Leading the Digital Journey

BIG PROJECT ME SPEAKS TO MOHAMED SWIDAN, SENIOR DIRECTOR AND HEAD OF MENA AT PROCORE , ABOUT HOW THE USBASED SOFTWARE FIRM IS HELPING DRIVE THE REGIONAL DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AND IMPROVE UNDERSTANDING AROUND DATA IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR n September last year, Procore, a leading global provider of construction management software, announced the opening of its first office in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Located in Dubai Internet City, the office opening follows a successful launch in 2021, and is a reflection of the company’s long-term investment and vision for the region.

While the new base is emblematic of Procore’s continued growth and expansion, it is also key to the company’s ambitions as it will serve as a hub for its operations in the region, enabling its varied client base of owners, general contractors, and specialty contractors to build smarter.

As the regional construction industry tips further towards digitalisation, Procore’s focus on accelerating collaboration, streamlining communication, and providing realtime visibility into project performance will be vital in helping the sector work towards successfully delivering agendas such as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. With the US-based software firm’s ethos being built around being a partner to its clients, having a local presence will be key to its strategy moving forwards. Mohamed Swidan, senior director and head of MENA, tells Big Project ME that Procore now will be able to play an integral part in helping companies realise their potential with a local base in place.

“The office opening is a milestone in a journey. It’s not the end goal. When we started our regional operations in January 2021, we began by building a team on the ground to better serve our customers, partners, and channels. We wanted to make sure that as we’re building the team, we continue on our journey and our commitment to the region, so the office really is just a milestone in that journey, from a commitment point of view.

“People have received it very positively, and the industry sees it as a renewed commitment from Procore to the market. We have every single customer touchpoint in the region, so our customers get to enjoy the full customer journey with us, from the start, with people who are serving them and catering to them within their lifelong journey with Procore,” he asserts.

Since 2021, Swidan has hired a team of more than 20 people, all based locally in the Dubai office. This team has the technical knowledge and resources to meet a variety of customer needs, including sales, marketing, implementation, customer success and more. According to Swidan, this team is the secret behind the company’s successful launch over the last two years.

“I think the secret power of any organisation is its people. We’ve hired outstanding talent that’s quite well versed – not only with the region, but also with the industry as we’ve got a number of individuals on this team who’ve come from either a construction technology background or have come from the construction industry itself.” 2022 proved to be a successful year for Procore, with the team overseeing strong performances across the board in terms of customer acquisition, brand building, and ability to serve existing customers all receiving positive marks. The company’s primary markets in the region – Egypt, KSA, UAE – have seen new customers added to its portfolio, and everything is primed for a big 2023, he states. However, now that all the pieces are in place, Swidan asserts that he is keen for Procore to be a force for change within the construction sector. With digitalisation becoming increasingly important across all facets of the industry, he points out that adopting technology will not only have a transformative impact on an organisation’s abilities and services, but it will change the entire way it operates.

“Our strategy is to be a partner to the industry and make sure that we’re impacting every single individual in the construction world,” he says.

“We want to change people’s lives in the construction industry, and make sure that we’re assisting organisations in their journey and helping them to digitise so that they can be more efficient and productive, more profitable, and can focus on the areas where they can grow.”

“What our customers are asking us for is to make it easier for them to use technology. That’s their biggest ask. They want to make sure that with this change, their employees and their organisations will jump on the bandwagon and not resist for the longest period. It’s only human nature for any individual to push back against change when it’s happening, and that’s okay.”

Swidan explains that given that mindset, it is critical that companies like Procore ensure that whatever solutions they offer to the market must be easy for every individual to use – from office to the site. And as part of their offerings, solution providers should help organisations drive that change internally, he adds.

Another key request often heard from clients is that when developing a product, the focus remains constructioncentric, he explains. Swidan points out that software developers need to keep this in mind when thinking about trends of the future and preparing and building their products accordingly.

However, a major roadblock is that there is significant resistance to change within the industry, with methods and attitudes ingrained in organisations –especially ones that have been successful while doing things in the traditional way.

