Saudi Professionals Poised to Lead Major Projects in the Kingdomhttps://english.aawsat.com/business/5308896-saudi-professionals-poised-lead-major-projects-kingdom
Saudi Professionals Poised to Lead Major Projects in the Kingdom
Saudi engineers inspect a project in Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia is pushing ahead with plans to deepen national participation in key sectors, shifting from “numerical Saudization” to a more sustainable, skills-based model.
A decision to raise the Saudization rate in private-sector project management jobs to 70% by February 2027 is expected to reshape the labor market, placing Saudi professionals in leading roles across major infrastructure, housing, tourism and construction projects.
The decision, issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development in partnership with the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, applies to establishments employing three or more workers in project management roles, including managers, engineers and project management specialists.
The move comes as construction, infrastructure, housing and tourism expand rapidly across the Kingdom.
The ministry has also published an implementation guide detailing the jobs covered, enforcement mechanisms, how Saudization rates will be calculated and compliance requirements. The timeline gives private-sector companies room to reorganize their staffing structures and plan for future workforce needs before the rules take effect.
Stronger labor market ahead of rollout
The decision comes against a backdrop of improving labor market indicators.
Unemployment among Saudis fell to 6.8% in the first quarter of this year, while data from the Qiwa platform showed more than 258,000 new Saudi workers entered the market in the second quarter.
More than 419,000 employment contracts were documented during the same period.
Qiwa also processed more than 3 million services in the quarter, issued over 163,000 salary certificates and more than 63,000 experience certificates for Saudi nationals.
On Saudization specifically, the platform issued more than 72,000 certificates to establishments that met localization requirements, as part of efforts to monitor compliance with measures to increase the participation of Saudi talent.
Saudization beyond headcount
Badr al-Anazi, a board member of the Saudi Human Resources Association, described the decision as important and mature, particularly as major projects expand across Saudi Arabia and national talent develops under gradual, carefully planned replacement programs.
He told Asharq Al-Awsat that Saudi professionals were well placed to meet demand, but said the real challenge was not the number of available workers. It was experience.
Project management requires practical expertise in planning and in managing risk, costs and time, he stressed.
Al-Anazi said the decision should be seen as a move toward qualitative Saudization and knowledge transfer, rather than simply replacing a non-Saudi employee with a Saudi national. That requires sustained follow-up until Saudi professionals can independently lead major projects.
Competition for talent and wages
Al-Anazi explained the main challenge would not be the Saudization requirement itself, but whether the market can move from headcount-driven localization to sustainable, skills-based Saudization.
He expects demand for Saudi professionals to rise, intensifying competition over wages, particularly in major sectors and large projects, which could force companies to reassess their organizational and salary structures to retain staff and compete for talent in the Saudi market.
“Numerical Saudization” focuses on meeting a set percentage of Saudi employees. “Qualitative Saudization” goes further, focusing on the competence, experience and ability of Saudi professionals to perform their roles and lead operations effectively.
A market set for change
For Al-Anazi, success will not be measured by hitting 70% on paper. It will depend on whether the Saudi project managers and specialists who make up that share are genuinely capable of leading projects.
He said the impact could extend far beyond creating more jobs for Saudis and could reshape the project management market itself.
The Ministry of Human Resources has previously introduced Saudization requirements for project management jobs in phases, reflecting a broader drive to localize high-value, pivotal roles.
Al-Anazi expects the policy to support private sector productivity over the long term and strengthen its ability to absorb specialized Saudi talent as nationals take on a larger role in project management across engineering, administrative and technical professions.
Economic impact goes beyond hiring
Financial and economic adviser Dr. Hussein al-Attas said the decision was more strategic than employment-driven.
Project management, he told Asharq Al-Awsat, sits at the heart of delivering Saudi Vision 2030 targets across construction, infrastructure, tourism, housing and logistics.
Its economic impact will go beyond adding Saudi employees. It is expected to increase demand for specialized national talent and create higher-value jobs, he added.
In the short term, however, companies that rely heavily on specialized foreign labor could face higher hiring costs, pushing them to restructure teams and invest earlier in training.
Investing in human capital
Al-Attas said he did not expect the decision to become a major obstacle to local or foreign investment, pointing to the implementation period running until February 2027, giving companies time to adjust.
Instead, the measure could spur investment in human capital, training and professional certifications, he went on to say.
Companies will effectively face two choices: recruit qualified Saudi professionals or invest in developing their own workforce, he remarked. For foreign investors, clarity and stability in Saudization rules matter more than the percentage itself.
