BEC ARABIA’S Vice Chairman, Mr. Bakhit Al-Dosari EXPLORES THE JOURNEY IN DEVELOPING SINDALAH ISLAND WITH A FOCUS ON LUXURY, SUSTAINABILITY, AND COLLABORATION WITH NEOM’S VISION.
As NEOM opens Sindalah, this interview with BEC Arabia’s Vice Chairman, Mr. Bakhit Al-Dosari, provides an in-depth look at their role as the lead contractor for the ambitious Sindalah Island development. As part of the NEOM project, Sindalah aims to become a world-class luxury destination on the Red Sea.
The interview explores the scale and scope of BEC Arabia’s responsibilities, including building a luxury resort, a world-class golf club, high-end sports facilities, and more. The team also discusses the unique challenges faced, strategies for ensuring timely and budget-conscious completion, and a strong commitment to sustainability and worker safety.
Through collaboration with over 150 contracting partners and the use of innovative technologies, BEC Arabia is setting a new standard for operational excellence in the Kingdom.
Saudi Projects: Can you describe the scope and scale of your project at Sindalah?
Bakhit Al-Dosari: BEC Arabia is proud to lead the delivery of the iconic, multibillion Sindalah Island development. As one of the principal contractors, we are entrusted with creating multiple luxury assets, including an ultra-luxury resort operated by the Marriott Autograph Collection, and resort and villas under the Marriott Luxury Collection, and a high-end beach club tailored for MDL Beast. Additionally, we are developing a world-class golf course designed to IMG standards, along with cutting-edge sports facilities, retail spaces, premier dining venues, and entertainment areas. This project embodies our unwavering commitment to delivering superior quality and luxury, while aligning with NEOM’s broader vision and the Kingdom’s transformative development goals.
Saudi Projects: What are the unique challenges you have encountered while working on this project?
Bakhit Al-Dosari: The scale and complexity of Sindalah has presented us with unique challenges, particularly in managing the intricate logistics of over 150 contracting partners and coordinating the efforts of 13,000 collaborators, including staff, labor, and subject matter experts in marine logistics and transportation. Each challenge, while formidable, has been addressed through our robust construction management approach. Our team’s resilience and innovative solutions have enabled us to navigate these obstacles effectively. As we near the completion of this monumental project, we are proud to showcase not only our executional prowess but also the collaborative spirit that defines BEC Arabia and our esteemed partners.
Saudi Projects: What measures are you taking to ensure the project is completed on time and within budget?
Bakhit Al-Dosari: To ensure the successful completion of Sindalah Island on schedule, we employ a comprehensive project management strategy that emphasizes meticulous planning and proactive risk management. Our dedicated teams utilize advanced scheduling software for real-time monitoring and analysis, enabling us to anticipate and address potential delays swiftly. Additionally, our stringent cost control measures and transparent communication channels with all stakeholders ensure that we remain aligned with our project objectives and financial goals.
Advanced tech ensures timely, efficient project management
Saudi Projects: How are you incorporating sustainability and environmental considerations into the project?
Bakhit Al-Dosari: At BEC Arabia, sustainability is woven into the very fabric of our projects. For Sindalah, we are committed to integrating environmentally friendly practices throughout the construction process. This includes energy-efficient designs, the use of recycled materials, and comprehensive waste management strategies. Our goal is to not only minimize the environmental impact but also to achieve LEED certification for integral components of the project. We believe that sustainable development is crucial for the future of our communities within the kingdom and beyond.
Saudi Projects: Can you discuss the innovative technologies or construction methods being used in this project?
Bakhit Al-Dosari: Innovation is at the heart of what we do at Sindalah. We are leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as Digital Twins for real-time project visualization and 3D BIM modeling for precise planning and execution. These technologies enhance our efficiency and accuracy, allowing us to make informed decisions throughout the project lifecycle.
In addition, we have on boarded state-of-the-art laser scanning technology which caters to the growing market demand for 3D reality capture. This advanced tool enables us to capture intricate details and create accurate digital replicas of project environments, further improving our precision in project delivery.
The integration of IoT sensors helps us monitor environmental conditions and resource usage, ensuring that we maintain the highest standards of operational excellence and sustainability. By adopting these innovative technologies, BEC Arabia continues to set new benchmarks for efficiency and technical excellence across all our developments, including the prestigious Sindalah Island project.
Saudi Projects: How do you ensure the safety and well-being of your workers on such a large-scale project?
Bakhit Al-Dosari: At BEC Arabia, the safety and well-being of our workers are paramount. We enforce strict safety protocols and conduct continuous training sessions tailored to the unique challenges of large-scale projects like Sindalah. Our certified safety officers perform regular inspections, actively monitor for any unsafe acts or conditions, and immediately address risks according to their severity. Additionally, we maintain a strong focus on emergency preparedness, ensuring that all equipment and structures meet the highest standards to create a safe and productive environment on-site.
Our commitment extends beyond safety protocols to comprehensive health and wellness programs that support our workforce. We ensure that all personnel are equipped with state-of-the-art personal protective equipment, recognizing that a safe working environment is fundamental to achieving our project goals.
In line with our dedication to safety and efficiency, we have embraced innovative construction methods, such as prefabricated and modular off-site techniques. By utilizing steel structure caging systems (built offsite) and prefabricated space frames, we streamline installation, reduce on-site labor, and ensure superior quality control. These methods not only reduce construction time and minimize waste but also create a safer, cleaner, and more controlled working environment for our team. Through the integration of these advanced techniques, BEC Arabia continues to meet the demands of complex projects like Sindalah while upholding our commitment to sustainability and operational excellence.
Saudi Projects: What partnerships or collaborations have been essential for the success of this project?
Bakhit Al-Dosari: Collaboration is key to our success at Sindalah. Working closely with the esteemed architect Luca Dini, we have harmonized the island’s aesthetic and functional elements with the broader objectives of NEOM, bringing a unique vision to life. In addition, we have benefited from the involvement of key stakeholders such as Jacobs, AECOM, KEANE, and Kristina Zanic who have been assigned from the client’s side to ensure the project’s alignment with the highest standards. Among the key collaborations that have been instrumental in the successful delivery of the project are AES, (a subsidiary of ALEC Group) which has provided invaluable support in delivering critical façade/steel structures and elements, and Havelock One, (part of the Alshaya Group), which has also played a pivotal role in managing the fit-out process.
Collaborating with 150+ partners and 800+ suppliers
The scale of this project has required extensive collaboration, and we are proud to be working alongside over 150 contracting partners and more than 800 suppliers.
Each of these collaborators plays a vital role in the seamless execution of Sindalah, contributing their expertise to ensure the project’s success. These partnerships reflect our commitment to innovation, quality, and teamwork, helping us to meet the complex demands of this extraordinary development.
Sindalah’s luxury assets redefine Red Sea hospitality
Saudi Projects: What strategies are you using to manage the logistics and supply chain challenges associated with this project?
Bakhit Al-Dosari: The logistics and supply chain management for a project of this magnitude require a strategic and coordinated approach. We focus on optimizing transportation routes and maintaining strategic stockpiles of critical materials to ensure that we meet our project timelines. Our partnerships with leading logistics providers enable us to ensure the timely delivery of materials and equipment, which is vital for keeping the project on track. By fostering strong relationships with all stakeholders, we can navigate potential challenges effectively and maintain a seamless workflow.
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