Saudi Arabia Develops Contracting Sector by Adopting Gov’t Classification System

Saudi Arabia supports the reform of the contracting sector by adopting the government classification (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Arabia supports the reform of the contracting sector by adopting the government classification (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia Develops Contracting Sector by Adopting Gov’t Classification System

Saudi Arabia supports the reform of the contracting sector by adopting the government classification (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Arabia supports the reform of the contracting sector by adopting the government classification (Asharq Al-Awsat)

With Saudi Arabia’s Shura Council having greenlit the contractor classification system, experts confirm to Asharq Al-Awsat that the new scheme will compel contractors to raise the degree of classification in the targeted sectors systematically.

According to specialists, this reduces the number of stumbling projects and aligns with the Kingdom’s aspirations.

The Minister of Municipal, Rural Affairs, and Housing Majed Al-Hogail said that the system is based on a balanced assessment that combines quantitative and qualitative criteria.

It enhances competition between contractors and gives new players with distinguished competencies more significant opportunities, added Al-Hogail.

Earlier, the Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs, and Housing had launched a point system for contractors to increase healthy competition and sustainability in the Kingdom’s construction sector.

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

As for the Shura Council approving the contractor classification system, the Chairman of Riyadh Contracting Committee Fahad Nasban said that the move reflects a great leap for boosting private sector quality production and performance.

Nasban pointed out that the new system will help raise the level of localization, employee wages, and the level of experience enjoyed by technicians, engineers, project managers, and marketers.

It will also enhance the quality of implemented projects, added Nasban.

The new system will also force contractors to adhere to specific conditions and fulfill several requirements before taking on quality implementation of projects, real estate expert Ibrahim al-Sahn told Asharq Al-Awsat.

High-quality implementation of projects, according to al-Sahn, is vital for realizing the national transformation plan, dubbed Vision 2030.

Al-Sahn maintained that government agencies carefully select contractors to implement their projects and pay attention to high-quality standards in cooperation with competent public authorities.



Saudi Ministry of Environment Issues First License for Aeroponics Agriculture in the Middle East

Saudi Ministry of Environment Issues First License for Aeroponics Agriculture in the Middle East
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Saudi Ministry of Environment Issues First License for Aeroponics Agriculture in the Middle East

Saudi Ministry of Environment Issues First License for Aeroponics Agriculture in the Middle East

The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture issued the first operational license for a commercial agricultural project utilizing aeroponics in the Middle East, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Saturday.

The project aims to contribute significantly to the local market's agricultural needs through sustainable production.

The Ministry's Undersecretary for Agriculture, Eng Ahmad Al-Ayada, made the announcement during a ceremony attended by representatives of a coalition local and international companies: Tamimi Markets Group from Saudi Arabia, Mitsui Group from Japan, and Zero Group from Italy.

Through the Green Dunes Company, the coalition will come up with modern agricultural solutions powered by cutting-edge technologies and AI. These efforts align with the Kingdom's National Agriculture Strategy and the broader goals of Vision 2030, which aim to build a sustainable agricultural future.

According to the ministry, the project's first phase has been completed. It entailed the establishment of an aeroponics farm to produce various vegetable varieties. The method is noted for its efficiency, as it reduces water consumption by 95% compared to traditional farming techniques and enables year-round productivity.

The project integrates AI and automation at all production stages, employing advanced monitoring systems and performance indicators to optimize output.