“It’s not that they lack experience or have a lack of expertise, but the roadblock is to accept change, to do things differently after decades of doing things a certain way. It’s not easy (for them). The second roadblock that we’ve encountered is the idea that digital transformation is a one step process. That’s never going to be the case.

“Digital transformation is a continuous journey that does not end with you investing in a certain technology on day one, and that’s it. It’s an aspiration to reach a state where you grow as an organisation and as technologies advance, you actually benefit from them and they serve each other and your organisation.”

One of the major issues encountered while helping clients on their digital transformation journey is what Swidan calls ‘patching up’. This is when disparate technologies are bought to fix particular issues, and in the end, they end up operating in silos and not talking to each other.

“You think you’re digitally transforming (when you do this), but you’re not. You’re just trying to patch things up. When you start thinking of digital transformation, it’s about how you select a vendor – a technology partner – that will serve you today, tomorrow, and for years to come,” he asserts, adding that it is critical for an organisation to choose a partner that will assist it, and allow it to integrate with other technologies, rather than one that creates bottlenecks for growth.

“We are in a region that’s continuously aspiring to be better and driven to excellence, which means there are new initiatives and projects the whole time. The challenge for organisations is that as they’re running, they don’t have time to stop and reassess, to build a strategy for the future with the use of technology – that drives a lot of the attitude and behaviour, in the sense of, ‘let’s just patch it up along the way’.

“It’s important to realise that not doing something, and focusing and reflecting before building a strategy, is good time investment – one that is often better than building a project along the way.”

What gives Swidan hope is that there is a new generation of construction professionals coming into the industry who are well versed with technology, are familiar with it, and understand its capabilities. However, it is imperative that leaders in the construction sphere listen and take on the responsibility to drive change.

“I honestly think that it’s our responsibility as leaders to drive the change, because if we don’t, we will end up having a talent issue in the coming years. It sits at the leaders’ level to accept that the world has changed, and that we need to adapt to that change, and in fact, drive it and amplify it in every conversation.

“When you look at young talent joining industries, they will definitely create some noise on what their demands and asks are. If they’re not listened to or are not served, then they’ll quickly start looking somewhere else for that to be given to them,” he warns, adding that the decisions made by leaders now, will have an impact on communities and societies both in this generation and the next.

Another crucial area of focus for Swidan and his team in the coming year will be educating their customers about the importance of data and how to properly harness its power, especially in the context of the region’s smart city ambitions and its desire to adopt new and innovative ways of operating and maintaining utilities and infrastructure.

“When you look at transformations or organisations that want to make data-driven decisions, there is always a shortage of data. They’re always trying to find data so that they can understand trends and predict the future. Construction has no shortage of data, and that’s a very strong starting position.

“The challenge is how that data is being captured. When you start looking at that historically, there is not a single ‘one space’ where the data is being collected. It’s being collected across different places. As I was saying earlier, you can buy technologies that patch things up, but they don’t necessarily serve your way and strategy forward. When you start taking that into consideration, then you’re not really benefiting from the data, you’re just inputting it into certain systems and manual processes.

“The biggest thing is that we need to make sure that data is inputted into one common data environment, and if we start there, then with the amount of data that is available in construction, then that’s a strong base to start from - a single place from which you can build actionable insights. That will help build predictability, that will build a comprehensive pool of information that will serve you in the future,” he explains, pointing out that inputting data into a common environment will help organisations keep pace with the change around them.

While he acknowledges that there are concerns about sharing of information, he allays fears by explaining that there are different types of data – private and public.

In this region, companies have the power to publish data that will serve them best, rather than giving rivals a competitive advantage.

“You’re simply getting your house in order, more than anything else. If you’re looking at it in terms of gaining a competitive advantage, then you’re doing it for you. If you’re looking at data in terms of it being shared, it’s not. It’s your own organisation, your own team, and people.

“If you look at the historical way of doing things, drawings are left at site and that’s more dangerous for someone to pick up a competitive advantage, than data that’s sitting with a lot of security behind the technology and with access that’s granted based on who you are and where you work.

“We’re in more control of what we want to share or don’t want to share,” he asserts.

