NEOM Hosts Global Contractor Forum to Shape Future Projects

With the help of the companies that participated in the forum, the workforce is anticipated to grow to over 200,000 by next year - SPA
With the help of the companies that participated in the forum, the workforce is anticipated to grow to over 200,000 by next year - SPA
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NEOM Hosts Global Contractor Forum to Shape Future Projects

With the help of the companies that participated in the forum, the workforce is anticipated to grow to over 200,000 by next year - SPA
With the help of the companies that participated in the forum, the workforce is anticipated to grow to over 200,000 by next year - SPA

NEOM, the sustainable development taking shape in the northwest of Saudi Arabia, brought together over 100 of the world’s leading construction companies for a two-day industry forum, SPA reported.

The gathering, held in NEOM, showcased on-the-ground construction progress while highlighting future developments as NEOM advances into the next stage of its vast portfolio of projects.
As NEOM’s projects transition into a new phase of execution, the demand for top-tier construction proficiency is vital to deliver some of the most ambitious development projects the world has ever seen. These bold projects include the 170 km long city, THE LINE, currently being built in modular phases, with the first phase welcoming residents in 2030. The forum also emphasized the importance of innovation within the industry and how traditional construction methods will not meet the scale and scope of NEOM. Additionally, on-the-ground progress was showcased throughout NEOM, including construction progress on THE LINE, the Spine, Oxagon, Trojena, and the NEOM International Airport.
The forum opened with an address by the CEO of NEOM, Nadhmi Al-Nasr, stating: "As we go into our busiest ever phase of development, the scale of opportunities across NEOM is monumental. With projects progressing fast across all parts of the region, we are committed to collaborating with globally renowned contractors to achieve the vision of NEOM".
Attendees benefited from insights into the plans and scope of upcoming opportunities. Additionally, they visited project sites to witness first-hand the construction currently taking place, which is already on a massive scale seldom seen anywhere in the world. The event also included one-on-one meetings during which specific business opportunities were discussed as contractors displayed their services and capabilities.
The forum hosted a mix of firms from Saudi Arabia, along with international firms from Asia, Europe, North America, and North Africa. Construction is currently underway throughout all of NEOM, with a construction workforce of over 140,000. With the help of the companies that participated in the forum, the workforce is anticipated to grow to over 200,000 by next year.



Bahrain's Economy Expands 3.4% in Q4 Driven by Non-oil Growth

General view of capital Manama, Bahrain, October 30, 2022. (Reuters)
General view of capital Manama, Bahrain, October 30, 2022. (Reuters)
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Bahrain's Economy Expands 3.4% in Q4 Driven by Non-oil Growth

General view of capital Manama, Bahrain, October 30, 2022. (Reuters)
General view of capital Manama, Bahrain, October 30, 2022. (Reuters)

Bahrain's economy expanded by 3.4% in the fourth quarter compared to a year earlier, the finance ministry said on Tuesday, citing preliminary data.

Growth was driven primarily by a 4.6% increase in non-oil activities, while oil activities declined by 3.5% over the same period, data from the Gulf nation's Information and eGovernment Authority showed.

For 2024, Bahrain's real total gross domestic product grew by 2.6%, according to the statement.

According to projections from the ministry, Bahrain's real GDP is expected to grow by 2.7% in 2025, due to a 3.4% expansion in non-oil activities, coinciding with the operation of the Bapco Modernization Program.

The Bapco Modernization Program, one of Bahrain's largest energy investments, is expected to significantly raise refinery output, bolstering fiscal revenues amid efforts to diversify the economy.

Growth is forecast to reach 3.3% in 2026, supported by a 3.9% increase in non-oil activities.

"However, the forecasts will be closely monitored and updated to account for the ongoing global uncertainty and escalating turmoil that may affect the economic projections," the ministry said.

Last month, global ratings agency S&P Global downgraded Bahrain's outlook to "negative" from "stable", citing ongoing market volatility and weaker financing conditions that could increase the government's interest burden.

Escalating trade tensions have added to global economic uncertainty, clouding macroeconomic forecasts and weighing on investor and policymaker confidence around the world.