Saudi Arabia sets up first advanced construction tech plant in Dammam

The Saudi housing ministry has signed a contract to set up a first-of-its-kind factory that will build residential units using new construction technology in Dammam, Al-Eqtisadiah newspaper reported on Sunday, citing Saif Al-Swailem, ministry spokesperson.

When the factory is operated, Saudi Arabia is expected to add 7,000 homes annually.

The new facility will manufacture pre-fabricated innovative residential units that will be transferred to the built-up area for installation.

Al-Swailem added that similar plants will be established and will be 100 percent Saudized.

New construction technologies will not only provide job opportunities for Saudi citizens, but also cut construction time and costs by 30 percent to 50 percemt, he added.

Housing minister Majed Al Hogail had expected new technologies to cut construction time to two days only in 2019, Argaam earlier reported.

The ministry is targeting to deliver 120,000 units under the “Sakani” housing scheme. Prices will range between SAR 250,000 and SAR 750,000 per unit in the current year.