Week of 29 September
1. Impressive progress at Aramco Stadium (Saudi Arabia)
Our team in Dammam (Saudi Arabia) has been making great progress on the Aramco Stadium! They have recently begun installing the upper petal steel structure, which will shape the stadium’s distinctive façade. In addition, roof works are moving forward, with final de-propping expected by year-end. Built by BESIX Middle East and Albawani, the venue will seat around 47,000 spectators and is set for completion in 2026, just in time for the 2027 Asian Football Confederation Cup. Nice work, team!
2. VIP visit in Australia and the UAE
This week, our Executive Vice-Chairman, Johan Beerlandt, is visiting our colleagues of BESIX Watpac in Australia. Joined by Jean-Pol Bouharmont, the Executive Chairman of BESIX Watpac, and Mark Baker, CEO of BESIX Watpac, he began his trip at the Woolworths Chilled and Fresh Distribution Centre in western Sydney, before heading into the city centre to check on the progress of the Ferry Wharf Upgrade Programme (and spotting the Sydney Opera House of course). So far, BESIX Watpac has completed five wharves as part of the programme, with design work underway for three more. Keep up the good work, colleagues!
Last week, JOhan Beerlandt also travelled to Ajman where he met with Sheikh Humaid, Ruler of Ajman, and the emirate’s Crown Prince. BESIX has played a pivotal role in the development of Ajman’s infrastructure for decades, particularly in the fields of wastewater management and sustainable energy. These long-term efforts underscore our commitment to sustainable infrastructure and environmental stewardship in the region. Left on the photo are our colleagues Elias Sfeir (head of BESIX Invest in the Middle East) and Peter Lembrechts (General Manager BESIX Middle East).
Photo for internal use only, do not use externally, thank you.
3. Royal inauguration of King Albert II Institute (Belgium)
In Brussels, the King Albert II Institute at Saint-Luc University Clinics was officially inaugurated last week by former King Albert II and Queen Paola! Built by BESIX, our entity Wust and Moury Construct, the 20,000 m² facility brings together care for cancer and blood diseases. Seamlessly integrated into the existing hospital, it offers innovative treatment in a bright, spacious setting designed with the well-being of patients and staff in mind. Congratulations to everyone involved!
4. Top asphalt layer and ministerial visit for Bypass (Belgium)
Our colleagues of Belasco, part of BESIX Infra, recently completed the top layer of asphalt for the first section of the Oosterweel Link’s Bypass. This 5.5-kilometre temporary motorway will keep traffic flowing while the iconic Merksem viaduct is being demolished and replaced by a semi-sunken Ring Road. Our colleague Geert Sieber, foreman at Belasco, beautifully captured the moment in the photos below.
With the asphalt now in place, the team moves into the testing phase. Yesterday, Flemish Minister of Mobility and Public Works, Annick De Ridder, marked the occasion by driving over the new viaduct for the first time. After final checks, the section heading towards the Netherlands will open later this month, with the other direction following in 2027.
