meed-logo

line1 line2 line3
SIGN IN / REGISTER

Hassan Allam eyes role in Saudi Arabia’s transformation

16 May 2025

 

As Saudi Arabia undertakes a generational transformation under Vision 2030, regional players with deep engineering and construction expertise are emerging as critical enablers of this historic journey.

Among them, Egypt-headquartered Hassan Allam Holding has rapidly expanded its footprint in the kingdom, leveraging a legacy that dates back over 85 years and a proven regional model built on operational excellence and sustainable growth.

MEED spoke exclusively with Hassan Allam, CEO of Hassan Allam Holding, to discuss the firm’s role and future plans in the kingdom.

Founded in 1936, Hassan Allam Holding’s vision in Saudi Arabia is rooted in delivering long-term value while maintaining a high-quality standard across diverse sectors.

With a presence now in over 10 countries, the group brings cross-market expertise and resource optimisation to some of the kingdom’s most ambitious projects.

“Saudi Arabia, given its scale, ambition and market maturity, plays a central role in our regional strategy,” Allam says.

Deepening roots in the kingdom

The company’s journey in Saudi Arabia began over 40 years ago, but its recent establishment of a regional headquarters in Riyadh marks a significant institutional shift.

“This move has enabled us to engage more deeply with key stakeholders, navigate regulatory frameworks with greater efficiency and build strong local partnerships,” Allam explains.

This embedded approach has allowed Hassan Allam to localise its supply chains, access talent pools more effectively and align closely with Saudi Arabia’s major development programmes.

“The kingdom is not just another market – it is a strategic hub where Hassan Allam has made significant investments in capabilities, people and systems,” Allam adds.

Contributing to Vision 2030

Hassan Allam’s operations in Saudi Arabia fully align with Vision 2030’s objectives to diversify the economy, enhance quality of life and ensure sustainable development.

“Our operations are structured to support national objectives through a diversified portfolio, leveraging our deep technical expertise and regional track record,” Allam says.

Projects span a wide range of sectors, including infrastructure, transportation, hospitality, water treatment and environmental sustainability. Notable among these are several luxury hospitality developments in collaboration with Red Sea Global, such as the Four Seasons, Six Senses and Rosewood hotels at the Amaala destination. These projects exemplify the group’s commitment to delivering high-end, sustainable tourism offerings.

Environmental initiatives are also a core part of the company’s portfolio. “In Neom, we are proud to contribute to the world’s largest coral reef restoration initiative in collaboration with Kaust,” Allam notes, highlighting a pioneering effort in marine conservation.

Managing complexity at scale

Executing gigaprojects on accelerated timelines requires agility, precision and scale, all of which are hallmarks of Hassan Allam’s approach in the kingdom. With over 50,000 professionals across the region, the group deploys integrated planning, early stakeholder engagement and digital project management to manage complex scopes.

“Our track record includes delivering time-sensitive, high-impact projects like the luxury hospitality hotels in Amaala and the King Abdullah Financial District monorail,” Allam explains. Modular construction, strong supply chains and lean practices ensure that speed never comes at the expense of quality or safety.

The company also made major investments in adopting construction technology across its Saudi projects. Through its dedicated technical and digital delivery department, which evolved from its building information modelling (BIM) department, founded in 2018, the company deploys technologies like 3D to 6D BIM, geographic information systems, laser scanning, drones, augmented reality/virtual reality, digital twins and artificial intelligence.

“These technologies are applied from early tendering and design through construction, as-built documentation and handover,” Allam notes. The result is enhanced efficiency, cost control and real-time decision-making, key advantages in a market where time and precision are critical.

“Our digital platforms also support real-time collaboration among stakeholders, improving decision-making and enabling proactive risk management,” Allam adds.

Investing in local talent

In line with Saudi Arabia’s workforce nationalisation agenda, Hassan Allam is deeply committed to developing local talent. “Our approach goes beyond compliance with Saudisation targets; it reflects a long-term investment in building a skilled, empowered and future-ready workforce,” Allam says.

Its dedicated talent programme provides structured rotational assignments and mentorship for young Saudi professionals. Internship and cooperative training programmes offer hands-on project exposure, while ongoing annual training plans ensure continued growth for the broader workforce.

