New horizons: Progress and prospects at MB92 Red Sea

The development of MB92 Red Sea is steadily advancing, with operations scheduled to commence later this year. With a dedicated team now on-site to oversee construction and prepare services for clients, it’s an opportune moment to catch up on the latest news and see how the team is adapting to their new environment.

David, along with colleagues Jorge Garrido and Adrian Morales, transitioned from Barcelona to Umm Al Hassani a few weeks ago. The initial period has been intense, prioritising work over settling in. “Our primary focus has been on ensuring all documentation is properly organised for both the company and our staff with the local authorities. We recently welcomed Zahra Alawami, MB92 Red Sea Finance Manager, who has joined to support us with finance tasks, and we anticipate expanding our team further in the coming months as we prepare to welcome our first clients,” David explained. 

Regarding the construction of the site, significant progress is being made. “Just a couple of days ago, the first walls of the shipyard began to rise, and we can visibly see the site taking shape,” David added. “Our technical team have made regular visits and other areas are moving forward well such as the foundations for the paint shed. The development of the jetty expansion has already started, and we expect to start installing the piles in August.”

The Project NEOM community nearby brings an international atmosphere to the area. However, David is mindful of the challenges of establishing operations in a new environment. “It’s easy to take certain things for granted when you’ve primarily worked in an existing infrastructure. Here, we are quite isolated—the nearest petrol station is 40 kilometres away, and the nearest major town is 230 kilometres away—so this brings with it unique challenges. Nonetheless, the community spirit is strong, and we’ve felt very welcomed and supported,” he noted. 

One of David’s motivations for joining this project was the opportunity to set up a business in a new location and culture. “I wanted to be part of the company’s growth and experience living in a completely new culture. This project is part of a larger initiative that is pioneering a futuristic approach to living and interacting with the environment. Of course, there are daily challenges, including the extreme heat, which can reach around 48ºC and affects work planning, but we are adjusting well to the rhythms required to work optimally,” he said. 

Looking ahead, what can we expect at MB92 Red Sea in the coming months? David is focused on ensuring a smooth start to operations. “While construction continues, we are making every effort to ensure everything is ready for our clients to experience exceptional service. In the coming period, we will be setting up all the machinery in the workshops, preparing all necessary permits, procedures, and documents required to run projects. Observing the development on Sindalah Island is exciting, and I am enthusiastic about the transformations we will see by the end of the year and the opportunities they will bring,” David concluded.