With the total of planned and un-awarded construction projects in GCC exceeding $1.09 trillion, CW explores upcoming opportunities and profiles select leading contracting companies, who could be major contributors to GCC´s construction sector. The GCC´s construction market will hit a record of $144 billion in 2016, driven by mega-projects for World Expo 2020 in Dubai, 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar, smart cities and infrastructure, according to a report ´Middle East Major Construction Programmes´ by EC Harris. The report further states that mega projects in the GCC are expected to reach $1 trillion by 2030.
Construction has always been the largest single sector in the GCC. Since 2006, just over $500 billion worth of civil construction projects have been awarded in the six GCC states. Even more staggering is the fact that the total of planned and un-awarded construction projects exceeds $1.09 trillion, roughly two-thirds of the GCC´s entire annual GDP, as reported by MEED. At the same time, private sector real estate has now regained the confidence it lost in 2009 as house prices rise close to their historical peak and new projects launch every week.
In this background, contractors in the GCC countries are getting set to seize opportunities in the construction and infrastructure space. That said, CW explores the opportunities in each of the GCC countries along with a profiling of select leading contracting companies, who are major contributors to GCC´s construction and infrastructure.
Bahrain Bahrain, a middle-income economy, is heavily dependent on its hydrocarbons industry. Oil and natural gas are the major growth drivers, accounting for 21.0 per cent of GDP and 88.0 per cent of budget revenues in 2013. The government has actively pursued a policy of diversification, and has imposed restrictions on imports and the involvement of foreign enterprises with the aim of reducing its dependence on oil. The Economic Vision 2030 is being implemented to encourage investments in non-oil and gas industrial activities to bolster the private sector, attract foreign investment and provide adequate employment opportunities for the country´s younger population.
According to the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB), in 2014, the government announced its plans to invest US$ 22 billion (BHD 8.3 billion) in various infrastructure development projects by 2018. Projects include the renovation of Bahrain International Airport, the extension of the Aluminum Bahrain (ALBA) smelter, the development of Al-Jazair Beach, investment projects in Durrat Al-Bahrain and Bahrain Petroleum Company´s modernisation project. These projects will support long-term economic growth, increase the country´s regional competitiveness and create jobs.
Leading contractors Major contracting companies operating in the country are as listed below:
Nass Contracting Since its establishment in 1963, Nass Contracting, has successfully undertaken projects in every sector. The company is credited with development of projects such as ASRY North Development Phase-1, Amwaj Island Bridges, Al Nakheel Resort and Spa Development. It is currently engaged in the construction of Chinese Themed Mall - Dragon City, Sh Jaber Al Ahmed Al Subah Highway Upgrade Project Alba and Nuwaidrat Interchanges-Main Works, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Salman Highway Interchange 2 and link between RA 18.1 to 13, etc.
Almoayyed Contracting Group Almoayyed Contracting Group (ACG) offers a wide range of services across various sectors such as residential, commercial, support services, etc. Some of the company´s major projects include Girls Intermediate School, Hidd, residential villas at Farouk Garden, Manama, Infrastructure Works, Jid Al Haj, Emirates Tower, Manama, Al Ebrahimia Tower, Manama, Crescent Villas and Amwaj Island.
GP Zachariades GP Zachariades has a track record for the construction of hotels, bank buildings, educational facilities, hospitals, shopping malls, offices, high-rise buildings, VIP residences, residential complexes and convention centres. The company has successfully executed specialist engineering works including: Rock anchorages, stabilisation works, construction of high in-situ concrete walls to exacting tolerances for the metal processing industry, deep excavations, dewatering, water retaining sheet piling, structural steel erection and cladding works and complex reinforcement.
Al Hamad Construction & Development Established in July 1992, Al Hamed Development and Construction LLC currently has 23 projects under construction. These can be catergorised under housing, multi-storey buildings, water projects, healthcare, sewerage and drainage works, commercial and retail, infrastructure, recreational and leisure, maintenance and miscellaneous works. The company is classified in almost all types of construction classifications with Abu Dhabi Planning Department, Dubai Department of Economics and Sharjah Department of Commerce.
Sayed Khadem Al-Durazi & Sons Company The Sayed Kadhem Al Durazi & Sons Co started its activity as a small ´brick factory´, founded by the current Chairman, Sayed Kadhem Mohsin Al Durazi. The company, over the past 50 years, has built various business units including roads infrastructures, building materials production, ready-mix concrete, plastic pipes, concrete blocks, heavy duty machines sales agent, spares part agent, machines maintenance and many more.
Kuwait With US$ 188 billion of projects currently under various stages of planning and construction, Kuwait´s construction sector is poised for significant growth. The demand for high-quality infrastructure, along with upscale residential and commercial properties, has resulted in several multi-billion dollar projects including the US$ 7 billion Kuwait Metro project, US$ 3.3 billion Kuwait International Airport, US$ 2.6 billion Subiya Causeway, US$ 15 billion Al Zour New Refinery Project and the US$ 6.2 billion motorway construction. The country´s infrastructure sector is expected to grow by 15-20 per cent this year as its construction industry is set to surge.
