The authority signs agreements with the American company “Aecom” and a French alliance comprising “CITIC”, “Aegis” and “Asystem” during the Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh

Combine global project management expertise with design and delivery expertise of complex and large-scale projects to support the progress of the Authority’s work in responsible, sustainable and inclusive development for society

The project management team will initially implement the first phase of the authority’s $15 billion masterplan, including 20 kilometers of the core archaeological area in Al-Ula, and includes major development projects for infrastructure, hospitality, arts and culture, and social and community development.

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Riyadh -Beth: The Royal Commission for Al-Ula Governorate signed two prominent strategic partnerships to support the business development process in Al-Ula, as it moved from the planning stage to implementation, after the launch of its master plan in April of this year 2021.

These agreements, signed with AECOM in California, and a French consortium comprising Assystem, Egis and Setec set a comprehensive development timetable, based on three phases that will be implemented respectively in the period leading up to solutions year 2035.

The value of the development of the first phase exceeds 57 billion riyals (more than 15 billion dollars), as it will be invested in the historic Al-Ula region, which extends for 20 kilometers. The same phase includes a number of social and economic projects in five unique regions, in addition to focusing on the sectors of infrastructure, hospitality, arts and culture, and social and community development.

The new agreements were signed in the fifth edition of the Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh, and Amr bin Saleh Al-Madani, CEO of the Royal Commission for Al-Ula Governorate, said: “These new strategic partnerships are absolutely necessary in order to translate our ambition to establish a global standard for sustainable tourism. Our new partners will play We will play an active role in helping us develop a detailed and approved plan.Although our focus is on the first phase, we will intensify our integrated approach to developing the second and third phases to increase visitor numbers and maintain the steady growth of tourists in the long term.

He added: “As we develop the infrastructure and other assets that will cement AlUla’s position as a great business hub and logistics gateway to the northwest region of the Kingdom, we will need global partners like these companies that will work with us for a long time, especially as they share our desire to bring in a lot of benefits to the residents of AlUla, and develops experiences that will remain immortalized in the minds of visitors.”

These partnerships will contribute to accelerating business and investment opportunities starting from next year 2022 and in subsequent years, and will work to demonstrate the pace of progress made in transforming AlUla into a responsible, sustainable and inclusive destination for society.

Lara Poloni, Chairman of Aecom, said: “Al-Ula is one of the largest and most complex developments in the world, home to more than 30,000 historically significant sites, and a population of 46,000. We are excited to participate in building the legacy of AlUla, as we In “AECOM”, it organizes global resources within the framework of a permanent partnership relationship with the Royal Commission for Al-Ula Governorate to transform Al-Ula into a living museum with high-end specifications and exceptional standards.”

Under this agreement, AECOM will provide a set of integrated services in four main areas, including the Project Delivery Office, which will work with the authority to implement best practices and fulfill project requirements from the design stage to construction and operation.

A specialized design agency will lead all related activities, which include setting standards, providing the digital ecosystem, driving innovation, managing designers, and providing scopes of work. In addition to all this, asset and facilities management for the project life cycle, measurement and development of smart city plans and projects.

Creating opportunities for the people and residents of Al-Ula is an essential aspect of the development plan for Al-Ula, so “AECOM” will work on developing professional skills and knowledge transfer opportunities for human cadres in Al-Ula, and the people who will move to work there. The company also invested in training 400 young people to help them obtain job qualifications Specialized.

Speaking on behalf of the French alliance, Laurent German, CEO of Aegis Group, said: “Our three important companies, CITIC, Aegis and ASYSTEM, will work together as a joint venture, in a unified manner, while demonstrating their commitment and eagerness to demonstrate our capabilities to accomplish this. As we have historical ties in the Saudi business community, we are very excited to participate in the development of AlUla.”

The French Agency for the Development of Al-Ula played an important role in mobilizing the French alliance. Gerard Mistrallet, CEO of the agency, said: “The agreement signed today contributes to deepening the bonds of partnership between Saudi Arabia and France in Al-Ula, and through other projects being developed in the Kingdom. Not only that, but it is an indication of the depth and strength of the French experience in the field of engineering and infrastructure to address the most challenging aspects of responsible and sustainable development.”

