SAR 10.22 million contract awarded for an electrical project in Saudi Arabia

Rawasi Albina Investment Co. signed a contract with Shabakkat Cellular Co., at a total value of SAR 10.22 million (including value-added tax). Under the 16-month contract, the company will implement the project of replacing the existing electrical conventional ring main unit (RMU) with smart RMU equipment.

Announcement of submission of interests in healthcare projects in Saudi Arbia

The Saudi Ministry of Health (MoH) and the National Centre for Privatisation & PPP (NCP) announced that a total of 200 companies submitted 424 expressions of interest in three healthcare Public Private Partnership (PPP) projects in Riyadh and Eastern regions. The Expression of Interest (EOI) tenders for the Long-Term Care (LTC) and Skilled Nursing Homes (SNH) Project; Medical Rehabilitation Hospitals Project and Home Healthcare Project for the Second Health Cluster in Riyadh region, and the First Health Cluster in the Eastern region in Dammam were issued on 13 March 2023 and closed on 16 April 2023. The three projects attracted the interest of companies from 21 countries across Asia, Europe, Australia, North America and the Middle East. A total of 139 companies from 16 countries expressed interest in the Extended Care project, 131 companies from 17 countries in the Medical Rehabilitation project and 154 companies from 14 countries in the Home Healthcare project. Saudi companies represented the majority of the submissions at about 70 percent. The Tadawul-listed Future Care Trading Company said it had been shortlisted to participate in the Home Healthcare project, which involves providing home-based healthcare services to 10,000 patients in Riyadh and Dammam.
The project details are as under:
Long-Term Care (LTC) and Skilled Nursing Homes (SNH) Project: Design, development, financing, maintenance and operation (medical and non-medical) of long-term care and skilled nursing home with a capacity of 200 beds and nursing care centres with a capacity of 100 beds for each region.
Medical Rehabilitation Hospitals Project: Design, development, financing, maintenance and operation (medical and non-medical) of medical rehabilitation hospitals with a capacity of 150 beds and 120,000 therapy sessions for outpatient patients for each region.
Home Healthcare Project: Medical services for 5,000 active patients in each region.

New partnership established to develop data centers in Saudi Arabia

The US-based DigitalBridge Group, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund has joined as an investor in its new venture aimed at developing data centres in the Kingdom and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The partnership will initially focus investments in the data centre sector and is expected to explore other future digital infrastructure segments, including macro towers, fibre, small cell, and edge infrastructure. The investment aims to localise cutting-edge technologies and support knowledge transfer to develop and operate hyperscale data centres and database servers in Saudi Arabia and the GCC region.

New contracts awarded to establish OHTL in Saudi Arabia

The Power Transmission & Distribution (PT&D) Business of Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Construction announced that in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), the Business has secured two orders to establish 380kV overhead power transmission lines connecting prominent cities situated on the Red Sea coast. These systems will strengthen projects that involve 400KM of transmission lines to meet the growing demand in these industrial and tourism hubs. Another order has been secured to design, supply, and construct a 380kV substation in the central region of KSA. The substation will be a crucial element to evacuate renewable capacity as part of the Kingdom's diversification to non-fossil fuel sources in their electricity mix.

Announcement of a planning to create a new resort in Saudi Arabia

The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has announced its plans to create a new resort as part of the Journey Through Time (JTT) masterplan, reflecting a harmonious integration with the pristine natural environment and aligning with the Sustainability Charter for AlUla, Saudi Green Initiative, and Vision 2030. The AZULIK AlUla Resort, nestled within the Nabatean Horizon District of the JTT masterplan, will be an eco-luxury property. Situated near the AlMutadil Equestrian Village development and the upcoming Wadi AlFann, an ancient valley to be adorned with captivating large-scale artworks, the resort is set to captivate visitors. Anticipated to open its doors in 2027, the resort will encompass 76 opulent villas featuring six distinct styles. Alongside lavish accommodations, guests will enjoy a spa, VIP club, welcome lounges, all-day dining options, and the intriguing SFER IK museum. Embracing the natural ecosystem and the surrounding sandstone cliffs, the resort's exterior design will seamlessly flow, showcasing the use of natural materials and intricately woven fibres in multiple layers. 
AZULIK AlUla Resort will promote connection with AlUla's heritage and the area's ecology and biodiversity. For example, the development will protect and incorporate nearby ancient rock art inscriptions, and utilise a natural system of existing waterways to feed irrigation and safeguard against floods. No private vehicle traffic will be allowed on-property; instead an all-electric mobility system will be provided, along with horse and camel routes, and hiking trails for guests to enjoy the surroundings. Operated by Mexican luxury brand AZULIK and designed by Roth Architecture, the resort will offer elegant accommodations for guests and provide socioeconomic benefits for the AlUla community. Once fully operational, AZULIK AlUla Resort will create more than 300 new jobs. Along with local materials and contractors sought for construction, most operational supplies will be sought from AlUla and wider KSA to further boost regional economic growth.

$3.25 billion Contract awarded to develop three new solar IPP in Saudi Arabia

The Water and Electricity Holding Company (Badeel), a wholly-owned company of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), and ACWA Power announced the signing of power purchase agreements (PPAs) with the Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC) for the development, and operation of three major new solar PV Independent Power Producer (IPP) projects in Saudi Arabia. These projects intend to produce a combined capacity of 4.55GWac of renewable energy, powering approximately 750,000 households, with a combined value of SAR12.2 billion (US$3.25 billion). Financial close for these projects is expected by the third quarter of 2023. The Project are:
The Ar Rass 2 project having capacity of 2,000MWac
Saad 2 project having capacity of  1,125MWac
Al Kahfah project having a capacity of 1,425MWac
The solar projects are part of the National Renewable Energy Program (NREP) which is led and supervised by the Ministry of Energy, with PIF mandated to develop 70% of NREP's target capacity. The new projects will be jointly owned by Badeel and ACWA Power, a leading developer, investor, and operator of power generation, water desalination and green hydrogen plants worldwide.

Approval finalized for developing a resort masterplan in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province Municipality has granted its final approval to a revised Ajwan Resort masterplan. INOVEST holds a 37.6 percent stake in Saudi-based First Gulf Real Estate Company (FGREC), which owns Ajwan Resort. Previously known as Dannat Resort, Ajwan Resort, located in Half Moon Bay in the Eastern Province, spans an area of 1 million square metres with approximately 1.25 kilometres of open waterfront. The revised master plan with residential, commercial and leisure elements followed extensive consultations with Saudi property developer Sumou Holding, which is handling the resort's development in partnership with FGREC.
Key elements of the revised masterplan:
- Optimisation of land use for residential zones to better fit the area
- Sea-facing luxury villas and townhouses with dedicated beach access
- Increase in green zones and well distributed landscaped recreational areas
- Centralised retail with indoor and outdoor outlets
- Improved access to allow for fluidity in traffic movement in and around the area.
- Increase in the size of the resort to allow integrating additional amenities and service offerings for creating a holiday destination

$330 million contract signed to establish cement production line in Saudi Arabia

Saudi-based Southern Province Cement Company has signed a deal with Sinoma International Engineering Company to build a new production line with a total capacity of 5,000 tonne per day. The contract, which is worth $330 million, will also see the Chinese group lay the infrastructure for a similar production line in the kingdom. The entire project will be funded by a local bank and is due for completion within 30 months. The study of technical and financial offers from the companies that applied to compete for the implementation of the project had been completed & work was underway to draft and review the contract, and it will be signed after completing the necessary procedures.

MoU Signed to establish luxury hotels in Saudi Arabia

The Tourism Development Fund (TDF) has announced the signing of a MoU with an affiliate of Hyatt Hotels Corporation to establish luxury hotels across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The collaboration aims to develop several hospitality-led destinations which will enhance the tourism offering in Saudi Arabia. These destinations may include beach and urban hotels, as well as mountain, desert and farm retreats. They will be developed under Hyatt's existing trademarks, such as Alila Resorts, which offer an authentic wellness destination experience, or other trademarks such as Park Hyatt, Hyatt Centric, Grand Hyatt and any other Hyatt brands mutually agreed upon by the entities. The development of these hotels would be part of the Kingdom's National Tourism Strategy and in line with Saudi Vision 2030. This collaboration with Hyatt will help us to attract tourists and ensure that they receive a comfortable, high-quality experience in the Kingdom's top tourism destinations. The fund intends to provide financial resources and expertise to entrepreneurs worldwide looking to invest in the ten key destinations across Saudi Arabia that offer huge prospects across the tourism value chain.

Investment agreement signed to build a hospital in Saudi Arabia

Saudi-headquartered Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Services Group (HMG) has signed a conditional investment agreement with the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu (RCJY) to construct and operate a hospital in Al-Dafi district of Jubail Industrial City. A land plot of 115,500 square meters has been allocated for the hospital. The company will submit the engineering drawings and project specifications, including the proposed development area and infrastructure works, for approval to RCJY within 12 months. Following the approval of the final engineering drawings, RCJY will finalise the investment agreement with HMG to lease the land for 50 Hijri years at an annual rent of 1.15 million Saudi riyals.

$346 million Contracts signed for twelve new hotels in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Ministry of Tourism has announced the signing of an agreement with InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) and Tasheed Contracting Company for the development of 12 new hotels across the kingdom. These hotel properties, which are expected to provide 2,500 rooms in total, will be built at a total investment of SR1.3 billion ($346 million). The target cities for the hotels include Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, Jeddah, Taif, Abha, Tabuk, Jazan, AlUla, Al-Bahah, Yanbu, Hail, Al-Ahsa and Najran.

MoU signed to develop hospitality and tourism projects in Saudi Arabia

The Tourism Development Fund (TDF) has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Radisson Hotel Group to develop hospitality and tourism projects across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Under this agreement with the TDF, Radisson plans to grow its portfolio by a further several hotels to a total portfolio of over 50 hotels in the kingdom. According to TDF, the first project under this memorandum is expected to be announced in H2 of 2023. The strategic partnership between the two parties will see the development of several properties focused on urban hotels, resorts, serviced apartments and other unique assets with the objective of enhancing the tourism offering in the country.
The properties will be developed over the next several years in the targeted destinations under the Saudi National Tourism Strategy and in line with the Saudi Vision 2030. These investments provide nationals, residents and visitors with more tourism and leisure options, enhancing the quality of life across the kingdom.

Partnership established to develop hospitality projects in Saudi Arabia

Minor Hotels has partnered with Saudi Arabia's Tourism Development Fund (TDF) to collaboratively develop and manage top-tier hospitality and lifestyle projects in Saudi Arabia. The focus will be on mountain resorts, wellness resorts, and urban hotels. The first project under this partnership will be announced in the second half of this year, 2023. This strategic partnership between Minor Hotels and TDF will involve the development of multiple hospitality projects in exclusive regions of Saudi Arabia over the next few years. Minor Hotels will serve as the operator and partner in each project, with their flagship brands, including Anantara, Avani, Tivoli, and Oaks, establishing hospitality projects in mutually agreed locations across Saudi Arabia. The development of these hotels and resorts aligns with Saudi Arabia's National Tourism Strategy and the Saudi Vision 2030. The projects will be located in the targeted tourism destinations specified in the National Tourism Strategy and will be announced soon. The Tourism Development Fund of Saudi Arabia connects private sector investors with public funding opportunities to support tourism investment in the country.
As part of this partnership, the luxury brand Anantara will be involved in at least one of the projects. Anantara is renowned for its experience-focused hospitality in exciting global destinations. Avani Hotels & Resorts, known for its contemporary style and value, will also make its debut in the Kingdom through multiple properties developed in collaboration with Minor Hotels. Additionally, properties under other Minor brands, such as Tivoli and Oaks, will be developed within Saudi Arabia.

$4 billion contracts finalised for offshore oilfields in Saudi Arabia

A leading Italian engineering and construction giant has landed a sizeable offshore contract from Saudi Aramco for work on its Marjan oilfield, as a part of the Saudi state giant's long-term agreement (LTA) with international contracting players. Aramco has awarded multiple LTA contracts in recent months aimed at rejuvenating oil production from some of its largest offshore oilfields. More than $4 billion worth of LTA projects have either been awarded this year or are expected to be awarded within days, with multiple engineering, procurement, construction and installation deals to be in their tendering phase.

$133.33 million mixed-use project launched in Saudi Arabia

Riyad Capital, the investment arm of Riyad Bank, announced the launch of 500 million Saudi riyal ($133.33 million) Riyadh Real Estate Development Fund - Durrat Hittin in partnership with Al Ramz Real Estate Company. The fund will develop a mixed-use project in Hittin district in Riyadh on a total area of 27,119 square metres. The mixed-use complex will have a leasable area of 30,000 sqm, comprising offices, retail and hospitality.

Construction commencement of new residential units in Saudi Arabia

Thabat Real Estate Development Company announced the commencement of the first construction phase of the 'Aseeb: project, located in a unique destination between Khobar and Dammam. The project is in the heart of 'Tharwa': Town, the latest smart city in the Eastern Province, in which, through it, the Thabat Real Estate Development Company intends to reflect modern living by building 53 luxurious residential units in the middle of an integrated residential community, facilitating quick access for its residents to the most essential nearby vital areas. The project is a few minutes from the southern Dammam Corniche, Al-Rakah area, and Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University.
The 'Aseeb' project's designs follow the modern style. The residential units and their facilities are rich with the best engineering elements, which elaborately and harmoniously match the surrounding green areas, facilities, service, and commercial points. Furthermore, the residents will benefit from sustainable building specifications, which guarantee them to live in a residential area built on top of a solid foundation and with cutting-edge building standards. The first phase of the 'Aseeb' project will be on sale in the coming months, as Thabat Real Estate Development Company intends to unveil the designs of its upcoming residential units, which come of different areas of 520 square meters for one villa to meet the requirements of Saudi markets in terms of promising building potentials, and distinctive designs.

Tender for development of corniche to be floated soon in Bahrain

Work on the new BD5 million state-of-the-art King Faisal Corniche is set to begin in December 2023. Plans for the project - which will feature family rest areas, investment spaces, light sports and cycling tracks, an open square and a monument for the Supreme Council for Women (SCW) - have been approved by the Capital Trustees Board. The Works Ministry will supervise the project on behalf of the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry.The plans were presented for recommendation by the Housing and Urban Planning Ministry. The project will be tendered this month, awarded in August, the contract signed in October, before work begins in December 2023. It would complement a multi-million dinar expansion of a popular seafront mall, which will include an ice rink.