Three levels of impact
Al-Attas identified three stages for maximizing the decision’s local economic value: hiring and training Saudi professionals; transferring knowledge and expertise from international companies; and building a generation of Saudi project managers able to lead major projects at home and abroad.
Like Al-Anazi, he said success should not be judged by whether the 70% target is achieved on paper.
The real test will be whether Saudi professionals can manage projects to global standards on cost, time, quality and risk.
The central challenge remains the gap between academic qualifications and practical, on-the-ground experience, he noted.
Iraqi Central Bank Says Traders Will Not Bear the Difference Under New Dollar Exchange Ratehttps://english.aawsat.com/business/5328067-iraqi-central-bank-says-traders-will-not-bear-difference-under-new-dollar-exchange
Iraqi Central Bank Says Traders Will Not Bear the Difference Under New Dollar Exchange Rate
Employees walk outside the Central Bank of Iraq headquarters in Baghdad (Reuters)
The Central Bank of Iraq announced on Saturday that traders will not be charged the difference under the new dollar exchange rate for transfers whose purchases and funding were confirmed at the previous rate before the seventh of this month.
Iraqi markets have experienced disruption following the central bank’s unexpected decision to raise the dollar exchange rate in the draft federal budget for fiscal year 2027 from 1,320 dinars to 1,520 dinars per dollar.
In a statement issued on Saturday regarding traders’ transfers awaiting execution, the Central Bank of Iraq said it was monitoring banking transactions carried out before and after the exchange rate adjustment and verifying that banks comply with the applicable instructions and regulations, in order to protect the rights of traders and customers.
The central bank urged companies and traders whose transfers to finance imports were due for execution before the seventh of this month to contact their banks and confirm that the transfers had been processed. It noted that it had previously strengthened banks’ accounts to cover these transfers, monitor any delays, and ensure that traders were not charged exchange rate differences on transfers confirmed as purchased and funded at the previous rate.
The bank stressed that “if execution is delayed or additional amounts are demanded, a complaint can be submitted through the Central Bank of Iraq’s complaints platform for follow-up with the bank concerned.” It added that it was coordinating with banks and electronic payment companies to introduce special foreign trade cards for small-scale traders to facilitate import financing, in accordance with the mechanisms and regulations set by the central bank.
The exchange rate adjustment has pushed the dollar’s price in Iraq’s parallel market to 1,665 dinars and led to a sharp increase in the prices of essential goods and electrical appliances.
Thailand Prepares to Host IMF-World Bank Meetingshttps://english.aawsat.com/business/5327985-thailand-prepares-host-imf-world-bank-meetings
The conference logo of the IMF-World Bank Group Annual Meetings 2026 is displayed on a wall backdrop inside a meeting room at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok on October 9, 2026. (Photo by Chanakarn LAOSARAKHAM / AFP)
The conference logo of the IMF-World Bank Group Annual Meetings 2026 is displayed on a wall backdrop inside a meeting room at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok on October 9, 2026. (Photo by Chanakarn LAOSARAKHAM / AFP)
Thailand is preparing to host the IMF–World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok from October 12–18, bringing together more than 15,000 participants from 191 countries, including central bank governors, economic policymakers and business leaders, for discussions on the world economy.
To ease traffic, Bangkok government offices will work from home on October 12, 14 and 15, while October 13 is an existing public holiday and October 16 has been declared a special government and bank holiday, with private companies and state enterprises asked to consider suitable arrangements.
Security has been tightened at the meeting venue in central Bangkok and 21 official hotels, according to the authorities.
About 500 Tourist Police officers will also help secure the venue, delegate hotels and tourist attractions through undercover deployments, patrols, drones and motorcade escorts coordinated with around 39 embassies, Tourist Police Bureau Commissioner Phongsiam Meekhanthong said.
Visiting leaders include Swiss President Guy Parmelin, making the first official visit to Thailand by a Swiss president in 22 years, and Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, the Thai Foreign Ministry said.
Participants’ spending could generate 1.05–2.25 billion baht for the Thai economy, according to the Thai Finance Ministry.
More than 320 electric vehicles will serve participants to cut carbon emissions, Reuters quoted the Thai Finance Ministry as saying.
Heavy to very heavy rain is forecast for Bangkok and surrounding provinces on October 10-11, potentially causing localized flooding, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration warned.
This comes after parts of the city flooded two weeks ago following 320 mm of rain over three days.
From Supply Security to Artificial Intelligence: Issues Bringing Global Energy Leaders Together in Riyadhhttps://english.aawsat.com/business/5327968-supply-security-artificial-intelligence-issues-bringing-global-energy-leaders
From Supply Security to Artificial Intelligence: Issues Bringing Global Energy Leaders Together in Riyadh
The Saudi capital Riyadh. Reuters
The global energy sector is turning its attention to Riyadh starting Sunday, as a week of ministerial meetings and international events gets underway, bringing together senior government officials, energy industry leaders, international organizations, and experts, with the participation of Saudi Arabia's Minister of Energy and Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, according to the announced program.
