Gleeds has completed the relocation of its Saudi Arabian business, moving to new offices in Riyadh’s central business district of Al-Olaya. The Foster + Partners designed Al Faisaliah Tower is recognised as being the first skyscraper to be built in Saudi Arabia and will be the new home for the Gleeds team in KSA.
The move follows Gleeds’ appointment to key roles on a number of high-profile schemes in the Kingdom, including Al Ula, Roshn, King Abdullah Financial Districts (KAFD) and the Engineering and Technical Support Department (ETSD) framework for NEOM, the company behind Saudi Arabia’s £362 billion ($500 billion) futuristic metropolis. The mammoth development will cover a total area of 26,500 km2 – over 16 times the size of Greater London – with a central ‘cognitive city’ known as The Line, housing around a million residents. It is expected to become one of the most sustainable places in the world.
“With an impressive future construction pipeline of projects, Saudi Arabia represents an enormous opportunity for Gleeds and I’m incredibly pleased to be one of the first international construction consultancies to be taking advantage of that,” said Richard Steer, Chairman of Gleeds Worldwide. “Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has pledged to develop the Kingdom and strengthen its economy as part of his Vision 2030 programme. This ambitious reform strategy aims to diversify the economy, attract foreign investment and create jobs for the local Saudi talent. I recently visited the new office and it’s already a hive of activity, so I can’t wait to see what comes next.”
Regional CEO Ghaith Hamade added, “This is a time of great change for Saudi Arabia and some of the projects taking shape are awe inspiring. I look forward to building on the success Gleeds has already seen, delivering our own brand of excellence directly to both public and private sector clients in this exciting and burgeoning market, and offering support to deliver on Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s transformative vision”.
Gleeds’ new operation is located at Al Faisaliah Tower, Level 29 Office B, King Fahd RD, Al Olaya, Riyadh 30203.