Partnership announced for opening luxury hotels in Saudi Arabia

Accor announced it is partnering with Saudi developer Erth Real Estate Company to open three new hotels in capital Riyadh. The 230-key Raffles Riyadh hotel and the 250-key Sofitel Extended Stay Serviced Residences - would be located within the 4.2 billion ($1.1 billion) Saudi Riyal Al Yasmin District mixed-use project. A 60-villa MGallery Resort Riyadh, the third hotel, would be located in the Al Waseel district in a wadi surrounded by date farms. The company said all three hotels will open by 2027, adding that the lead architect is Foster + Partners. 

First dedicated e-commerce logistics facility to be established in Saudi Arabia

A first-of-its-kind dedicated e-commerce logistics facility will be built in Saudi Arabia to target the Middle East. The global distribution center will be constructed by South Korean firm CJ Logistics. Expected to be completed in 2024, the facility will be located in Riyadh's Special Integrated Logistics Zone. The Saudi government established the zone at the King Khalid International Airport to serve as a testament to the Saudi Aviation Strategy under Vision 2030, positioning the Kingdom as a global logistics hub. The company and the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation held a ceremony to officiate the launch in Riyadh. A state-of-the-art modern logistics center, the facility will have a gross floor area of 18,000 square meters and a daily throughput capacity of 15,000 boxes.

Multiple offshore contracts to be awarded soon in Saudi Arabia

US contractor McDermott International has emerged as the potential front runner for a trio of coveted offshore contracts due for award under Saudi Aramco's long-term framework agreement with international contractors. Aramco is promising to expand its oil production capacity to 13 million barrels per day by 2027, up from the existing 12 million bpd.

Agreement signed for developing hotels in Saudi Arabia

Rotana announced its ambitious pipeline across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) 2023, signing four Edge by Rotana and one Rayhaan by Rotana property in partnership with Memar Development & Investment, a leading real estate development company specialized in the hospitality development guided by the motto Developing to enhance life. Saudi Arabia presents one of the fastest-growing markets in the region, increasingly establishing itself as a leading tourist destination. These new properties located in the heart of Riyadh include a mix of hotels and serviced apartments, offering our guests diverse options to suit their varying needs. The five new Riyadh properties will add 618 keys to Rotana's growing portfolio. This is in line with the group's target of adding triple the number of rooms it currently runs in the Kingdom to 6,000 over the next four years.
The new Edge by Rotana properties will be interconnected, operating in synergy to ensure efficient workflow and deliver the ultimate guest experience. The properties will offer guests a range of dining options as well as recreational facilities such as pools, gyms, treatments rooms and more. This new development will provide visitors with various experiences gathered in one place. With a variety of dining and recreation facilities being developed across all five properties, residents and visitors of Riyadh will soon have a new place to discover in the city.

Agreement signed for developing a boutique hotel in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia's Tourism Development Fund (TDF) has signed a key finance agreement with Shada Real Estate Development and Investment Company to set up a 4-star boutique hotel featuring 110 hotel rooms in Jeddah. Announcing the strategic partnership at the Future Hospitality Summit (FHIS) in Riyadh, TDF declared the hotel will be characterised by its design, inspired by the local style mixed with architectural touches specific to the Makkah region. Through this deal, Shada Development and Real Estate Investment aims to revive, preserve and highlight the essence of the cultures of the various regions in the kingdom, especially the architectural cultural heritage of the city of Jeddah. TDF's agreement with Shada will contribute to the growth of the kingdom's economy and achieve the goals set out within the National Tourism Strategy.

Agreement signed for developing a 5-star eco-lodge in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia's Tourism Development Fund (TDF) has signed a finance agreement with Golden Frond Hotel Services Company, a subsidiary of the Afyaa Group, to build a five-star ecolodge in the kingdom's Al Ahsa region. To be operated by ENVI Lodges - an eco-friendly, premium quality luxury lodge brand - the new resort will boast 25 lodging pods featuring one- and two-bedroom units as well as several key facilities including farm-to-table dining units as well as spa, local arts and crafts, and a selection of unique activities. Designed by Thai-based Fractal Architects and award-winning design firm Kristina Zanic, the ENVI Al Nakheel Resort is the first branded eco-lodge in Saudi Arabia to be developed by the private sector and funded by the TDF. It is expected to open in the first quarter of 2024. The project development will be managed by Compass and BIC. The agreement demonstrates the commitment of both parties to advance sustainable tourism development, in line with the objectives of KSA's National Tourism Strategy and the Kingdom's Vision 2030. This project will raise the level of tourism offerings in the Kingdom through cultural diversity, traditional methods of construction, and cutting-edge design features.

Plans revealed to expand hotel chain in Saudi Arabia

With Saudi Arabia's travel and tourism sector buzzing with activities offering immense investment opportunities, a top official of the Radisson Hotel Group has revealed that the company is planning to expand its presence in the Kingdom with a total of 100 properties in the next five years. The planned expansion will help create more job opportunities in Saudi Arabia. Currently they have around 50 hotels almost actually in Saudi Arabia; 25 hotels open and 25 hotels under construction. Their plan for the next five years is to double that and that means to have almost 100 hotels. The group would not only focus on key cities in Saudi Arabia to open its hotels but will also concentrate on the upcoming secondary and economic cities. At the region (Middle East), they currently have around 75 (hotels). And the plan is to double that in the next five years to become 150 hotels.

EPC contract to be awarded soon in Saudi Arabia

Saudi's National Water Company (NWC) is expected to award the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract for its drinking water purification plant project in Qulaybah, Tabuk by the third quarter of 2023. The bid submission is currently ongoing and the EPC contract is expected to be awarded by July 2023. The bidders were expected to send a statement of interest on or before 1 April 2023. The bid submission deadline is 23 May 2023. The scope of work involves the construction of a drinking water purification plant with a compact container system. The project is slated for completion by the end of third quarter of 2026.

Agreement signed to develop luxury hotel in Saudi Arabia

IHG Hotels & Resorts, one the of the world's largest hotel groups, with 6000 hotels across 18 brands, has signed a management agreement with The King Abdullah Financial District Management and Development Company (KAFD DMC), a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), to bring the first Kimpton hotel in the region to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Offering guests a personalized luxury experience, the Kimpton brand has a heartfelt approach to hospitality that has translated to unique, design-led hotels across the globe. The new Kimpton Riyadh will join existing Kimpton properties across countries including the United States, France and Scotland. With doors set to open in June 2024, the 212-key Kimpton Riyadh will mark the first foray of the luxury brand in the region. The debut comes as part of IHG's ongoing growth strategy, aligned with the objectives of Vision 2030 tourism objectives, to cater to a growing number of guests in the Kingdom who seek unique luxury experiences. The Kimpton Riyadh will be a new-build property in the heart of KAFD, Saudi Arabia's prime business and lifestyle destination, making it a key destination hotel for the discerning business traveller. However, in acknowledgement of the new trend towards blended travel, the hotel will also cater to those who seek a lifestyle element to their stay. As such, for those visiting the capital for work, there are several meeting spaces and banqueting areas, including both casual and formal working options. For more leisure time, the hotel will offer five F&B options to guests, including an all-day dining restaurant, a specialty restaurant, a lobby lounge, a lobby living room cafe and a pool bar with mezzanine seating. Kimpton Riyadh will also host an outdoor amphitheater terrace, health club, and an outdoor swimming pool. Aligned with IHG's luxury halo vision for Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the wider IMEA region, the new property seeks to cater to corporate executives and high net worth Saudi Arabian families looking for a luxury lifestyle element to their hotel, so that they can welcome visiting family and friends as part of their stay. The luxury lifestyle offering will meet that requirement and we are looking forward to expanding further into the region in the coming years.

Contract awarded for a transmission line project in Saudi Arabia

Nesma Infrastructure & Technology (NIT), Saudi Arabia announced that it has been awarded a contract by National Grid to construct a 115kV overhead transmission line between Ain Dar and Abqaiq, more than 40 kilometers. The SAR 68 million project will be completed in three phases and will include the construction of 125 towers. The project is expected to take 25 months to complete.

Management agreements signed for four new hotels in Saudi Arabia

Dubai-based Hospitality Management Holding Group (HMH) has signed management agreements for four new hotels in Saudi Arabia, at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM 2023) in Dubai. The key properties are Coral Makkah, Corp Al Madinah, Corp Yathrib and Corp Makkah. with this deal the group's hotel portfolio in the Mena region will get expanded from 13 to 18 hotels, across different categories. Coral Makkah Hotel is a premium 4-star hotel located in the Saudi city featuring 230 rooms. Located in the Al Naseem suburb, it offers guests and pilgrims unparalleled access to the city's most iconic landmarks and attractions. It aslo provides them a host of modern amenities including a spacious ballroom, multiple dining options featuring a variety of international cuisine, a gym, a luxurious beauty salon, and a Spa and Hamam therapy centre. Corp Al Madinah is a 150-key family-friendly hotel that offers guests an extensive range of premium amenities, including well-appointed guest rooms equipped with state-of-the-art air conditioning, a fully stocked minibar, a comfortable seating area, and complimentary Wi-Fi access. Corp Yathrib is a 340 keys property conveniently set near Madinah, offering air-conditioned rooms with private parking and room service. It is located near Quba Mosque and Al Masjid An Nabawi and around 6.9 km away from Qiblatain Mosque. Corp Makkah is a 230-key hotel located in the Al Naseem suburb. The hotel's amenities include a spacious ballroom, restaurants, a well-equipped gym, a beauty salon, and a Spa and Hamam therapy center. The group has adopted the strategy of expanding its hotel portfolio in the region's markets, primarily targeting the Saudi market due to the robust growth of its hospitality sector.

Plans announced for three new luxury hotels in Saudi Arabia

AlUla, a global heritage destination in north-east Saudi Arabia, has announced plans for three new luxury hotels, all of which highlight its beauty, variety, and rich history. The construction of Sharaan Resort, designed by Jean Nouvel, is inspired by the ancient techniques of the Nabataean inhabitants who crafted their monuments as integral to the local landscape more than 2,000 years ago. The resort will have 53 keys, divided amongst suites, hospitality pavilions and villas built into the mountain of Sharaan Nature Reserve. The second hotel is the Chedi Hegra that will be the first hotel to be located in Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hegra. Set to welcome its inaugural guests by Q4 2023, the heritage boutique hotel will offer 35 guest rooms, each offering a distinct connection to Hegra's monumental landscape. With an opening slated for 2024, upscale eco-lodge Dar Tantora by The House Hotel is currently under construction in AlUla Old Town. AlUla is developing 30 guest rooms by restoring and repurposing historical mud-brick buildings using modern engineering in tandem with traditional materials and techniques. With their combination of audacity, authenticity, sustainability and luxury, these hotels celebrate what makes AlUla a special destination for travellers seeking a distinct blend of comfort and adventure. Such sophisticated properties are intended to deepen the connection between guests and the extraordinary historic landscape of AlUla. These properties also move us nearer towards meeting our goal of 5,000 keys by 2030 to cater to our growing visitor numbers. The three hotels will provide roughly additional 120 keys and generate hundreds of jobs for the AlUla region. All of the hotels will emphasise sustainability in accordance with the AlUla Sustainability Charter, which guides the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) in its regeneration of AlUla County in north-west Saudi Arabia as a leading global destination for cultural and natural heritage.

Development agreement signed to build 18 hotels in Saudi Arabia

Accor, a world-leading hospitality group, has signed a master development agreement with Amsa Hospitality, the Saudi startup company redefining Arabian hospitality in both local and international markets, to develop and franchise 18 hotels across second-tier cities within Saudi Arabia over the next ten years. The agreement will see Amsa Hospitality develop a range of Accor's economy and midscale brands, including ibis Styles, Mercure, Mercure Living, Novotel, Novotel Living, and the recently launched Handwritten Collection, while also acting as the third-party operator by leasing and franchising the assets. As part of the agreement, Amsa Hospitality will be responsible for hotels in several cities in Saudi Arabia, including Ha'il, Jubail, Taif, Al-Ula, Tabuk and Jazan. Each hotel brand will cater to a different target audience. These include the ibis Styles brand, which focuses on value-conscious business and leisure travellers, with each hotel having a unique and inspired design theme. The mid-range Mercure is inspired by the local surroundings, celebrating local people and authentic local cuisine, while the Novotel brand has been designed to offer all travellers the opportunity to relax and unwind. Handwritten Collection will provide intimate and stylish hotels with individual personalities. Accor is the finest hospitality company to deliver the high level of guaranteed quality the guests are looking for, together with their wide choice of brands, giving the brand the ability to propose the optimum hospitality regarding each city environment. The group's strategic partnership with Amsa Hospitality marks a significant milestone in its development strategy for Saudi Arabia, a burgeoning hospitality sector which offers a host of opportunities to leverage the group's portfolio of hospitality brands.

Plans unveiled for an educational complex in Saudi Arabia

Ataa Educational Co. announced purchasing a land plot in Irqah district, Riyadh, at SAR 17 million (excluding the real estate tax and office fees). The land, which was acquired from Prince Abdulaziz bin Mishaal Al Saud, spans 10,000 square meters on Prince Mishaal bin Abdulaziz Road. It will be used to establish an educational complex. The project will be funded through self-resources and bank loans. The educational complex will accommodate 2,300 male/female students for the transfer of the existing Al-Fikr National Complex. This transfer is consistent with the company's plans to transfer its schools from non-educational buildings to purpose-built educational buildings, in addition to increasing the capacity of students according to the company's strategy for expansion. The new complex will also support the growth of Ataa's market share in western Riyadh by providing educational curricula that serve multiple segments of parents to meet various demands. The expected impact of the transaction will be an increase in non-current assets in Q4 2023.

Three new hotel properties to be launched soon in Saudi Arabia

The Hospitality Management Holding (HMH) Group will be showcasing its innovative projects in the hospitality sector across the region at the Arabian Travel Market, the largest B2B tourism expo in the Middle East, which kicks off on May 1 in Dubai. Unveiling its plans for the four-day event, HMH said it will utilise the platform to shed light on its future strategies and plans to expand into foreign markets through new partnership agreements with top firms. A 20-year-old fully-integrated hotel management group, HMH currently manages 13 hotels and resorts in and outside the UAE market with a total inventory of 2032 rooms of various categories. It is expanding its portfolio by opening three new hotel facilities in Saudi Arabia in the next quarter and is currently in the process of negotiating and planning with several potential owners in Egypt, Libya, Oman and in other major countries in the GCC, for further hotel developments. The group will unveil details about its expansion plans in addition to unveiling its development strategy for the near future. It will host delegations from the AGCC markets.