Our approach goes beyond compliance with Saudisation targets; it reflects a long-term investment in building a skilled, empowered and future-ready workforce
Hassan Allam, CEO of Hassan Allam Holding

Navigating challenges with strategic vision

Operating in Saudi Arabia does come with its complexities, from rapidly evolving regulations to high localisation standards. But the company views these as opportunities.

“What sets Saudi Arabia apart from other GCC countries is the scale and structure of government support, particularly through the Public Investment Fund (PIF),” Allam notes.

Through close collaboration with PIF, Hassan Allam has scaled up rapidly, mobilising over 3,600 employees across 15 ongoing projects in the kingdom.

When entering joint ventures or bidding on gigaproject components, Hassan Allam maintains a cautious yet ambitious strategy.

“We approach every joint venture and project bid with a measured, strategic mindset that weighs both opportunity and risk through comprehensive due diligence,” Allam says.

The focus is on long-term value creation, working with reputable partners and adhering to stringent internal risk protocols. Already, the company has secured over 14 project awards in the kingdom, further solidifying Saudi Arabia’s importance in its regional portfolio.

Looking ahead

The next three to five years are expected to witness continued momentum in Saudi Arabia’s construction and infrastructure space, driven by sustained public investment and rising private sector engagement. Hassan Allam Holding is positioning itself to be a key player in this transformation.

“Our strategic priorities will focus on expanding our local footprint, building strong and enduring partnerships, and advancing our digital and sustainability initiatives,” Allam outlines.

With a legacy of engineering excellence and a future-focused approach, Hassan Allam Holding is set to play an integral role in shaping Saudi Arabia’s next chapter.

https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/13850823/main0536.jpg
Yasir Iqbal

Register for MEED's guest program now to access this article.

Click here to register
Exclusive from Meed
Related Articles
  • Oman kicks off airport procurement

    16 June 2025

     

    Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has launched the long-awaited procurement process for the construction of the new Musandam airport.

    Contractors have until 14 July to prequalify for the design and implementation of enabling works on the estimated $500m project.

    Almost 40 companies have purchased the prequalification application documents to date, including more than a dozen international contractors. These include PowerChina, China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), Hassan Allam and Arab Contractors of Egypt, India’s Larsen & Toubro, Mohammed Abulmohsin Al-Kharafi & Sons from Kuwait, Malaysia’s WCT Berhad Engineering & Construction and Qatar’s Generic Engineering Technologies & Contracting.  

    In March last year, the CAA appointed Swiss engineering firm Renardet SA & Partners to prepare designs for the proposed development of the airport in the northern peninsula of the sultanate, which is separated from the rest of Oman by the UAE.

    The airport is planned to be developed in two phases. The first phase involves the construction of a 2.5-kilometre-long and 45-metre-wide runway, a terminal building capable of handling 250,000 passengers annually, an air traffic control tower and other associated facilities.

    A new 7km-long road will also be constructed as part of the first phase.

    The second phase includes the expansion of the runway to 3.3km and the expansion of the terminal building and associated facilities.

    The main construction work is expected to take three years. 

    The implementation period for the second phase is 18 months. The airport is expected to be completed in 2028.

    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/14075492/main.gif
    Edward James
  • Oman launches new mountain development

    16 June 2025

     

    Oman’s Ministry of Housing & Urban Planning has issued a tender for the comprehensive detailed masterplan and detailed engineering design for a major new residential and tourism development called Al-Jebal Al-Aali in the Al-Dakhiliyah region. 

    Interested consultants have until 10 July to submit their proposals for the contract, which encompasses planning, architecture, engineering and infrastructure design, tender preparation, tender launch, and award for both infrastructure and building elements.

    At least 10 local and international engineering firms have purchased tender documents to date, including Canada’s AtkinsRealis, France’s Artelia, Dar Al-Handash and Khatib & Alami, both of Lebanon, and local firms Almanarah Engineering Consultancy and Nicholson Jones Partnership Engineering Consultancy. 

