Sener, a Spanish engineering firm founded in 1956, is making significant strides in the Middle East, a region known for its ambitious infrastructure and transformative projects.

"The firm's approach in the Middle East is to focus on innovation, sustainability and local growth," says Mario Neves, Sener’s managing director for the Middle East region.

Sener’s Middle Eastern operations comprise a portfolio that spans several industries, including aerospace and defence, mobility, energy and water. “Our differentiating values, while applicable globally, help us solve the most demanding technical challenges of our local clients in the Middle East,” he says.

This approach has enabled Sener to participate in major transportation and infrastructure projects, including the Abu Dhabi light rail transit scheme, the UAE's high-speed rail project, Doha Metro and Riyadh Metro.

While Sener operates on a large scale, it retains a family-owned quality, which Neves says gives the company a competitive edge in the Middle East. “Our independence provides us with flexibility and adaptability, allowing us to focus exclusively on delivering the best service while maintaining our values and a long-term vision.”

Sener’s Middle Eastern strategy aims to consolidate its successes while diversifying into new markets such as water infrastructure and architecture.

Embracing digital transformation and AI

In the rapidly evolving field of engineering, digital transformation is reshaping possibilities across project development, a trend Sener is embracing. “Techniques such as digital twins or building information modelling (BIM) are now essential and are fully integrated into our work methodologies,” Neves notes, highlighting the company’s certification in BIM according to ISO 19650 standards.

This digital shift also includes a commitment to artificial intelligence (AI)-driven solutions that streamline processes and optimise operational efficiency. An example is Sener’s Respira system, implemented in the Barcelona Metro, which uses AI to regulate ventilation, improve air quality and reduce energy consumption. “Respira achieved a 3% reduction in the network’s overall electricity consumption, equivalent to €1.7m ($1.8m), in its first year of operation,” Neves says.

These technological advancements are not just tools; they represent a transformative mindset that Sener believes will shape the future of engineering in the region. Neves expects there will be further growth in AI capabilities and sees automation as a means to enhance efficiency, especially in engineering tasks that are traditionally labour-intensive.

Navigating challenges

Operating in the Middle East offers unique challenges and opportunities, with the region hosting some of the world’s most ambitious schemes. Neves describes the Middle East as “a dynamic region that is being transformed by the drive of iconic projects”, attributing the region’s progress in part to a shared commitment to reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

This shift creates opportunities for firms like Sener, which have the technical expertise and financial strength required to undertake high-stakes projects.

“Only the most competitive companies can work and stand out in the region,” Neves says, reflecting on the level of technical complexity and scale that Middle Eastern projects often demand.

Project complexity

With Saudi Arabia’s gigaprojects and other large-scale initiatives transforming the infrastructure landscape, Sener’s capacity to manage complex schemes has become one of its strengths. Neves attributes the company’s success in handling such projects to its emphasis on talent acquisition, innovation and long-term vision.

“We are used to working on projects of high technical complexity – this is where we add the most value and where we feel most comfortable,” he says. This capability enables Sener to handle everything from high-speed rail systems and advanced urban transportation projects to innovative technologies for sports stadiums, each of which demands coordination of technology, manpower and timelines. 

For example, Sener deployed the Hypogea system for the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Spain for Real Madrid Football Club. The fully automatic system, which is designed and patented by Sener, can be used to retract and maintain the natural grass playing field of a stadium.

It features a series of systems to maintain the grass, including irrigation, ventilation, heating, lighting and drainage. "The solution intends to maximise the amount of space available in sports stadiums for multiple events and non-sports uses, such as concerts, conventions and shows," Neves adds.

 Local partnerships and sustainability

Sener’s approach in the Middle East also underscores the importance of local partnerships and sustainable growth. By collaborating with regional partners and government agencies, Sener aligns its goals with those of local stakeholders, fostering a collaborative approach that ensures project success. “We aim to foster a collaborative relationship that enables us to help them achieve their most demanding goals,” Neves says.

Sustainability is a core principle for Sener, especially as regional players are prioritising green initiatives. Sener’s projects follow strict environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria and more than 80% of its recent projects were categorised as sustainable, according to its latest sustainability report. Neves credits the company’s success in this area to its commitment to future-proofing infrastructure.

Future plans

As Sener continues to establish itself as a key player in the Middle Eastern market, Neves is clear about the company’s long-term aspirations. The goal is to further localise operations and embed Sener within the region’s infrastructure landscape.

“Our presence is global, but we are committed to being close to the client,” he says, outlining a strategy that combines a focus on local talent with plans to diversify beyond the mobility sector. “Sener’s purpose is to transform the world by challenging the boundaries of technology," he adds.

With its innovative strategies, collaborative spirit and commitment to sustainability, Sener is poised to play a pivotal role in the Middle East’s infrastructure journey, leading the way for a new era of engineering excellence and digital transformation.