In tandem with the global rush of international companies towards Saudi Arabia, drawn by its status as one of the fastest-growing markets among the G20 economies – Unique Group, a global leader in subsea technologies and engineering announced today the grand opening of its newly expanded facility in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
This strategic multi-million-dollar investment and expansion initiative signifies a pivotal milestone for Unique Group, following years of unwavering collaboration with key partners such as Aramco, NEOM, National Center for Wildlife (NCW), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information (GEOSA) and Red Sea Global, both directly and through contractual engagements. Aligned seamlessly with the Kingdom’s 2030 vision for growth and development, Unique Group’s enhanced presence in the Saudi Arabia underscores its commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions that propel the local industry forward.
This endeavor seeks to bolster the objectives of the “Made in Saudi Arabia” initiative, which is geared towards bringing the production and assembly of Unique Group’s distinctive subsea technologies and engineering to the local forefront. By doing so, it not only fosters job localization but also positions Dammam as a pivotal hub for the industry.
Notably, 50% of the manufacturing and assembly of air dive systems, power packs, and scuba replacement units will be completed in Saudi Arabia, resulting in a minimum of 40% local workforce utilization.
Occupying a substantial area of 2,000 square meters, the newly inaugurated facility is equipped to handle a diverse range of equipment, including survey tools, unmanned surface vessels (USVs), diving and life support solutions, buoyancy and Water Weights equipment available for both sale and rental. Moreover, the facility extends its offerings to encompass lifting and mooring products and services, the first of its kind in the region. Under the umbrella of lifting and mooring, the facility is poised to offer calibration and servicing for leading brands, bolstering the availability of cutting-edge technology within the local market. It also hosts Saudi Arabia’s largest dynamic winch test bed with a static pull capacity of 600 tons and a dynamic live load test capability of up to 40 tons.
Sahil Gandhi, Chief Executive Officer of Unique Group, commented, “The strategic expansion of our operations in Saudi Arabia signifies a pivotal moment for Unique Group, as we introduce the Lifting and Mooring Solutions division and initiate the local assembly of diving equipment. This initiative underscores our unwavering commitment to addressing the distinctive requirements of our clientele in the region.”
The establishment of the state-of-the-art workshop in Dammam serves as a tangible demonstration of Unique Group’s dedication to cultivating robust partnerships with esteemed collaborators in the region. Noteworthy is the fact that this facility sets an industry benchmark, offering a comprehensive turnkey solutions package that is unparalleled in its rarity.
Gandhi further affirmed, “We are confident that these strategic initiatives will significantly elevate our support to clients in Saudi Arabia, enabling us to address their challenges comprehensively through the delivery of high-quality products, integrated services, and cost-effective solutions. This milestone not only marks a pivotal moment in the continual advancement of our company but also contributes to the growth and prosperity of the Kingdom.”
Unique Group boasts a two-decade-long collaboration with prominent governmental authorities, universities, and marine hydrographic survey organizations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). These enduring partnerships have been cultivated through the successful execution of large-scale projects, serving as the cornerstone for pioneering developments in the Red Sea region and NEOM.
Unique Group was a successful partner with General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information (GEOSA), where some members of GEOSA emphasize the significance of this collaboration, stating, “Unique Group has been a longstanding partner for our projects. Their unwavering commitment to excellence and cutting-edge technology has been pivotal in several of our successful work initiatives. We appreciate Unique Group’s dedication, expertise, and the high-quality solutions they consistently provide, contributing significantly to the advancement of our marine business and geospatial information objectives.
The strategic investment in this cutting-edge facility is underscored by key partnerships and alignment with the Saudi Vision 2030 – reinforcing Unique Group’s commitment to enhancing local capabilities and technological innovation. The facility reflects its dedication to delivering top-notch solutions in harmony with the Kingdom’s aspirations for diversified growth.
Looking ahead, Unique Group remains steadfast in its commitment to nurturing local talent, contributing to economic prosperity, and advancing technological frontiers within the vibrant community of Dammam.
