Project management practices in spotlight at Riyadh forum

Project management practices in spotlight at Riyadh forum
The engagement of participants from across the world at the forum is expected to enrich the local project management environment. (SPA)
Short Url
Updated 02 June 2024
Follow

Project management practices in spotlight at Riyadh forum

Project management practices in spotlight at Riyadh forum
  • Two-day annual event will highlight developments in project management across various sectors

RIYADH: Project managers and experts are scheduled to gather in Riyadh for the third Global Project Management Forum to share their experiences and discuss best global practices in the sector.

The two-day annual event will be held on June 2-3 to highlight the latest developments in the field of project management across various sectors and serve as a platform for industry experts to share creative ideas to achieve their professional goals.

To be held under the theme “We Achieve the Dream: Leadership, Empowerment, Sustainability,” the event aspires to showcase Saudi Arabia’s distinguished position and leading role in colossal and futuristic projects worldwide.

The forum is designed to bring together the most influential global community of project managers and diverse stakeholders for immersive learning, networking, and collaboration.

Last year, the event succeeded in attracting 2,609 participants, and a much larger number is expected this year.

Badr Burshaid, president of the Project Management Institute-KSA chapter, emphasized the distinguished position that the forum has been able to achieve over the past two consecutive years.

“Since its inception, the forum annually attracts project leaders from around the world, including thought and business leaders, academics, professional and technical managers, as well as major organizations and institutions, to exchange knowledge and experiences,” he stated.

Burshaid added: “This contributes to the implementation of government initiatives aimed at making Riyadh one of the most sustainable and economically significant cities in the world.”

Additionally, GPMF aspires to advance the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 by enhancing the skills and capabilities of project management professionals in the Kingdom. 

Support from the govern-ment, private sector, and professio-nal community has propelled Saudi Arabia into a leadership position in several global project manage-ment certifica-tions.

Badr Burshaid, president of the Project Management Institute-KSA chapter

Burshaid told Arab News that the event emphasizes how effective project management ensures timely, budget-conscious, and high-quality completion of initiatives.

“This strategic approach not only supports the Kingdom’s economic diversification (plans) by optimizing project efficiency and effectiveness but also contributes to a robust framework where organizations utilizing these practices consistently achieve a 92 percent success rate in meeting project goals,” he said.

Burshaid added: “Thus, GPMF is instrumental in fostering a disciplined and consistent approach to project management, vital for the realization of Vision 2030’s objectives.”

The official also outlined the expected growth of the project management profession in Saudi Arabia over the next five years.

He predicted increased demand for skilled project managers across various sectors and emphasized the importance of professional development and adherence to international standards.

Moreover, the engagement of participants from across the world at the forum is expected to enrich the local project management environment and contribute to establishing a globally competitive landscape.

“This global interaction will help materialize the vision of establishing a dynamic and internationally competitive project management landscape in Saudi Arabia,” Burshaid told Arab News.

Additionally, “the global demand for project management skills is escalating, with an estimated need for 25 million new professionals by 2030, underscoring the critical role of this profession in contemporary economies,” he added.

Fostering Saudi Arabia’s professional landscape

Saudi professionals will also benefit from the training and certification opportunities offered by the GPMF.

These programs ensure access to advanced project management methodologies, tools, and best practices.

Thus, GPMF’s impact on the Kingdom’s workforce is significant, as it cultivates a highly skilled talent pool capable of managing complex projects, which in turn drives economic growth.

“Support from the government, private sector, and professional community has propelled Saudi Arabia into a leadership position in several global project management certifications,” Burshaid explained.

He continued: “Moreover, current data highlights the strong emphasis on professional development in this field: Sixty-one percent of organizations invest in project management training, and 47 percent have established a clear career pathway for project professionals.”

Burshaid further explained that over 20 percent of project managers intend to pursue certification within the next year. 




Last year, the event succeeded in attracting 2,609 participants, and a much larger number is expected this year. (SPA)

The forum caters to a diverse audience from the government and private sectors, semi-government sectors, engineering, contracting, and procurement companies, startups, construction and infrastructure firms.

It also targets project managers, strategic managers, developers, project management office managers, consultants, and technology providers.

The forum also aims to empower female professionals, and ambitious youth with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in project management.

This is achieved by highlighting key topics in the economy, foresight and governance, work methods and value chains, large-scale projects and sustainable social impact, digital transformation, uses of artificial intelligence, soft skills, and other related topics in project management.

Strategic initiatives 

Furthermore, Burshaid highlighted several initiatives aimed at enhancing the project management field and supporting local talent in Saudi Arabia through a series of strategic initiatives.

These initiatives include mentorship programs, scholarships for project management training, and collaborations with universities to integrate relevant courses into their academic programs.

The goal is to equip emerging talent with the necessary skills, knowledge, and opportunities for successful careers in project management. 

