His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Riyadh, opened the Future Projects Forum this evening. The Saudi Contractors Authority (SCA) organized the event at the Crowne Plaza Riyadh Convention Center.
The Forum was described as the first and largest event of its kind in the Middle East. Guests included members of the royal family, representatives of leading national organizations and companies, and people working in contracting.
The Governor toured the exhibition. The opening ceremony then began with a recitation from the Holy Quran.
23 Organizations Present More Than 600 Projects
SCA Chairman Eng. Osama bin Hassan Al-Afaliq welcomed the Governor and guests on behalf of the Board of Directors. The Forum runs for two days.
He said the event brings key organizations together to support Saudi Vision 2030. It helps the contracting sector prepare for the projects needed to achieve the Vision’s goals.
The Forum also supports SCA’s duties under Council of Ministers Resolution No. 520, dated 23/11/1436 AH. These duties include developing the sector, improving professional standards and helping contractors find new opportunities.
Public and private project owners will present their plans to contractors and other visitors. The Forum includes:
- 23 organizations presenting their projects.
- More than 600 projects.
- A total project value of over SAR 450 billion.
- Around 1,000 contractors and other interested participants.
Supporting Saudi Vision 2030
Al-Afaliq said these projects support Saudi Vision 2030, adopted under the leadership of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and the Crown Prince.
The Vision has three pillars: a vibrant society, a thriving economy and an ambitious nation. Meeting its goals requires a strong, skilled and well-organized contracting sector.
The sector serves transport, logistics, education, healthcare, tourism, hospitality, real estate and energy.
The Forum also seeks to strengthen cooperation between the public and private sectors and attract foreign investment. This will help contractors improve their skills, efficiency and ability to compete for future projects.
Aramco Highlights Contractor Partnerships
Saudi Aramco Senior Vice President Ahmad bin Abdulrahman Al-Sa’adi spoke about the Forum’s role in exploring future opportunities. He said it supports projects and the contracting sector in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
He thanked the Governor for his patronage and continued support. He described contracting as a key part of national development and Saudi Arabia’s modern, diverse economy.
He said Saudi Arabia is the largest contracting market in the Middle East. He put the annual value of investments and projects at 400 billion.
He expected the sector to keep growing as industrial, service and housing projects expand.
Al-Sa’adi said the Forum forms part of wider efforts to remove barriers to growth. These efforts include working with major Saudi companies to develop the sector.
He also praised SCA’s role. Aramco has worked with the Authority since its establishment, sharing knowledge and coordinating efforts to support its mission.
He said strong contractor partnerships are central to successful projects. Aramco supports contractors and manufacturers by giving them opportunities in oil, gas, energy and petrochemical projects.
At the time of the Forum, Aramco was carrying out around 200 major projects with local and international contractors.
These projects help bring technology and expertise to the Kingdom and develop local skills. They also create lasting job opportunities for Saudi men and women.
He said this work supports a more diverse economy that can compete globally. It relies on staff training, modern technology, good design practices and strong project management.
This approach has helped Aramco deliver national projects that compete with leading global performance standards.
Aramco’s speakers at the Forum would explain its project management model and discuss ways to work together.
SABIC Focuses on Quality, Safety and Local Content
SABIC Chairman Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Jarbou welcomed the launch of the first Future Projects Forum. He said the event supports an important part of the national economy.
He praised SCA’s work to improve quality and productivity. SABIC supports these goals because contractors play a key role in its projects and business growth.
He also highlighted the sector’s role in achieving Saudi Vision 2030.
Al-Jarbou said SABIC helps contractors improve quality, complete projects faster and work safely. Worker safety is a top priority at its project sites in Saudi Arabia and worldwide.
By applying international standards, SABIC had recorded more than 260 million safe working hours from 2014 to the time of the Forum. This was equal to about 11 million working days.
He said SABIC had taken steps to help Saudi contractors increase local content. It also works to give large and small contractors opportunities suited to their skills and resources.
He confirmed that SABIC was ready to supply the local market with materials and modern technology that support sustainability.
The company also uses its local and global reach to support Saudi Vision 2030 across key sectors, including contracting.
SABIC works with global partners to develop the sector. It hires local and international companies to carry out projects around the world.
As part of this work, SABIC signed a memorandum of understanding with SCA to pursue shared goals.
Al-Jarbou closed by thanking the Forum’s organizers and expressing hope for lasting benefits from these efforts.
SCA Programs and Sponsor Recognition
SCA Secretary-General Eng. Thabet Al-Suwaid presented a video about the Authority’s programs.
The Governor then presented commemorative plaques to the Forum’s sponsors and supporters. The ceremony ended with a group photograph.
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