    The multibillion-dollar Al-Jebal Al-Aali development lies on the Hajar Mountains range close to Jebal Akhdar. According to local media reports, it will cover an area of 11.8 square kilometres (km) along a 5.4km-long mountain ridge, and house more than 10,000 residents. 

    In May, an investment agreement was signed with the ministry for the first phase of a health-focused district at the development with an investment value of up to RO200m ($520m). The Western District project will cover 630,000 square metres and comprise 500 residential and hotel units. 

    Other agreements are expected to be signed in due course, particularly once the masterplan and basic infrastructure works handled by the ministry are completed.

    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/14075307/main.gif
    Edward James
  • Scatec updates on two Egyptian renewables projects

    16 June 2025

     

    Register for MEED’s 14-day trial access 

    Norwegian renewable energy company Scatec has announced updates on two utility-scale renewable independent power projects (IPPs) in Egypt.

    For the first project, it has announced the signing of a 25-year power-purchase agreement (PPA) with Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC) for a new 900MW onshore wind IPP at Ras Shukeir on the Red Sea coast. 

    The PPA is denominated in US dollars, allowing it to be derisked from any fluctuations in the value of the Egyptian Pound. It is also sovereign-backed, further reducing development risk. 

    Scatec will set up a special-purpose vehicle project company called Shadwan Wind Power to develop the IPP. It says it will now proceed to conducting year-long wind measurements at the site before proceeding to financial close and construction. 

    Separately, the developer has announced financial close on its Obelisk solar power hybrid solar and battery project at Nagaa Hammadi in Upper Egypt, about 80 kilometres northwest of Luxor.

    Under the terms of the non-recourse financing, the IPP will receive $479m extended by the European Bank for Reconstruction & Development (EBRD), the African Development Bank (AfDB), and British International Investment (BII). 

    The financing amount corresponds to approximately 80% of the total estimated capex of $590m, with the difference funded from Scatec’s own equity injections at the end of the construction period after it recently signed equity bridge loans (EBLs) of $120m for the project.

    The Oslo-headquartered firm signed the 25-year PPA with EETC in September last year.

    The project will be constructed in two phases.

    The first phase comprises a 561MW solar and 100MW/200MWh battery storage project, which is targeted to reach commercial operation in the first half of 2026.

    The second phase comprises a 564MW solar project, which is expected to reach commercial operation in the second half of the same year.

    Scatec itself will deliver engineering, procurement and construction, asset management, and operations and maintenance services for the project. 

    READ THE JUNE 2025 MEED BUSINESS REVIEW – click here to view PDF

    Gulf accelerates AI and data centre strategy; Baghdad keeps up project spending, but fiscal clouds gather; Banking stocks rise despite lower global oil prices

    Distributed to senior decision-makers in the region and around the world, the June 2025 edition of MEED Business Review includes:

    > GULF PROJECTS INDEX: Gulf projects index leaps 4.3%
    To see previous issues of MEED Business Review, please click here

    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/14073583/main.gif
    Edward James
  • Iraqi airspace shutdown to impact oil projects

    16 June 2025

     

    The closure of Iraq’s airspace and heightened concerns about security are likely to impact project progress in the country’s oil and gas sector, according to industry sources.

    Iraq closed its airspace and suspended all air traffic on 13 June following Israeli strikes on Iran on 12 June.

    Oil companies remain concerned about the potential for violence to spill over into Iraq and are closely watching developments, sources said.

    One source said: “All of the oil companies active in Iraq are likely to be watching developments very closely.

    “They are also likely to be drawing up plans for potential evacuations over land borders into neighbouring companies that could be used if the security situation deteriorates.

    “The latest developments are already impacting oil companies as they cannot transport workers and they are having to divert increased resources into security precautions.

    “Just how much projects will be impacted will depend on how long this period of heightened tensions goes on for and whether or not the security situation worsens.”

    If the conflict does escalate between Israel and Iran, Iraq’s southern oil and gas assets are likely to be most vulnerable as they would potentially be in the line of fire between the two countries, sources said.

    On 15 June 2025, Iraqi security forces deployed air defence systems near the Bazarkan oil field in Iraq’s Maysan province.

    On 12 June, the Italian oil company Eni, which is developing the Zubair oil and gas field in Basra, said it was closely monitoring the security situation in Iraq.

