The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has undergone a rapid transformation in recent years, fueled by a commitment to economic diversification and sustainable development. Central to this transformation has been the construction industry, which is playing a critical role in the country’s growth and development.
The growth of construction projects in KSA can be attributed to a combination of economic and political factors. On the economic side, the country’s strong financial position, fueled by its vast oil reserves, has allowed for a surge in investment in various sectors, including construction. Additionally, the government’s efforts to diversify the economy away from oil have led to a focus on infrastructure development, which has further boosted construction activity.
The government’s commitment to development has been a key driver of construction projects. One notable initiative is the Vision 2030, which outlines the country’s long-term strategy for economic, social, and political transformation. The vision seeks to reduce the country’s dependence on oil, attract investment, create new job opportunities, and improve the quality of life for its citizens.
The government’s dedication to diversifying the economy and modernizing infrastructure means the construction industry will play a key role in achieving Vision 2030’s objectives and the country’s long-term goals.
This commitment to development has led to the implementation of a number of high-profile mega and giga construction projects across the country. Each of which has unique features and challenges. For example, NEOM is a futuristic region being developed in northwest KSA which aims to be a hub for innovation and a model for sustainable living. The project is expected to span over 10,000 square miles and presents unique challenges in terms of design, construction, and operation.
AlUla, Red Sea and Amala areas also in the northwest of the Kingdom illustrate how capital investment in construction is transforming the entire county to be a sustainable and affluent part of the Kingdom’s future. The vision is based on creating a luxury tourist destination by leveraging the incredible landscape, heritage, and culture of the region. These developments provide the incentive for the private sector to become involved which in turn is financing the wider investment in quality of life for the residents and visitors . The innovative development and delivery model that is being developed is an example of how the challenges to attract and retain construction services’ talent can be met.
Qiddiya is an entertainment city that is being developed near Riyadh. The project aims to be a world-class entertainment destination and will include theme parks, sports facilities, and cultural attractions. The project aims to repatriate the billions of dollars Saudis currently spend on outbound tourism annually.
To support the development of these mega projects, the coordination and promotion of the various public bodies crucial to success of Vision 2030 is paramount. Power, water and transport and communications infrastructure across KSA is being increased to provide the additional capacity this unprecedented construction activity is creating.
At KEO we are already involved in some of the most complex programs currently being developed. We have teams in Jeddah and Mecca delivering the Masar program that will improve the experience of pilgrims visiting the holy city. In Medinah, we are supporting the redevelopment of the city to make the holy sites more readily accessible and the infrastructure and built environment currently planned will increase the city’s population and improve quality of life and opportunity for its residents.
On the West Coast, we are heavily involved in the creation of luxury sustainable tourism assets with Red Sea Global and Amaala. In Riyadh, we are involved at Qiddiya, Diriyah Gate, and with the housing program being implemented by Roshn. I say this, not to promote our own involvement but to highlight the significance, geographic spread, and sheer scale of the projects underway, given that each of these projects are multi-billion dollar, multi-year investments, linked directly to the future of the Kingdom.
These projects have created employment opportunities, boosted economic growth, and improved the standard of living for citizens. In addition to economic benefits, these projects have also had a significant impact on KSA’s society. The development of entertainment cities and cultural attractions is promoting a more open and progressive society and the projects are helping to create a sense of national pride and unity among citizens.
Aside from their positive impact on the economy and society, recent project announcements have had a positive impact on the construction industry in KSA with the government’s commitment to development leading to an increase in demand for construction services. This has resulted in increased investment and job opportunities for local and international companies operating in the industry. In addition, the KSA government has also taken measures to improve the ease of doing business in the country, including simplifying the permit process and increasing foreign investment opportunities. This has attracted more foreign investors and construction companies to the market, further boosting the construction sector in the country and making it a promising market for both local and international companies.
This is an incredibly exciting time in the industry as we find ourselves with an opportunity right now to reconsider the traditional models of construction delivery and create a way of doing business that is focused on the outcomes desired by the Vision 2030 framework.
The biggest challenge that all construction services providers currently face is attracting the required number of skilled professionals and trades to the Kingdom.
The KSA government continues to implement Saudization targets to promote investment in local talent and we are now seeing real dividends in this policy. The human capital available in KSA are the single biggest untapped resource in the country and construction services providers are finding new and innovative ways to tap into, invest in and develop this crucial resource.
The construction sector in KSA has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, driven by a combination of economic and political factors. The government’s commitment to development and diversifying the economy is an excellent example of how long-term development can be a catalyst for change, creating opportunities for investors, developers, and contractors as well as the citizens of today and tomorrow.
The industry’s task now is to meet the challenge of delivering simply the most aspirational national transformation program ever undertaken. As the sector continues to evolve and expand, it will be essential to maintain a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and collaboration to ensure the growth of a robust and thriving construction industry that benefits all stakeholders.
This is a tough mission, but I am convinced we can rise to the challenge.