With a diverse rollcall of clients and offering a range of services, including HOSPITALITY, Governmental, commercial, and industrial construction, plus infrastructure and architectural fit-out, Mohamed Al Rashid Contracting Company (MARCO) is one of the Kingdom’s most trusted and respected firms. We caught up with CEO Hamad bin Yousef, one the industry’s most forward-looking professionals, and a man who has elevated the company portfolio of projects by securing contracts in new areas of high-end fit-out, infrastructure projects, and hospitality.
“When a successful project is imperative, there’s no room for failure. When you work with MARCO, you get more than just another contractor, you get a hands-on approach and focused attention to every detail, so you can complete your project with competence and confidence.”
– MR HAMAD BIN YOUSEF, CEO, MARCO
Saudi Projects: Can you give us an overview of MARCO?
Hamad bin Yousef: MARCO was founded by Mohamed Al Rashid in 1982. Al Rashid was a civil engineer who had served the government in his early career, working with the Ministry of Transport and running a construction company in the 1970s. MARCO is a contractor that serves government initiatives, following CAPEX, which is deployed by the government.
MARCO has seen many cycles, from the Gulf War to the 2008 economic crisis and, most recently, Covid-19. Despite the challenges faced, MARCO has remained in a strong position, and I hope that the second generation will keep the company alive for many more cycles to come.
In the last 10 years, the company has concluded many education projects, such as building universities
SP: The real estate and construction sector in the region is extremely dynamic. How do you cope with such dynamism?
HY: As the real estate and construction sector in the region is extremely dynamic, MARCO adapts to change by taking on government initiatives in different sectors. In the last 10 years, the company has concluded many education projects, such as building universities.
Recently, the government has shifted its focus to leisure, entertainment, and tourism projects, and MARCO is taking on those accordingly. The company is investing heavily in pre-construction engagement to be prepared for projects with whatever it takes from resources and talents, which is key to success. We are also known to be selective when choosing our projects and partners, since we are committed to excellence and we do prioritize the project.
When you work with MARCO, you’re also getting attention to detail and hands-on leadership that is second to none. And we’re so committed to seeing through each project successfully that, if we don’t think we’re the right choice for your project, we won’t take it on. It’s that simple. You deserve the best team for your job, and if that’s not us, we’ll let you know.
MARCO has increased its capacity of manpower and equipment to meet the demand
SP: How do you keep up with the increasing demand for these sectors?
HY: These projects require a great deal of talent, and Saudi Arabia has improved on upskilling its talent across the board. While working with people from multiple countries, the challenge is executing the job with all the different backgrounds and methods that people are not used to. Everyone has a learning curve, including clients who are dealing with this challenge. To address this, MARCO has increased its capacity of manpower and equipment to meet the demand. They are also investing heavily in pre-construction engagement, which involves being engaged with the client early and being prepared for the project. This is a key factor in MARCO’s continued success.
SP: We have witnessed a significant shift toward sustainability and green buildings in Saudi Arabia. How is MARCO applying this mindset in its projects?
HY: You’re making Saudi a better place. So are we. Our commitment to sustainability is helping to create a greener Kingdom, one that our children’s children can enjoy for decades to come. MARCO has been a part of green initiatives in Saudi Arabia since 2009, including the King Saud University facilities. MARCO meets international standards of sustainability in ongoing projects and continues to focus on sustainability and green buildings.
Our commitment to sustainability is helping to create a greener Kingdom
SP: What are your main objectives for the rest of this year?
HY: At MARCO, the focus is on delivering results and taking on projects that can be delivered. The company is currently focused on the hospitality sector and infrastructure, with projects including NEOM, The Red Sea, KAFD, and all the initiatives in Riyadh. MARCO is working on the first heritage hotel destination project developed in one of Riyadh’s prime districts, which is expected to be opened to the public by 2024. Internally, we are looking after attracting the best talent in the industry besides being the best in technical proposals, which highlights our attention to detail and commitment to clients’ specific requirements.