Saudi Construction Sector to Complete 5,000 Projects Worth $1.6 Trillion

Expectations of an active return to the construction sector to complete implementation of development projects in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Expectations of an active return to the construction sector to complete implementation of development projects in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Construction Sector to Complete 5,000 Projects Worth $1.6 Trillion

Expectations of an active return to the construction sector to complete implementation of development projects in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Expectations of an active return to the construction sector to complete implementation of development projects in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The construction sector in Saudi Arabia has been the most affected by the suspension of economic activities during the coronavirus pandemic.

However, specialists in the construction and urban development sector have expected a strong resumption of work, which would contribute to reducing economic losses while completing pending projects.

They affirmed that smoothly starting economic activities can ensure the sector’s gradual recovery and reinforce expectations for an active return to construction in Saudi Arabia to complete the implementation of 5,000 projects worth $1.6 trillion.

These hopes come in light of the challenges facing the sector due to the coronavirus crisis, which has cast a shadow over Saudi contracting activity.

According to the Saudi Contractors Authority, a survey conducted on 600 contracting companies in Saudi Arabia has revealed the challenges facing Saudi contractors, mainly in cash flow, project delays, and supply chain disruptions.

It pointed to an expected decrease in awarded projects this year by 20 percent due to the pandemic.

Meanwhile, operating sources have stated that the Saudi market is expecting an active and gradual resumption of activity in the construction sector.

They pointed out that the boom in the conclusion of construction contracts in 2019 supports the restoration of this activity to complete the commitment to implementation during 2020, which would record growth during Q1 2021.

Fahad bin Mohammed Al Hammadi, former chairman of the Federation of Arab Contractors, expected early 2021 to experience a maximum flow of mega projects in the Kingdom.

He cited the Red Sea Development Project after raising the value of its awarding contracts to more than double in 2020, to increase from SAR2.3 billion ($613 million) in 2019 to SAR6.8 billion ($1.8 billion) in 2020.

He noted that the coronavirus pandemic has greatly affected the construction sector, as work was suspended in line with the precautionary measures imposed.

Another challenge was low oil prices, he stressed, adding that spending in the construction sector during 2020 was negatively affected by the pressure posed on the oil sector since the virus’s outbreak.

Fadl al-Buainain, a financial and banking analyst, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the construction sector was one of the most affected by the Kingdom’s suspension of economic activity.

He expressed hope that activities would resume strongly and contribute to reducing losses, gaining profits, and gradual recovery.



Hilton to Quadruple Its Presence in Saudi Arabia amid Tourism Surge

Carlos Khneisser, Hilton’s Vice President of Development for the Middle East and Africa (Asharq Al-Awsat) 
Carlos Khneisser, Hilton’s Vice President of Development for the Middle East and Africa (Asharq Al-Awsat) 
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Hilton to Quadruple Its Presence in Saudi Arabia amid Tourism Surge

Carlos Khneisser, Hilton’s Vice President of Development for the Middle East and Africa (Asharq Al-Awsat) 
Carlos Khneisser, Hilton’s Vice President of Development for the Middle East and Africa (Asharq Al-Awsat) 

Hilton, one of the world’s leading hotel groups, has announced plans to significantly expand its footprint in Saudi Arabia, aiming to reach 100 hotels by the end of 2025. This marks a fourfold increase from its current presence and would make the Kingdom Hilton’s largest market across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Carlos Khneisser, Hilton’s Vice President of Development for the Middle East and Africa, revealed that the group currently operates 20 hotels in Saudi Arabia with around 6,500 rooms. An additional 77 hotels are under development across 14 Hilton brands, expected to add over 21,000 rooms over the coming years.

Khneisser noted that two-thirds of these developments are already under construction. He emphasized that Hilton’s growth strategy is closely aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and attract 150 million visitors annually by the end of the decade.

Saudi Arabia has already surpassed its previous goal of 100 million visitors, originally set for 2030. Khneisser attributed this success to major tourism projects like The Red Sea and Rua Al Madinah, as well as global events such as Riyadh Season and Formula 1. Religious tourism, entertainment, and business travel are all contributing to strong hotel demand.

According to Khneisser, Hilton recently launched its midscale brand “Spark by Hilton” in Makkah, offering 329 rooms near the holy sites. Other upcoming projects include three resorts in Al-Ahsa, a Waldorf Astoria in Diriyah, and openings in Medina and Riyadh’s “The Avenues” complex. These developments are expected to create over 15,000 jobs, with half reserved for Saudi nationals. Current Saudization rates at Hilton properties exceed 55%.

He added that the company is also prioritizing training and hiring local talent through partnerships with institutions like Bunyan Academy, ZADK, and the Human Resources Development Fund. More than 55 people with disabilities have been employed across Hilton hotels in cooperation with the Ministry of Human Resources.

Sustainability and digital innovation are also key areas of focus. Hilton has reduced energy use in its Saudi properties by 42% and water consumption by 64%. Digital check-in and room key technologies are now in place at over 90% of its hotels, with AI tools being used to enhance guest experience in real time.

Khneisser concluded by highlighting Saudi Arabia’s growing reputation as a global destination for major conferences and events, saying the Kingdom led regional hotel revenue growth in early 2025.