U.S-Saudi Business Council (USSBC) Saudi Chairman’s Circle member Mohamed Al Rashid Contracting Company (MARCO) recently spoke with Construction Week Magazine to provide a glimpse into the dynamic landscape of the company, a leading force in Saudi Arabia’s construction sector. CEO Hamad Binyousef shares insights into MARCO’s commitment to excellence and innovation, emphasizing its strategic approach to engineering and project execution. From overcoming challenges in high-profile projects to aligning with Vision 2030’s objectives, Binyousef unveils MARCO’s unwavering dedication to national growth and its integral role in shaping the Kingdom’s evolving construction industry. Read the full interview here:
BUILDING BEYOND BOUNDARIES
Hamad Binyousef, CEO of MARCO, on the company’s steadfast dedication to surpassing boundaries and broadening its horizons within the construction industry
In Saudi Arabia’s thriving construction sector, Mohamed Al Rashid Contracting Company (MARCO) shines as a trusted leader. With a diverse range of services — including hospitality, governmental, commercial, industrial, infrastructure, and high-end fit-out projects — as well as a stellar reputation, MARCO has solidified its position as one of the Kingdom’s most respected firms.
Construction Week Middle East sat down with CEO Hamad Binyousef, a visionary leader who has expanded the company’s project portfolio into new realms of high-end fit-out, infrastructure projects, and hospitality ventures.
With a wealth of experience and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Binyousef shares MARCO’s strategies and vital role in shaping the Kingdom’s ambitious construction landscape.
“Saudi Arabia is undertaking highly ambitious construction programmes,” Binyousef begins, referring to monumental projects like NEOM, Red Sea, AlUla, and New Murabba, among others. “MARCO aims to be a key contributor to these endeavours with our highly talented team and extensive experience in successfully delivering projects to the government.”
Hamad Binyousef, CEO, MARCO
He goes on to explain the company’s strategic approach, emphasising its commitment to engineering excellence, “Our strategy centres on growing engineering capabilities through software adoption and investing in state-of-the-art equipment to elevate work quality and productivity. This approach sets MARCO’s position as a leader in the construction industry as we are committed to continuous optimisation of processes.”
As part of this commitment, MARCO has embraced cutting-edge software, including AI technology, to enhance precision in quantity calculation, thereby minimising errors in project planning and resource allocation. “This innovative approach not only streamlines the engineering process but also ensures precise calculations, minimising the margin for error in project planning and resource allocation,” he notes. However, MARCO’s pursuit of excellence extends beyond software. The company is investing substantially in advanced equipment as well.
Continuing, Binyousef underlines the importance of collaboration at MARCO, citing two fundamental principles, “Transparent “Working with MARCO means partnering with more than just a contractor; it’s about engaging with a team that offers a hands-on approach and meticulous attention to every detail” communication and alignment of interests.”
Elaborating on the former, he says that it ensures that information flows seamlessly across all levels of project development, fostering a shared understanding of project objectives among partners, clients, and stakeholders.
He further states that aligning its interests with partners allows for a shared commitment to project success. “Prioritising the project, we ensure that all communication with stakeholders serves the overarching goal of advancing construction rates on-site,” he adds.
ADAPTING TO CHANGE
MARCO’s dedication to excellence and innovation is vividly evident in the impactful projects they are currently engaged in. Two standout examples are the KAFD Wadi Public Realm and DGDA Diriyah Art Futures projects. Binyousef explains, “The KAFD Wadi Public Realm project encountered complexities due to the suspension of KAFD development for several years, resulting in the award of a legacy contract encompassing partially completed scope, including underground services that required thorough examination.”
He adds that locating matching materials for the incomplete scope presented a significant hurdle. To tackle this, MARCO did an extensive assessment by undertaking a thorough dilapidation survey and researching to find materials similar to the original ones.
He continues, “In the case of DGDA Diriyah Art Futures, unforeseen archaeological discoveries related to Saudi heritage emerged during execution on site. The project’s purpose shifted from a traditional to a digital art centre, necessitating redesign amid ongoing construction. As a result, we collaborated closely with design consultants, implementing redesigns and space planning adjustments to meet the updated project’s purpose by introducing new systems, equipment, and technologies.”
According to Binyousef, these real-world examples highlight MARCO’s unwavering commitment to overcoming challenges and adapting to changing project dynamics, reinforcing its core belief that “projects come first.”
FOSTERING NATIONAL GROWTH
As an established government contractor for over four decades, Binyousef asserts that MARCO is acutely aware of the evolving priorities in Saudi Arabia’s project development approach. “We at MARCO have quickly understood the magnitude of the upcoming ambitious programme that Vision 2030 promises to deliver to the Kingdom.”
He goes on to highlight MARCO’s strategic pivot to align with the changing objectives of Vision 2030, emphasising its role in supporting the nation’s economic diversification, green urban development, and the enhancement of the quality of life for Saudi citizens.
“MARCO’s strategic shift towards the new initiatives launched by the government showcases our commitment to aligning with national priorities,” Binyousef states emphatically, underscoring the company’s role as a significant contributor to the economic, environmental, and societal objectives outlined in Vision 2030.”
