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.

 



Gold Rises as Weaker Dollar, Trump's Criticism of Powell Fuel Uncertainty

FILED - 04 April 2025, Bavaria, Munich: A man places a gold bar in a safe deposit box in a vault at the precious metal dealer Pro Aurum. Photo: Sven Hoppe/dpa
FILED - 04 April 2025, Bavaria, Munich: A man places a gold bar in a safe deposit box in a vault at the precious metal dealer Pro Aurum. Photo: Sven Hoppe/dpa
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Gold Rises as Weaker Dollar, Trump's Criticism of Powell Fuel Uncertainty

FILED - 04 April 2025, Bavaria, Munich: A man places a gold bar in a safe deposit box in a vault at the precious metal dealer Pro Aurum. Photo: Sven Hoppe/dpa
FILED - 04 April 2025, Bavaria, Munich: A man places a gold bar in a safe deposit box in a vault at the precious metal dealer Pro Aurum. Photo: Sven Hoppe/dpa

Gold edged higher on Thursday, supported by a weaker dollar and growing uncertainty after reports suggested US President Donald Trump was considering replacing Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell as early as September or October.

The reports raised concerns over the future independence of the US central bank, boosting demand for safe-haven bullion, Reuters reported.

Spot gold was up 0.1% at $3,336.02 per ounce, as of 0640 GMT. US gold futures rose 0.2% to $3,349.30.

The dollar fell to its lowest level since March 2022, making greenback-priced gold less expensive for overseas buyers.

Powell told a US Senate panel on Wednesday that while Trump's tariffs may cause a one-time price hike, the risk of persistent inflation is significant enough for the Fed to be cautious about further rate cuts.

"Trump clearly wants a dovish Fed Chairman next time around, so the increased likelihood of an aggressive rate-cutting cycle is pinning down the USD," KCM Trade Chief Market Analyst Tim Waterer said.

Bullion tends to do well during periods of uncertainty and in a low-interest-rate environment.

On Wednesday, Trump called Powell "terrible" and said he is considering three or four candidates for the top Fed post.

Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump has even toyed with the idea of announcing Powell's potential successor by September or October.

Markets are awaiting US GDP print due later in the day, while also keeping a watch for data on Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) on Friday for cues on Fed's rate-cut trajectory.

A ceasefire between Israel and Iran appeared to be holding on Wednesday as Trump, at a NATO summit, praised the swift end to the 12-day conflict and said he would seek a commitment from Iran to end its nuclear ambitions at talks next week.

Spot silver edged up 0.1% to $36.34 per ounce, platinum firmed 1.8% to $1,379.58, while palladium rose 3.4% to $1,093.70.