Saudi Projects spoke to Eng. Qahwash of BEC Arabia to get a deeper understanding of this extraordinary development.
Can you give us a concise overview of the Hampton by Hilton Sharma project and outline its scope of work?
The Hampton by Hilton Hotel is located in NEOM Community 1 in Sharma. Our scope of work for this project involves the complete design, construction, testing, commissioning, and remediation of defects for a three-star business hotel. This encompasses all phases from initial design through final commissioning, ensuring that all defects are addressed to achieve a fully operational and high-quality facility. In addition to the construction scope, BEC’s investment arm also co-led the financing and development of the project with a majority ownership in the investment structure of the development with NEOM.
Saudi Projects: What were the most significant challenges your team encountered during the construction process, and how did you overcome them?
Eng. Qahwash: The construction of the Hampton by Hilton Sharma presented several formidable challenges, each of which required strategic planning and innovative solutions to overcome:
Supply Chain Delays: In a dynamic market environment, we faced significant delays in vendor commitments, impacting the timely delivery of essential materials and equipment. To mitigate this, we implemented robust follow-up measures and streamlined logistics, ensuring that communication channels remained open and proactive in addressing any potential bottlenecks.
Design and Functional Requirements: Balancing the intricate operational requirements of a Hilton hotel with the complexities of system functionalities posed a unique challenge. Our approach involved adopting a concurrent engineering strategy, where design and construction phases operated in parallel. This facilitated real-time adjustments and seamless integration of all project aspects, enabling us to swiftly address any design challenges without compromising the overarching project vision.
Saudi Projects: How did you manage to keep the project on schedule, and were there any major delays? If so, how were they addressed?
Eng. Qahwash: Maintaining strict adherence to the project timeline was a cornerstone of our strategy, achieved through meticulous planning and proactive measures:
Detailed Planning: Our comprehensive planning encompassed every facet of the project, from initial engineering assessments to procurement strategies and on-site construction methodologies. This holistic approach ensured that all departments, including supply chain management, design teams, and technical experts, operated in synergy toward a unified goal.
Regular Monitoring: Weekly progress reviews and monitoring sessions provided critical insights into the project’s trajectory, allowing us to identify potential delays early. This proactive approach empowered us to implement corrective measures promptly, minimizing any disruptions to the timeline.
Recovery Plans: In instances where unforeseen challenges did impact progress, our team swiftly mobilized recovery plans. These plans involved reallocating resources, adjusting timelines, and re-sequencing tasks to restore momentum and ensure that project milestones were met without compromising quality or safety standards.
Saudi Projects: Can you tell us about the composition of your construction team and the roles that were crucial to the project’s success?
Eng. Qahwash: The success of the Hampton by Hilton Sharma project hinged upon the expertise and dedication of a diverse and integrated construction team:
Project Managers: These individuals played a pivotal role in overseeing the project’s overall progress, from inception to completion. Their responsibilities included strategic planning, resource allocation, and stakeholder management, ensuring that project objectives were met on time and within budget.
Construction Managers: On-site operations were meticulously coordinated by construction managers, who oversaw day-to-day activities, monitored adherence to safety protocols, and upheld quality standards. Their proactive approach to problem-solving and decision-making was instrumental in navigating complex construction challenges.
Supportive Teams: Comprising logistics and supply chain experts, this team facilitated the seamless flow of materials and equipment, ensuring that construction timelines remained unaffected by external disruptions. Their efficiency in procurement and delivery logistics was crucial in maintaining project momentum and mitigating potential delays.
Notably, individuals like Ahmed Hamido, the project’s lead and a project manager, exemplified leadership in navigating challenges, devising innovative solutions, and fostering collaboration across multidisciplinary teams, thereby ensuring continuity and excellence throughout the project lifecycle.
Saudi Projects: How did you ensure effective communication and collaboration between different teams, such as architects, engineers, and contractors?
Eng. Qahwash: Effective communication and collaboration were foundational to the Hampton by Hilton Sharma project’s success, facilitated through robust frameworks and proactive engagement strategies:
Structured Communication Channels: Dedicated points of contact were established for each team, ensuring clear lines of communication and streamlined information flow. Regular meetings and progress updates fostered transparency and accountability among all stakeholders, enabling timely decision-making and proactive issue resolution.
On-Site Coordination Teams: Specialized teams were deployed on-site to facilitate direct communication and collaboration between architects, engineers, contractors, and other key stakeholders. This hands-on approach not only expedited problem-solving but also promoted a cohesive working environment where collective expertise and insights were leveraged to overcome challenges and optimize project outcomes.
By fostering an environment of open communication and mutual respect, we cultivated a collaborative culture where innovative ideas flourished, and collective efforts were channeled toward achieving shared goals.
