In conversation with Richard Abboud, CEO of Group AMANA

Modular construction is gaining traction globally – how is Group AMANA positioning itself to capitalise on modular and prefabricated building methods in the GCC, and what competitive advantages do you believe you bring to this market?

Modern construction methods present major growth opportunities in the GCC, and Group AMANA is poised to lead. With over a decade of experience in off-site manufacturing through DuBox and DuPod, we now run factories in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. This enables us to deliver projects up to 30% faster, with improved quality, reduced waste and increased safety compared to traditional techniques.

Our integrated model – designing, manufacturing and constructing under one roof – ensures clients benefit from speed, cost certainty and single-point accountability. Local production aligns with national goals for sustainability, industrialisation and workforce development.

As regional growth accelerates, the demand for efficient, high-quality building solutions increases. Modern construction methods meet these needs, and we are delivering at scale.

Which GCC market drivers (regulatory changes, labour availability, project timelines, sustainability targets, cost pressures) are accelerating demand for modular construction, and how is Group AMANA adapting its strategy, product offering and operations in response?

Several factors are driving accelerated adoption of modular construction across the GCC, including more stringent sustainability requirements, increased labour and cost challenges, ambitious project schedules and updated regulations supporting industrialised building methods. Through strategic collaboration with key partners such as Red Sea Global in Saudi Arabia and Adnoc in the UAE, we have delivered award-winning projects that demonstrate the scalability and effectiveness of modular solutions.

At AMANA, our strategy is closely aligned with these evolving market dynamics. We have enhanced our modular manufacturing capabilities in both the UAE and Saudi Arabia, expanded the DuBox and DuPod product portfolios, implemented digital design and delivery processes utilising Building Information Modelling (BIM), and invested in developing local talent. These initiatives enable us to provide clients with building solutions that are faster, more predictable, sustainable and locally manufactured –fulfilling the current development objectives of the region.

Can you describe specific technical or logistical challenges you’ve encountered deploying modular solutions in the GCC (e.g., transportation constraints, local standards and certifications, on-site integration, climatic performance), and how your team has overcome them?

Dubox is the exclusive provider of 3D volumetric concrete modules in the market, delivering significant benefits and aligning perfectly with the preferences and needs of GCC occupiers and end users. While our advanced modules offer a strong product-market fit, their considerable weight presents logistical challenges in transportation across the region. Nevertheless, we continually enhance our technology to comply with evolving transport regulations and are actively developing lighter modular boxes to create greater value for all stakeholders.

To tackle MEP alignment issues onsite, we use 3D BIM coordination to match factory-built connections with site infrastructure. We synchronise factory production and site readiness through interface planning and ongoing communication, ensuring everything is prepared before modules arrive.

How does Group AMANA approach customisation versus standardisation in modular projects for GCC clients, particularly in sectors such as residential, hospitality, healthcare and education, and how do you balance speed-to-delivery with local design, quality and cultural requirements?

Group AMANA has always viewed customisation and standardisation not as opposing forces, but as complementary drivers of efficiency and client value. Our Dual-Track Model is built on a simple principle: standardise what is hidden and customise what is seen and experienced. We industrialiwe the core structural, MEP and quality-critical elements to ensure speed, precision and consistency, while tailoring the aesthetic, operational and cultural features to meet the unique needs of residential, hospitality, healthcare and education clients across the GCC. This balance lets us deliver quickly while maintaining design quality and local relevance. Our dual-track method produces efficient products tailored to each client’s identity and purpose. 

Looking three to five years ahead, what shifts do you expect in policy, financing, supply chain or client procurement models across the GCC that will most influence adoption of modular construction, and what investments (skills, factories, technology, partnerships) is Group AMANA making to be ready for that future?

Over the next three to five years, clearer offsite regulations, stricter sustainability requirements, and updated procurement and financing models are expected across the GCC, supporting modern construction methods.Large developers are also moving toward more repeatable, scalable solutions, and supply chains are becoming increasingly localised.

To prepare for the future, Group AMANA is advancing its modular construction capabilities through two parallel innovation tracks. First, we are driving technical innovation by adopting new construction and material technologies, deploying advanced digital tools, and increasing automation throughout our processes. Secondly, we are reimagining our business model by embracing productisation at two levels: full building products and modular building components, known as kits of parts. By offering clients pre-designed and rigorously tested building products and component kits, we enable faster delivery, higher quality and greater certainty as modular adoption grows across the region.

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