Plans underway to qualify over 100 firms for small solar facilities in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has qualified more than 100 companies for projects involving the construction of distributed solar power facilities for small companies and households. The move is intended to organise the solar energy activity in the Gulf Kingdom as it is pushing ahead with plans to switch to cleaner energy sources within its economic diversification scheme known as Vision 2030. The Water and Electricity Regulatory Authority (WERA) has qualified 106 energy services companies (ESCOs), who will be authorised to execute small solar power projects in the Kingdom. Production by such projects must not exceed 2 MW and that they are designed to ensure the needs of small companies and households in the country. Those qualified contractors and consultants are allowed to design small solar power facilities and systems, install them and provide regular maintenance. The aim is to regulate such activities and allow consumers to benefit from solar energy in their homes and companies. This will support the Kingdom's plan to diversify its energy sources.

Contract awarded for drinking water transmission projects in Saudi Arabia

ILF Consulting Engineers announced that it has been appointed by Saudi Arabia's National Water Company (NWC) to provide Project Management, the construction supervision, and the design review services for an important program which focusses on the improvement of the Drinking Water Quality in the Eastern Region. In the Saudi Arabian cities of Dammam, Al Khobar, Qatif, Jubail, Abqaiq, and Al Hassa, the drinking water quality is negatively influenced by high salinity levels. To address this problem, The National Water Company (NWC) in the Kingdom has launched a program to improve drinking water quality in these areas. The individual projects have an estimated overall contract value of around 4.8 billion Saudi Riyals and include the construction of transmission lines, network extensions, pumping stations, and storage tanks for each of the five cities in the Eastern part of the country. To close all existing groundwater wells with high salinity levels, an additional 420.000 m3/day is needed from alternative sources in order to cater for the future daily demand of 1.370.000 m3/day. The primary source for this additional quantity will be supplied by The Saline Water Conversion Company (SWCC) in Saudi Arabia.
Currently, the program represents the biggest Urban Water Supply Program in Saudi Arabia. In total, the project comprises of 13 individual major urban water supply projects with a total value of almost 5 Billion SAR.
- Dammam : Four (4) Projects - 2.256 billion SAR
- Qatif : Two (2) Projects - 643 million SAR
- Khobar : Two (2) Projects - 665 million SAR
- Al Hassa : Two (2) Projects - 543 million SAR
- Jubail : One (1) Project - 629 million SAR
- Abqaiq : Two (2) Projects - 68 million SAR
As its name indicates, the program will endure the improvement of water in quality and quantity until the year 2050 for the cities of Dammam, Alkhobar, Qatif, Alhassa, Jubail, and Abqaiq through:
- The construction of 42 mega / middle-sized reservoirs to improve strategic and operational storage
- The construction of 21 pumping stations to improve the operational safety within and amongst the cities.
- The construction of 520 km of water transmission pipelines to connect to new water sources and create strategic loops amongst the cities
- The construction of distribution networks extensions to serve new areas and replace old pipelines to reduce water losses and improve efficiency of the overall system.

Agreement signed to establish first integrated steel plate manufacturing complex in Saudi Arabia

Aramco, one of the world's leading integrated energy and chemicals companies, Baoshan Iron & Steel Co., Ltd. (Baosteel), the world's leading steel conglomerate, and the Public Investment Fund (PIF) have signed a shareholders' agreement to establish an integrated steel plate manufacturing complex in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions, the joint venture complex will be located in Ras al-Khair Industrial City, one of the four new Special Economic Zones recently announced by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister and Chairman of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs. The complex would bring together Aramco's unrivaled energy and industrial services ecosystem, Baosteel's advanced steel plate industry capability and PIF's strong financial capabilities and investment expertise. It would be the first facility of its kind in the Kingdom and the GCC region, enabling the region's steel industry ecosystem. The project aims to enhance the domestic manufacturing sector through localizing the production of heavy steel plates, transferring knowledge and creating export opportunities. The facility is expected to have a steel plate production capacity of up to 1.5 million tons per year. It would also be equipped with a natural gas-based direct reduced iron (DRI) furnace and an electric arc furnace, which aims to reduce CO2 emissions from the steel-making process by up to 60% compared to a traditional blast furnace. The DRI plant would be compatible with hydrogen without the need for major equipment modifications, potentially reducing CO2 emissions by up to 90% in the future. 
The project aims to contribute positively to the localization of the steel industry chain, job creation and local economic prosperity in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia will be the project's primary target market, with plans to export to the GCC and broader MENA region. It is expected to create new jobs and significantly reduce reliance on imported steel, serving customers in several strategic industrial sectors including pipelines, shipbuilding, rig manufacturing, offshore platform fabrication and tank and pressure vessel manufacturing. It also aims to serve the construction, renewables and marine sectors. The investment aligns with PIF's strategy to unlock the capabilities of promising sectors and strategically important industries that can drive the diversification of the local economy. It will support a number of PIF's priority sectors which require steel plate and create a more resilient steel industry in the region. The steel plate complex is supported by the Kingdom's Shareek program for large companies, which aims to foster greater private-public cooperation, create jobs and enhance the development of the Saudi economy by providing incentives for domestic investment. It also falls under Aramco's Namaat program, which aims to establish strategic partnerships that drive Saudi Arabia's economic, supply chain and industrial investment diversification and expansion.

More than 300,000 hotel rooms to be added in Saudi Arabia by 2030

Saudi Arabia is gearing up for a major expansion in its hospitality sector by developing 315,000 hotel keys by 2030, according to global property consultancy Knight Frank. This growth, will see Saudi Arabia’s hotel room inventory swell to become larger than Dubai’s current 140,000 keys. The development of the hospitality sector is a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s economic diversification plans. The volume of hotel room keys planned to be delivered in the Kingdom by 2030 is nothing short of incredible, with a total likely stock of close to 450,000 hotel rooms. For context, the UAE today has a combined total of around 200,000 rooms, including Dubai’s 140,000 keys, so Saudi is gearing up to see nearly 58% more than this figure. A major part of the success of the Kingdom’s future tourism and hospitality market will be its domestic tourism sector. The sector is already alive and thriving, with 65% of Saudis already traveling within the Kingdom between one- and three- times a month. What’s fascinating however is the fact that 58% of Saudis we spoke to as part of our 2023 Saudi Report opt not to stay in hotels. The rapid expansion of hospitality-linked offerings across the country is expected to play a critical role in boosting domestic tourism, which Knight Frank forecasts will form a key part of the future of the Kingdom’s hospitality landscape and is already a thriving industry. With a total development cost of $37.8 billion for all the hotel rooms planned in the Kingdom, according to our estimates and Giga projects like NEOM leading the supply pipeline, Saudi Arabia is on the cusp of becoming one of the world’s major tourist markets. The key to achieving this goal lies in catering to the diverse accommodation needs of the domestic tourists including the younger generation. Furthermore, supporting hospitality infrastructure, such as new airports and national airlines, both of which are coming, combined with a legislative framework that eases access to the sector for international investors will be critical.

Plans underway to build theme park in Saudi Arabia

China's Haichang Ocean Park plans to build a theme park in Saudi Arabia for nearly $400 million. The company, in cooperation with the government, is studying several locations, expecting it to be in Riyadh. Haichang Ocean seeks to start work this year. The project needs three to five years to be completed.

SAR 418.3 mln contract signed to develop residential villas in Saudi Arabia

Retal Urban Development Co. signed a conditional development agreement worth SAR 418.31 million, inclusive of the land value, with National Housing Co. (NHC) to develop residential villas within the masterplan of the East Albuhirat project, Jeddah. The contract is effective 42 months from the signing date, noting that the project spans 98,098 square meters. The project will be mainly financed by off-plan sales and partially from self-resources. Construction will start the next day of land handover from NHC, and sales will start after obtaining the off-plan license. The agreement aims to benefit from the strategic location of East Albuhirat masterplan, as Retal aims to fully develop the land to provide residential villas of various sizes to meet customer needs. The project is expected to have a positive impact on the company's results after the issuance of the off-plan sale permit and start of sales and construction.

$431million operation and maintenance contract inked in Saudi Arabia

Sewage plants in Riyadh will benefit from an SR1.62 billion ($431 million) operation and maintenance contract handed out to Alkhorayef Water and Power Technologies Co. by the National Water Co.. AWPT sealed the 15-year contract to operate and maintain the Manfouha Northern, Manfouha Eastern, and Al Manfouha sewage treatment plants. Under the contract terms, AWTP will modernize the design of the facilities, as well as testing and commissioning the three plants. Rehabilitation work is expected to be finalized in two phases within 36 months of the commencement of the contract. The total design capacity - or the maximum amount of solid waste the plant can accept - for all three facilities amounted to 700,000 cubic meters per day.

Five airport designs shortlisted in Saudi Arabia

Five masterplan designs have been shortlisted for the Abha International airport public-private partnership (PPP) project in Saudi Arabia. This follows a recently held design competition for the first airport PPP project to be procured in the kingdom since the successful opening of the $1.2bn Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International airport in Medina in 2015. Five (proposed designs) have been finalised and a recommendation has been made for the Higher Committee to approve. The expression of interest (EoI) request for the contract to develop the airport will be issued once the design is approved. The process will likely take one month before the EoI is issued. Saudi Arabia's Matarat Holding Company is expected to start the procurement process for the project through the National Centre for Privatisation and PPP (NCP). At the time, it was reported that the client aimed to issue the request for proposals for the project in the first half of 2023. The project entails the design, finance, construction and operation of a greenfield airport terminal in Abha, which is located in Asir province near the Red Sea in southwest Saudi Arabia. The existing terminal at the airport, which catered to 4.4 million passengers in 2019, will be closed down once the new terminal is complete. The existing Abha International airport has a design capacity of 1.5 million. The targeted capacity for the new airport is 8.5 million passengers a year by 2030 and 13 million passengers by 2053. The contract type is the build-transfer-operate (BTO) model and the project duration is 30 years.

$24m deal signed for public transport project in Saudi Arabia

Road connectivity is set to improve in the Saudi cities of Jazan, Sabya and Abu Arish after a SR93 million ($24 million) contract was awarded to the Saudi Public Transport Co. to operate the network in the province. The five-year project includes operating the new network and is projected to positively impact the firm's revenues during the second quarter of 2023. The contract was awarded by the Jazan Regional Municipality. The development comes after the company launched a public bus transport project in Dammam and Qatif.

Contract signed to build new hotel in Saudi Arabia

IHG Hotels & Resorts, an international leader in hospitality with over 6,000 hotels across 18 distinct brands, has signed a management agreement with AlWoroud Real Estate, a Riyadh-based real estate developer, to bring IHG's smart-travellers' brand Holiday Inn Express to Saudi Arabia. The contract underpins the company's determination to establish its world-class brands and provide its elevated offerings to new and growing segments of the Saudi market, which it aligns with the country's 2030 vision for the tourism sector. With a launch date set for 2026, the Holiday Inn Express Riyadh will open in the bustling Olaya district, decorated in a fresh, bold and 'next generation' design, making it a suitable launch pad for connecting business and leisure travellers. The hotel will have 200 value-conscious rooms, as well as Holiday Inn Express hallmarks such as high-speed Wifi, smart TVs, premium bedding, quick check-ins and its signature complimentary 'Express Start Breakfast'. Equipped with business and recreational facilities, the new property will be situated in close proximity to King Fahd Rd, Riyadh's major north-south route, and will have easy access to King Khalid International Airport. The new Holiday Inn Express Riyadh will provide an elevated experience to smart travellers with next generation guest rooms and public spaces. The hotel will be the first choice for an increasing number of travellers to the Kingdom who need a simple, engaging place to rest and get their work done. Holiday Inn Express is a well-recognised brand globally and has a huge base of loyal guests who are looking for smart and efficient accommodation. With the power of the brand, IHG's strong local expertise and global systems, the hotel will be a huge success.

Plans underway for an old mosque renovation in Saudi Arabia

Kheif Al-Huzami Mosque at Wadi Al-Safra in the Badr governorate of Madinah region will be one of the oldest historic mosques in the Kingdom to be developed and renovated in the second phase of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historical Mosques. The mosque was built almost a 1,000 years ago on a site that was a well-known gathering point for pilgrims and merchants' caravans. The mosque's area will increase from 528 square meters to 603 square meters, while its capacity will increase from 150 worshippers to 180. Natural materials of clay, stone and wood from local trees will be used in the project. The second phase of the project will cover 30 historic mosques across the Kingdom, including six mosques in Riyadh, five in Makkah, four in Madinah, three in Asir, two in each of the Eastern Region, Al-Jauf, and Jazan, and one in each of the Northern Borders region, Tabuk, Al-Baha, Najran, Hail and Al-Qassim.

Plans underway for multiple offshore facilities in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Aramco has fired the starting gun on a sizeable project involving further development of its giant Marjan Oil and Gas Offshore Field. The Saudi state giant aims to achieve a 50% growth in gas production by 2030 led by the massive $100 billion-plus Jafurah Unconventional Gas Programme and the expansion of some of its most prominent offshore fields.
In addition, Aramco - the world's largest oil exporter - is carrying out the expansion of some of its largest offshore oilfields including Safaniyah, Manifa, Marjan, Zuluf and Berri, in line with the country's plan to boost its sustainable oil production capacity to 13 million barrels per day by 2027, up from the existing 12 million bpd capacity.

Contract awarded for 1.5GW solar tracking solution in Saudi Arabia

Arctech, one of the world's leading solar tracking, racking, and BIPV provider has been awarded the contract to provide 1.5GW SkyLine II solar tracking solution for ASB project, the region's biggest solar plant under construction, at Jeddah in Saudi Arabia. The deal marked the company's first solar tracking and racking project in the country and a milestone in its increasing presence in the Middle East. Located in the Al Shubakh district, the ASB project will serve the purpose of expediting regional energy transition to spell out the Vision 2030. The Saudi government is actively expediting the regional energy transition, with the kingdom aiming for 50% of its energy to be generated from renewable sources by 2030 (nearly 27.3GW of renewable energy installation) and the Saudi Public Investment Fund investing around SR1.5 trillion ($400 billion) since 2016 in alternative energy.

