The Saudi Arabian government is devoting vast resources to the Sports Boulevard, a public project that aims to ensure Riyadh is recognised as one of the world’s most livable cities by 2030. Ammann light equipment is helping turn this dream into a reality.
The project is creating green space that will encourage citizens of Riyadh to follow a healthy lifestyle, according to the project website. It promotes exercising and participation in as many as 50 different sports – particularly, walking, cycling and horse riding.
The Sports Boulevard will encompass nine districts and also offer public artwork, entertainment facilities, events, activities, and business opportunities. The project is aligned with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, an economic and social reform blueprint with the goal of opening up Saudi Arabia to the world.
The project isn’t expected to be completed until the end of the decade, but construction on several districts is under way. Contracts with a value of US $661.5 million were awarded in 2021, and work has begun.
An initial phase includes building roads, bridges and infrastructure for Hanifah Valley, one of the districts being developed in Riyad, the capital and largest city of Saudi Arabia.
The district runs for 18.5 km and requires a large volume of work to be completed. There is a great deal of need for light equipment because this portion/section consists of many paths for walking, biking and horseback riding.
A major Saudi contractor, Al Bawani, is playing a key role in the project. Al Bawani is utilising multiple Ammann machines on the jobsite. They include an Ammann ATR 68 Rammer; APR 22/40 and APR 25/50 Reversible Vibratory Plates; an ARW 65 Walk-Behind Roller; and an ARX 23 Light Tandem Roller.
The Ammann equipment is ideal for the jobsite’s needs:
- The ATR 68 Rammer features a low centre of gravity, giving the machine outstanding stability that make operation effortless.
- Ammann’s reversible plate compactors utilise hydrostatic steering that enables quick directional changes and the ability to compact in hard-to-reach places.
- The ARW 65 Walk-Behind Roller offers clearance on both drum sides, allowing compaction work extremely close to curbs, retaining walls and other obstacles. No extra time-consuming work on edges and in confined areas is needed.
- The ARX 23 enables smooth starts and stops with the help of an electronic drive lever. The operator platform is spacious and comfortable.
“The products provide operator comfort and are reliable and user friendly,” said Walid Khaled, Assistant Plant and Equipment Director at Al Bawani. Khaled is directly involved in the asset management of the purchased fleet as well as supplementing with rental units as needed.
General Trading & equipment (GTE), The Ammann Dealer is extremely supportive, Khaled said. “Technical support is always extended to us through the provision of free inspections for our machines and any relevant technical information or recommendations we require,” he said. Technicians visit the jobsite as needed.
“The after-sales service is perfect and we are highly satisfied with the availability of items in their store,” Khaled added.
Established in 1991, Al Bawani has grown into a fully-fledged general contracting corporation with a sizable portfolio, strong financial position, and a significant presence in a broad range of industries. Its construction division is now among the five largest operators in the country.
“To date, we have completed over 250 projects, building long-term partnerships and earning the trust and loyalty of our clients in the process,” the company states. “Furthermore, we currently have over SAR 9 billion worth of ongoing projects. These are being serviced by our 12,000-strong workforce, each of whom is a specialist in their respective fields.”