18/09/2026
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 has entered a stage that may not be as flashy, but is even more crucial. Now, as major projects begin, the real economic activity is happening among companies that supply materials, handle fit-outs, provide industrial goods, offer worker housing, run catering services, and manage facilities across the country’s construction efforts.
For local and foreign businesses, joining this ecosystem is now an easier and potentially more sustainable way to enter the Saudi market than competing for the biggest contracts.
The focus is shifting from large-scale site preparation to finishing projects and handing them over, says Morshed Aldossary, Procurement Supervisor at Rawabi Vallianz Offshore Services Projects, as projects with strict deadlines, like Expo 2030, sports venues, and industrial expansions, are progressing quickly.
Amar Hussain, Associate Partner for Research in the Middle East at Knight Frank MENA, says the market is moving “increasingly from planning and development towards ex*****on, delivery and operation.” This change, he adds, is “broadening demand for fit-out, logistics, facilities management, maintenance and other operational services.”
Hussain believes that offering specialist services and expertise could be a practical way for foreign companies to enter the Saudi market. However, he points out that localization, regulations, and local partnerships remain important. As the development cycle progresses, he expects demand for early-stage construction work to slow in some areas, while services such as operations and asset management will become more important.
Aldossary is also clear about the future of the supplier economy. While giga projects started this trend, he says the supply chain now forming in local manufacturing, specialized maintenance, and logistics is not tied to any single project. Once these businesses are established, they will be able to serve industrial cities, general commercial activities, and markets across the GCC.
Read more: https://fastcompanyme.com/impact/how-saudi-arabias-project-pivot-is-building-an-entire-supplier-economy/