Agreement signed for developing public access lagoons in Saudi Arabia

Four new special economic zones to be established in Saudi Arabia

Four special economic zones are to be established in Saudi Arabia. The aim of the new zones, which will be located in Riyadh, Jazan, Ras Al-Khair and King Abdullah Economic City, is to open up new opportunities for international investors. The new special economic zones launched will significantly impact how business is done in the country, create tens of thousands of jobs, and contribute billions of riyals to our gross domestic product. The zones will take advantage of the Kingdom's strategic location to create new hubs for businesses across key growth sectors so that they can launch and expand companies and technologies that will help shape the future. They will support existing national strategies and create new links with international frameworks, building on the competitive advantages of each region of the country to support key sectors such as logistics, advanced manufacturing, technology, and other priority sectors in the Kingdom. The benefits to companies of operating in the zones will include: competitive corporate tax rates; exemption from customs duties on imports, production inputs, machinery and raw materials; 100 percent foreign ownership of companies; and flexibility to attract and hire the best talent worldwide. The zones will also provide tremendous opportunities for developing the local economy, generating jobs, and localizing supply chains. They are said to represent a continuation of long-running initiatives that aim to transform the Kingdom into a global investment destination and a vital hub for global supply chains, by capitalizing on its position at the heart of global trade routes. The zones, which will be regulated by the Economic Cities and Special Zones Authority, will provide fresh solutions to the challenges many global businesses face as they attempt to localize and strengthen supply chains and help the Kingdom take advantage of key macroeconomic shifts to create a truly differentiated business environment, activating new sectors and value chains. The zones launched cover a wide range of industries:
- King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) SEZ
The premier destination for advanced manufacturing and logistics, from automobile supply chain and assembly to consumer goods, ICT to MedTech. Set in a prime location on the Red Sea, less than 90 minutes from Jeddah Airport, this 60km2 site offers unrivaled access to global trade routes through King Abdullah Port, ranked the world's most efficient by the World Bank in 2022. Anchor investor Lucid, a leader in the global EV industry, will produce 150,000 EVs a year from its base in KAEC SEZ.
- Jazan SEZ
An industrial center and key platform for trade with fast-growing markets in Africa and Asia. Jazan SEZ offers access to the largest port in the region for export of goods and import of materials, helping investors benefit from and contribute to large-scale infrastructure projects in Saudi Arabia and around the world, backed by easy access to both natural and industrial resources. Jazan is part of the Kingdom's fertile southwestern region, providing opportunities for the manufacturing, processing and distribution of food products to cater for growing regional demand and meet food security challenges across the region.
- Ras Al-Khair SEZ
A launchpad on the Arabian Gulf for leaders in the maritime industry, Ras Al-Khair SEZ is a fully integrated marine ecosystem, with a rich network of existing investors. 40% of the zone is already reserved and myriad opportunities across shipbuilding and repair, offshore drilling and maritime value chains.
- Cloud Computing SEZ, located in King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST)
In King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), a new Cloud Computing SEZ will serve as  a hub for emerging and disruptive technologies. A direct manifestation of the Kingdom's 'Cloud First' policy, the Cloud Computing SEZ underlines the Kingdom's commitment to digital innovation and the fast-growing tech sector. The Zone is based around an innovative hybrid model that allows investors to establish physical data centers and cloud computing infrastructure in multiple locations within the Kingdom.

MoU signed to develop large scale ocean park in Saudi Arabia

China's theme park operator Haichang Ocean Park and Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Investment have announced the planned development of the first large-scale ocean park in the Kingdom. Haichang's plan to leverage its expertise and experience to develop various forms of location-based entertainment venues among cities in the Kingdom, from family entertainment centres, water parks, IP-themed parks, zoo and safari parks.

New contract signed for photovoltaic project in Saudi Arabia

Shandong Power Construction (SEPCO), China announced in a statement that it has signed EPC contrac with France's Total for the Saudi WAD photovoltaic project. The WAD project is located in the central Province, approximately 600 km from Riyadh city. The scope of work is to build a new 118.997MW photovoltaic power station, a supporting step-up station and the expansion of the SEC substation (ESF). The construction period is 18 months. It is one of the third round (REPDO3) bidding projects of Saudi Arabia's 'National Renewable Energy Program (NREP)' and an important part of the Saudi government's 'Vision 2030'. The WAD project marks the first strategic cooperation between SEPCO and France's Total. It is the first single photovoltaic project implemented by SEPCO and even PowerChina Group in Saudi Arabia.

Construction to commence soon for a new hospital in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia's Dallah Hospital expects to start construction of its new 250-bed hospital in Riyadh in the third quarter of 2023. The new hospital would be built on its own land measuring 45,000 square metres (sqm) located in Riyadh-Al-Arid district. The excavation and preparation of the project site will commence in the coming days, and that the project's implementation will commence in the third quarter of the year 2023 after obtaining the necessary approvals. The hospital would have an estimated built-up area of 87,300 sqm, and would be designed to add more beds in the future. The project would be completed in the fourth quarter of 2025 subject to getting regulatory approvals. It would be financed using the company's resources and long-term facilities.

SAR 2.4 mln project inked in Saudi Arabia

WAJA Co. won a project worth SAR 2.44 million, inclusive of VAT, from Saudi Arabian Football Federation. The project is to develop players' rooms and bathrooms in Abha Club Stadium. The deal does not have related parties.

Plans underway for 900-year-old mosque renovation in Saudi Arabia

The Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Project for Development of Historical Mosques, in its second phase, aims to preserve more than 900-year-old urban heritage by renovating Jeddah's Abu Inbeh Mosque, which is thought to have been built before the year 544 AH. The project aims to strengthen the Islamic civilization of the Kingdom and restore life to sites that had a historical and social impact in shaping its human, cultural and intellectual surroundings, and to revive the religious, cultural and social role of historical mosques. The project will restore Abu Inbeh Mosque in the architectural style of the western region, by developing the facades of the mosque. Specifically targeted are the Rawashin and the Mashrabiyas, which use the finest wood panels to cover windows and external openings, including balconies. They also have important environmental functions, such as repelling direct sunlight and allowing air to cool the mosque. The building is characterized by the architectural style of the western region that is meant to withstand the surrounding natural conditions on the coast. The development process is being carried out by Saudi companies and Saudi engineers specializing in heritage buildings.

MoU signed to establish liquid fertilizers factory in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia and Oman have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a liquid fertilizers factory in the Kingdom to increase agricultural production. Establishing the liquid fertilizers factory came to contribute in increasing the agriculture production to SR165,000, which also comes within the targets of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. The MoU was signed between Saudi Arabia's Investment Ministry and the Al-Aflaj international company, a private sector entity in Oman. The factory aims to produce liquid fertilizers that provide soluble crop nutrients.

Plans underway for mosque renovations in Saudi Arabia

The Al-Saidan Mosque and Al-Fatah Mosque, the former which holds significant historical value and serves as a local landmark in Dumat Al-Jandal, Al-Jouf region will be two of the mosques to be renovated in the second phase of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historical Mosques. The Al-Saidan Mosque was constructed around 1223 and is one of the oldest in the city after the Omar bin Al-Khattab Mosque and used to host Friday prayers. The project will renovate the mosque to increase its area from 179 square meters to 202.39 square meters, and raise its capacity to accommodate 68 people. The mosque will be developed using mud building techniques and natural materials to depict the traditional style of the region, which is characterized by its unique architecture that can withstand the harsh desert climate. It stands out as a symbol of Al-Jouf's urbanization and architectural identity.
The Al-Fatah Mosque, where Prophet Mohammed is said to have prayed during the year he conquered Makkah, was demolished and destroyed during the previous centuries before its construction was renewed in 1398, and later renovated in 1419. The project will renovate Al-Fatah Mosque to increase its area from 455.77 square meters to 553.50 square meters, and raise its capacity to accommodate worshipers from 218 to 333, using natural building materials in the architectural style of the western region, including bricks, basalt stone, gypsum, and wood. The mosque's rawashin and mashrabiyas express the prominent window or balcony made of the finest wood panels used to cover windows and external openings. The building is characterized by the architectural style of the Western region withstanding the surrounding natural conditions on the coast, where historical mosques often show off architectural skill that reflects an elaborate building culture. The mosques are characterized by the simple design of the facades, the prominence of the wooden element and the maintenance of moderate temperatures inside the mosque. The Prince Mohammed bin Salman project aims to achieve a balance between ancient and modern construction standards in a way that gives the components of mosques an appropriate degree of sustainability and also looks to integrate the effects of development with a set of heritage and historical characteristics. The development process is being carried out by Saudi companies specializing in heritage buildings.

Ground breaking ceremony held for a car park project in Saudi Arabia

Saudi master developer Diriyah Company and Saudi Real Estate Infrastructure Company (Binyah) broke ground on the 544-million Saudi riyal ($144.95 million) Northern Cultural District Car Park project, a part of the $63.2 billion Diriyah giga-project masterplan. The four-storey underground car park, with a capacity of 2,000 vehicles, will service assets including King Salman University, House of Al Saud Museum, and King Salman Library, among others. Binyah's scope for the project includes a design and build package encompassing; the car park structure, architectural finishes, mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP), plant and utility rooms/connections, external works, and modern parking management and guidance systems. 

Plans unveiled for education projects in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has listed 11 education projects under the new Public-Private Partnership (PPP) programme. The projects are as follows:
- Six Colleges of Excellence
Privatisation of Operation & Maintenance (O&M) at the International Tourism & Hospitality College, Riyadh; International Technical Female College, Al Khobar; International Technical Female College, Makkah; International Technical Female College, Qatif; International Technical Female College, Jeddah, and International Technical Female College, Madinah.
The project owner is Technical and Vocational Training Corporation. Details on contract duration and launch dates weren't disclosed.
- Boarding Schools
Develop additional capacity for special education boarding schools using a PPP model at five new sites (two sites in Asir, two in Riyadh and one in Jeddah). The boarding schools will provide special needs students with education, training, accommodation, and support services.
The project, owned by the Ministry of Education, would be procured under a Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Maintain-Transfer (DBFOMT) partnership. Contract duration and tendering date weren't disclosed.
- Accommodation for King Khalid University's faculty members in Abha
Build, equip and maintain 2,609 residential units, including social and commercial facilities, to serve university faculty members according to best standards and practices. The project, owned by King Khalid University, would be procured under a 25-year Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Maintain-Transfer (DBFOMT) contract. The scheduled tendering date is April 2023.
- 5 university hospitals
The project involves completing the construction of buildings, equipping them and medical and non-medical operations in alignment with educational standards and norms of the university and health system. The projects will be procured under O&M contracts. However, contract duration and tendering timelines weren't specified. The five projects are:
Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University Hospital, Dammam
Jazan University Hospital, Jazan
Umm Alqura University Hospital, Makkah
Tabuk University Hospital, Tabuk
King Khalid University Hospital, Abha.
- Saudi Electronic University
The project is located in Riyadh, and involves utilising the private sector to expand, develop and operate the necessary infrastructure. Contract type, duration, and launch dates weren't disclosed.
- Second phase of the education sector PPP executive programme to deliver educational buildings
The project aims to tender 180 educational buildings and relevant facilities across various locations in the Kingdom. The project, owned by the Ministry of Education, would be procured under a Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Maintain-Transfer (DBFOMT) partnership. Contract duration and launch dates weren't disclosed.
- Educational facilities and infrastructure for King Abdulaziz University in Rabigh
Develop college buildings and infrastructure at the new branch of King Abdulaziz University in Rabigh to accommodate the expected increase of students, staff, and faculty members. Contract duration and launch dates weren't disclosed.

Plans unveiled for health centre & hospital projects in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Health is set to launch two primary health centre projects under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to procure a total of 224 primary health centres. The centres will be procured under 20-year-plus Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Maintain (DBFOM) contracts. One tender will be for 74 primary healthcare centres across Riyadh, as well as Eastern and Western regions, and is slated to be issued in April 2023 while the second tender will be for 150 centres across Qassim, Hail and Madinah regions. However, the tender date was not given.
The Ministry of Health is also planning to offer three maternity and children hospital projects under the PPP model in the third quarter of this year 2023. The projects would be tendered in August 2023 under 20-year-plus Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Maintain (DBFOM) contracts. The hospital capacities weren’t specified. The three projects are as follows:
- Al-Yamamah Maternity and Children Hospital in Riyadh
- Al-Masadiyah Maternity and Children Hospital in Jeddah
- Al-Ahsa Maternity and Children Hospital in Ahsa.

Plans unveiled for water transmission projects in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia announced that it will tender four water transmission projects under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to transport potable water. The four Independent Water Transmission Pipeline (IWTP) projects represent an aggregate length of 1,246 kilometres and transmission capacity of 1.6 million cubic metres per day (m3/day). The projects would be procured by the Ministry of Environment, Water & Agriculture, under 30-year Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) contracts.
The projects are listed below as per their launch dates:
- Tabuk-Al Ula IWTP : Capacity: 497,000 m3/day. Length: 546 km. Launch: July 2024.
- Rabigh-Jeddah IWTP : Capacity: 600,000 m3/day. Length: 100 km. Launch: July 2025.
- Jazan IWTP : Capacity: 300,000 m3/day. Length: 250 km.
- Ras Al Khair-Hafr Al Batin IWTP : Capacity: 200,000 m3/day. Length: 300 km.

Contracts awarded for multiple offshore packages in Saudi Arabia

India's Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has confirmed the award of multiple offshore contracts from a leading Middle East client, as the Indian engineering giant continues to expand its portfolio in the Gulf region. The engineering, procurement, construction and installation (EPCI) deals have been awarded by Saudi Aramco for its latest batch of long term agreement (LTA) contract orders. A grouping of L&T-Subsea7 has landed contracts from Aramco for the so-called contract release and purchase orders (CRPOs) numbered 117, 118 and 119, all involving the further expansion of its giant Marjan oilfield. L&T dubbed the latest batch of orders as mega, which it describes as having a value upwards of 70,000 million Indian rupees ($853 million). The scope of work comprises EPCI for various new offshore facilities and integration with existing installations.

Contract awarded to connect water purification plants in Saudi Arabia

KEIR International Co. signed the contract for a project to connect the Heet water purification plant and a station in Al-Kharj region. The project entails the implementation of infrastructure works for the electrical network for medium voltage 33 kilovolt (KV), at a total value of SAR 24.2 million (including 15% value-added tax). The contract covers a period of one year and includes the implementation of engineering works, design, supply, civil works, communications, electrical works, and other necessary works. The financial impact is expected during Q2 2023 for one year.

