Read the February 2024 MEED Business Review
31 January 2024
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After years of planning, Saudi Arabia’s gigaprojects are producing major contract awards. The most recent was in early January when Italian contractor WeBuild signed a $4.7bn deal to construct three dams at Neom’s Trojena mountain resort in Saudi Arabia.
Like most in the kingdom, the project is large and technically challenging. It also has an aggressive delivery schedule as the lake – and the surrounding resort and ski slopes – must be ready for the Asian Winter Games in 2029.
The project will also have to be completed at the same time as the rest of the growing volume of work in the kingdom.
According to regional projects tracker MEED Projects, the Saudi market enjoyed its best year on record in 2023 with $95bn of contract awards across all sectors. A net project value of $181bn of deals at the tender stage means more contract awards are anticipated in 2024.
With the challenges facing the kingdom’s construction sector amplified this year, the latest issue of MEED Business Review considers how the development firms tasked with delivering Riyadh’s five official gigaprojects – and the raft of other large masterplanned projects – are rethinking their delivery methods.
This month's exclusive 14-page market report highlights Qatar, where a post-World-Cup repositioning is forcing a shift in Doha's spending to focus on oil, gas and utilities schemes. Doha is now reinvesting in the mainstay of the Qatari economy, awarding hydrocarbons projects worth more than $47bn between 2021 and 2023.
MEED's latest issue is also packed with insight and analysis. The team examines the challenges facing Kuwait's new emir, Sheikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah; considers what impact the 2024 US presidential elections could have on the Middle East region; and assesses the effect that the ongoing harassment of commercial ships in the Red Sea is having on global logistics.
In MEED's 2024 Water Developer Ranking, we discover how Acwa Power is continuing to dominate the GCC water sector and look at the exceptional growth under way around the Middle East and North Africa region as governments focus on projects to tackle water security.
February's issue also takes an in-depth look at how construction work is picking up pace on Saudi Arabia's stadiums as the kingdom gears up to host international sporting events such as the 2034 football World Cup, as well as the 2030 World Expo. Furthermore, CEO of Saudi Arabia's Boutique Group, Mark DeCocinis, reveals how the hospitality company is turning the kingdom's palaces into luxury hotels.
In addition, this issue also considers the role of South Korean companies in the region's oil and gas sector, examines how a power shift in Kuwait could spark an oil projects boom, and takes an in-depth look at the upwards climb of the Gulf projects market following a record-breaking year for contract awards in 2023, with a total of $254bn-worth of deals signed.
We hope our valued subscribers enjoy the February 2024 issue of MEED Business Review.
Must-read sections in the February 2024 issue of MEED Business Review include:
> AGENDA: Rethinking how Saudi projects are delivered
> LEADERSHIP: Constructing a sustainable future
> INTERVIEW: Sustainable design is key to cutting carbon emissions
> CURRENT AFFAIRS: Kuwait's Emir Mishal faces familiar set of challenges
> CURRENT AFFAIRS: US elections set to disappoint region
> CURRENT AFFAIRS: Red Sea attacks squeeze global logistics
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INDUSTRY REPORT: |
> INTERVIEW: Opening Saudi Arabia’s palaces to the world
> ANNUAL CONTRACTS: Record-breaking $254bn of contract awards in 2023
> SAUDI STADIUMS: Construction of Saudi stadiums gathers pace
> SOUTH KOREA: South Korean firms stage Mena oil and gas comeback
> KUWAIT: Kuwait power shift could spark oil boom
> QATAR MARKET FOCUS:
> COMMENT: Qatar adapts to post-Fifa market
> GOVERNMENT & ECONOMY: Qatar's return to economic normality
> BANKS: Qatar's banks adjust to new circumstances
> OIL & GAS: Qatar enters period of oil and gas consolidation
> POWER & WATER: Qatar power and water projects to take off
> CONSTRUCTION: Qatar construction enters reboot mode
> SPORT: Qatar’s sporting vision transcends World Cup
> DATABANK: Macroeconomic data
> MEED COMMENTS:
> Chinese New Year for Middle East projects
> Aramco maintains offshore spending momentum
> Kuwait’s cabinet needs to move fast
> Jordan water project enters critical phase
> GULF PROJECTS INDEX: Gulf projects market continues upward climb
> DECEMBER 2023 CONTRACTS: Region records largest-ever annual contract awards value
> MARKET SNAPSHOT: Saudi's stadium and expo projects
> OPINION: Lebanon’s pain captured in a call from Beirut
> BUSINESS OUTLOOK: Finance, oil and gas, construction, power and water contracts
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Exclusive from Meed
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Safety and security matters3 April 2026
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Saudi forecast remains one of growth3 April 2026
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Oman’s Nama PWP tenders consultancy contract3 April 2026
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Safety and security matters
3 April 2026
Commentary
Colin Foreman
EditorRead the April issue of MEED Business Review
Employment and investment opportunities in a low or no-tax environment have been key attractions for people and businesses located in the GCC for decades. Another crucial factor has been safety and security.
That reputation has been tested by the missile and drone attacks that began on 28 February. Whether the GCC’s safe haven status has been damaged depends on perspective.
For some, the fact that attacks occurred fundamentally changes how the region is viewed. For others, the ability to absorb a serious shock, respond quickly, and keep daily life and businesses functioning demonstrates resilience.Any assessment of safety is also relative. Many people and businesses that relocate in the GCC do so not only for opportunity, but because of dissatisfaction elsewhere. Common reasons include limited economic prospects, high taxation, distrust in political leadership and concerns about personal safety. Even with the recent conflict, the GCC may still compare favourably for those considering these factors.
There is no doubt that missile and drone attacks are extremely dangerous, and the fear of further incidents can linger. Even if attacks are infrequent, the uncertainty matters. It can influence personal decisions, travel advice, and the cost of insurance and risk management. These perceptions will shape the region’s attractiveness.
Safety concerns vary. In many parts of the world, higher levels of crime are an everyday worry for residents and businesses. For some, the GCC may still feel like the better option, provided the current tensions do not become the new normal.
How this question is answered will play an important role in how the region’s economies perform in the period ahead. If confidence returns quickly and the risk is seen as contained and manageable, investment and hiring will likely rebound faster than many expect. If uncertainty persists or escalates, the road to recovery will be a long one.
READ THE APRIL 2026 MEED BUSINESS REVIEW – click here to view PDFEconomic shock threatens long-term outlook; Riyadh adjusts to fiscal and geopolitical risk; GCC contractor ranking reflects gigaprojects slowdown.
Distributed to senior decision-makers in the region and around the world, the April 2026 edition of MEED Business Review includes:
> AGENDA: Gulf economies under fire> GCC CONTRACTOR RANKING: Construction guard undergoes a shift> MARKET FOCUS: Risk accelerates Saudi spending shift> QATAR LNG: Qatar’s new $8bn investment heats up global LNG race> LEADERSHIP: Shaping the future of passenger rail in the Middle EastTo see previous issues of MEED Business Review, please click here
https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/16250747/main.gif -
Saudi forecast remains one of growth
3 April 2026
MEED’s April 2026 report on Saudi Arabia includes:
> COMMENT: Risk accelerates Saudi spending shift
> GVT &: ECONOMY: Riyadh navigates a changed landscape
> BANKING: Testing times for Saudi banks
> UPSTREAM: Offshore oil and gas projects to dominate Aramco capex in 2026
> DOWNSTREAM: Saudi downstream projects market enters lean period
> POWER: Wind power gathers pace in Saudi Arabia
> WATER: Sharakat plan signals next phase of Saudi water expansion
> CONSTRUCTION: Saudi construction enters a period of strategic readjustment
> TRANSPORT: Rail expansion powers Saudi Arabia’s infrastructure pushTo see previous issues of MEED Business Review, please click herehttps://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/16250096/main.gif -
Dubai seeks consultants for Al-Khawaneej stormwater project
3 April 2026
Dubai Municipality has issued a consultancy tender to assess and upgrade the stormwater drainage system serving the Al-Khawaneej First residential district in northeastern Dubai.
The project, listed as TF-22-E1, covers the upgrading and rehabilitation of the stormwater system in the area. The tender has been issued by the municipality’s Sewerage and Recycled Water Projects Department.
The bid submission deadline is 23 April.
The works form part of Dubai’s wider efforts to strengthen flood resilience and support sustainable urban infrastructure development.
Two separate consultancy tenders were issued in March as part of a broader review of the emirate’s water and wastewater infrastructure to support future population growth.
One involves a study to develop a sustainable urban drainage systems strategy across the emirate. The other covers a review of the emirate’s sewage treatment and recycled water distribution strategy.
The Al-Khawaneej First consultancy role will include data collection, site investigations and an assessment of existing drainage conditions.
Additionally, the consultant will be required to identify flooding hotspots and evaluate the performance of the current system.
The project covers the preparation of preliminary and detailed designs, tender documents and construction packages as well as construction supervision through to project handover.
The municipality added that integrated drainage solutions are to be developed as part of the package, including sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) and nature-based approaches to address current and future stormwater demand.
READ THE APRIL 2026 MEED BUSINESS REVIEW – click here to view PDFEconomic shock threatens long-term outlook; Riyadh adjusts to fiscal and geopolitical risk; GCC contractor ranking reflects gigaprojects slowdown.
Distributed to senior decision-makers in the region and around the world, the April 2026 edition of MEED Business Review includes:
> AGENDA: Gulf economies under fire> GCC CONTRACTOR RANKING: Construction guard undergoes a shift> MARKET FOCUS: Risk accelerates Saudi spending shift> QATAR LNG: Qatar’s new $8bn investment heats up global LNG race> LEADERSHIP: Shaping the future of passenger rail in the Middle EastTo see previous issues of MEED Business Review, please click herehttps://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/16249098/main.jpg -
Developer plans two residential schemes in Saudi Arabia
3 April 2026
Saudi developer Alramz Real Estate is planning two new residential developments in Jeddah and Riyadh.
In a Tadawul filing on 31 March, Alramz said it had signed an agreement with Oud Capital to establish a sharia-compliant real estate investment fund to develop the Alramz Front project in Jeddah’s Al-Firdous district.
The fund is targeting approximately SR650m ($173m), with Alramz committing about SR81.6m. The company will also contribute land totalling around 47,800 square metres, valued at SR215m, as an in-kind contribution.
The project is expected to deliver nearly 900 residential units. Alramz will serve as developer and exclusive marketer under a development contract valued at about SR269m.
Separately, Alramz said it had acquired mixed-use plots in Riyadh’s Al-Malqa district for SR94.6m. The 8,600 sq m site will be developed into a residential scheme comprising approximately 135 apartments.
READ THE APRIL 2026 MEED BUSINESS REVIEW – click here to view PDFEconomic shock threatens long-term outlook; Riyadh adjusts to fiscal and geopolitical risk; GCC contractor ranking reflects gigaprojects slowdown.
Distributed to senior decision-makers in the region and around the world, the April 2026 edition of MEED Business Review includes:
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Oman’s Nama PWP tenders consultancy contract
3 April 2026
Oman’s Nama Power & Water Procurement Company (Nama PWP) has opened a tender for the provision of environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting consultancy services.
The tender seeks proposals from interested parties to support the utility in assessing its ESG maturity and identifying gaps against the Oman Investment Authority’s ESG guidelines.
The deadline for firms to submit offers is 10 May.
According to the tender notice, the selected consultant will develop the required ESG policies, strategy, report and implementation roadmap.
Nama PWP, part of Nama Group, said the scope of work is intended to support the company’s wider ESG framework as it continues to procure new power and water capacity in Oman.
The utility also recently opened a tender seeking proposals from qualified law firms to provide legal consultancy services in Oman.
The selected firms will be included on a panel and engaged on an as-needed basis. They will deliver legal advisory services across a range of matters relevant to Nama PWP’s business.
The deadline for firms to submit offers is 21 April.
In March, the state utility released its latest seven-year plan outlining the rapid expansion of solar and wind projects.
It expects the renewable energy share of Oman’s power generation mix to increase steadily across the period, reaching 16% in 2028 and 21% in 2029 before rising to 30% in 2030. This compares to about 4% in 2024.
The pipeline includes a series of large-scale independent power projects scheduled for delivery between 2027 and 2031.
Solar photovoltaic capacity in the sultanate is projected to rise from 1.54GW in 2024 to 23.26GW by 2031. Wind capacity is expected to grow from 120MW to 6.75GW,
READ THE APRIL 2026 MEED BUSINESS REVIEW – click here to view PDFEconomic shock threatens long-term outlook; Riyadh adjusts to fiscal and geopolitical risk; GCC contractor ranking reflects gigaprojects slowdown.
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