    The comments from the oil company came after the US decided to partially evacuate its embassy in the country.

    [Oil companies active in Iraq] are likely to be drawing up plans for potential evacuations over land borders into neighbouring companies that could be used if the security situation deteriorates
    Industry source

    This latest period of increased concerns about security in Iraq follows a surge in investment in the country’s oil and gas sector.

    In May, MEED revealed that the total value of all oil, gas and chemicals projects in Iraq had hit its highest level in a decade as international oil companies showed renewed enthusiasm for the country’s assets.

    On 6 May, the total value of projects within these sectors that had been announced as planned or already under execution hit $152.2bn, according to information gathered by regional projects tracker MEED Projects.

    The total value of oil, gas and chemicals projects in the country had risen by 15.6% since the same time last year, when it stood at $131.7bn. The value of projects under execution had also hit an all-time high of $93.3bn.

    MEED’s June 2025 report on Iraq includes:

    > COMMENT: Iraq maintains its pace, for now
    > GOVERNMENT & ECONOMY: Iraq’s economy faces brewing storm
    > OIL & GAS: Iraqi energy project value hits decade-high level
    > PIPELINES: Revival of Syrian oil export route could benefit Iraq
    > POWER: Iraq power sector turns a page
    > CONSTRUCTION: Iraq pours billions into housing and infrastructure projects
    > DATABANK: Iraq forecast dips on lower oil prices

    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/14073591/main.jpg
    Wil Crisp
  • Kuwait issues Shagaya solar RFP

    16 June 2025

     

    Kuwait’s Ministry of Electricity, Water & Renewable Energy (MEWRE), through the Kuwait Authority for Partnership Projects (Kapp), has issued the request for proposals (RFPs) for a contract to develop the state’s first utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) plant.

    Prequalified developers have until 14 September to submit technical and commercial bids for the Al-Dibdibah power and Al-Shagaya renewable energy phase three, zone one independent power project (IPP), which will have a total power generating capacity of 1,100MW.

    Kapp issued the request for qualifications for the contract in January 2024, with six prequalified companies and consortiums announced in August. 

    They are: 

    • Acwa Power (Saudi Arabia) / Alternative Energy Projects Company (local)
    • Trung Nam Construction (Vietnam)
    • EDF Renewables (France) / Abdullah Al-Hamad Al-Sagar & Brothers Company (local) /  Korean Western Power Company (Kowepo, South Korea)
    • Jinko Power (Hong Kong) / Jera (Japan) 
    • Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar, UAE) / Fouad Alghanim & Sons General Trading Contracting Company (local)
    • TotalEnergies Renewables (France)

    The selected developer will sign a 30-year power purchase agreement with the MEWRE to export its electricity output. The contract also calls for the construction of an associated 400kV transmission substation. 

    London-headquartered consultancy firm EY is the lead and financial transaction adviser. London-headquartered DLA Piper is the legal adviser, while Norwegian engineering services firm DNV is the client’s technical and environmental adviser.

    2030-50 strategy

    Kuwait aims to have a renewable energy installed capacity of 22,100MW by 2030 as part of the 20-year strategy announced in March and ending in 2050.

    In May this year, Kapp invited companies to prequalify for its Al-Dibdibah power and Al-Shagaya renewable energy phase three, zone two IPP, which will have a capacity of 500MW. Applications are due by 24 July. 

    Minister of Electricity, Water & Renewable Energy, Salem Falah Al-Hajraf, confirmed that the strategy also involves installing distributed or rooftop solar farms, with the state procuring the energy output from solar PV farms.

    Kuwait aims to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2060.

    READ THE JUNE 2025 MEED BUSINESS REVIEW – click here to view PDF

    Gulf accelerates AI and data centre strategy; Baghdad keeps up project spending, but fiscal clouds gather; Banking stocks rise despite lower global oil prices

    Distributed to senior decision-makers in the region and around the world, the June 2025 edition of MEED Business Review includes:

    > GULF PROJECTS INDEX: Gulf projects index leaps 4.3%
    To see previous issues of MEED Business Review, please click here
    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/14073231/main.gif
    Edward James