Plans unveiled for roadways & airports projects in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia's National Centre for Privatisation & PPP (NCP) has approved 200 projects for privatisation and co-development with the private sector under the public-private partnership (PPP) model in 17 sectors to attract more local and foreign investments. The new list will update investors on the privatisation opportunities before the government puts them for privatisation.  List shows promising opportunities for the local and global private sector entities within the Kingdom's Vision 2030, bringing new investment to the country. Details of 140 projects have been published and the remaining ones will be published in the coming period. The projects would be procured by Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services.
The four highway PPP projects are as follows:
Jeddah - Makkah Highway : The Jeddah-Makkah Road extends for 64 kilometres and includes seven interchanges and four camel crossings. The construction is being carried out in three phases that account for 51 km. Construction works for Phase 4 is yet to begin. The cost would be funded by the government as in the case for Phases 1 to 3. The Ministry plans to procure Operation & Maintenance (O&M) services in addition to developing and operating Motorway Service Areas (MSA) of Jeddah-Makkah Road under PPP. However, the contract duration and the road length to be covered weren't specified.
Yanbu - Jubail Highway : The highway connects Yanbu and Jubail with a length of 447 km, containing 17 intersections, 14 wildlife crossings, four bridges, one tunnel, and 18 service areas. Construction work on 39 km towards Al Zulfi area has been completed.
Asir - Jizan Highway : The highway will connect Asir and Jizan, with a length of 136 km, containing six intersections, 18 km of bridges, and a 9 km of tunnels. The project starts at Al-Farah in Asir and extends to the Red Sea through Jazan. The project will be procured under a 30-year Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Maintain (DBFOM) contract.
Jeddah - Jizan Highway : The highway will connect Jeddah and Jizan, with a length of 570 km, containing 43 intersections, 11 wildlife crossings, and 29 bridges. The project scope includes converting the current 280 km of double lanes into three lanes. The contract duration would be 30 years.
The four airport PPP projects are as follows:
Abha International Airport : The existing airport is operating beyond capacity, handling 4.4 million passengers annually against designed capacity of 1.5 million passengers. The targeted capacity for the new airport is 8.5 million passengers per annum by 2023, scalable to 13 million passengers per by 2053. The new facility will be procured under a 30-year Build-Transfer-Operate (BTO) contract. The launch date for the tender wasn't disclosed.
Taif International Airport : The capacity of the current airport is 600,000 passengers per annum. The targeted capacity for the new airport, which will be procured under a 30-year Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Maintain (DBFOM) contract type, will target an annual passenger handling capacity of 4 million by 2030 and 7.4 million by 2053. The launch date for the PPP tender wasn't disclosed.
Hail International Airport : The project intends to develop the airport and service facilities in accordance with the standards approved by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The contract type, duration and launch details weren't disclosed but the targeted increase in capacity for the airport is 3 million passengers per annum.
Prince Naif International Airport : The project intends to develop the airport in Al Qassim in line with ICAO standards and increase its capacity to 5.3 million passengers per annum. The contract type, duration and launch details weren't disclosed.

Plans unveiled for desalination projects in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia announced that it will tender seven desalination projects under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model starting 2024. The Independent Water Plant (IWP) projects represent an aggregate desalination capacity of 2.8 million cubic metres per day (m3/day). The IWPs, owned by the Ministry of Environment, Water & Agriculture, would be procured under 25-year Build-Own-Operate (BOO) contracts.
The projects are listed below as per their launch dates:
- IWP Ras Al Khair 2. Capacity: 600,000 m3/day. Launch: February 2024.
- IWP Ras Al Khair 3. Capacity: 400,000 m3/day. Launch: April 2024.
- IWP Tabuk. Capacity: 400,000 m3/day. Launch: March 2025.
- IWP Alshuqaiq 4. Capacity: 400,000 m3/day. Launch: July 2025.
- IWP Rabigh 5. Capacity: 400,000 m3/day. Launch: April 2025.
- IWP Rayis 2. Capacity: 300,000 m3/day. Launch: July 2035.
- IWP Jizan. Capacity: 300,000 m3/day.

Plans unveiled for strategic water reservoir projects in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia announced that it will tender 10 strategic water reservoir projects under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to support the resilience of the kingdom's water sector. The new Independent Strategic Water Reservoir (ISWR) projects represent an aggregate water storage capacity of 36 million cubic metres (m3). The IWSRs, owned by the Ministry of Environment, Water & Agriculture, would be procured under 35-year Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) contracts, and tendered over a seven-year period starting next year (2024).
The projects are listed below as per their launch dates:
- ISWR Jeddah. Capacity: 5,000,000 m3. Launch: March 2024.
- ISWR Asir. Capacity: 5,220,000 m3. Launch: March 2026.
- ISWR Makkah. Capacity: 8,000,000 m3. Launch: January 2027.
- ISWR Tabuk. Capacity: 735,000 m3. Launch: March 2027.
- ISWR Al Qassim. Capacity: 1,011,000 m3. Launch: August 2027.
- ISWR Najran. Capacity: 1,595,000 m3. Launch: August 2027.
- ISWR Jizan. Capacity: 6,439,000 m3. Launch: March 2028.
- ISWR Al Madinah. Capacity: 4,460,000 m3. Launch: March 2029.
- ISWR Riyadh. Capacity: 2,873,000 m3. Launch: March 2029.
- ISWR Al Baha. Capacity: 1,000,000 m3. Launch: March 2029.

Plans unveiled for wastewater treatment projects in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia announced that it will tender six wastewater treatment projects under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model in 2024. The five Independent Sewage Treatment Plant (ISTP) projects and the sole Small Sewage Treatment Plants (SSTPs) and Collection Network project will treat wastewater for reuse in non-agriculture municipal and industrial applications. The five ISTPs represent an aggregate wastewater treatment capacity of 650,000 cubic metres per day (m3/day). The projects would be procured by the Ministry of Environment, Water & Agriculture, under Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) contracts.
The projects are listed below as per their launch dates:
- ISTP - Hadda. Capacity: 250,000 m3/day. Launch Date : April 2024.
- ISTP - Uranah. Capacity: 250,000 m3/day. Duration: 25 Years. Launch Date : April 2024.
- ISTP - South Najran. Capacity: 50,000 m3/day. Duration: 25 Years. Launch Date : April 2024.
- ISTP - Abu Arish 3. Capacity: 50,000 m3/day. Duration: 25 Years. Launch Date : December 2024.
- ISTP North Jeddah 1. Capacity: 50,000 m3/day. Duration: 25 Years. Launch Date : Not specified.
- Small Sewage Treatment Plants (SSTPs) and Collection Network - Northern Cluster. Capacity: 143,000 m3/day. Duration: 25 Years. Launch Date : July 2025.

Contracts awarded to establish a new facility in Saudi Arabia

The Royal Commission for AlUla and the AlUla Development Co. have chosen Kerten Hospitality to manage and operate a new facility in AlUla under one of the group's lifestyle brands - Cloud7. The Cloud7 Residence AlUla will be home to 150 serviced bungalows in the initial phase and it will be transformed into a true community in 2023 where people can live and work or visit for a short stay. Collaborations with local artists, food-preneurs, and businesses will stand at the forefront of supporting local businesses by bringing them together within a self-sufficient ecosystem. Cloud7's vision is to create a unique and affordable community, led by local talent which will contribute to the mission of the Royal Commission for AlUla to create employment locally and accelerate the development plans for AlUla and position the region as a global tourism hub while preserving the heritage sites in the area.

Construction approved to establish educational complexes in Saudi Arabia

National Company for Learning and Education (NCLE) approved the construction of three educational complexes in Riyadh at an estimated cost of SAR 162 million. The first complex will be constructed on the land plot located in Hetteen, Riyadh. The estimated total built-up area (BUA) reaches 20,000 square meters (sqm) with a capacity of 2,000 students at an estimated cost of SAR 57 million. The second project comprises the establishment of Tarbyh Namouthajiyah Schools in Qurtubah, Riyadh. The estimated total BUA is 20,200 sqm, with a capacity of nearly 2,500 students and an estimated cost of SAR 56 million. The third project, namely, Tarbyh Namouthajiyah Schools, will be built in Al-Narjis, Riyadh over an estimated BUA of 15,300 sqm, with a capacity of 2,000 students and an estimated value of SAR 49 million.
The three projects include construction, air conditioning, elevators, theatres, furnishing, as well as the technical devices, and they will start operations as of the academic year 2024/2025. These fall under the company's growth strategy to generate returns. Work is expected to begin in Q3 2022/2023 and the projects will be financed from the company's internal resources as well as bank facilities. Construction works are expected to be finalized in Q4 2023/2024, with the relevant financial impact to start as of launch of operations in Q1 2024/2025. The main contractor of the first as well as the third projects is Bani Limited Co., while Legend Contracting Co. will assume the contracting activities for the second project, and several suppliers will be contracted for furnishing the educational complexes at a later stage.

New offshore contract awarded in Saudi Arabia

Saipem announced that it has been awarded new offshore contract in Saudi Arabia. It has been awarded a Contract under the Aramco LTA program. Saipem will execute the offshore EPCI of one platform topside and the associated subsea flexible, umbilical and cable system.

Agreement signed for establishing food packaging projects in Saudi Arabia

The Ministry of Investment signed an agreement with Hotpack Global, to establish one of the largest food packaging projects in Saudi Arabia. The facility will manufacture a variety of environment-friendly, recyclable, and biodegradable products. It added that the total project cost is estimated at SAR 1 billion over seven years, with plans to use certain agricultural waste products as raw materials for manufacturing and production.

$20bn agreement signed to set up lifestyle hotel project in Saudi Arabia

Saudi-based developer Jeddah Central Development Company (JCDC) has signed an agreement with Malta-based International Hotel Investments to set up its Corinthia brand of hotels within its beachfront hotel lifestyle project in the Saudi city. As per the deal, International Hotel Investments will be providing advisory services for the development and operation of these projects at Marina district located within the mega SR75-billion ($20 billion) Jeddah Central project. A part of the Jeddah Central's 9.5-km waterfront on the Red Sea, the Marina District will feature a world-class marina equipped for local and international boats, yachts, and superyachts. The marina will serve as a gateway to the city on the Red Sea coast, creating a thriving residential marine community, including recreational facilities, retail outlets, restaurants, and cafes. JCDC, a subsidiary of Saudi sovereign wealth fund PFI (Public Investment Fund) and the master developer of the Jeddah Central development, said this comes as part of its strategic plan to create a local attraction and global destination in the heart of the Saudi port city.
Being implemented on a 5.7-million-sq-m area in the Saudi port city, Jeddah Central has a stunning waterfront location with a 2.1 km of sandy beaches. The MoU establishes a framework for Corinthia Hotels and its sister company QPM Limited, to develop and operate assets within the Marina District at Corinthia standards. The deal with International Hotel Investments is mainly aimed at exploring co-operation in developing and operating assets within Jeddah Marina district. The development is being implemented in three phases. The first one will be completed by 2027 following which it will start receiving Jeddah residents and visitors. The second phase is set for completion by 2030 and the rest after 2030.

Plans underway for worlds largest 12000km long desalinated water project in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is preparing to undertake a massive project to create the world's largest source of drinkable water. Their plan involves digging a river that would span 12,000 kilometres in length, 11 metres in width, and four metres in depth – all with the aim of surpassing the length of the Nile River. This ambitious feat will require the use of anti-corrosion pipes, each with a diameter of 2.25 metres. The length of the water pipes will transport the fresh water from one place to another. The project be twice the size of the Nile, which is over 6,000 kilometres long. This upcoming desalinated water transport network will be among the biggest in the world. The pipes running beneath Saudi cities will extend for 126,000 kilometres, which is long enough to wrap around the world three times. The network will produce a massive quantity of water, with 9.4 million cubic meters being generated each day.

Contract signed to build a hospital in Saudi Arabia

Tamasuk (A subsidiary of Al Blagha Group, Saudi Arabia), along with Consortium partner Alghanim International General Trading & Contracting Co. WLL, Kuwait has signed the contract for the construction of Al Ansar Hospital in Madinah. This project will be the first of its kind to be implemented in the Kingdom by the Ministry of Health in partnership with the private sector in the health sector, under the Build–operate–transfer (BOT) system. The hospital will be built over an area of 13,350 square meters, in proximity to the Prophet's Mosque. It will serve the residents of Madinah, Umrah performers and visitors to the region. Alansar Hospital, with 244 beds, will significantly improve the capacity and response time for the healthcare needs of pilgrims and visitors to the holy city of Madinah.

New contract to be awarded for cement factory production line in Saudi Arabia

Southern Province Cement Company has completed the study of technical and financial offers for engineering, procurement and construction of a new 10,000 tonnes per day production line at its Jazan cement factory. Work is underway to draft and review the contract. The contract will be signed after completing the necessary procedures. Southern Province Cement expects to sign the contract in the first quarter of 2023. The new production line is set to replace the existing one.

$25m contract awarded for onshore oil project in Saudi Arabia

Forum Energy Technologies, Inc., USA has been awarded an approximately $25 million contract to design, engineer, and supply four electrostatic desalter systems for an onshore project at the Safaniyah oil field, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The desalter systems will utilize FET's EDGETM desalting technology, ForuMixTM high efficiency multiphase mixer technology, as well as in-house manufacturing capabilities at FET's facility in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. The award demonstrates the value FET provides through its extensive technology portfolio and global reach.

New 380kV substation project awarded in Saudi Arabia

India's top engineering and construction firm Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has announced that one of its key subsidiaries has secured an order to build a 380kV substation in Saudi Arabia along with the associated transmission interconnections. This order comes in line with the Saudi Arabia's National Renewable Energy Programme that aims to increase the share of renewable generation in its energy mix. The scope of work includes engineering, design, procurement and construction of more than 400km of 380kV overhead transmission lines as well as a new 230kV gas insulated substation with associated automation and protection systems.

