FOLLOWING its tremendous success last year, Gulf Cooperation Symbols Contracting Company (GCS) has been awarded a contract by Saudi Aramco to construct its site facilities at the Shaybah NGL and Yanbu Export Refinery projects.

One of the largest construction contractors in Saudi Arabia, GCS has maintained a high profile since it was set up in 1978, taking on some of the biggest challenges in the region. The company has continued to build on its early success and expand its capabilities and today it not only covers engineering, procurement and construction (EPC), but also operation and maintenance and other services.

Regardless of its diversification, construction continues to be the backbone of GCS’ business. Its construction division undertakes a broad spectrum of large-scale construction works on a turnkey or design-and-build basis.

Utilising the combined design abilities of Sadeen Group in Amman, Jordan, and its own comprehensive resources, GCS has taken on projects covering design and construction of commercial centres, hospitals, hotels, urban developments, temporary or permanent facilities, office complexes and others.

“We have many projects in hand right now,” says Hani Salah, general manager and chairman of Sadeen Group.

In addition to the two newly-awarded contracts, GCS has other ongoing projects such as the construction of a communication tower for Saudi Aramco, luxury villas in Dammam, Manifa field causeway and other developments in Saudi Arabia; as well as the Saudi Embassy staff housing facilities in Amman.

GCS’ scope of works includes design, procurement and building of office and camp facilities, including catering, housekeeping, laundry, operation, maintenance, security and medical services.

The Saudi Embassy staff housing project covers an area of 12,000 sq m, and includes excavation, concrete structural work, masonry finishing, electromechanical systems, security, TV system, and landscaping.

“A key reason why GCS has been awarded such a prestigious array of projects is its ability to take on responsibility for all aspects of the work, which is a great convenience for clients,” says Salah.

“We have an advantage over other contractors here and in the GCC because we can offer complete solutions. Owners or investors can come to us with a piece of land and we can provide everything from design concept and engineering all the way through to completion – all under one roof. So they don’t have to shop around for architects and engineers. This ensures that work does not suffer,” he continues.

Salah adds that GCS provides a complete solution that can save clients time and money. “When we design something, we know it can be implemented which enables investors or owners to achieve their projects in a much shorter time,” he says.

But apart from construction, it can also undertake facilities management projects. “After building the project, we can provide the client with complete solutions for operation and maintenance which can conserve and even increase the value of the project,” Salah points out.

Using an efficient and cost-conscious approach, GCS is successfully handling a diverse range of projects including facilities (camps and offices), particularly those owned by Saudi Aramco and number of public utilities. GCS also has presence in the more technological fields of telecommunications and information technology.

Salah, however, points out that operating across such varied activities requires the right staff, something GCS is very aware of. “We have specialists in all of our business lines. We always hire the best people for the jobs. This is what really differentiates us from other contractors,” he emphasises.

“We try to retain our best employees by providing them with attractive packages and a good working environment. This really helps us keep our best staff. Our growing workforce of skilled personnel is a valuable resource for GCS as we strive to take advantage of an almost unprecedented market growth,” he adds.

The company is also constantly looking to expanding its business outside Saudi Arabia, in Bahrain, the UAE, Qatar and Jordan.