As the region continues to advance and evolve rapidly across all sectors of the economy, Swidan says that Procore will be front and centre, supporting the construction sector through this period of change. As such, he is keen to ensure that the right foundations are put in place to ensure every organisation and professional in the industry can enjoy the long-term benefits on offer.

“Our responsibility as a company towards this industry is to continue to nurture and educate. It’s our responsibility to share that knowledge from our perspective and ensure that we’re enlightening them on how technology can serve them best. We’ve got to establish that base first – you can’t build something without the right foundations, right?

“It’s about helping them realise that digital transformation is a journey, and what the building blocks are for it. We must have them understand how we can support them in that journey, and how we can support them with one single source of truth,” he states in conclusion.

Energy & Sustainability Summit

Rapidly increasing investment in sustainable construction, environmentally friendly technologies, and renewable energy infrastructure has sparked an energy revolution in the MENA region.

Billions of dollars are being poured into the construction and energy sectors as companies look to create a new ecosystem of green construction technologies and alternative energy solutions, with government bodies often leading the way.

This year, the Energy & Sustainability Summit will focus on the growing global focus on investing into green construction methods, supporting start-ups in the green built environment,

Participation

Opportunity

Participate by exhibiting, creating a workshop, join a panel discussion or run a demonstration – whichever way – it’s a lucrative platform to get connected. Contact us now to learn more about this opportunity to interact and connect with regional industry decision makers and influencers.

2023

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PRESENTED BY BRONZE SPONSOR and the rise in off-grid and alternative and renewable energy solutions – particular green hydrogen, solar and wind.

The Summit will also welcome companies and speakers who are exploring and researching sustainable building solutions, ranging from products, through to systems and technologies.

Gavin Davids | +971 4 375 5480 gavin.davids@cpitrademedia.com

Jason Saundalkar | +971 4 375 5475 jason.s@cpitrademedia.com

Sponsorship

Raed Kaedbey | +971 4 375 5715 raed.kaedbey@cpitrademedia.com

Madeleine Martin | +971 4 375 5714 madeleine.martin@cpitrademedia.com

PRESENTED BY n December 2022, at Big Project ME’s sister awards, the Middle East Consultant Awards, Pace’s New Palace of Justice project was crowned as the ‘Best Project’ in the category of Government and Infrastructure.

Chosen as the winner in a category that recognises the region’s top infrastructure projects for the government sector, the accolade came from a jury of industry experts who praised the project as one that has had a positive impact on society.

The New Palace of Justice, with its smart building, constitutes a huge change in the work of judicial authorities in the Middle East. The project aims to better serve the community through enhanced central smart judicial facility. It has also put Kuwait on the map of delivering high end world-class architecture.

A colossal project utmost significance, the New Palace of Justice is a testament to the State’s ongoing evolution and modernisation. Upon its completion, the landmark building is slated to become the largest judicial

70% Percentage of overall completed works building in size in the Middle East and will be amongst the largest in the world. Situated in the heart of Kuwait City along the Arabian Gulf, the project soars 26 storeys above ground, and covers an area of 33,384.50 sqm. The US$785.4 million project houses more than 141 courtrooms and around 131,000 square metres of office space. Engaged by the Amiri Diwan, Pace was tasked with rebuilding and expanding the historic Palace of Justice in Kuwait City, the firm came up with a unique and modern design focused on creating a monolith structure, abstractly, but sophisticatedly representing the scale of justice, with a solid plaza and two floating cantilevered towers, or ‘wings’.

Additionally, the two fractions of the building are joined together to create a glistening hollow expanse in its centre, which compliments the opulent design by resembling a golden geode inspired by the traditional geometry of the Middle East. Underneath the towers sits a public plaza which forms the entryway into the entire facility, with its open and transparent welcoming concourse.

Highlighting the unique and awardnominated design of the project, Pace CEO, Tarek Shuaib says: “We succeeded in realising our shared vision with the client for the project - and its subsequent real-world aesthetic features. This entailed modernising and upgrading the justice system – and create a grand structure that reflects that significance with highly advanced smart technologies and facilities.”

He adds that Pace sought a design that would reflect Kuwait’s enduring commitment to justice and communicate solidarity and a strong foundation for all new beginnings, with every feature supporting its dual functionality as a space for both the people and the government.

