The Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) has awarded a major construction contract to Abdul Ali Al Ajmi Company, as work is progressing at the Qiddiya site. The Saudi-based company will lead site preparation for the Qiddiya project.

According to a statement from QIC, the start of the 12-month project will include the landscaping of seven million cu. m of earth to ensure the site preparation of a combined area of more than four million sqm.  This will require upwards of 500 pieces of major earthmoving equipment to grade and develop the plots, in addition to 4,000 tons of steel and 30,000 cubic meters of concrete for storm water management so that the area is ready for the next stage of development, it added.

Michael Reininger, CEO of QIC, said: “As Qiddiya strives ahead with its construction execution we are delighted to begin the mass grading and site preparation of our two anchor development nodes: the Resort Core & the City Centre.”

“This is the first of many announcements for 2020 and we are proud to partner with a long-standing Saudi firm, the Abdul Ali Al Ajmi Company for this significant milestone,” he added.

Meanwhile, Ali Abdul Ali Al-Ajmi, the chairman of the Abdul Ali Al Ajmi Company, added: “As a Saudi company, it is an honour to be part of this unique project as Qiddiya’s partner. Over the last forty years we have a demonstrated history of providing our clients with superior excavation, material transport, site preparation and development and so we look forward to using these skills to help Qiddiya achieve their vision.”

Set to become Saudi Arabia’s capital of entertainment, sports and arts, Qiddiya is located in Riyadh and is expected to directly employ approximately 17,000 people by 2023.