UNIC Civil & Environmental Engineering Students Gain Practical Experience at Saudi Arabian Concrete Batching Plant

University of Nicosia Civil and Environmental Engineering undergraduate students had a unique opportunity to engage in an immersive educational experience during a site-visit event held at the premises of the Abdullah Abdin Ready Mix Concrete in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

The company is recognised for its state-of-the-art production facilities and commitment to sustainable construction practices. To support the modern infrastructure development in the region, the plant specialises in manufacturing high-quality cement products with a daily production capability that exceeds 15,000 cubic meters.

This visit, which took place on 5-9 February 2025, aimed to enhance students’ knowledge on concrete technology and related industries. This was achieved through well-organised seminars offered by industry experts and guided tours at the operational facilities of the company. In particular, the educational site-visit included:

• an overview of different types of chemical admixtures by Sika Group experts, and their role in enhancing concrete properties;
• presentations on the role of aggregates in concrete mix design, followed by a guided tour of the aggregate processing facilities at the Abdullah Abdin Crushers Plant for the observation of the crushing, screening, and grading processes;
• an overview of concrete types, properties, and applications at the Abdullah Abdin Ready Mix Concrete – Ghayal Plant;
• insights into concrete mix design and its role in construction, exploring sustainable practices in concrete production, including the use of alternative materials and recycling;
• acquaintance with innovative technologies that enhance durability, reduce carbon footprint, and promote efficient resource use;
• discussions on the importance of sustainability and innovation in material selection;
• hands-on sessions demonstrating the preparation of concrete with admixtures, as well as testing the impact of admixtures on workability and setting time at the Abdullah Abdin Ready Mix Concrete – Trojena Plant.

In addition, the students had the unique opportunity to visit The Line and NEOM projects, as well as experience Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage with a visit to the AlUla Historic Area.

The Department of Engineering extends its sincere gratitude to Abdullah Abdin Ready Mix Concrete, especially to the CEO Mr. Tarek Albukhari and the Operations Director Mr. Alaa AlAfandi for their exceptional hospitality and for providing such an enriching experience for its students. Their willingness to share their expertise and facilitate this site-visit has greatly enhanced the practical learning experience of our future engineers.

This site-visit is part of the University of Nicosia’s ongoing commitment to providing hands-on learning opportunities that complement its rigorous academic curriculum. By engaging with real-world projects, UNIC students are better prepared to meet the challenges of their future careers in civil and environmental engineering.

For more information about our Civil and Environmental Engineering programme, please visit its website.

Abdullah Abdin Ready Mix Concrete was founded in 1981 in Tabuk region of Saudi Arabia, initially with modest capabilities. Following a well-devised strategy, the company achieved to expand and diversify its product offerings within the realm of construction materials. This expansion was driven by the growing urbanisation trends witnessed throughout the Kingdom and, specifically, within the city of Tabuk. The company is now playing a pivotal role in advancing the region’s infrastructure projects, with state-of-the-art facilities.