The alliance will assign a core team in AlUla, including technical specialists capable of providing the required engineering needs, and a pool of international experts to fill any knowledge gaps, and provide a fresh perspective to deliver projects on time and through a coordinated approach. Long-term operations plans will help deliver critical projects in Al-Ula on time.

Aecom and the French Alliance are keen to fully adhere to the values ​​included in the Sustainability Charter for Al-Ula Governorate, and by relying on the twelve principles of sustainability, it will be able to achieve the strategy of carbon neutrality and a circular economy. It will also develop strong and flexible policies to develop heritage and environmental goals in AlUla that are supported by renewable energy, while providing 500 megawatts of clean energy. By 2035, renewable energy will provide 50% of the region’s energy demand.

Since the unveiling of the “Journey Through Time” scheme in April 2021, the authority has been able to make significant progress in its journey to develop AlUla, turning it into a living museum, with a focus on diversifying the economy and developing a vibrant community.

$2 billion has been invested in major development projects, including increasing the capacity of Al-Ula International Airport, completing the Maraya multi-purpose site, a stunning project that has won several architecture awards, completing the infrastructure of the Wadi Ashar water and power plant, and enhancing infrastructure Security for Al-Ula Governorate.

Upon completion of the implementation of the development strategy in 2035, the authority aspires to become a unique destination for a prosperous society, and it will be able to support the aspirations of its residents, where everyone enjoys distinguished and creative service.

The authority expects that the population of Al-Ula will more than triple, to reach 130,000 people, in addition to creating 38,000 new jobs. Al-Ula will contribute an amount of 120 billion riyals ($32 billion) to the Kingdom’s GDP. On the other hand, nature reserves will constitute 80% of the total area of ​​Al-Ula Governorate, in conjunction with the re-introduction of major plant and animal species to their natural habitats.

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To learn more about investing in AlUla, you can visit (website)

About the Royal Commission for AlUla

The Royal Commission for Al-Ula Governorate was established by royal decree in July 2017, with the aim of developing Al-Ula Governorate in a manner commensurate with its outstanding natural and cultural importance in northwestern Saudi Arabia. The authority’s long-term plan lays out a responsible, sustainable and sensitive approach to urban and economic development, preserving the region’s natural and historical heritage, while transforming AlUla into a desirable location for living, working and visiting. This includes a wide range of initiatives in the areas of antiquities, tourism, culture, education and the arts, reflecting the commitment to meeting the priorities of the Vision 2030 program for economic diversification, local community empowerment, and heritage preservation.

About Icom

Aecom is a leading global infrastructure consulting firm, providing professional services throughout the project lifecycle, from planning, design and engineering to program management and construction. Our clients from both the public and private sectors trust our transportation, buildings, water, energy and environment projects, providing them with solutions to their most complex challenges. Our teams share a common goal of building a better world based on our unique technical expertise and innovation, a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion, and a commitment to environmental, social and governance priorities. Aecom is a Fortune 500 company and its professional services generated $13.2 billion in fiscal year 2020.

About “Aegis”

Aegis is a major international group in the construction engineering and transportation services sectors, working in the areas of construction and operation of infrastructure and smart buildings capable of responding to the climate emergency, and addressing the main challenges of today by helping to achieve development in more balanced, sustainable and resilient ways.

Causse des Dépôts owns 75% of the company’s value, and the remaining 25% goes to executive partners and employees. The company puts its multiple areas of expertise at the disposal of society, and its cutting-edge innovations to support all projects throughout their lifecycle, including consulting, engineering and operation. Thanks to its wide and diversified fields of activities, the company is a major player in the collective organization of society and the living environment of residents around the world.

About “CITIC”

CITIC is a global engineering company thanks to its technical excellence, which has been the basis for its ambitions for more than 60 years. It employs 3,300 employees worldwide in several sectors, such as transportation, water, buildings, energy efficiency, digital infrastructure and industrial facilities, to serve a growing client base.

Owned by its engineers, this independent group relies on its energy and distinctive qualities that fuel the passion of its employees who constantly work to enhance their expertise, helping them to provide designs, develop models and implement sustainable solutions in an ever-changing world. Their curiosity and passion for taking on challenges help them create new businesses and come up with innovative approaches that focus entirely on meeting the needs of their clients.