3D prints worlds tallest building launched in Saudi Arabia

Leading Saudi real estate developer Dar Al Arkan has announced the successful completion of the world's tallest 3D Printed Building - a three-storey smart home villa in capital Riyadh. The 9.9-m-tall building was 3D printed in just 26 days using a 3D construction printer from Denmark-based Cobod International. This project is fully compliant with the building codes, making it a bright example of how technology and innovation can work hand in hand with safety and regulation. The villa features several smart home features and the use of new materials. Low-cost local materials were used to create the 3D printable concrete, with which all the walls of the 330 sq m building were printed with. The building was made without the use of a tent just after the summer in a hot desert where temperatures run as high as more than 40 degrees. The introduction of 3D construction printing enables to focus on greater flexibility of design, strengthen productivity and achieve higher cost efficiency.
The villa features smart applications that control various functions of the house, including doors, locks, AC, lighting and has 9 solar panels on the roof, which generate enough electricity to power many of the villa's systems, including lighting and heating. Also, heat-reflecting nano-technology was used for painting the exterior walls, which makes the villa up to 40% more heat-resistant than traditional buildings. In addition, the exterior of the house is four times stronger that any regular-built one. The level of design flexibility, made possible using cutting-edge 3D printing technology, allows for easy and quick customization of finishes and styles, enabling the client to offer its future buyers a truly personalized experience. With this feature, the company aims to create homes that are tailored to the unique tastes and preferences of their clients, setting a new standard in the real estate industry. The project was executed using local materials and the D.fab solution developed by Cemex and Cobod. This solution allows its customers to use 99% local and inexpensive materials, while only relying on 1% sourced from a central location. The villa demonstrates the capabilities of the technology regarding scale, speed, use of cheap local materials and innovative solutions.

SAR 10 mln project awarded in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Azm for Communication and Information Technology Co. announced that it received a notification from the National Center for Government Resources Systems (NCGR) on March 27, 2023 on awarding a project for supporting the electronic market and government travel. The SAR 10.02 million project aims to provide consultative and technical services to the Etimad market platform and the government travel platform. The deal does not have any related parties.

SAR 14.8 mln IT consultation services contract awarded in Saudi Arabia

Sure Global Tech Co. was awarded a SAR 14.82 million contract with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) March 26, 2023, for providing IT consultation services in compliance with the framework agreement methodology. The project aims at providing consulting expertise and IT services, including the infrastructure systems, applications' software, in addition to network protection and IT business governance systems. The contract was awarded through the Electronic Financial Services Platform (Etimad). There are no related parties to this deal.

$80 billion allocated for water projects in Saudi Arabia

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is on track to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 in order to restructuring of its water sector and development of National Water Strategy. KSA has allocated $80 billion for water projects as part of its efforts to achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all. The National Water Strategy aims to preserve water resources, protect the environment, and provide quality and efficient services. The objectives of the strategy are in line with SDG6 in enabling access to clean and safe water globally.
The Kingdom aspires to provide sanitation services to all by increasing the percentage of the population covered by sanitation services to be more than 95% by 2030. Also, KSA established the National Water Efficiency and Conservation Center. Sustainable and resilient water management was on the G20 agenda during Saudi Arabia's presidency. The kingdom is on the right track to improving water demand management in agriculture to achieve SDG6.

New contract awarded for 26 airports in Saudi Arabia

MATARAT, formerly known as Saudi Civil Aviation Holding Company, announced that it has awarded a three-year contract to Egis to provide consulting services for 26 airports in the kingdom. This contract comes as a step of establishing phased project management portals, updating airport project management policies and procedures, and providing technical support for planning, designing, and following up the implementation of capital projects with MATARAT subsidiaries. The project is designed to provide support for strategic planning in order to define and plan a portfolio of five-year projects, work on the comprehensive plan program for the kingdom's airports, and monitor the alignment of future projects with the strategic objectives of MATARAT. The complany is working to provide an attractive environment in Saudi airports for air carriers and passengers, by developing airport infrastructure through best practices to provide the best services at the highest international standards. This contract focuses on providing support in several major areas and activities, which include strategic planning for projects, building an asset management guide, preparing a unified guide for engineering specifications for designing and implementing projects, and following up on continuous improvement of their performance. The contract includes designing a practical guide for project implementation, quality control and safety procedures, and the work of a matrix to improve design specifications and standards in alignment with international best practices and environmental and sustainability requirements. It also includes monitoring and following up performance by preparing and submitting reports, periodic presentations, project brochures, and support in determining budgets for capital projects.

New contract signed to develop bus transport project in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Public Transport Co. (SAPTCO) and Qassim Municipality signed a public bus-transport project contract on March 21, 2023, at a value of SAR 115 million (inclusive of a 15% value-added tax). The company pointed out that the five-year deal includes operating the public bus transport network in Buraydah and Unaizah governorates. The transaction will have a positive impact on the company's revenues as of H2 2023.

New SAR141.7 million contract to be signed in Saudi Arabia

Al Moammar Information Systems Co. (MIS) bagged a contract to establish the infrastructure for the Unified Government Resources Planning (UGRP) from the National Center for Government Resources Systems (NCGR). The contract is valued at SAR 141.68 million, including value-added tax. It will provide the infrastructure and unified government systems, through establishing and building the UGRP's infrastructure. In addition, the company will supply and install infrastructure devices and systems consisting of several resources such as physical and virtual servers, storage and archiving units. The contract is expected to be signed by April 21, 2023. There are no related parties to the contract.

Contract signed to develop themed centers in Saudi Arabia

Play-Doh themed play centers are on their way to Saudi Arabia after Saudi Entertainment Ventures reached a deal with Hasbro Inc. The Saudi group, known as SEVEN, has announced that within the next decade the Play-Doh centers will be in its entertainment destinations in eight locations in the Kingdom. The centers will feature multi-level playscapes, creativity stations and sensory discovery activity spaces, as well as a cafe spot for parents to pass their time, stated the official release. The Play-Doh themed entertainment centers will inspire the creative minds and imaginations of children across the Kingdom. Children will be able to learn while having fun at our Play-Doh centers located at SEVEN entertainment destinations. SEVEN - owned by the Public Investment Fund – joined with Thinkwell Group, a global strategy, experience design, and production agency, to foster the Play-Doh themed centers. By investing over SR50 billion ($13.3 billion) into 21 entertainment destinations, SEVEN is cultivating the Kingdom's entertainment sector through innovative topnotch entertainment experiences and international collaboration. The 65-year Play-Doh brand is currently the number one reusable modeling compound across 80 different countries worldwide.

Contract awarded for water networks in Saudi Arabia

Saudi-based Alkhorayef Water and Power Technologies Company has announced that it has secured a SR90 million ($24 million) water services contract from the National Water Company for the Madinah City. As per the deal, Alkhorayef Water and Power Technologies Company will be reponsible for the operation and maintenance of water networks in the Saudi city for a period of 36 months.
Alkhorayef Water and Power Technologies Co. signed another contract worth SAR 33.5 million with National Water Co. (NWC) for the operation and maintenance of water networks, water treatment plants, and water wells in Hafar Al-Batin and Al Qaisumah cities.
The financial impact will start in the second quarter of 2023.

Partnership agreement signed to open a new rehab hospital in Saudi Arabia

Olayan Financial Company (OFC), represented by Olayan Saudi Holding Company (OSHCO), and Austria healthcare firm Vamed Group have partnered to open a new rehabilitation and long-term care hospital in Saudi Arabia with 150 bed capacity. The facility will provide inpatients and out patients state of the art medical and non-medical services to insured patients, government referred patients and cash patients, the facility is  the first of several planned as part of OSHCO's strategy to expand its healthcare investment portfolio, will begin operations in Riyadh in the second quarter of 2024 and offer rehabilitation and post-acute long-term care.
The announcement follows the establishment of a medical investment partnership between Olayan Saudi Holding Company and Vamed Group. Agreement was signed at Olayan Financing Company premises in Riyadh. As part of the alliance, OSHCO and Vamed will jointly establish, operate and manage hospitals in the Eastern and Western Regions of Saudi Arabia and various cities in the GCC/Middle East.
In alignment with this, the new hospital will leverage OSHCO's unparalleled local market knowledge and Vamed's international expertise to provide exceptional patient experiences and high-quality services for people with chronic illnesses or disabilities to help meet their medical and non-medical needs. They are committed to furthering this strategic partnership to transfer knowledge and best global practices to the Kingdom, develop innovative services, and play a leading role in the development of the local and regional healthcare sector. Thus contributing to the objectives of the Health Sector Transformation Program of Saudi Vision 2030 and supporting the Ministry of Health's Vision 2023 that encourages the private sector to invest, build and take over rehabilitation and post-acute long-term care centres and hospitals in the Kingdom.

Plans underway for 28 development projects in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Water Partnerships Company (SWPC), the principal off-taker for water and wastewater projects in Saudi Arabia, intends to develop 28 projects in partnership with the private sector. A total of 28 projects is split between water production (desalination), water transmission, strategic reserves and wastewater treatment segments. There are 5 Independent Water Plant (IWP) projects with an aggregate production capacity of 2.2 million cubic metres per day; 4 Independent Water Transmission Projects (IWTP) representing a combined transmission capacity of 1.5 million m3/day and length of 1,200 kilometres; 11 Independent Strategic Water Reservoir (ISWR) projects with a total storage capacity of 38 million m3 and 8 Independent Sewage Treatment Plant (ISTP) and Small Sewage Treatment Plant (SSTP) projects aggregating 0.6 million m3/day treatment capacity, 13,00 kilometres of collection networks and 120 kilometres of treated sewage effluent (TSE) network.

New contract signed for upgradation of direct current converter station in Saudi Arabia

Hitachi Energy and Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority (GCCIA) announced the signing of a contract to upgrade the Al-Fadhili high-voltage direct current (HVDC) converter station under the GCCIA authority in Saudi Arabia. Its mission is to create a resilient interconnected grid, ensuring power security, and economic benefits. The Al-Fadhili converter station started its operations in 2009 as part of a project to interconnect the power grids of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Once upgraded, the Al-Fadhili station will be able to exchange up to 1,800 megawatts of electricity between these states. Additionally, the station serves a special purpose of maintaining the stability of the connected grids. This upgrade project will replace hardware and software with Hitachi Energy's cutting-edge MACH control and protection system, the brain behind HVDC links. The project will contribute to strengthening the electrical interconnection expansion projects adopted by the authority, which aims to increase the reliability of energy in the Gulf network and make it more efficient. HVDC systems are commonly used for large-scale transmission and exchange of electricity over large distances between two HVDC converter stations, but the Al-Fadhili HVDC converter station is a back-to-back system in a single location. 4 Back-to-back stations utilize the sophisticated, digital controllability of an HVDC system to precisely manage the flow and properties of the electricity supply, providing many benefits for grid control and stability.

MoU signed for real estate development in Saudi Arabia

Tatweer Misr has announced signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Saudi Arabian Ministries of Investment, Municipal and Rural Affairs, and Housing, to discuss investment opportunities in the Kingdom, and promote government initiatives that facilitate the procedures of real estate development. The collaboration comes in light of Tatweer Misr's expansion strategy, which aims to diversify its portfolio of projects, and achieve its goal of becoming an international player.
The MoU was signed in the MIPM exhibition - which is held in Cannes, France, March 2023. The MoU achieves a common interest for both parties, as it aligns with Tatweer Misr's strategy and vision to expand the volume of its business in major regional and international markets through developing integrated, sustainable and smart urban communities, and to maximize investment returns for shareholders, while highlighting the magnitude of real estate development brought forth by the Egyptian market. The MoU also achieves the objectives of Saudi Arabia's 2030 Vision in improving the quality of city services and the urban landscape. In addition to developing and diversifying opportunities; increasing residential ownership to 70%; and enhancing the participation of the private sector.

First phase of 1900-km bus service network launched in Saudi Arabia

The Royal Commission of Riyadh City announced the launch of the first phase of the Riyadh bus service with more than 340 buses on 15 routes under the King Abdulaziz Project for Riyadh Public Transport. The ambitious public transport project is set to have 633 stations and stops within the Riyadh Buses network, which in total, consists of 86 routes. The bus network will encompass 1,900 km after all five phases become operational by the end of 2024. The network is set to exceed 800 buses with more than 2,900 stations and will include an integration of metro trains and buses. The total value of the project is estimated to be $22.5 billion and will reduce the number of car trips by approximately 250,000 trips per day. The first phase is being developed as one of the strategic projects aimed at serving the city's mobility needs, bringing a qualitative boost to the public transport sector, enhancing the connectivity of parts of the capital and raising the level of quality of life for its residents and visitors. The project includes the launch of an online portal for passengers to know the bus routes as well as purchase tickets for Riyadh buses. Passengers can purchase a trip ticket on board Riyadh buses for SR4 ($1.07), valid for two hours from the first login on one of the buses or by activating the ticket through the application.

Proposals invited for new production line in Saudi Arabia

Eastern Province Cement Company has invited specialised companies to submit bids for setting up a new production line with a capacity of 10,000 tonnes per day. The company will replace some obsolete production lines at its existing plant in Khursaniyah area to maximise production using the current infrastructure. The project's cost will be disclosed after the completion of the studies. Eastern Province Cement had announced plans for the new production line in 2015. The cement producer holds limestone exploration licenses in Khursaniyah and Najibiya areas.

Agreement signed to build first hydrogen fueling station in Saudi Arabia

Industrial gas company, Air Products has announced that one of its key units, Air Products Qudra, has signed an agreement with Enowa, the energy, water and hydrogen subsidiary of NEOM, for the construction and operation of the first hydrogen fueling station within the mega futuristic city. Air Products Qudra is the regional development and investment joint venture between US-based Air Products and Qudra Energy, a subsidiary of Vision Invest. Enowa produces and delivers clean and sustainable resources for industrial and commercial applications using a smart and connected infrastructure designed to be circular and takes advantage of NEOM's optimal solar and wind resources. The first hydrogen fueling station aims to provide critical infrastructure for NEOM's sustainability goals. The initiative will help to decarbonise heavy modes of transport in NEOM, covering buses and heavy-duty trucks. The groundwork for the fueling station is set to start in the second half of 2023. Enowa is committed to combating climate change and reducing CO2 emissions through green hydrogen. Therefore, it has partnered with Air Products Qudra in providing hydrogen-powered mobility solutions.

$2.13 billion Agreements signed to development of infrastructure facilities in Saudi Arabia

ROSHN has signed seven agreements worth 8 billion Saudi riyals ($2.13 billion) to develop various infrastructure and facilities in its different communities around the Kingdom. The contracts aim to develop various facilities across ROSHN communities, including developing and constructing housing units, infrastructure, schools, etc. The contracts were awarded to China Harbour Engineering Company, Shapoorji Pallonji & Company, Ansab General Contracting Company, Al Kifah Precast Company, among others.

