Digital Transformation of the Year Award

ARDARA, a forward-thinking real estate company, embarked on a comprehensive digital transformation journey, meticulously structured around a robust Digital Strategy methodology. This journey was structured into four pivotal phases: Planning, Design, Development, and Implementation & Operation. Initially, in the Planning phase, ARDARA formulated specialized teams, delved into stakeholder insights, and captured ambitions, setting a solid foundation with an ecosystem analysis. The Design phase saw the creation of a PMO Framework, aligning with the corporate strategy through value chain identification and business capabilities.

The Development phase was pivotal, focusing on designing the strategy house, including vision and strategic objectives, aligning digital and business capabilities, and crafting a 3-year roadmap. The culmination, the Implementation & Operation phase, involved the meticulous selection and development of solutions, implementation monitoring, and the adoption of the Digital PMO framework to digitize processes. ARDARA didn't stop here; it further developed and aligned cybersecurity, data, and smart city strategies with its digital strategy. This holistic approach not only streamlined operations but positioned ARDARA as a beacon of digital innovation in the real estate sector, demonstrating a commitment to excellence and a visionary outlook towards building a digital-first future.

Arada's transforms digitally embarking on an ambitious transformation program EVOLVE to drive new ways of doing business, influencing the customer experience, and improving both business innovation and efficiency.

Our transformation journey at Deyaar Development PJSC has revolutionized Sales and Property Management by shifting from traditional, manual processes to a digital-first methodology. Through the adoption of a cloud ERP system, we have implemented an integrated platform that significantly enhances the customer experience and empowers our staff to surpass their objectives.

This digital overhaul encompasses sophisticated lead management, efficient KYC procedures, digital SPA and booking systems, along with the integration of digital signatures, all underpinned by advanced analytics and machine learning capabilities. This comprehensive strategy not only streamlines our operations but also establishes new benchmarks for efficiency and customer satisfaction within the industry.

Dubai Municipality's Engineering Contracts department digitized the tendering and payment processes in 2014. This transformed the manual process into an electronic-based system, resulting in error-free tenders and payments, full compliance with tender requirements, and reduced paper-based processes. The project achieved cost and time savings of AED 7,700,000 for Dubai Municipality with zero visits for consultants and contractors, resulting in a total savings of AED 10,600,000. The transformation also increased productivity, simplified procedures, achieved customer/vendor satisfaction, and reduced operational costs.

NEOM Engineering & Technical Services Department (ETSD) oversees various areas of project development at NEOM, including planning, design, quality, cost, and others. Considering the scale, complexity and ambition of NEOM, digitalization is a must to deliver on objectives, overcome key challenges and enhance efficiency and visibility. ETSD initiated a strategy to digitize its operations across 15 functional areas, searching the market and 150+ vendors for appropriate and scalable solutions.

After 100+ workshops and a proof-of-concept exercise, ETSD designed its digital architecture and redefined operations to improve efficiency, visibility, and service delivery. This transformation benefits hundreds of internal and external NEOM stakeholders, requiring thorough engagement, coordination, and collaboration. ETSD worked closely with key technological partners to understand their product strategy and roadmap. This was necessary to ensure trust, collaboration, accountability, and commitment, not only in terms of execution and implementation but also in terms of knowledge sharing and capacity building. New applications are already deployed across nine of the functional domains, and others are in progress.

The roadmap is continuously updated in line with the latest NEOM requirements. ETSD is pushing applications and vendors to continuously improve applications and deploy the most advanced features and capabilities in the Kingdom.

Welcome to the future of lifestyle! As pioneers in digital transformation within the real estate industry, we're thrilled to present our groundbreaking platform that revolutionizes the way homes are acquired. With our super high-tech platform, we offer one of the fastest and most intuitive processes, allowing users to acquire a home in less than 10 minutes digitally – setting a new standard for speed and efficiency in the market. At the core of our platform is a centralized data architecture, leveraging data and analytics to tailor the homebuying journey to each individual's needs.

By incorporating AI technology, we've further enhanced the user experience, providing personalized recommendations and streamlining the decision-making process like never before. Our disruptive approach has already made waves in the industry, achieving two years' worth of targets in just two short months. These impressive numbers speak to the effectiveness of our platform and its ability to rapidly transform the way homes are bought in the kingdom. But our ambitions don't stop there. With global aspirations, we're committed to taking our innovative platform to new heights, expanding our reach and redefining the home buying experience on a global scale.