These meetings come at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions and risks surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, which have raised questions about the security of oil and gas flows, infrastructure resilience, and export routes.
Saudi Arabia's East-West Pipeline, which transports crude oil from the Eastern Province to the Red Sea port of Yanbu, stands out as a route that allows oil exports to bypass the strait and strengthens the resilience of the Kingdom's export system against disruptions to maritime navigation.
The agenda for Riyadh Energy Week extends beyond supply security to include investment needs, growing electricity demand, and the accelerating deployment of artificial intelligence and digital technologies across the energy sector, reflecting both the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.
The week-long program, running from October 11 to 15, includes the 17th International Energy Forum (IEF17) Ministerial Meeting, ministerial meetings focused on clean energy and innovation, the main program of the 25th WPC Energy Congress, its accompanying exhibition, and a series of technical events organized by the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC).
Saudi Arabia is hosting the 25th WPC Energy Congress for the first time in the event's more than nine-decade history. The gathering will attract ministers, government officials, energy company executives, representatives of international organizations, experts, and specialists from around the world. The event combines strategic sessions, ministerial dialogues, a technical program, and an international exhibition showcasing technologies and solutions related to the energy sector.
The significance of Energy Week lies not only in the diversity of its meetings and participants but also in the extent of issues confronting policymakers and companies at a time when ensuring supply security and market stability has become increasingly critical. These priorities must be pursued alongside meeting investment requirements, improving energy efficiency, and advancing technology.
The discussion is not only about the energy sources the global economy will require, but also about how that energy will be produced, transported, financed, and supplied at an affordable cost while keeping pace with changing consumption and demand patterns.
Saudi Minister of Energy and Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman. Reuters file photo
Ministerial Meeting Opens Energy Security Week
The main events begin on Sunday with the IEF17 Ministerial Meeting under the theme "Energy Security and Shared Goals in a New Era," hosted by Saudi Arabia in partnership with Italy and Nigeria.
The meeting will bring together energy-producing and energy-consuming countries to discuss common challenges and strengthen dialogue on market stability, supply security, and long-term investment. These issues have gained increasing importance amid geopolitical risks that could affect supply chains, infrastructure, and the investment needed to accommodate growing demand in energy markets.
The agenda includes enhancing coordination between producing and consuming nations, developing trade and investment frameworks, and accelerating access to affordable clean-energy technologies in ways that support economic resilience, competitiveness, and development objectives.
The role of infrastructure, transportation networks, and trade routes in strengthening the resilience of energy markets will also feature prominently, alongside the importance of clear policies and stable regulatory frameworks in encouraging long-term investment across all stages of the energy supply chain.
WPC Energy Congress
The official program of the WPC Energy Congress kicks off on Monday and will run through Thursday, under the theme “Pathways to an Energy Future for All.”
The congress is one of the central pillars of Riyadh Energy Week, featuring ministerial and strategic sessions, dialogues with energy industry leaders, a specialized technical program, and an exhibition where companies can showcase technologies, solutions, and projects.
The agenda spans a wide range of topics, including energy security, oil and gas markets, investment, financing, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, carbon management, natural gas, and the future of the global energy mix.
The significance of the congress lies in its ability to bring together traditional energy market issues and the technological and environmental transitions that are reshaping investment decisions. Oil and gas will remain at the heart of discussions on demand, supply, and production capacity, alongside growing interest in electricity, digital technologies, resource efficiency, and emissions management.
The participation of executives from major companies, including Saudi Aramco, ExxonMobil, Chevron, Shell, and BP, will provide insights into the industry's outlook on investment, production, demand, and technology.
The discussions are particularly important given the close link between investment decisions and market expectations, prices, financing costs, geopolitical risks, regulatory changes, and technological developments that influence the viability of long-term projects.
The conference theme, “Pathways to an Energy Future for All,” reflects the diversity of options needed to meet global energy needs in light of varying national resources and economic priorities. As a result, affordability, supply reliability, and infrastructure development are placed at the center of the debate, alongside sustainability requirements and emissions reduction goals.
FILE PHOTO: Vessels at the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, October 2, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo
Clean Energy and Innovation on Ministers’ Agenda
Alongside the IEF17 Ministerial Meeting, Riyadh will host the 17th Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM17) from October 11 to 13, in parallel with the 11th Mission Innovation Ministerial (MI-11), which is focused on accelerating innovation in clean energy technologies.