EOI announced for healthcare projects in Saudi Arabia

The Ministry of Health (MOH) with the National Center for Privatization & PPP (NCP), announced the launch of the Expression of Interest (EOI) for 3 PPP projects in Riyadh and Dammam, as follow:
Long-Term Care (LTC) and Skilled Nursing Home (SNH) project: The project includes the Design, Build, Finance, Operate (clinical and non-clinical) and Maintain (DBFOM) of 200 beds for the LTC facility and 100 bed for SNH (for each region).
Medical Rehabilitation Hospital: The project includes the Design, Build, Finance, Operate (clinical and non-clinical) and Maintain (DBFOM) of 150 beds, and 120,000 outpatient rehabilitation sessions annually (for each region).
Home Healthcare (HHC): Clinical operation and maintenance of 5,000 active patients (for each region).
The final date to submit EOIs is on 13/04/2023.

MoU signed & plans unveiled for a district in Saudi Arabia

King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) has signed Memorandums of Understanding with Saudi private enterprise in the fields of entertainment during the Public Investment Fund's Private Sector Forum. MoU was signed with Altawahuj Entertainment to build an indoor and outdoor adventure park accessible to visitors and residents in KAFD under the attractions for families and children. This agreement aims to promote long-term ties between the public and private sector in order to create new business opportunities. The MoUs come alongside a plan by KAFD build 1,000 apartments by the end of 2023 to transform the area into a perfect destination. The development would create the perfect destination to work, to live, and to play. KAFD also focused on the central role of the private sector, micro, small and medium enterprises in particular, in the district's growth.

New agreement signed to establish geothermal energy in Saudi Arabia

Saudi's TAQA and Iceland based Reykjavik Geothermal have signed a joint venture agreement to establish TAQA Geothermal Energy. The new company is mandated to develop 1 gigawatt (GW) of power from geothermal resources in the Kingdom.This clean, stable and inexpensive baseload energy source has enormous potential. It goes beyond the 1+ GW of high-enthalpy power generation.

New agreement signed for development of ammonia cracking technology in Saudi Arabia

Aramco and Linde Engineering announced that they have signed an agreement to jointly develop a new ammonia cracking technology. The collaboration between the two companies will combine Linde Engineering and Aramco's experience and capabilities in industrial research and development, lower-carbon hydrogen, and ammonia cracking technology. A potential differentiator of this new technology is the ammonia cracking catalyst, jointly developed by Aramco and the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), which will be evaluated against other catalysts. Through this agreement, Aramco and Linde Engineering plan to build a demonstration plant in northern Germany to showcase this new ammonia cracking technology. Linde Engineering intends to offer this ammonia cracking technology to current and new customers, creating new commercial opportunities within the global lower-carbon energy supply chain. The emerging lower-carbon ammonia business may prove to be key in bridging the gap between a country's domestic renewable energy production capacity and total energy demand.

MoU signed to launch first luxury train in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Italy's Arsenale Group to launch the Middle East region's first luxury train in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The agreement reflects SAR's commitment to promoting tourism and cultural affairs in the Kingdom and aims to boost national tourism goals. The luxury train will offer visitors and residents of the Kingdom a unique opportunity to explore a range of tourist attractions within a framework of integrated luxury transportation services.

New deal signed to develop greenhouses in Saudi Arabia

RedSea, the Saudi AgTech business whose one-of-a-kind technology enables commercial farming in hot environments globally, has signed an MoU with the Saudi Downtown Company, a fully-owned subsidiary of the kingdom's wealth fund PIF (Public Investment Fund). The new partnership allows the two parties to discuss designing, building and operation of RedSea greenhouses at SDC locations across the kingdom, allowing the deployment of sustainable agriculture technologies everyone can benefit from. Each downtown project is a mixed-use development that will provide a platform to enhance the quality of life and promote economic growth across 12 Saudi cities, delivering magnet attractions for each individual location. The partnership will enhance the urban living experience through the integration of innovative, sustainable greenhouses into modern city landscapes with original concepts also designed to highlight the rich culture and tradition of each area. The greenhouses are not only sustainable and include the most advanced technologies – the facilities will themselves become attractive destinations for visitors in their own right through their creative experience and culinary-driven offerings. New job and training opportunities for locals can be expected in the horticultural management, juice bars and cafes that will form the ensemble. This collaboration is aligned with the Kingdom's vision and the quality of life objectives by enhancing green spaces and providing fresh, high-quality produce to local communities.

$2.1bn investment plans underway in Saudi Arabia

A hospital, a bookstore and a hydrogen plant are among the developments heading for Jubail after the Saudi Government signed off a package of investment deals worth SR8 billion ($2.13 billion). The Kingdom's Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources revealed the agreements with investments ranging from industrial to commercial services - all focused on providing services to the residents and enhancing the quality of life in Jubail Industrial City.
The agreements were signed by Royal Commission in Jubail, with one seeing the National Center for Environmental Compliance Control building a headquarters with an estimated investment of SR270 million and offering 80 jobs for Saudi workers.
In addition to creating 50 jobs for Saudi citizens, Jarir Marketing Co. will run a branch of Jarir Bookstore, as well as a collection of restaurants and cafes in Sudair's city center in the Al-Fanateer district, for SR40.1 million.
With an estimated investment of SR1.2 billion, Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib Medical Group will build and operate a hospital, providing 1,800 job opportunities for Saudis.
Numerous industrial developments have also been agreed, with a consortium of Saudi Aramco and Air Products Qudra Company building and operating a hydrogen plant in the Al-Fayhaa area, with a projected investment of SR30 million.
The Advanced Circular Materials Co. and the Royal Commission in Jubail have agreed to establish and run a plant to produce vanadium oxide and its accessories in what would be a SR3 million investment deal that is forecast to create 421 direct jobs.
The Union Crown Company for Paper Industry will construct and operate a factory to produce large-sized paper rolls for an investment estimated at SR380 million in the PlasChem area, which will provide 283 direct jobs.
Khalid Al-Juffali Co. is set to build a plant to produce di-methylene isocyanate, with an estimated investment of more than SR750 million, creating 280 direct jobs.
Baalbaki Chemical Industries, known as BCI, will build and operate a plant to produce polyester materials, polyether mixture and polymer methylene compound in PlasChem, with an estimated investment of SR225 million, providing 232 direct jobs.
Dow Saudi Arabia will establish and operate a facility to produce amine solvents in the PlasChem area, with an estimated investment of more than SR132 million, providing 21 direct jobs.
With an estimated investment of more than SR1.5 million, Calico Co. Ltd. plans to build and operate a facility in Jubail Industrial City, to produce protein and nutrients for marine organisms. 
Building and operating a plant to produce methyl diethanolamine and methylamine compounds with Al Hujailan/Dow Co. for a value of SR375 million, estimated to create 75 direct jobs.
These projects support the Royal Commission's plan to support the manufacturing sector. The products that will be produced have a wide range of uses, particularly in producing large batteries and intermediate agents for chemical reactions. Some of these products contribute to the Kingdom's fisheries and food security. 

Plan unveiled for new residential community in Saudi Arabia

ROSHN Group has announced the launch of 'ALFULWA,' its fourth residential community in the Kingdom, covering an area of more than 10.8 million square metres and located 7 kilometres from the centre of Al Hofuf city, the major urban centre in the Al-Ahsa Oasis in the Eastern Province. The project will feature more than 18,000 residential units with a population capacity of over 100,000 people. ALFULWA project marks the fourth community launched by ROSHN, following the successful introduction of SEDRA and WAREFAH in Riyadh and ALAROUS in Jeddah. With a focus on enriching the quality of life and fostering vibrant communities, ROSHN is committed to realising the objectives outlined in Saudi Vision 2030. ALFULWA project extends ROSHN's vision of promoting the concept of sustainable housing and making it available to the largest possible segment of the Saudi society. In its design and construction, ALFULWA adheres to the sustainability principle, contributing to a 18% reduction in energy consumption costs. In addition, the project incorporates unique architectural features of the Eastern Province's buildings, which combine horizontal grooves and carefully crafted details, making it an ideal example of traditional architecture. Built near Dakhna Mountain and Al Qarah Mountain, ALFULWA project illustrates the unique cultural and geographical heritage of the region, providing an ideal mix of urban facilities amidst the stunning mountainous nature. The new residential community will also be developed in accordance with the ROSHN Group's key design DNA, by providing high-quality residences, connected to a range of integrated utilities and public spaces that together form vibrant communities.

Long-term contract awarded for Neutral Zone opeartions in Saudi Arabia & Kuwait

Kuwait’s HOT Engineering & Construction has won a long-term contract on key oilfields in the Neutral Zone region jointly owned by Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. The contract, awarded by a joint operations company in which each country has equal stakes, covers the supply of heavy equipment over five years to improve operations from the Neutral Zone region. The joint operations company manages the key oilfields in the Neutral Zone region. The joint area is home to two significant oilfields the offshore Khafji field and the onshore Wafra field, where production has resumed after a four-year shutdown due to operational disputes. Oil production in the Neutral Zone is divided equally between the two countries, with Khafji operated by Saudi Aramco and state-run Kuwait Gulf Oil Company (KGOC), and Wafra operated by Chevron’s Saudi subsidiary with KGOC. The two fields are said to be producing just below 200,000 barrels per day of oil in total, but the two nations aim to boost production from the Neutral Zone to between 400,000 bpd and 500,000 bpd in the coming years.

Contracts signed to establish new entrepreneurial projects in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (Modon) signed 3 contracts to establish new projects for entrepreneurs with projected investments of more than SR10 million, on the sidelines of the Biban2023 forum. MODON signed a contract with Xtreme Systems to allocate a ready factory with an area of 700m2 to localize the computer and electronic and visual products industry and create 30 jobs, as well as with the Almanara Electric Trading Company, to allocate a ready factory with an area of 1500m2 to produce electrical equipment in Al Kharj industrial city to create 18 jobs. The third contract was to allocate a ready factory with an area of 700m2 in Sudair City for Industry and Businesses for Musa and Palm Company, for producing date fingers with chocolate, date powder, palm pollen and date baked goods. It will provide 21 jobs. The new projects are part of Modon strategy to enable the industry and contribute to increase the local content, support national trends to increase the participation of female and male entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises in GDP to 35% by 2030.

Crude oil increment projects progressing in Saudi Arabia

Construction and engineering activities for Saudo Aramco's Marjan and Berri crude oil increments continue to make progress and are expected to add production capacities of 300,000 barrels per day (bpd) and 250,000 bpd, respectively, by 2025.The Zuluf crude oil increment is in the engineering phase and will likely provide a central facility to process 600,000 bpd of crude oil from the Zuluf field by 2026. Construction activities are also continuing on the Dammam development project, which is anticipated to add 25,000 bpd and 50,000 bpd of crude oil by 2024 and 2027, respectively. Gas compression projects at the Haradh and Hawiyah fields commenced commissioning activities and full capacity is expected to be reached in 2023. Construction at the Hawiyah Unayzah Gas Reservoir Storage, the first underground natural gas storage project in the Kingdom, is at an advanced stage and has commenced injection activities. The programme will provide up to 2 billion standard cubic feet per day of natural gas for reintroduction into the Kingdom's Master Gas System by 2024.

SAR49.4 million contract signed for hospital construction in Saudi Arabia

Naba Alsaha Medical Services Co. signed a contract with Al-Kayan Technical Arabian Contracting Company, to implement the civil and structural works for its hospital in Riyadh at a value of SAR 49.4 million. The company pointed out that the 180-bed capacity hospital is located in Munsiyah district of Riyadh. The contractor will carry out the entire project works in compliance with the project masterplan and bills of quantities approved by the consultant within 10 months only from the site handover date with groundwork finalized. The contract will have a positive financial impact on the company's revenue as it will accelerate the construction of the hospital.

New SAR49.65 million contract signed in Saudi Arabia

Al Moammar Information Systems Co. (MIS) inked a contract to operate and manage electronic and computer services for the Board of Grievances, at a total value of SAR 49.65 million. MIS expected the relevant financial impact to appear on 2023-2026 earnings. There are no related parties to the deal. The project includes providing the highest levels of expertise and services to ensure the sustainability and operation of the Board of Grievances' electronic services and computers. The contract will ensure the readiness and stability of the systems and the non-interruption of electronic services to the beneficiaries.

New settlement agreement signed in Saudi Arabia

National Industrialization Co.'s (Tasnee) subsidiary, Advanced Metal Industries Cluster Co. Ltd. (AMIC), signed a settlement and collaborative refurbishment and optimization works agreements with Metso Outotec for the Ilmenite Smelter Project in Jazan City for Primary and Downstream Industries (JCPDI). The final settlement agreement is in relation to the original engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract, signed in May 2012. The agreement will govern future works on the Ilmenite Smelter Project. The collaborative agreement entails additional value engineering and enhancements for both furnaces to ensure sustainable operating performance at higher operating rates. The value engineering will evaluate and finalize the required enhancements for both furnaces and is expected to complete during 2023. AMIC, the project owner and MO, the contractor will bear the costs of the design modifications.

New $6billion deal signed in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Aramco has agreed a $6 billion framework deal with the Export-Import Bank of Korea that could help South Korean companies win contracts in the Kingdom. The three-year deal was signed by Eximbank and Saudi Aramco Chief Financial Officer in Seoul. Eximbank can lend up to $6 billion to Saudi Aramco which can be used to pay South Korean companies involved in projects with the global energy firm. The deal could give a big boost to South Korean companies in winning contracts in the Middle East. $1 billion out of the $6 billion is set for hydrogen and renewable energy deals. The agreement came amid expectations of profitable business opportunities in the Kingdom and the Middle East following the November visit to Seoul by Saudi Crown Prince.
South Korean companies are seeking to win construction contracts in Saudi Arabia's $500 billion giga-project NEOM to develop eco-friendly cities. The deal also comes as part of South Korea’s efforts to create a 'second Middle East boom', that comes as a follow-up of the first Middle East boom where many Koreans sent home cash by working at construction sites in the region in the 1970s. Aramco managed to build a strong relationship with South Korea by dedicating projects in the country and signing agreements with the Asian country’s companies. Aramco signed a memorandum of understanding for cooperation with South Korea's Hoban Group to work together in construction and manufacturing. Aramco announced last year a $7 billion project in South Korea to produce petrochemicals from crude oil at S-Oil Corp. The project, named Shaheen, is the Saudi company's biggest investment in South Korea and will mark the first commercial use of Aramco and Lummus technology, a leading licensor of proprietary petrochemicals, to produce chemicals from crude.

