with CAFM) to development (through integration with BIM), sales and leasing, marketing, and security (through integration with CCTV). In addition, the platform will be integrated with the KAFD Command & Control Centre for incident management and daily smart city operations, serving as a single data source for navigation, way-finding, and mobility.
DIGITAL PROJECT - PMIS IMPLEMENTATION OF THE YEAR
WINNER
Rua Al Madinah Holding Company
Rua Al Madinah Holding Company, based in Saudi Arabia, is a key entity under the Public Investment Fund and known for its pivotal role in real estate development and investment initiatives. Its focus lies in modern urban planning and the execution of diverse, comprehensive projects aimed at elevating Madinah’s stature as a destination with a contemporary architectural landscape. Leading modern infrastructure, Rua Al Madinah Holding will work on current and future projects to develop a hotel and commercial system. It also aims to establish cultural, entertainment, and religious museums near the Prophet’s Mosque, facilitating the accommodation of 30 million visitors to Madinah by 2030.
The focus of the team is to harness the power of big data and implement digital process automation. This transformational initiative aims to elevate the Rua Al Madinah Project into a comprehensive solution, setting new benchmarks not only within the region but also beyond. The goal is to streamline project workflows, optimise resource allocation, and facilitate efficient communication, collaboration, and decision-making. Our approach involves leveraging big data to achieve real-time visibility into project data, empowering key stakeholders to proactively address challenges. This ensures the successful delivery of the project, facilitated by the right technology partners and appropriate tools to drive project efficiency and success.
EDITOR'S CHOICE - SUSTAINABLE CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR
WINNER
EL SEIF ENGINEERING CONTRACTING
El Seif has been responsible for some of the kingdom’s most iconic buildings in recent years. It is one of the leading contracting companies of high-rise towers, using the latest international construction techniques and advanced systems to deliver landmark and smart tower projects.
Having been established in 1975, landmark projects include the Kingdom Tower in Saudi Arabia’s capital city Riyadh, which stands at over 300 meters high, several towers at King Abdullah Financial District, as well as other towers and high-rise buildings in Dubai and Beirut.
Currently El Seif is working on three mega projects as part of Vision 2030 - Qiddiya Water Park, King Salman Park and Diriyah Gate Company (DGDA).
El Seif offers a wide range of services which includes general contracting, project construction management, design & build services, engineering, procurement and construction (EPC), international procurement, logistics, PPP, BOT, and BOOT projects as well as operation and maintenance contracts covering extensive list of project types.