It isn’t a stretch to suggest that Saudi Arabia’s mega and giga projects will set global benchmarks. The LINE in NEOM is pioneering a radically new approach to urban planning and mobility, while Sindalah aims to redefine ultra-luxury tourism. With these deployments set to feature healthy infusions of cutting-edge technologies — from Artificial Intelligence, to flying taxis — it’s easy to overlook how they are driving other advancements, which albeit niche, hold immense promise in addressing critical global concerns such as climate change and housing shortages.
“A commonality between Saudi Arabia’s flagship projects is their desire to achieve the highest standards in quality, speed of delivery, and sustainability. This mission has steered them towards embracing the very latest in modern construction, making the Kingdom the proving ground for some of the most advanced and exciting developments in the industry,” said Bashar Kayali, Managing Director at ALEC Solutions and its subsidiaries LINQ Modular, and AES.
Foremost among these is modular construction — a method of building in which modules or components are prefabricated off-site in factory-controlled environments, then transported to construction sites for assembly, in much the same way as you would put together Lego. In the past two years, this regional construction leader has made significant investments in establishing offices, warehouses, and production facilities throughout Saudi Arabia. Through partnerships with local firms like SAUDICO, it is actively engaged in developing several of the Kingdom’s headline projects, including Diriyah Gate, Qiddiya Water Park and Speed Park, and Sindalah. Across these endeavors, it sees a resolute commitment to integrating cutting-edge construction techniques and technologies.
Elaborating on why the country has been particularly receptive to modular construction, Kayali said, “Modular construction isn’t itself a modern concept. Dating back several decades, this paradigm has evolved slowly on the sidelines, having suffered its share of setbacks due to perceptions set by early-stage efforts where focus was placed on cost cutting above all else. But here is where Saudi developers are driving the paradigm shift. With streamlined delivery and greater quality control being prime drivers, the segment is finally able to live up to its true potential.”
Another factor fostering the adoption and advancement of modular construction is the Kingdom’s vast geographic expanse which raises challenges in constructing projects in remote locations via traditional means alone. “The logistics of deploying materials, and highly skilled resources in such areas is complex. Contrast this to having entire sections of buildings constructed precisely, in highly controlled factories near thriving urban areas, and it becomes abundantly clear why modular techniques are being used to deliver some of the country’s most prestigious projects,” said Kayali.
The nation’s readiness to embrace modular construction yield benefits beyond high-quality projects being delivered in a timely manner. Equally important are the sustainability benefits it brings. “The higher degree of repeatability, and precision that modular construction affords often translates to lower material utilization and in turn a lower carbon footprint for projects. Additionally, the ability to prefabricate components reduces transportation needs and energy consumption on-site,” said Kayali.
Kayali believes modular construction could also work to enhance participation of Saudi nationals in the Kingdom’s thriving construction sector. “Compared to the rigors of life and work at remote construction sites, being based in comfortable purpose-built facilities located in or around major cities is an enticing prospect, that might help draw more Saudi nationals to the sector. And because this modern construction technique is being used at a scale and level of quality not seen elsewhere, these Saudi professionals would have the opportunity to develop skills that will be sought after the world over,” he said.
With opportunity rife, LINQ believes it is now the time for local and international companies to invest in developing their modular construction capabilities. “There are of course large upfront capital costs involved. But players like ALEC that rightly recognize this as the future of construction in the Kingdom are ready to make the investments needed,” said LINQ’s Operations Manager Graham Petty. LINQ has already established over 31,000 sq.m of modular construction facilities across the GCC, and has delivered several modular units to projects across the region. “As Saudi Arabia’s mega and giga projects demonstrate the advantages that modular construction can bring when applied in the right context, I have no doubt that the global construction community will take note. Then we are sure to see the techniques and skills being honed here soon ‘exported’ across the world,” Kayali added.
