Saudi Arabia Launches Platform to Enable Contractors to Implement PIF Projects

Works on the Amaala project on the Red Sea coast, northwest of Saudi Arabia (Photo: Asharq Al-Awsat)
Works on the Amaala project on the Red Sea coast, northwest of Saudi Arabia (Photo: Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia Launches Platform to Enable Contractors to Implement PIF Projects

Works on the Amaala project on the Red Sea coast, northwest of Saudi Arabia (Photo: Asharq Al-Awsat)
Works on the Amaala project on the Red Sea coast, northwest of Saudi Arabia (Photo: Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Arabia has launched a platform that qualifies contractors and provides services and facilities to enable them to obtain pre-qualification according to technical evaluation criteria.

 

The new platform will contribute to providing a highly reliable indicator for companies affiliated with the Public Investment Fund to implement construction projects in cooperation with the private sector.

 

The Saudi Sovereign Fund has been able to establish 77 local companies so far, as part of its endeavor to advance economic transformation, create job opportunities and diversify investments at the local and international levels.

 

On Thursday, the Saudi Contractors Authority (SCA), in cooperation with the PIF, announced the launch of the “re-qualification of contractors” program, in a step to enhance competitiveness and transparency in the sector, and to enable the implementation of current and future projects for companies affiliated with the Sovereign Fund in accordance with the highest quality standards.

 

The service provides a platform that brings together a number of establishments affiliated to the PIF in a unified pre-qualification program, and enables them to participate in the projects through several criteria, including: activities and experience, quality management, and health and safety.

 

The Saudi Contractors Authority has recently concluded the fifth edition of the Future Projects Forum, in Riyadh.

 

More than 3,000 contractors and interested parties from 16 countries around the world participated in the event, along with 43 government and private agencies.

 

The forum reviewed the details and developments of more than 3,000 future projects, the value of which was estimated at SAR 1 trillion ($266 billion).

 

It also saw the launching of a platform that helps contractors and interested parties to track and search for contracting projects in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.

 

Meanwhile, iot squared, a leading company in the Internet of Things (IoT) technologies and a subsidiary of the STC group, has signed a cooperation agreement with “AHOY” Technology, specializing in smart mobility infrastructure and logistics services.

 

This collaboration supports the complete transformation towards IoT, contributing to an advanced technological revolution that aims to achieve the targets of Saudi Vision 2030.

 

Under this agreement, iot squared, in partnership with “AHOY”, will provide the latest smart logistics solutions, including advanced technology infrastructure and various programs that contribute to developing application interfaces and software platforms. The collaboration also involves identifying the target audience and providing technical support.

 

Othman Aldahsh, CEO of "iot squared", emphasized that global alliances were a key priority to benefit from potentials and create new opportunities through dedicated investments, acquisitions and partnerships.

 



Presidential Election: A Crucial First Step toward Saving Lebanon from Economic Crisis

The vacant presidential seat at Baabda Palace after President Michel Aoun's term ended (Reuters)
The vacant presidential seat at Baabda Palace after President Michel Aoun's term ended (Reuters)
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Presidential Election: A Crucial First Step toward Saving Lebanon from Economic Crisis

The vacant presidential seat at Baabda Palace after President Michel Aoun's term ended (Reuters)
The vacant presidential seat at Baabda Palace after President Michel Aoun's term ended (Reuters)

Since 2019, Lebanon has faced one of its worst economic crises in modern history, affecting all aspects of life. The local currency has lost over 95% of its value, driving inflation to record levels and making goods and services unaffordable. Poverty and unemployment have surged.
Amid this, political divisions have paralyzed government action, preventing any effective response to the crisis.
The recent war with Israel added to the burden, causing huge human and material losses estimated by the World Bank at $8.5 billion. This has made Lebanon’s economic and social struggles even harder to resolve, with no president in place to lead the country.
The presidential post in Lebanon has been vacant since President Michel Aoun's term ended in October 2022, leaving the country without a leader to address growing economic and financial issues.
This vacancy has stalled government formation, making it difficult for Lebanon to negotiate with international donors like the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which demands major reforms in exchange for aid.
Choosing a new president is now a critical priority, not only to regain local and international confidence but also to begin the long-needed reforms.
One major challenge the new president will face is the reconstruction effort, which is estimated to cost over $6 billion. This is a huge financial burden that will require significant resources and effort to secure funding.
Reconstruction in Lebanon is not just about fixing infrastructure or repairing damage; it is a key test of the country’s ability to restore its role on the regional and international arena.
To achieve this, Lebanon needs a president with a clear vision and strong international connections, able to engage effectively with donor countries and major financial institutions.
Without credible and unified political leadership, Lebanon’s chances of gaining external support will remain limited, especially as international trust has been shaken by years of mismanagement and lack of reforms.
Keeping Lebanon’s deepening crises in mind, the people are hoping that electing a new president will offer a chance for economic and political recovery.
The new president, along with a strong government, is expected to rebuild trust both locally and internationally and restore political stability—key factors for stopping the economic decline and encouraging growth.
For instance, reviving Lebanon’s vital tourism sector will require better security and restoring confidence in the country as a safe place for investment.
This can only happen with political leadership that has a clear plan for reconstruction and necessary reforms.
Given Lebanon’s ongoing financial struggles, the new president’s ability to address these challenges will be critical to rescuing the country and guiding the economy toward recovery and sustainable growth.