AECOM has opened a new office in AlUla, Saudi Arabia that will provide workspace for the firm’s 50-plus team supporting the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU).
The global consultancy was engaged to deliver the sustainable transformation of the AlUla region, thus reaffirming it as one of Saudi Arabia’s most important archaeological and cultural destinations. The works will prepare AlUla to welcome visitors from around the world, the firm said.
Located in the vicinity of AlUla’s emerging Cultural Oasis, the new AECOM office features modern facilities spread across almost seven thousand square feet with flexible workspace for the growing teams providing executive program management, design governance and guardianship, infrastructure and asset design and engineering, and integrated asset and facility management services to RCU. Office facilities include meeting rooms, break out spaces, privacy booths and a coffee shop. The office is located near cafés, restaurants, supermarkets and a bakery, the firm explained.
In August 2020, the RCU announced a new eco-friendly resort in AlUla and, in April 2021, officials launched the ‘Journey Through Time’ masterplan for AlUla.
“The new office cements AECOM’s commitment to supporting the economic diversification of Saudi Arabia in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. It confirms the long-term nature of our partnership with the RCU and our shared goals to develop AlUla into one of the world’s premier destinations for nature, culture and heritage,” said Dr. Walid Mahmoud, Chief Executive of AECOM in Saudi Arabia.
In addition to overseeing AECOM’s project commitments in AlUla, staff based in the new office will provide training and upskilling opportunities to the local community, which is said to be a key part of the RCU’s socio-economic goals.
As part of AECOM’s community outreach in AlUla, the company supports local entrepreneurs with specialised business coaching, and supports exceptional students at the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC) AlUla Campus, which will ensure it leaves a legacy for the community as it helps to develop the historically significant location, the statement noted.
Late in April 2021, the RCU confirmed $15bn in opportunities for PPPs for the ‘Journey Through Time’ masterplan.
Jason Morris, Project Director at AECOM remarked, “We are delighted with the new space; it enables enhanced communication and collaboration between AECOM’s project teams, allowing us to provide unrivalled service to RCU’s projects across the county.”
Amr AlMadani, CEO, Royal Commission for AlUla concluded, “The presence of globally renowned companies, such as AECOM, in AlUla is central to our goal of transforming the area into a dynamic and thriving business hub that will attract global talent, provide opportunities for existing talent and boost the ongoing development of not just AlUla but the Kingdom’s greater northwest region.”
In June 2022, AW²’s Stéphanie Ledoux and Reda Amalou discussed the design of the Ashar Tented Resort exclusively with Middle East Construction News.