Planned developments worth an estimated $123.6 billion are expected for the Kuwaiti market with several large infrastructure projects currently in the pipeline. Rising demand for housing will also drive long-term residential construction growth with the Public Authority for Housing and Welfare announcing plans to build 174,000 housing units by 2020. Moreover, the country is rapidly expanding its road network with about $6 billion worth of projects under development.
Ahmadiah Contracting & Trading Company Since its inception in 1952, the company, led by Ahmad F Al Thuwainy, Chairman and Ayad Abdul Mohsin, Al Thuwainy, Vice Chairman, has been involved in Kuwait´s development. It has been involved in the execution of a large number of the notable construction projects such as the Bayan Palace and Amiri Diwan, Kuwait Finance House, Arab Organisation and the Kuwait Airways Headquarters buildings, etc.
Combined Group Contracting Company Combined Group Contracting Company (CGCC), established in 1965, has been involved in the oil, pipelines, roads, infrastructure and real estate sectors. CGCC is currently executing several large projects including the Subbiya Highway in Kuwait and the Northern Industrial Area in NorthDoha, Qatar. Led by Abdulrahman Al-Marouf, Chairman, the company has completed major buildings in Kuwait and accomplished the construction of an outstanding governmental housing project.
First United General Trading and Contracting Company Established in 1995, First United General Trading and Contracting Company, led by Khaled Al Mashaan, President, operates in high-rise buildings, general housing including residential complexes, estates, private villas, hospitals and private medical facilities, parks, restaurants, supermarkets, mosques, schools, industrial plants, water and theme parks. A few of the company´s landmark projects include Acura Showroom, Honda Showroom, Salmiya Hotel. It is currently developing projects such as Kuwait Danish Dairy and Ministries Complex.
Kharafi National Since its establishment in 1976, Kharafi National has grown from a local contracting company into a world-class pan-Arabian infrastructure project developer, contractor and facilities management service provider capable to undertake a wide range of challenging projects. The company operates in all disciplines of civil, HVAC, mechanical and electrical engineering, instrumentation systems, telecommunications, quality assurance and control processes, and health, safety and environment procedures.
Alghanim International General Trading & Contracting WLL With operations in 40 countries, Alghanim Industries is a multi-billion dollar conglomerate with more than 30 businesses. The company is mainly engaged in providing engineering services to commercial and residential (home automation, air-conditioning and elevators, building management and electro-mechanical solutions) projects. It has a strong presence in the Middle East, India and Turkey, with operations currently extending to Eastern Europe, Africa, East and Southeast Asia.
Oman Oman´s construction industry foresees healthy growth driven mainly by the government investing in infrastructure, as evidenced by the robust pipeline of large-scale construction projects and tenders being awarded to Oman construction companies and foreign contractors. Apart from the rise in scale of construction activity this year, the scope of building development is also seen to expand. The government has planned US$ 56 billion worth of projects within the next two years, which include Khazzan and Makarem tight gas development, the $900 million Yibal Khuff sour gas development, the $630 million Salalah independent power project, and the estimated $600 million Miraah solar power plant. Also anticipated this year are awards on the first segment of the Oman Rail project, expected to be worth in excess of $1 billion, the four multi-billion-dollar main packages on the Liwa plastics scheme, and the Barka and Sohar independent water projects, valued at about $500 million each.
Leading contractors Major contracting companies operating in the country are as listed below: Galfar Engineering & Contracting Company SAOG Since its inception in 1972, Galfar, with the strong leadership of Sheikh Dr Salim Said Hamad Al Fannah Al Araimi, Chairman has created an excellent track record in its business segments of oil and gas, EPC, civil and utilities and roads and bridges. The company has undertaken several large scale projects Civic Plazza, Muscat Gate and Compressor Station at Nimr. It is currently engaged in projects such as construction of the Catering Building Project at Muscat International Airport.
Carillion Alawi LLC Carillion Alawi LLC has delivered some of the most prestigious projects for key clients such as Royal Court Affairs, Zubair Corporation, Petroleum Development Oman, Majid Al Futtaim and The Wave Muscat, etc. The 45-year old company operates in all types of building and civil engineering works including leisure, commercial, industrial and residential buildings, concrete structures, foundations, pavements, drainage, marine works and road works.
Larsen & Toubro (Oman) LLC L&T´s Sohar facility, with an annual fabrication capacity of 50,000 mt, caters primarily to projects in the Middle East and North Africa region. Located in Sohar Industrial Port Area, L&T-MFY is an all-weather yard with state-of-the-art facilities for heavy fabrication, sophisticated equipment for testing and load-out of ultra-large structures. The yard was adjudged as the ´Best offshore Construction Yard´ in GCC region at the Marine International Maritime Awards ceremony in 2011.