CSCEC ME is always committed in providing the best and superior quality of its service to all clients. Hence, maintaining the competitive stand in the market has been our guiding motivation to strive more and improve in the most sustainable and innovative way that we can. One strategic direction is fully welcoming digital transformation. In addition to the challenges brought about by the pandemic, it is with firm belief that this is the right track to thrive and survive within the rapid changes and revolutions in the industry. Adaptability in our digital transformation is not an easy journey as transition from our conventional methods to digitalized schemes requires teamwork, skills and robust collaboration.

CSCEC ME’s digital transformation transpires into four major pillars namely: Automation, Digitalization, Offsite Construction and Green Construction. Based from these, our main objectives were correlated to each pillar that we foresee could sustain and bring significant impacts in our operations and further growth. CSCEC ME has progressively prepared and sharpened its weapon and resources since the emergence of our digital transformation journey has started. With a vision of becoming the consistent front runner in driving the latest trends of technology and innovation in the construction industry.

El Seif Engineering Contracting is fully committed to digital transformation, recognizing its critical role in shaping the future of the construction industry. Our strategy for embracing digital transformation is an integral part of our overarching business strategy, reflecting our dedication to innovation and excellence. In December 2020, El Seif Engineering Contracting Co. became the first company in Saudi Arabia to obtain the BSI Kitemark certification in BIM ISO 19650; which is an international benchmark for excellence in digital engineering and virtual project delivery.

This achievement marks a significant milestone in our digital strategy, which has made the kingdom of Saudi Arabia the 20th nation in the world to carry the BSI Kitemark for BIM. El Seif Engineering Contracting Co is implementing an enterprise-wide digital transformation initiative to build AI into the work processes. We are digitalizing and integrating our EPC functions, from tendering, through design, construction to handover and facility management. We are excited to be at the forefront of intelligent construction solutions that integrate off-site engineering, artificial intelligence, machine learning, Internet of Things, and virtual reality applications. Through delivering excellence and innovation, ESEC continues to invest in best-in-class E&C capabilities and modernizes the construction industry.

A decade ago, Khansaheb embarked on a journey towards a digital future. We made a deliberate choice to modernise our business systems and embrace new technologies. This commitment to a digital transformation is a strategic objective embedded in our business plan, alongside other key goals like Health, Safety, and Quality. As a main contractor, our primary aim is to enhance the efficiency of our operations and ultimately provide an exceptional service to our valued customers. We have devised a digital roadmap to strategise our digital transformation, ensuring seamless integration with our business operations.

Our focus lies in fostering collaboration with stakeholders, engaging clients, consultants, subcontractors, suppliers, and internal teams throughout the development, implementation, and monitoring stages. By doing so, we aim to enhance efficiency, minimise costs, reduce waste, and deliver tangible, measurable benefits to our organisation. Our approach centres around leveraging suitable technologies, to drive the sustainability and efficiency of our business. We are highly selective in choosing our partners, only collaborating with leading digital platform organisations that possess clear development roadmaps and robust platforms. Through system integration, we eliminate manual processes and maintain a unified "one version of the truth" across diverse platforms and applications.

Nesma & Partners' digital transformation roadmap is structured around two key strategic roadmaps: the Digitalization Roadmap and the VDC (Virtual Design and Construction) Strategic Transformation Roadmap. These roadmaps are designed to achieve three overarching business objectives. Firstly, the company aims to increase productivity and dependability in project execution processes by leveraging digital technologies and innovative methodologies to streamline workflows, reduce manual inefficiencies, and enhance the reliability of project delivery. Secondly, Nesma & Partners seeks to reduce risk in project management and execution through the implementation of advanced data analytics, predictive modeling, and risk mitigation strategies, thereby minimizing project risks, anticipating challenges, and ensuring smoother project outcomes. Lastly, the company aims to foster knowledge transfer across company functions, recognizing the importance of sharing knowledge and expertise to enhance collaboration, improve decision-making, and drive innovation across various departments and functions.

The Digitalization Roadmap, currently in its second phase, has already demonstrated significant success in achieving its objectives from the initial phase. This success is reflected in the notable improvements in key performance indicators associated with the company's digitalized workflows. Meanwhile, the VDC Strategic Transformation Roadmap is focused on fully integrating VDC principles into estimation, engineering, and project controls processes, aiming to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of project planning, design, and execution through virtual modeling and simulation techniques.

Through the execution of these roadmaps, Nesma & Partners aims to harness digital technologies and innovative methodologies to streamline project execution processes, mitigate risks associated with project management and execution, and bolster collaboration and knowledge sharing across the organization. This strategic approach underscores Nesma & Partners' commitment to setting industry trends and driving operational excellence through digital initiatives and new ways of working. By embracing digital transformation, Nesma & Partners aims to remain agile and competitive in a rapidly evolving business landscape, ensuring that its business objectives are effectively met and sustained over time.

