New Saudi Measures to Improve Quality of Project Implementation by Contractors

Saudi Arabia enhances the competitiveness of the contracting sector and improves the quality of building and construction (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Arabia enhances the competitiveness of the contracting sector and improves the quality of building and construction (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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New Saudi Measures to Improve Quality of Project Implementation by Contractors

Saudi Arabia enhances the competitiveness of the contracting sector and improves the quality of building and construction (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Arabia enhances the competitiveness of the contracting sector and improves the quality of building and construction (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs, and Housing has launched a point system for contractors to increase healthy competition and sustainability in the Kingdom’s construction sector, sources told Asharq Al-Awsat.

The ministry filled in the private sector on the point system, linked to an e-platform.

Regarded as the second largest non-oil sector in the Kingdom, the Saudi building and construction sector includes a thriving contracting industry as an integral part of its network.

The Saudi Contractor Authority (SCA), approved by the Kingdom’s Council of Ministers, was set up in the Kingdom to organize and develop the sector and help achieve growth goals and realize the highest levels of productivity and quality.

It is noteworthy that SCA aims to organize and develop the contracting sector, build distinctive, productive competencies, and create a safe environment of international quality.

Also, SCA works to find an appropriate solution to the problems and crises facing contractors in general. It encourages innovation and enhancing communication among all relevant parties in the sector.

Besides stimulating market facilities, the new point system will improve contractors’ commitment to the safety of workers and the quality of project implementation. It will also work to raise the level of services provided.

Classification points will improve the urban landscape in cities and ensure a higher quality of services from city operators, sources noted, adding that the program is linked to the degree of categorization of facilities operating in the sector.

In other news, the Minister of Municipal, Rural Affairs, and Housing Majed Al-Hogail launched the “Certified Self-Building Contractor Program” in cooperation with the SCA and the National Housing Company (NHC).

The program aims to support citizens and those wishing to benefit from the self-construction program to easily search for a qualified contractor.



SCAI CEO to Asharq Al-Awsat: AI Boosts Saudi Arabia’s Economic Future

AI is expected to contribute to 12 percent of Saudi Arabia GDP by 2030. (SPA)
AI is expected to contribute to 12 percent of Saudi Arabia GDP by 2030. (SPA)
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SCAI CEO to Asharq Al-Awsat: AI Boosts Saudi Arabia’s Economic Future

AI is expected to contribute to 12 percent of Saudi Arabia GDP by 2030. (SPA)
AI is expected to contribute to 12 percent of Saudi Arabia GDP by 2030. (SPA)

The Saudi Company for Artificial Intelligence (SCAI), wholly owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), is leading efforts to build a world class technological system, paving the way for achieving economic grown driven by artificial intelligence (AI).

Indications show that the sector’s contributions to the Saudi GDP will grow, SCAI CEO George Nazi told Asharq Al-Awsat.

SCAI was established in 2021 as PIF’s arm in the AI and emerging technologies sector. It aims to support PIF’s strategy and national priorities in innovating within the technology sector and positioning Saudi Arabia as a globally competitive hub for advanced technologies.

Nazi stressed that the Saudi economy is witnessing strategic preparations to stay abreast the AI revolution. The preparations are being backed by several parties, led by SCAI, whose investments help in developing technological talents and support AI initiatives in small and medium enterprises.

AI is expected to contribute to 12 percent of Saudi Arabia GDP by 2030 and the AI sector is set to grow at an annual rate of 29 percent, revealed a report by the Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence.

Saudi Arabia has achieved global positions in international AI indices. It ranked 14th globally out of 83 countries and the first in the Arab world in the Global AI Index.

Saudi Company for Artificial Intelligence (SCAI) CEO George Nazi. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

In terms of developing digital infrastructure, Nazi said SCAI is helping in finding solid foundations for the growth and prosperity of AI, which would shed light of Saudi Arabia’s readiness for this technological transformation.

Moreover, SCAI supports the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 in dedicating AI capabilities in diversifying and boosting the economy in vital sectors, such as healthcare, energy and education. It is also working on consolidating the AI culture in society.

SCAI is playing a pivotal role in bolstering strategic partnerships with major global technology companies to create an environment that supports innovation in the Kingdom and therefore bolsters its global position as a leading force in the field, added Nazi.

Nazi also highlighted SCAI’s collaboration with the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) project that aims to set solutions for smart cities through advanced projects in transportation management.

The partnership is achieving transformative results and developing the smart traffic system that uses AI to smooth and ease traffic, he explained.