Conclusion of the Second Contracting Conference and Exhibition

The Saudi Contractors Authority (SCA) concluded the second International Contracting Conference and Exhibition yesterday evening. The event took place from September 26 to 28, 2021.

SCA Chairman Eng. Zakaria Al-Abdulqader said the conference reflected the Authority’s vision of building the future with confidence.

He explained that SCA’s mission focuses on regulating the construction sector by developing and implementing high-quality regulatory standards, addressing challenges, encouraging innovation, developing skills, improving communication among stakeholders, and achieving economic sustainability.

He added that this mission is guided by the values of partnership, excellence, transparency, innovation, efficiency, and effectiveness.

Al-Abdulqader thanked the Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing, Majed bin Abdullah Al-Hogail, for sponsoring the conference and launching several new SCA services through the Muqawil platform during the opening ceremony.

He also thanked the participating organizations and speakers for their contributions. He noted that the panel discussions and workshops would help advance SCA’s strategic objectives, which draw on Saudi Vision 2030, particularly its goals for building and development.

Technology Adoption in the Contracting Sector

The final day featured a panel discussion on “The Importance of Enabling Technology in Organizations.” It opened with remarks by Eng. Fahad Al-Muwaina, Director General of Project Implementation at the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority.

Other speakers included Eng. Hussein Al-Radwan, Development Engineer at Nesma & Partners; Ahmed Hawsawi, CEO of Siemens Saudi Arabia; and Tim Martin. Don Ward moderated the discussion.

Workshops on Sustainable Energy and Construction Technology

Eng. Saad Al-Qahtani, Head of Technical Studies and Research at the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization, delivered a workshop on “Developing Sustainable Energy in Buildings.”

A second workshop explored “The Impact of Drones on the Construction Industry.” Mubarak Al-Jumaili, an engineer at the Saudi Drones Group, reviewed the changes that drones have brought to the sector.

Mishaal Al-Kathiri, CEO of Al Kathiri Holding, presented a workshop on “New Technologies in the Sector.” He introduced the technology and its uses, construction and installation stages, product benefits, and the importance of training and qualification.

Dr. Hassan Al-Balawi then discussed “Modern Technologies for Monitoring Workforce Productivity,” highlighting their role in improving quality, increasing output, and monitoring performance.

Industrial Exoskeletons, Digital Documentation, and Building Design

Ahmed Al-Darwish, an executive director at Falcon Robotics, delivered a workshop on “Industrial Exoskeletons for the Construction Industry.”

Abdullah Aba Al-Khail, Founder and CEO of WhiteHelmet, discussed “Digital Documentation in Construction Projects.”

Dr. Yasser Al-Mutairi and Dr. Mohammed Khallaf jointly presented a workshop on “Building Design Modeling in the Contracting Sector.”

Best Practices in Business and Project Management

On its second day, the conference hosted a panel discussion on “Best Practices for Managing Organizations and Projects.”

Speakers included Eng. Saud Al-Sheikh, Secretary of the National Committee for the Saudi Building Code; Eng. Abdulmajeed Al-Omrani, Senior Project Development Manager at SABIC; and Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Ajmi, Deputy Minister for Labor Market Policies at the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. Hisham Al-Mishari also participated.

Sharing Expertise and Supporting Saudi Vision 2030

The conference gave contracting sector professionals an opportunity to learn from successful international experiences, exchange expertise, and explore opportunities for major projects through lectures, research sessions, and international activities.

The event formed part of SCA’s wider programs and activities supporting the continuous development envisioned by Saudi Vision 2030.

These efforts aim to advance economic growth and development while helping build a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation.