AlKifah Contracting Company is a leading builder across diverse market segments and is renowned for undertaking large, complex projects, fostering innovation, embracing emerging technologies, and making a difference for its clients, employees and the communities in which it operates. A part of the AlKifah Group of Companies, it is committed to building smarter and cleaner, encouraging the use of environmentally-friendly materials to ensure that its work today will help to see tomorrow transformed.
It was no surprise, therefore, that when The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC) awarded an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract for 40 apartment buildings at The Red Sea Project’s Coastal Village community, it was, following a competitive tendering process, AlKifah Contracting that won the day.
“We employ one of the largest and most experienced skilled workforces in the region,” says Osama AlAfaleq, Chairman at AlKifah Contracting. “We strongly believe that we were awarded this important project because of the synergies we offer, with all of our different divisions being able to come together to provide one high-quality, cost-effective solution.”
“We employ one of the largest and most experienced skilled workforces in the region”
Precise Coordination, Extraordinary Results
The project will take 18 months to complete, with around 3000 workers dedicated to its successful conclusion. These workers will be active on-site and in an AlKifah Contracting production facility, where modular construction will be utilised for various elements of the project. “Modular construction is a process whereby a building is constructed off-site,” says Osama, “and we are building a number of components in this manner, which provides several benefits. Modular construction, because it takes place in a factory, is never affected by weather conditions, it is quick, environmentally-friendly, and allows us to work to very close tolerances. Furthermore, because we are manufacturing the precast concrete panels at a facility in the project area, around 10 million kilometres of transportation will be avoided, which in turn will reduce many tonnes of Co2.”
The project will take 18 months to complete, with around 3,000 workers dedicated to its successful conclusion.
The Red Sea Project, of course, has the environment and sustainability at its heart and AlKifah Contracting is committed to playing its part in protecting and preserving the natural environment on this project. And with this in mind, AlKifah Contracting will utilise sustainable materials wherever possible, including ‘green concrete’ on-site, which will help reduce emissions during the construction process. “It’s not only the materials, though,” Osama explains, “it’s the way the project is handled and how we work within the local environment.
“These apartment buildings will combine an eco-friendly design with a high-quality finish, supporting The Red Sea Project’s ambition to become a premier tourist destination, which will have a net-conservation benefit on the natural environment. And we are proud to be playing our part in achieving this objective.”
Listening Better, Planning Better, Building Better
Naturally, with a project of such size and scope, there are numerous challenges, not least the supply chain and tight deadlines. However, as Osama points out: “Construction, in general, is quite challenging, particularly with aspects such as costs and safety during the current pandemic. But we pride ourselves on the training and safety of our workforce and collaborate with clients and architects to streamline operations. Moreover, we have a track record of working on large, complex projects, and this experience and expertise ensures that we navigate through any challenges smoothly and efficiently.”
“Around 10 million kilometres of transportation will be avoided, which in turn will reduce many tonnes of Co2“
Osama sees the company’s business approach as very much in line with how the kingdom is moving forwards. “This country has a unique vision, as it changes from being an oil-based economy to a more knowledge-based economy. This means that it needs an exceptional construction industry that provides high-quality workmanship consistently. What’s more, the many giga and mega-projects currently being planned and constructed means that the industry must work hand-in-hand with the Public Investment Fund (PIF); it’s a joint effort, and at AlKifah Contracting we really enjoy this type of partnership.”
Indeed, AlKifah Contracting is no stranger to large, prestigious projects, with the role that it plays in the kingdom’s progress reflected in the completion of blue-chip developments such as Jazan Economic City Port (AlKifah Contracting is the first Saudi company to create a port of this size), KFUPM Business Park in Dhahran, and 12 buildings for Saudi Aramco’s Ajyal project.
Yet although the company has a proud and notable past, it is always looking to improve and attract the best people to propel the business forwards, as Osama explains: “What’s most exciting about AlKifah Contracting is our future. We are always building something new and introducing new construction technologies, and we are constantly adding talented members to our team. Our passionate and enthusiastic people are our most valuable asset, keeping our core values at the centre of every project they take on.”
Therein lays AlKifah Contracting’s core philosophy: fostering an environment where its work has real meaning, not only for the company itself and its clients but also for its employees and the forward-thinking population of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Which is why we feel confident in saying, the best is yet to come!