The Red Sea International Airport Takes Off: Contract Award to Nesma & Partners and Almabani

This contract has been awarded to support the creation of a sustainable gateway opening Saudi Arabia to the world

Riyadh, 13 July 2020: The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC), driver of one of the world’s most ambitious tourism initiatives, has awarded its largest value contract to date for airside infrastructure works for the destination’s international airport, set to open in 2022. The contract was awarded – following a competitive tendering process – to a joint venture between leading Saudi contractors Nesma & Partners Contracting Co. Ltd and Almabani General Contractors, both of whom have a strong track record for delivering similar projects in the region.

“The Red Sea Development Company is making huge progress in the development of a world-leading destination and, by awarding our largest contract to date, we take another significant step in this direction, while demonstrating our ongoing commitment to creating opportunities within the Saudi Arabian construction sector,” said John Pagano, CEO of The Red Sea Development Company.

“Turning our vision into reality will require us to work with organisations that share our values and uncompromising commitment to enhance the environment. This was a key consideration when appointing Nesma & Partners Contracting Co. Ltd and Almabani General Contractors. Both our partners have impressive expertise in delivering airside infrastructure, coupled with both local and international experience,” Pagano concluded.

The contract covers the essential construction of airside infrastructure works, including the design and building of a Code F Runway 3,700 meters, Code B Seaplane Runway, Parallel & Link taxiways and pavement works, Aeronautical Navigational Aids, Aerodrome Ground Lighting, Airside utilities, helipads, roads and associated buildings.

According to Rami Alturki, Vice Chairman & Board Member at Nesma & Partners Contracting Co. Ltd,

“This award marks the start of our exciting partnership with The Red Sea Development Company, who are on track to deliver a world-class sustainable giga-project in support of Saudi Vision 2030. We are proud to be selected to contribute to the development of the Red Sea International Airport which we believe will play a key role in the transformation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by welcoming up to one million visitors per year to the destination by 2030.”

Joseph Daher, CEO at Almabani General Contractors Co. commented that, “As a contracting company, Almabani has a special focus on airport and infrastructure projects, and we are honored to serve The Red Sea Development Company, by utilising our expertise to deliver an airfield of international quality to our customer. For this project we will mobilise our most experienced airport resources and qualified experts to ensure we meet our customer’s expectation, and we are ready for the challenging delivery period, especially during this tough health crisis currently affecting the entire globe. We are proud to partner with Nesma to become key contributors to a pillar project in the Vision 2030.”

The design contract for the airport was awarded to Foster + Partners in October 2019. Its architecture is informed by the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape and represents the vision of The Red Sea Project. Land levelling work is already underway to prepare the airport for development and the project remains on schedule to support TRSDC plans to welcome the first guests to the destination by the end of 2022.The schematic design stage NOC was received from the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) earlier this year. The location of Red Sea International Airport was accepted along with its airside master plan, and its orientation of 15/33, was approved. Additionally, GACA approved the conceptual airspace and aeronautical studies that draw the approach path for flights bound for the airport, domestically and internationally.

In line with the company’s sustainability goals, the entire infrastructure of The Red Sea Project, including its transport network, will be powered by 100% renewable energy. The eco-friendly airport design focuses on using shaded areas and natural ventilation to minimise the reliance on air conditioning.

Once complete, the airport will serve an estimated one million tourists per year catering to both domestic and international flights. Envisaged as a unique and iconic airport, it will provide an unforgettable aviation experience for travellers and guests. In addition to the dedicated airport, the first phase of the development includes sixteen hotels offering 3,000 rooms across five islands and two inland sites, as well as commercial, retail and leisure facilities and other infrastructure.

About TRSDC

The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC) is a closed joint-stock company wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia. It was established to create The Red Sea Project, a luxury tourism destination that will set new standards in sustainable development and position Saudi Arabia on the global tourism map.

Message from the General Authority of Civil Aviation, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

“GACA is honored to accept the location of Red Sea Airport and review its airside master plan which matches the highest specifications and standards. We’re working continuously with the TRSDC team to achieve Vision 2030. The Red Sea Airport will connect Saudi Arabia domestically and globally to a new level of tourism and adventure.”

– Abdulhadi bin Ahmed Al-Mansouri, President.