Functionality for this project involved an efficient planning strategy which was accomplished with a design that serves to separate the three types of circulation systems required: Public, Private (Judicial) and Defendants.

The monolith structure houses two fractions that are joined together to create a glistening hollow expanse in the centre, which resembles a golden geode inspired by the traditional geometry of the Middle East. Underneath the towers sits a public plaza which forms the entryway into the entire facility, with its open and transparent welcoming concourse. The 20-floor atrium, spanning between the geode segments and interlaced with bridges, creates an abundant sense of movement and circulation.

The outdoor courtyard is where people can rest and enjoy the surrounding views of the sea and cityscape. As visitors continue their journeys inside the building, soft strands of natural light permeate the golden mesh facade into the hallways. The external facade module was devised with optimal window sizes to provide ample natural sunlight cast through the golden geode, which improves wellbeing and productivity.

The external facade module was devised with optimal window sizes to provide ample natural sunlight cast through the golden geode, which can improve the well-being and productivity of its occupants. Also, as visitors continue their journeys inside the building, soft strands of natural light permeate the golden mesh facade into the hallways. In terms of the building’s landscape architecture, Pace’s concept of the Storming Skies blurs the line between pure landscaping and art. With the use of hanging metal bars over the plaza, the illusion of a storm cloud is created. A visitor’s perception of these clouds would change relative to their position in the building.

FAST-TRACK CONSTRUCTION

The project has achieved record completion rates through the use of Fast Track technology, one of the latest rapid construction methodologies which relies on advanced, sophisticated

Record completion

The project has achieved record completion rates through the use of Fast Track technology, one of the latest rapid construction methodologies.

141 and highly efficient construction, in a manner that guarantees the highest quality of implementation.

In terms of complexity and how it was overcome, having been proposed and designed to replace an existing Palace of Justice building – the high rise and fast track techniques employed within this location that is the busy metropolis of Kuwait City has been a challenge. Advanced structural methods were employed to have two large 20+ story towers cantilevered.

Construction works are progressing according to the project’s timeframe, despite the added challenges and limitations imposed by the pandemic and previous lockdown enforcement.

Progress Update

Construction progress reached almost 70% to date, having broken ground during the first quarter of 2019 only.

Utilising Fast-Track construction technologies,

Pace managed to complete:

• All structural works in Phase 1.

• 60% of external façade works

• 65% of MEP works

• 60% of elevators and escalators installations.

• 55% of internal finishes, even though environmental enclosure has yet to be achieved.

Phase One procurement is complete, and all materials are either on site or in storage.

Phase Two procurement is well progressed with some materials already delivered, some in transit, and the reminder under fabrication.

Site works commenced with the removal of the existing parking lot of the old building and the erection of the new structure in its place, parallel to the existing Palace – which will be subsequently demolished and replaced. Works currently underway include the installation of pre-cast concrete panels at the building’s perimeter envelope, while validating the site’s readiness for upcoming stone cladding and aluminium curtain walls installation.

Safety first Everyone working on the project has been equipped with the necessary safety equipment and personal protective equipment, and health and safety is the utmost priority on site.

Pace is fast-tracking floor slabs concrete casting and processing Electro-Mechanical installations and ducting works following the concrete activities completed at each floor. The construction team is also installing internal partitioning studs and underlaying terrazzo flooring for every casted floor to overlap construction activities and fast track the schedule of works, along with the relocation and refurbishment of services and utilities.

Health And Safety Prioritised

Finally, Pace states that it has been committed to keeping the project on track during these critical times. Health and safety measures have been an utmost priority on site for Pace, with the project’s entire team committed to upholding the highest standards of health and safety during all phases of construction.

Works have resumed with a heightened focus on the health, safety, and wellbeing of all those involved – including workers, site engineers and office staff.

Internal finishes 55% of internal finishes have been completed, even though environmental enclosure has yet to be achieved, the team say.

All those working on the project are always equipped with their all the necessary safety equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE), including face masks, goggles or face shields, safety vests and shoes. Social distancing guidelines are also being closely observed throughout the project, the firm concludes.