SBG's digital transformation is a paradigm shift beyond mere technology adoption, epitomising a fundamental cultural change underpinned by a strategic determination to enhance various departments via digitisation. This sweeping transformation touches on key areas: Project Controls, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, HR, and Construction Operations, each experiencing targeted initiatives and realising significant gains. SBG has deployed sophisticated digital governance systems to minimise human errors and guarantee precision. These advanced digital tools enable real-time monitoring of workflows, thereby enhancing transparency and bolstering decision-making processes.

A noteworthy achievement is the seamless integration between supply chain management and project operations, which cultivates a spirit of collaboration and ensures strategic alignment. In the realm of Engineering, the adoption of Digital Construction and digitisation has streamlined workflows, bolstered collaborative efforts, and underpinned efficient project management. The HR department has witnessed a revolution through digital solutions, optimising recruitment processes, performance management, and talent development. Construction Operations have been transformed with cutting-edge project management systems and real-time collaboration tools, resulting in heightened productivity and the successful execution of projects. Embracing this all-encompassing digital transformation, SBG has not only empowered its workforce but also significantly enhanced accuracy and efficiency, thereby fostering an environment ripe for innovation.

Digital transformation represents a strategic decision among various alternatives and their potential combinations. In this context, SHADE has developed a roadmap aimed at pursuing three strategic business objectives: enhancing the productivity and dependability of project execution processes, reducing risk in project management and execution, and fostering knowledge transfer across different company functions. To achieve these goals, SHADE is working on two distinct roadmaps, which together form the company's digital transformation roadmap. The first roadmap focuses on the VDC (Virtual Design and Construction) Strategic Transformation. Its objective is to fully integrate VDC principles into estimation, engineering, and project-controls processes.

AtkinsRéalis stands out as an industry leader in digital transformation and innovation. Through a comprehensive strategy focused on process optimization, cutting-edge technologies, and upskilling talent, AtkinsRéalis has established sustainable competitive advantages that deliver exceptional value to clients. Critical to this transformation are “golden threads” of integrated data spanning projects’ entire lifecycles. This continuity enables advanced digital services like intelligent digital twins that mirror assets’ operational realities.

AtkinsRéalis also strategically adopts emerging technologies around computational design, AI, simulations, and more, fostering a culture of R&D. Dedicated teams collaborate with project teams to apply these innovations, enhancing designs, optimizing solutions, and validating performance. The focus is optimizing client outcomes through streamlined workflows, improved efficiency, and data-driven sustainability and automation. AtkinsRéalis’ holistic approach encompasses investments in tech and people alongside a client-centric ethos. With its unique combination of technical innovation, workplace culture, and commitment to client value, AtkinsRéalis has firmly established itself as an industry frontrunner in leveraging digital transformation to deliver exceptional and sustainable solutions.

KEO's digital transformation is characterized by its comprehensive strategy spanning from the integration of computers in the 1980s, making it one of the first consultancies to utilize such technology, to receiving ISO 19650 BIM accreditation in 2019, and the publication of a Digital Strategy in 2023. Notably, their Digital Blueprint outlines objectives until June 2026, emphasizing growth in digital services, workforce development, and aligning with broader organizational goals. The establishment of the Digital Capability Network further reinforces their commitment, ensuring successful strategy execution and fostering a culture of innovation.

Key features include bespoke digital plans for each sector, a structured Innovation Framework Hub, and investments in capability and data analytics. The organization aims to achieve an 80% digital competency rate among employees by 2024. The business objectives focus on accelerating growth, enhancing workforce skills, and fostering innovation. By leveraging digital tools like the Learning Management System (LMS) and partnerships with technology firms like Giraffe, Autodesk, Bentley, OpenSpace, TwinView and Microsoft.

KEO has demonstrated tangible benefits including improved project efficiency, enhanced quality, cost reduction, revenue generation, and sustainability gains. Overall, KEO's digital transformation shows innovation, efficiency, and strategic alignment.

Parsons is leading the way in Project Management and Construction supervision across 14 mega-projects in the Gulf region, revolutionizing traditional methodologies through digital innovation. Our adoption and utilization of advanced construction supervision platforms such as OpenSpace, driven by AI, integrates 360° photography, Building Information Modelling (BIM), and diverse data types enabling a holistic and easily accessible view of project site progress. From inception to operation and maintenance stages, Parsons and the collaboration with OpenSpace advances seamless collaboration, accelerates reporting, enhances safety measures, and promotes CO2 reduction. This transformative approach is truly setting a new benchmark in the project delivery landscape.