Saudi Arabia Removes Barriers To Infrastructure Contracting

With projects such as the USD 20 billion Riyadh Metro, the Saudi Arabian government is implementing one of the most ambitious infrastructure programmes in the world. Notwithstanding this, some international contractors have not entered the market due to perceived barriers and costs associated with bidding for government projects. A recently announced Council of Ministers' Decision has removed many of these barriers, further opening up the market to the world's best infrastructure providers.

Context

Saudi Arabia became a member of the Trade Organisation in 2005, thereby opening up its domestic market to foreign investment.  It is also one of the few MENA countries to allow 100% foreign ownership of local establishments.  That said, the Saudi trading environment remains regulated and includes requirements for a number of different licences and certificates.