Bahwan Engineering Group Founded in 1977, Bahwan Engineering Group executes integrated multi-disciplinary construction projects under one umbrella, involving civil, mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, elevators and escalators, diesel power generation. It is also involved in trading electrical, mechanical, chemical products and facilities management services within Oman and the UAE. The company has executed projects such as the Salalah Power Project, Muscat International Airport, Muscat City Centre, etc.
Qatar International focus on Qatar has increased in anticipation of the FIFA World Cup in 2022 and the scaling up of its investments to deliver the Qatar National Vision 2030. There are also a number of major initiatives in its lucrative pipeline, including the US$ 7 billion deep water port and a US$ 1 billion transportation corridor in the capital city Doha. New roads, stadiums and facilities will account for a further US$ 200 billion in spending over the coming decade to transform Qatar. Other key projects include a metro system, the 433,000 sq m Doha Festival City Mall and the Sharq Crossing - Doha Bay crossing worth US$ 5 billion. Nearly US$ 350 billion of projects are currently in the planning or construction phase. Alongside the infrastructure and onstruction markets, around US$ 60 billion to US$ 70 billion are expected to be spent on hotel, leisure, tourism, sports, recreational and infrastructure projects.
Leading contractors Major contracting companies operating in the country are as listed below: HBK Contracting Established in 1970, HBK Contracting Company WLL undertakes civil construction projects in Qatar under the management of Sheikh Ali Bin Hamad Al-Thani, President of the Group. The company has executed many prestigious projects such as Ras Laffan ´C´ Water Transmission pipeline, Doha North Sewerage Treatment Plant, Doha Land-Heart of Doha Project Package BP-1A-02 Substructure. The company´s ongoing projects include the construction of Mega Reservoir PRPS 2 Umm Slal, main works package for Qatar Academy-Al Khor QF/PD/13/MR 38649, and main contract works for Marina Mall @ Lusail City.
Al Jaber Engineering Established in 1995, Al Jaber Engineering has successfully completed numerous large-scale turnkey projects. These landmark projects include Dubai Tower, Barwa Financial District, and Alwaha Club, among others. The company is currently executing projects such as Doha Metro project-Gold Line, fabrication and installation of piping systems at Qatar Aluminum Smelter, and upgrading of new and old Salwa distillate and rising mains.
UrbaCon Contracting & Trading Company LLC Armed with a vision to lead the construction industry across the MENA region, UrbaCon Contracting & Trading Company LLC is engaged in the design, procurement, and construction of projects. The company has till date executed several landmark projects such as renovation of Sheraton Doha, North Farm. Its upcoming projects include the Mall of Qatar and Souq Wakif Theme Park.
Galfar Al-Misnad Engineering & Contracting WLL Starting its operations in 1995, Galfar Al-Misnad Engineering & Contracting is engaged in MEP, infrastructure, oil and gas and other building structures. The company has executed projects such as construction of Asphalt road to Ras Laffan industrial city. It also offers additional services such as planning, finance and purchase.
Redco construction-ALMANA Established in 1988, Redco construction-ALMANA specialises in constructing high and medium rise building, hotels, residential, offices, malls and large compound. The company is the developer of prestigious projects such as Doha Oasis, Musheireb, and Downtown Doha. It has drawn a plan to be actively involved in a variety of projects that include sustainable design and construction.
Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia´s construction sector is forecast to maintain its growth momentum, despite heavy pressures arising from the plunge in crude oil prices. The sector is projected to grow by 7.8 per cent in the 2015-2019 period, driven by mega projects in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. Furthermore, major infrastructure ventures, such as railway networks and roads projects, as well as a higher demand for homes will continue to push the construction sector forward. According to a study by Alpen Capital, the Saudi Government´s efforts to boost religious tourism and the growth reported in the hospitality and retail industries will all lead to more construction activities in the near future. The study indicates that infrastructure projects, which will be implemented between 2015 and 2019 at $180 billion, will be a prime mover of construction activities.
Despite the rapid growth in the country´s population, only 30 per cent of Saudis´ own a home, which means that the supply is inadequate to meet the demand. Therefore, there is a need to build 200,000 homes every year until 2019.
Al Toukhi Company for Industry Trading & Contracting Established over 40 years ago, Al-Toukhi Company specialises in building power stations with various technologies and fuels, sub-stations, overhead and underground transmission lines and distribution networks of all voltage ranges including extra high voltage. Its expertise also includes oil and gas and industrial facilities, turbine inlet air cooling projects and district cooling, including cooling water purification. To date, the company has completed more than 80 major electro-mechanical projects on lump sum turnkey basis.
