Saudi Transport Ministry Signs First-Time Performance Contracts

Saudi Transport Minister Saleh Al-Jasser speaking during the signing of the first performance contracts by government agencies (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Transport Minister Saleh Al-Jasser speaking during the signing of the first performance contracts by government agencies (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Transport Ministry Signs First-Time Performance Contracts

Saudi Transport Minister Saleh Al-Jasser speaking during the signing of the first performance contracts by government agencies (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Transport Minister Saleh Al-Jasser speaking during the signing of the first performance contracts by government agencies (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Saudi Transport Ministry has signed 62 performance contracts for road maintenance projects with several private sector companies. The projects will cover all regions of the Kingdom.

This is the first time performance contracts are being implemented by government agencies in the Kingdom.

Saudi Transport Minister Saleh Al-Jasser said that the contracts aim to raise the efficiency of the Kingdom’s road network and enhance quality and safety levels.

Al-Jasser said that the signing of performance contracts represents a stage of transformation and transition from the traditional methodology of operation and maintenance of the road network.

The new methodology in asset management relies on measuring performance indicators and meeting the needs of road users, added Al-Jasser.

Indicators that measure outputs of basic elements include quality, safety, and the degree of user satisfaction. These measurements will be used in evaluating and following up the performance of contractors.

This will strengthen governance programs, promote transparency, achieve spending efficiency, raise the quality and services index. It will also ensure implementing projects using the latest specialized global technology, added Al-Jasser.

All this falls under the goals of the Kingdom’s National Transport and Logistics Strategy (NTLS), which is a part of Saudi Arabia’s plan for national transformation, Vision 2030.

Al-Jasser indicated that the signing of performance contracts unlocked a new phase that accompanied the increase in major projects and the comprehensive renaissance taking place in the Kingdom.

According to the minister, Saudi Arabia is a global hub for transportation, trade, and economy.

Al-Jasser noted that the Transport Ministry is the first government agency to sign performance contracts for the maintenance of the Kingdom’s roads.

He affirmed that the ministry would continue to expand its partnership with the private sector, enhance quality rates and implement the highest safety and security standards.



Qatar’s Emir: No Peace in Region Without Establishing a Palestinian State

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani (Photo by Karim JAAFAR / AFP)
Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani (Photo by Karim JAAFAR / AFP)
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Qatar’s Emir: No Peace in Region Without Establishing a Palestinian State

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani (Photo by Karim JAAFAR / AFP)
Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani (Photo by Karim JAAFAR / AFP)

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani said on Thursday the crisis in the Middle East is a "collective genocide," and that establishing a Palestinian State is the only way to ensure peace in the region.
"It has become crystal clear that what is happening is genocide", he said during the Asia Cooperation Dialogue summit in Doha.
The Emir emphasized that there can be no peace in the region without the establishment of a Palestinian state.
The Qatari Emir also condemned Israeli air strikes and military operations "against the brotherly Lebanese Republic".
Israel launched an assault a year ago on the Gaza Strip after Hamas militants attacked southern Israeli towns. 
This week, Israel launched a ground incursion in Lebanon against Hezbollah, which has been firing into Israel in what it says is solidarity with the Palestinians.