Indigo to open new hotel in Saudi Arabia

IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has announced the signing of a management agreement with Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City for a new Hotel Indigo within the city near the Irqah area along Wadi Hanifa in Riyadh. Set to open in 2025, with basement works already completed, the new hotel adds to IHG’s robust growth plans across various new developments that align with the kingdom’s Vision 2030 tourism strategy. The signing of a new Hotel Indigo in Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City is significant, as it is the first non-profit city of its kind, set to be an incubator for youth and for local and international institutions supporting innovation, entrepreneurship, and future leaders.
The hotel will be located next to the city’s Al Mishraq Zone and serve as a living laboratory where innovation and social life will thrive, and creativity will meet science and technology. Guests will be able to take advantage of the city’s cultural experiences by using a vibrant pedestrian-only main street as part of the City’s 15 minute planning concept, with connections to cultural offerings as well as elevated fine dining restaurants overlooking the stunning Wadi Hanifah and views of Riyadh’s city skyline. The new-build Hotel Indigo will feature 234 guestrooms and suites, as well as 138 serviced apartments. The hotel is ideally situated just 15 minutes from Riyadh city centre and 10 minutes from the Unesco World Heritage Site, At-Turaif District in Al-Dir'iyah. It also provides easy access to beautiful, diverse landscapes, together with iconic and innovative building structures including the Misk Art Institute, Mohammed bin Salman Foundation Misk headquarters, and a conference center, all located within the development.  The lifestyle hotel will boast three dining options for guests, including a neighborhood cafe, specialty dining venue, and an exquisite lobby lounge. Hotel Indigo Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City Riyadh will also offer state-of-the-art facilities, including four multi-purpose meeting spaces, a contemporary health club and a swimming pool, making it the ultimate destination for a range of guests.

SAR 68.8mln contract awarded for Medical Center operation in Saudi Arabia

Scientific & Medical Equipment House Co. (Equipment House) has been awarded a project by the Border Guard to operate the Border Guard Medical Center in Riyadh, at a total value of SAR 68.84 million (VAT inclusive). The project’s implementation period is three years. The financial impact will be reflected during the second quarter of 2023. Any future update in this regard will be announced in due course, particularly, after receiving and signing the final copy of the contract by all parties concerned.

Latest residential project launched in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia's national real estate developer ROSHN announced the launch of WAREFA, its second residential project in Riyadh. The new project, located in Al-Janadriyyah, East Riyadh, spans 1.4 million square meters (sqm).  The project will likely accommodate over 2,000 housing units for 13,000 people, in addition to other shopping and service facilities, healthcare centers, schools, mosques and gardens extending on 160,000 sqm.

15 New factories announced to be established in Saudi Arabia

The Deputy Minister for Industry and Mineral Resources  announced that up to 15 new factories for modern technologies are set to be built in Saudi Arabia. Three of the new plants will be advanced factories for vital medicines and medical vaccines, four for assembling aircraft components, and eight for metal forming. The announcement comes as the national strategy for industry is seeking to boost the number of factories in the Kingdom to 36,000 factories by 2035. It aims to produce up to 800,000 tons of specialized chemicals, and further boost exports of advanced technology products six-fold. The industrial domestic product is set to double to SR895 billion ($238 billion), with the value of industrial exports earmarked to grow 100 percent to reach SR577 billion. Over and above this, the plan aims to diminish the deficit in the industrial trade balance by as much as 80 percent, bringing the total value of additional investments in the sector to SR1.3 trillion. Among the other goals and objectives of the strategy is to offer 800 investment opportunities worth SR1 trillion. Some 15 industrial prospects have been identified in Saudi Arabia across four potentials: building and bolstering supply chains with global standards, developing the industrial business environment, enhancing the Kingdom's international trade, and developing as well as promoting a culture of innovation and knowledge. Through the national industry strategy and in partnership with the private sector, the Kingdom will become a leading industrial power that contributes to securing global supply chains, and exporting high-tech products to the world.

12 new private sector projects announced in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia announced firsts set of projects under its Shareek which aims to increase domestic investments of private sector companies (listed and non-listed companies) to reach 5 trillion Saudi riyals ($1.3 trillion) by 2030 through government-approved incentives. The programme was launched by the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on 30 March 2021. The 12 projects worth SAR 192.4 billion ($51 billion) have been approved within the Shareek incentives criteria across 8 companies.
The projects are as follows: 1) A joint venture steel plate manufacturing project (Aramco). 2) A cloud project targeted for Google Cloud services (Aramco). 3) An engine manufacturing project for maritime sector (Aramco). 4) A casting and forging project in Ras Al Khair (Aramco). 5) Amiral Petrochemical Complex project (Aramco). 6) Construction of the world’s largest green hydrogen plant, which is being developed ACWA Power in partnership with NEOM Green Hydrogen Company and Air Products Qudra. 7) Ma’aden’s (Saudi Arabian Mining Company) Phosphate 3 project in Wa’ad Al Shamal, which is set to position the company as the third largest global producer of phosphate fertilisers. 8) SABIC’s catalyst project, which aims reduce Saudi Arabia’s import dependency and enhance exports by establishing the Kingdom’s first catalyst manufacturing hub. 9) Advanced Petrochemical Company’s methionine production project, which will contribute to enhancing food security in the Kingdom. 10) Telecom company stc’s EMC cable project, which will link Saudi Arabia Via submarine cables. 11) Zain Saudi Arabia’s data centre project. 12) Logistics giant Bahri’s ammonia transportation project, which aims to reduce international vessel dependency and enhancing local content in the logistics sector.

Plans anounced for a 149 suites resort in Saudi Arabia

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and Red Sea Global (RSG), a closed joint stock company wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia, has announced plans to introduce a Four Seasons Resort as part of The Red Sea Masterplan Development. Soon to be one of the region's foremost luxury beachside destinations, The Red Sea will comprise the idyllic natural islands and lagoons across 200 km of coastline along the western coast of Saudi Arabia, between the cities of Umluj and Al Wajh. The new Four Seasons Resort will be located on Shura Island, the hub of the development and also home to a yacht marina, leisure and lifestyle facilities, retail offerings, 18-hole golf course and more. This will be one of the first resorts in the Kingdom, blending the best of beachside travel with the natural and cultural wonders within such a beautiful and storied destination of Saudi Arabia.
The new Four Seasons Resort, designed by Foster + Partners, will offer 149 rooms and suites, all with uninterrupted views over white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. The property will also feature six restaurant and lounge outlets, meeting and events spaces, a marine discovery centre, Kids For All Seasons space and much more. Whether looking for rest and relaxation or sport and water activities, there will be something for everyone, including a full-service spa with a hammam, tennis courts, three outdoor pools with cabanas, and two separate beaches for families and adults perfect for soaking in the sun or diving down to explore the coral reefs. The resort will be easily accessible to visitors from around the world through its own dedicated airport, currently under development. This latest project will join Four Seasons growing collection of properties in the kingdom.

Agreement signed for a new luxury hotel in Saudi Arabia

The King Abdullah Financial District Development and Management Company (KAFD DMC) has signed an agreement to open an Equinox Hotel in Saudi Arabia's prime financial district. Equinox Hotels embodies a holistic philosophy and has redefined luxury as the ultimate  experience in travel and health as a seamless extension of a life well-lived. It is one of the key anchors to the largest private mixed-use real-estate development in the US. The highly successful Equinox Hotel New York is the brand's flagship that continues to grow its global footprint. KAFD DMC owns and manages the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), looks forward to work with Equinox Hotels to strengthen the value of their services and attract more visitors to Riyadh. It is expected that the new Equinox Hotel and KAFD will incorporate the company's trademark luxury lifestyle experience offering a variety of programming, services and 275 spacious guest rooms and suites.

Investors invited for $1.6billion projects in eastern Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has invited investors for projects on its Eastern coastline in tourism and other sectors with a combined value of 6 billion Saudi riyals ($1.6 billion). The Eastern Region’s Secretariat (municipality) is offering the projects with a set of incentives that include contract leases of up to 50 years. The projects are located on Nisf Al-Qamar (Half Moon) Bay and are the largest to be offered by the government in that area. Spreading on an area of more than 3 million square metres, the projects cover tourism, sports, amusement, infrastructure, health and marine facilities. The incentives for investors also comprise low bank guarantee from investors of 25 percent of the lease value and tax exemption of up to 10 percent of the contract value.

New partnership announced for a new wellness resort in Saudi Arabia

Saudi multi-project developer Red Sea Global has partnered with Swiss longevity clinic Clinique La Prairie to offer a new wellness resort at its upcoming ultra-luxury tourism destination AMAALA. The project involves the development of the Clinique La Prairie Health Resort, spanning 36,115 sq. m, offering 13 villas and 52 rooms and suites, on Saudi Arabia's north-western coastline. The resort also features a diagnostics lab, museum, beach club, workshop and training rooms, private dining space, and a cooking school, ensuring a rejuvenation experience. As part of its wellness approach, Clinique La Prairie combines preventative medicine, genetics and epigenetics with customized lifestyle and nutrition plans. Clinique La Prairie will include an advanced diagnostics lab and radiology, physio, neuroscience, dermo, aesthetics, and dentistry. It will also provide a cryo-chamber, hyperbaric suites, IV infusions and a series of next-generation therapies, aimed at contributing to AMAALA's standing as a distinctive wellness destination. The destination will be powered by 100 percent renewable energy in line with its sustainability commitments. The first phase of the destination is well underway, and it expects to welcome its first guests in 2024. The retreat will consist of eight resorts offering upwards of 1,300 hotel keys.

Gas allocation letter received for a production facility in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Chemical Holding Co.'s (SCHC) subsidiary Saudi Chemical Co. Ltd., in partnership with a local company, received gas allocation letter from the Ministry of Energy to establish a production facility for nitric acid and ammonium nitrate. The facility's annual production capacity for nitric acid will be 440,000 ton, and for ammonium nitrate will be 300,000 ton. The project is the first of its kind in the region, and its importance lies in providing the raw materials needed for several downstream industries in the domestic markets. The most important of which are civil and defense explosives, missiles and rockets propellants, and, smelting salts used in the production of solar panels, in addition to pharmaceutical industries. The financial impact of this announcement cannot be determined at present, any future developments will be announced.

SAR 555 million contract signed for Yanbu Growth II Expansion Project in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Aramco Base Oil Co.  (Luberef) signed an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) award contract with Petrojet Co. for Yanbu Growth II Expansion Project at a total value of SAR 555 million. Under the contract, the company will boost the project's production capacity of base oil to nearly 1.3 million metric tons per annum. The expansion is aimed at increasing the production of Group II and Group III base oils to meet the market demand. The contract will extend for 30 months as of the award date, and the relevant financial impact will appear after the launch of commercial operations by H2 2025. The deal does not include any related parties. The company's board of directors approved, in July 2022, the final investment decision (FID) in relation to the Yanbu Growth II Expansion, which is planned to start operations in 2025. The project is expected to cost $150-200 million between 2022-2024, with the largest portion incurred in 2023-2024.

New deal signed to set up $8.07million green field facility in Saudi Arabia

Alesayi Beverage Corporation and Tetra Pak Arabia, have signed a Euro 7.6 million ($8.07 million) deal at Gulfood 2023 for setting up a green field facility, which will produce 200,000 litres of beverages every day in its first phase. Under the agreement, Tetra Pak will provide state-of-the-art processing equipment for the facility in Jeddah, which will be fully-functional by the first quarter of 2024. The newly designed factory will be solar powered and the innovative design will ensure reduced water and energy consumption. This agreement is set to boost Alesayi’s regional and international expansion plan, while creating significant employment opportunities in Jeddah.

$285bn deals signed for industrial cities & food factories in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (Modon) has signed several contracts and agreements worth SR1.07 billion ($285 million) to localize the food and beverage industry in the kingdom. With this the number of food factories in the kingdom has increased to 1171 with a total area of approximately 10 million sq m by the end of 2023. The announcement came on the sidelines of Modon's participation in the Gulfood 23 exhibition, which concluded in Dubai, where it reviewed its industrial environment, services, and products that enable the localization of food industries to contribute to achieving the Kingdom's food security, as per the objectives of the national strategy for industry and the initiatives included in the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP) in line with Saudi Vision 2030. Within the framework of its strategy to empower the industry and contribute to increasing local content in vital sectors to diversify the bases of the national economy and to contribute to the localization of 85% of the total demand in the food market in the kingdom.
Modon signed an agreement with the Jordan Valley Company for Food Industries (Al Bayrouty) to establish a factory in the Second Industrial City in Jeddah, on an area of 15,000 sq m, with investments of about SR50 million, for the production of grains and legumes Modon also signed an agreement with the Kuwaiti Danish Dairy Company (KDD) to set up a new F&B commodities factory on an area of 100,000 sq m in Sudair City for Industry and Businesses at a total investment of SR375 million. It also signed a contract for allocation of industrial land with Siniora Food Industries Company towards establishment of a factory on an area of 25,000 sq m at the second Industrial City in Jeddah for the production of frozen and chilled meat, with investments of SR140 million.
According to Modon, an agreement has been inked with the Dose Cafe company to allocate land for the construction of a ready-made F&B items factory in Sudair City for Industry and Businesses in addition to a tripartite agreement with Indel and Foodics companies that would stimulate supply chains in the food industry sector by providing technical linkage services between food manufacturers in Modon's industrial cities and supply chain of restaurants and hospitality in the kingdom. It also signed a contract with IFFCO to allocate new industrial land in Dammam's Second Industrial City for the production of ketchup, mayonnaise, tomatoes, and bread derivatives, as part of the company's plans to expand its current investment activity in the food industries sector. Modon signed agreements with several specialized companies, including the Arab Seara Food Industries Company, the investment arm in the Middle East and North Africa of Brazilian GPS group, a leading manufacturer of meat products and derivatives. The Saudi group has reached an agreement with the Alshaya Group, and Iffco to support its initiative to establish 'food clusters' within the framework of the initiatives entrusted to Modon in the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP).

New agreement signed to set up $268million integrated logistics park in Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) and Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry have signed an agreement to set up a one billion Saudi riyals ($267.65 million) integrated logistics park at Al Khumrah, south of Jeddah. Spread over three square kilometres, the logistics park comprises three zones that include shared warehouses, medium-sized storage yards and single warehouses, and large storage yards and on-demand warehouses. The various zones will meet the requirements of importers and exporters of stocking multipurpose cargo, chilled and frozen goods, food commodities, and fragile goods. The park will also provide move-in-ready warehouses, storage yards, re-export zones, custom storage, logistics amenities, commercial units, residential units, staff accommodation, and infrastructure such as roads and green spaces. The park is set to create over 10,000 direct and indirect job opportunities in the logistics sector.