Saudi Projects: Were there any sustainable or green building practices implemented in this project? If so, what were they?
Eng. Qahwash: While the Hampton by Hilton Sharma project was not specifically designed as green or LEED-certified, sustainability principles were integral to our construction practices:
Waste Management: Efficient waste management practices were implemented to minimize construction waste generation and promote recycling wherever feasible. Strict protocols were enforced to segregate recyclable materials and responsibly dispose of non-recyclable waste, thereby reducing the project’s environmental footprint.
Energy Optimization: Energy-efficient equipment and technologies were deployed throughout the construction process to optimize power consumption. From lighting systems to HVAC units, our approach prioritized energy efficiency, aiming to minimize operational costs and mitigate environmental impact over the facility’s lifecycle.
By integrating sustainable practices into our construction methodologies, we aimed not only to meet regulatory requirements but also to uphold our corporate responsibility to environmental stewardship, setting a precedent for future projects within the region.
Saudi Projects: What measures were taken to ensure the highest quality standards were met throughout the construction process?
Eng. Qahwash: Upholding stringent quality standards was a non-negotiable priority throughout every phase of the Hampton by Hilton Sharma project, underpinned by meticulous planning and rigorous execution:
Comprehensive Quality Assurance: From the selection of construction materials to the engagement of subcontractors, every decision was guided by our commitment to adhering to international quality benchmarks. Stringent quality control protocols were established to monitor and evaluate on-site activities, ensuring compliance with approved specifications and regulatory requirements.
Clear Installation Protocols: Standardized installation procedures were implemented to maintain consistency and precision across all construction tasks. These protocols not only enhanced operational efficiency but also minimized the risk of deviations from design specifications, safeguarding the project’s structural integrity and functional performance.
Dedicated Quality Control Team: A specialized team of quality control professionals was deployed to conduct regular inspections and audits throughout the construction process. Their proactive approach to identifying potential defects or deficiencies enabled prompt corrective actions, preemptively addressing any issues before they could escalate into larger challenges.
By prioritizing quality assurance as a cornerstone of our operational philosophy, we instilled confidence among stakeholders and reinforced our commitment to delivering a final product that surpassed expectations in terms of reliability, durability, and overall excellence.
Saudi Projects: What feedback have you received from the hotel owners regarding the construction quality and overall execution of the project?
Eng. Qahwash: Feedback from hotel owners regarding the construction quality and execution of the Hampton by Hilton Sharma project has been overwhelmingly positive, underscoring our team’s unwavering commitment to excellence:
Adherence to Timelines: Owners have expressed satisfaction with the project’s adherence to strict timelines, particularly noteworthy given the project’s status as the first hotel in NEOM. This achievement reflects our proactive approach to project management and our ability to navigate challenges effectively.
Operational Excellence: The seamless integration of design and construction phases, coupled with meticulous attention to detail, has been commended for ensuring that the hotel meets operational standards from day one. Owners appreciate the functional efficiency and aesthetic appeal of the finished facility, which enhances its marketability and guest appeal.
Collaborative Partnership: The collaborative partnership between stakeholders, including developers, operators, and regulatory bodies, has been highlighted as a key factor in the project’s success. Open lines of communication and mutual respect have fostered a supportive environment where shared goals are achieved through collective effort and shared expertise.
Overall, the positive feedback from hotel owners serves as a testament to our team’s dedication, professionalism, and ability to deliver exceptional results that exceed expectations. It reinforces our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of construction quality and client satisfaction in all our future endeavors.
Saudi Projects: Looking back, what are some key lessons learned from this project that you would apply to future construction projects?
Eng. Qahwash: Reflecting on the Hampton by Hilton Sharma project, several key lessons have emerged that will inform our approach to future construction projects:
Strategic Planning and Risk Management: Comprehensive planning and proactive risk management were foundational to overcoming challenges and maintaining project momentum. Emphasizing these aspects from the project’s inception will be critical in anticipating and mitigating potential obstacles.
Innovative Problem-Solving: The ability to adapt and innovate in response to evolving challenges was essential. Encouraging a culture of creative problem-solving and empowering team members to explore novel solutions will foster resilience and agility in future projects.
Continuous Improvement: Continuous evaluation and refinement of project management practices, communication strategies, and quality assurance protocols are imperative. By embracing a culture of continuous improvement, we aim to enhance operational efficiency, optimize resource utilization, and deliver unparalleled value to our clients and stakeholders.
These insights underscore our commitment to excellence and our determination to build upon past successes, ensuring that each new project not only meets but exceeds the highest standards of quality, innovation, and client satisfaction.
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