Zuhair Fayez Partnership Consultants (Zfp)
The Architectural And Engineering Consultant Of Choice Since 1974

Saudi Vision 2030 represents the nation’s stride toward a more diversified economy, weaning the country off an oil-based economy and aligning it toward service domains by improving the overall infrastructure. Almost $1 trillion worth of development projects have commenced since the launch of the agenda, and that’s just one-third of the overall planned investment. Industry and academia have joined hands to adopt the newest technologies and methodologies in design and construction.

Leading the way is Zuhair Fayez Partnership Consultants (ZFP)—an established architectural, engineering, project management, construction management and engineering information system consultancy firms in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

ZFP has been serving the regional architecture and engineering (A&E) industry since 1974. During this journey, they have made a myriad of contributions that have attributed distinct value to the industry. ZFP possesses an unparalleled experience and knowledge base of Middle Eastern construction industry requirements and preferences. At the same time, it is one of the most innovative companies in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), with the ability to bridge innovation and local aspirations.

“We have been working for all government and major private sector clients as a one-stop shop for A&E Services, ranging from need assessment to final handover,” says Abdulaziz Al-Assaf, CEO of ZFP.

Wonderful Blend of Innovation and Local Aspirations

During its 48 years of multidisciplinary presence, ZFP has added value to the A&E industry by always promoting newer, yet authentic methods and approaches to project development and delivery. It has delivered the services while maintaining the highest standards of health and safety, following environmental and sustainability compliances, promoting ESG principles, and implementing digital transformation initiatives. ZFP is the pioneer in KSA in the implementation of ISO-based Quality Management Systems.

The benefits of the ZFP solutions to clients are multifaceted. There are qualitative and quantitative benefits in terms of the optimum value of money, numerous state-of-the-art designs, and sustainability-oriented developments and operations.

These benefits are demonstrated in long-term development programs, most of which are owned by public sector clients.Some of those programs are for the Ministry of Housing, Interior Affairs, Health, and Defense and Aviation.

For example, ZFP is undertaking the design and supervision of housing sectors across KSA. The objective is to design and plan multiple complexes providing housing, education and health services, religious and social amenities, and security—a total site of 110 million square meters and a total built-up area of almost 22 million square meters.

In another example, ZFP was awarded the consultancy services by the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) for planning and designing a number of domestic and international airports to meet growing air travel demand.

Making BIM Easy

ZFP leverages advanced technologies to successfully complete projects on time. For example, the implementation of BIM by ZFP during the project’s lifecycle provides stakeholders with many advantages, including design visualization, rapid design modifications, optimized multidisciplinary coordination, and clash detection to ensure construction without obstacles. It also facilitates better collaboration between project stakeholders, automatic bill of quantities extraction for any modeled objects, and data extraction and communication for any FM-required use. ZFP BIM product is ready for 4D, 5D, 6D and 7D future developments — up to future LOD 500 upgrades.

While engaging in a project, ZFP studies a client’s Environmental Impact Report (EIR) to define the needed outcome and eliminate every possibility of time wasted on unwanted objectives. It creates a simple but efficient BIM Execution Plan (BEP) to define the objectives. ZFP then offers Common Data Environment (CDE) to describe how to share and communicate BIM models and client feedback.

The documents are tailored for each project after multiple review cycles with the client’s BIM representative. Client reviewers are also in direct connection with theproduct while it’s being developed, and provide feedback to the ZFP team for modifications or corrections. Working with cloud-based services such as Autodesk BIM360 makes it easier for the clients and project stakeholders to find the single source of truth—making the entire process transparent.

Feathers in the Cap

ZFP has undertaken numerous national and international projects over the years, many in the Middle East and Africa. By virtue of its multidisciplinary and multi-geographic delivery of innovative solutions, ZFP has been recognized by many international platforms.

One of the most reputable international platforms that assesses and ranks consultants and contractors has placed ZFP in the top 225 global ranking of international design consultants four times in a row, with this year’s rank at 84. It was recognized at the Construction Technology Festival 2022 in Dubai for its sustainability-oriented design and construction methodologies by being nominated as one of the top five most sustainable organizations in the Middle East. Recently ZFP also won the award for “Most Innovative Companies” in the region by the Fast Company Middle East.

These awards are a testament to its success. Currently, ZFP is in the process of shifting from project-based digitalization to complete digital transformation. The ERP system for the company is under the design and test phase and is expected to be implemented in the first quarter of 2023.

“With our years of professional experience in the local, regional, and international market, we are actively participating in Vision 2030. The goal is to be a front-runner in the sustainability-oriented market,” says Al-Assaf.