Joannou & Paraskevaides Saudi Arabia (J&P) - RafidGroup J&P is one of the largest general construction contractors in the Middle East and a renowned EPC contractor in the Kingdom for oil, gas and pipeline projects. Its activities mainly span providing upstream and downstream services, marine and utilities, manufacturing and fabrication, industrial consultancy and services, etc. The company aims to provide total quality solutions to its clients in the energy, utilities and infrastructure sectors.
Saudi Bin Laden Group Public Buildings & Airports Division (PBAD) is one of the most active divisions of the Saudi Bin Laden Group incorporated in 1967 and diversified into construction activities in UAE during 1971 and Saudi Arabia in 1981. The PBA Division has undertaken various projects in roads, bridges, airports, hospitals, universities, large housing projects, residential and commercial buildings and high-rise towers, etc, including all infrastructure and electro mechanical works.
El Seif Engineering Contracting Company Established in 1975, El Seif Engineering Contracting Company, offers a wide range of services which includes (but is not limited to) general contracting, projects construction management, design and build services, engineering, procurement and construction (EPC), international procurement, logistics, PPP, BOT and BOOT projects as well as operation and maintenance contracts. The company is among one of the few Saudi contractors to have combined the three main certifi¼cates in quality management, health and safety, and environmental management systems (ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001).
Al Mabani General Contractors Established in 1972, Almabani General Contractors has the highest classification in all civil and electrical works with in-house capabilities to develop design and value engineer solutions. The company was involved in the reconstruction of Lebanon. Its other landmark projects include delineation of the borders between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Republic of Yemen and Sultanate of Oman along with construction of the military city of Dir´h Al Jazira.
UAE The construction industry in UAE has always been a key source in driving growth for the nation´s economy. At present, the industry is witnessing a fast track growth with a groove of ongoing projects, investment into green open spaces, and the strong government support. According to a report from RNCOS analysts, the market, which was estimated at $39.4 billion (Dh 144.6 billion) in 2012, is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 9.5 per cent during 2012-2016. Further, favourable government policies, such as permitting non-UAE national freeholds and leaseholds are attracting FDI in construction.
Current developments in the industry are not only a positive indication of better revenues for the market, but showcase an extraordinary demand for building materials and technological innovations. Also, the country is witnessing massive investments from both public and private enterprises in the sector. Further, real estate projects in the UAE are on a high, paving the way for the industry´s growth. According to a Citi report, Dubai added real estate projects valued at over $110 billion (Dh 404 billion) in November 2012 alone, taking the total preliminary stage projects in the UAE to $199 billion.
Leading contractors Major contracting companies operating in the country are as listed below: Ghantoot Transport & General Contracting Establishment Forming an integral part of Ghantoot Group of Companies, Ghantoot Transporting & General Contracting Establishment-Building Division was established in 1985. Led by Rashid Mohamed Mahran Al Bloushi, Managing Director, GTGCE, the company has been involved in over 60 projects across the UAE including Presidential Palace, Abu Dhabi Court House Complex, etc.
Al Jaber Engineering & Contracting - ALEC With operations in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Qatar and Oman, ALEC has delivered several landmark developments including Concourse A of Dubai International Airport, Mirdif City Centre, Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort & Spa, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, Terminal Two of the Abu Dhabi International Airport as well as the Dubai Marina Mall and The Address Hotel Apartments. Some of the company´s ongoing projects include Dubai International Airport - Concourse D, ADNOC New Corporate Headquarters, etc.
Khansaheb Civil Engineering LLC Founded in 1935, Khansaheb Civil Engineering LLC provides services such as construction, interiors, joinery, architectural and structural metal, building services, property services, facilities management and wastewater management. The company is the developer of many landmark projects such as Marina Hotel-Yas Island Architectural Metal Work, seven restaurants at Atlantis, DCA Airport Hangar and Dubai Investment Park-Phase I to Phase V.
United Engineering Construction-UNEC Founded in 1976 by General Manager A Halim Muwahid, the company´s projects range from industrial buildings, showrooms, low cost housing and villas to multi-storey residential and office buildings, hospitals and schools to high specification hotels and mosques. UNEC is engaged in the construction of many notable projects such as construction of (482) villas at Nad Al Shiba Third, Nakheel Mall, Ibn Battuta Shopping Mall Expansion-Hotel Project and Azure Residence Building.
Arabtec Construction LLC Since its inception in 1975, Arabtec Construction LLC has executed a diverse and far-reaching portfolio of major construction projects such as Ocean Heights, DIFC Truck Tunnel, DIFC Gate Village, The Address and Downtown Dubai. The company is currently developing the Midfield Terminal Building (MTB) at Abu Dhabi International Airport, Plot C14 in Najmat Abu Dhabi on Reem Island Saraya R01/ R02, residential development by Aabar Properties Abu Dhabi and Nation Towers.