Hill International (NYSE:HIL), the global leader in managing construction risk, announced today it was awarded a contract to manage construction for the second phase of the Assoufid development in Marrakech, Morocco, for the United Real Estate Company, a leading real estate developer in the Middle East, and Assoufid Properties Development.
The Assoufid development is a luxury mixed-use integrated tourism and residential resort with commercial, retail, and hospitality components. Located just 10 kilometers south of Marrakech, Assoufid is set in a rugged, 2.5 million square meters landscape featuring stunning views of the Atlas Mountains and an extraordinary collection of comfort and amenities. Attractions include a multi-award winning 18-hole golf course recognized as the best course in Africa, entertainment venues, fine dining, high-end villas and apartments, and a community center with tennis courts and other fitness options. The second phase of the project will deliver additional premium residences, guest rooms, retail, and dining venues, as well as the completion of the project’s related infrastructure.
Hill’s Senior Vice President Africa Waleed Abdel-Fattah said of the award, “Our team has seen development in general, hotel and hospitality development specifically sustain strong growth in Morocco in recent years. The Assoufid Project represents something of a new benchmark for destinations in the region, as it raises the bar for developments taking advantage of the surrounding landscape and breathtaking terrain, without compromising the level of service and comfort today’s guests expect.”
Commenting on this announcement, URC Vice-Chairman & Group Chief Executive Officer and Assoufid Properties Development Chairman, Mr. Mazen Issam Hawwa said, “We are pleased to engage the services of a renowned company such as Hill International to oversee the construction of the second phase of Assoufid development, which includes the iconic five-star hotel, The St. Regis Marrakech Resort, operated by Marriott International, Inc., in addition to other residential and retail components.”
“As evidenced by this win at Assoufid, Hill continues to expand our hospitality and resort portfolio in North Africa,” says Raouf Ghali, Hill’s Chief Executive Officer. “As Hill enjoys an international reputation for managing the successful delivery of five-star resorts for our clients, I’m looking forward to seeing our team in Morocco apply the best practices of our destination experience as Assoufid.”
About Hill International
Hill International, with approximately 2,700 professionals in more than 69 offices worldwide, provides program management, project management, construction management, and other consulting services to clients in a variety of market sectors. Engineering News-Record magazine recently ranked Hill as the eighth-largest construction management firm in the United States. For more information on Hill, please visit our website at www.hillintl.com.
About URC
United Real Estate Company. K.S.C.P (URC) is one of the leading real estate developers in Kuwait and the MENA region, with consolidated assets of KD 619 million (US$ 2 Billion) as of 30 September 2020. Headquartered in Kuwait, URC was founded in 1973 and was listed on the Kuwait Stock Exchange in 1984.
URC primarily operates through a number of operating subsidiaries and investment arms across the MENA region. URC’s core business is real estate development and operations and enjoys a diversified portfolio of assets that include retail complexes, hotels, residential properties, and high-rise office buildings.
URC’s operations extend to construction and contracting services, facility management, and project management through its several subsidiaries. URC’s portfolio of assets are geographically spread throughout the MENA region such as Marina World, Marina Hotel, and KIPCO Tower in Kuwait, Salalah Gardens Mall & Residences in Oman, Abdali Mall in Jordan, Raouche View 1090 in Lebanon, Hilton Cairo Heliopolis & Waldorf Astoria Hotels, and Aswar Residences in Egypt, and Assoufid development including a golf resort, five-star hotel, and premium residences in Morocco.
URC is the real estate arm of its majority shareholder, Kuwait Projects Company – Holding (KIPCO Group), one of the biggest holding companies in the Middle East and North Africa, with consolidated assets of US$ 33 billion as of 30 September 2020. The Group has significant ownership interests in over 60 companies operating across 24 countries. The Group’s main business sectors are financial services, media, real estate, and manufacturing. Through its core companies, subsidiaries, and affiliates, KIPCO also has interests in the education and medical sectors.
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