The meetings will address innovation, international cooperation in developing clean energy technologies, and expanding their deployment. These issues are gaining economic importance as the need for new investments grows, electricity demand rises, and countries seek to reduce emissions without compromising supply security or economic competitiveness.
The key challenge remains how to translate initiatives and commitments into funded projects and large-scale applications that can demonstrate measurable impacts on the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of energy systems.
International Energy Exhibition
Running in parallel with the conference, the exhibition accompanying the congress opens on Monday and continues through Thursday, serving as the practical and commercial dimension of Riyadh Energy Week.
The exhibition provides companies with an opportunity to showcase energy-related technologies, solutions, and projects, while engaging with investors, policymakers, and service providers. It brings together organizations operating across production, engineering services, infrastructure, digital technologies, and environmental solutions.
The importance of the exhibition lies in its role as a platform for comparing market offerings and following developments in applications aimed at improving production efficiency, streamlining operations, upgrading infrastructure, managing emissions, and leveraging data and advanced technologies. It can also serve as a venue for strengthening business relationships and exploring opportunities for collaboration between companies and institutions.
From an economic perspective, the exhibition offers insight into how innovation moves from the demonstration and pilot stage to real-world implementation and investment. Technology derives its value not merely from its novelty, but from its ability to reduce costs, improve efficiency, enhance supply reliability, or mitigate operational risks.
This aspect is becoming increasingly important as artificial intelligence and digital systems are more widely deployed in industrial operations and power-grid management, and as demand grows for solutions that improve energy efficiency and support supply stability. The participation of companies also provides an opportunity to identify areas attracting investor interest and to assess the challenges associated with scaling up the adoption of new technologies.
Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC). Kuna
OAPEC and Energy Transitions
Issues related to energy transitions and their impact on Arab oil- and gas-producing economies will also feature prominently during Energy Week through events organized by OAPEC. These events will examine the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of these transitions, as well as pathways for reducing emissions in the petroleum industry.
The program begins with a high-level workshop on Tuesday, followed by a technical symposium on October 14 and 15. Announced topics include the drivers of global energy transitions, their effects on the economies of Arab oil-producing countries, and their broader social and environmental implications.
The events will also include the third symposium on pathways for reducing carbon emissions in downstream petroleum industries, organized by the Saudi Ministry of Energy in cooperation with OAPEC. The symposium will highlight innovations and technological solutions that can help reduce emissions and advance sustainability in these industries.
These issues carry significant economic importance for Arab producing countries, given the central role of oil and gas in government revenues, exports, investment, and employment. Transformations in energy markets and in the technologies used for production, refining, and manufacturing influence operating costs and competitiveness, while also shaping the need to modernize industrial assets and invest in advanced technologies.
They also raise questions about the ability of these economies to adapt to changing export markets and diversify sources of income, particularly given the disparities in resources, financial capabilities, and infrastructure across Arab countries.
Artificial Intelligence and Electricity Demand
One of the topics warranting particular attention during Energy Week is the relationship between the expansion of artificial intelligence and rising electricity demand, along with the resulting need to develop generation capacity, transmission and distribution networks, and supporting infrastructure.
The growth of data centers and digital applications not only increases electricity consumption but also heightens the importance of reliable power supplies and the ability to meet rising loads. This raises questions about how investment should be allocated among expanding generation capacity, modernizing grids, developing energy-storage solutions, and managing demand.
It also highlights the roles of natural gas, renewable energy, and other energy sources in meeting emerging needs. At the same time, digital systems provide opportunities to improve demand forecasting, asset management, and operational efficiency.
The participation of companies operating in the energy and digital technology sectors offers a chance to examine applications that have already reached commercial deployment, as well as projects still under development, together with corporate assessments of investment costs and expected returns. This issue is particularly important given the need to balance digital expansion with the cost of providing electricity and the infrastructure required to sustain it.
For Saudi Arabia, this topic underscores the integration between the development of the energy sector, the rapid growth of the digital economy, and the emergence of new industries.
It creates opportunities to expand investment, develop infrastructure, and improve resource efficiency. This interconnection further reinforces the importance of the energy sector in supporting new economic activities, keeping pace with technological advancement, and laying the foundations for growth in the years ahead.
Riyadh's hosting of these meetings reflects the expanding international dialogue on the future of energy at a time of accelerating technological transformation, growing investment opportunities, and increasingly diverse market needs.
The expected discussions will provide valuable insight into how governments and companies are seeking to develop the global energy system, strengthen international cooperation, and leverage new technologies in ways that enhance supply reliability, improve resource efficiency, and support economic growth.
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