Oasis Riyadh

Compass Project Consulting reveals details on ‘secret KSA project’

Compass Project Consulting has revealed details about its recently-concluded Oasis Riyadh project located in North Thamama, 1.5 hours outside of Riyadh. 

At the start of the month, the project and cost management consultancy hinted at the ‘secret project’, adding that it was in charge of planning, procurement and construction management to develop a large, major F&B pop-up in the middle of a desert with no infrastructure on site.

Construction on the project commenced on 17 December 2020 and was completed in 30 days, on 16 January 2021, ready to open to public on 17 January 2021

Tracing the journey for the Oasis Riyadh project, William Hitch, Director, Compass Project Consulting told Construction Week: “We were invited on 9 December to an undisclosed location in North Thamama, 1.5 hours out of Riyadh and appointed on an unusual and quite impossible task, by our longstanding client MJS Holding, following the announcement by Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, HE Turki Al Sheikh, that the project destination Oasis Riyadh will be open to the public early January 2021.  

Planning and design began immediately, with construction programmed to commence in a week.  Within 48 hours, a ground map was developed by the main contractor Al Nafees, in coordination with the project sponsor Seven. The project was to change the landscape of a large desert area, to create a true mirage, and inviting palm tree laden oasis, literally in the middle of the desert, which would remain for three months, during the most opportune weather to explore the vast area.”

Oasis Riyadh 

To add to the oasis landscape, several restaurants were constructed on site, including Zuma, Amazonico, Nammos and Ninive. Each restaurant is approximately 500m2 in area and in addition to an outside terrace that offer desert views. A large performance stage to host 1,000 VIP guests and international singers and stars was also erected. 

The total number of operatives on site ranged from 700 to 800, working round the clock to meet the deadline. The project achieved successful completion despite the weather conditions within the desert at the time, Hitch shared. 

Oasis Riyadh

Delving deep into the consultancy’s scope of work, Hitch told Construction Week: “Compass were appointed to oversee the overall creation of this remarkable experience, including total project and commercial management; design, procurement and construction coordination of all the fine-dining establishments and surrounding facilities; high-level programe  and event management; all whilst orchestrating between various stakeholders, from main contractors, to fit-out contractors, brand representatives and, of course, the clients and sponsor.”

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