FASTFACT

The forum is designed to bring together the most influential global community of project managers and diverse stakeholders for immersive learning, networking, and collaboration.

“Further strengthening our commitment, we have formed partnerships with five Formula 1 school teams throughout Saudi Arabia. These collaborations aim to provide the teams with the necessary knowledge and financial support to excel in their projects,” Burshaid stated.

He added: “Additionally, we have conducted more than 230 training sessions aimed at boosting the capabilities of local talents, complemented by our active sponsorship of professionals across the Kingdom.”

Burshaid went on to say that as they approach 2030, there is an expectation that the demand for skilled project managers will significantly increase.

To meet this growing demand globally, it is estimated that approximately 2.3 million new project managers will need to be developed each year. This projection aims to address a total global demand of 25 million project managers by the end of the decade.

“Our initiatives are key to meeting these challenges and ensuring the sustained growth and success of the project management profession in the region and beyond,” he said.

Contribution to SMEs

Burshaid also outlined efforts to support the growth of small and medium enterprises in Saudi Arabia through targeted training programs tailored to address specific challenges.

These initiatives aim to equip SME owners and managers with advanced project management skills, leading to improved outcomes, increased efficiency, and innovation.

“The forum provides SMEs with access to critical insights and opportunities for expansion, supporting the development of a vibrant SME sector. This sector is vital for driving innovation, job creation, and gross domestic product growth in Saudi Arabia,” Burshaid said.

He added: “SMEs’ adaptability and capacity for innovation not only boost employment but also attract foreign direct investment, contributing to a robust business ecosystem.”

 Burshaid underlined that supportive measures such as the establishment of SME Bank to enhance financial access, technology adoption, and workforce diversity, solidify Saudi Arabia’s reputation as an innovative investment hub.

The country’s high global ranking in venture capital availability underscores the positive impact of Vision 2030 on the SME environment.

The GPMF is more than simply a learning experience; it also provides an opportunity to network with over 1,000 project and program management professionals from various organizations and backgrounds.

Participants can network with one another, discuss ideas, learn from each other’s experiences, and form significant professional ties that may persist beyond the event.

The forum does provide a platform for the development of new collaboration and career opportunities.

A day before the GPMF begins, guests can attend masterclasses given by some of the industry’s specialists. They will acquire insights into the latest tools, technologies, and techniques and learn how to apply them to their projects for better results.


Saudi Arabia’s GACA ushers in new era of passenger experience with AI

Saudi Arabia’s GACA ushers in new era of passenger experience with AI
Updated 21 November 2024
Follow

Saudi Arabia’s GACA ushers in new era of passenger experience with AI

Saudi Arabia’s GACA ushers in new era of passenger experience with AI

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s aviation authority is revolutionizing the passenger experience by incorporating artificial intelligence into its services, in alignment with the nation’s strategic aviation plan, a senior Saudi official said.

At the 2024 Global Civil Aviation Forum in Shanghai, Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Dahmash, vice president of the General Authority of Civil Aviation for Quality and Passenger Experience, highlighted the authority’s ongoing initiatives designed to improve passenger satisfaction.

A session dedicated to GACA’s role in enhancing the passenger experience featured international experts and focused on the authority's efforts to align with Saudi Arabia's aviation strategy and Vision 2030.

The discussion underscored Saudi Arabia's use of data analytics and AI to transform the aviation sector, supporting the National Aviation Strategy and the broader Vision 2030 objectives. This approach is part of the Kingdom's goal to achieve excellence in both aviation services and infrastructure.

The National Aviation Strategy serves as a roadmap to solidify Saudi Arabia’s position as a global leader in tourism, business travel, and logistics. Built around three core pillars — empowering national tourism, improving domestic aviation, and aligning with Vision 2030 — the strategy aims to enhance interconnectivity, increase the market share of national carriers, and expand airport infrastructure.

By leveraging its strategic location and investment potential, Saudi Arabia’s aviation strategy directly contributes to Vision 2030, which aims to strengthen services and bolster the travel and logistics sectors.

Al-Dahmash noted that to achieve the National Aviation Strategy’s ambitious goals, which include tripling passenger traffic to 330 million annually by 2030, Saudi Arabia is prioritizing major infrastructure projects.

This includes constructing new airports, such as the King Salman International Airport, and expanding existing ones to accommodate the surge in passenger numbers. Alongside this, there is a strong focus on improving operational efficiency and enhancing the overall passenger experience.

In this context, GACA is actively developing and implementing programs to meet evolving passenger expectations. One such innovation is the introduction of AI-powered systems that manage and monitor passenger flow, tracking wait times across Saudi airports.

Additionally, the “Bagless Traveler” initiative is transforming the travel process by enabling passengers to complete check-in and baggage handling from their accommodation. During its pilot phase, the service successfully assisted over one million passengers, with more than 2 million bags processed without incident.

Al-Dahmash also emphasized the importance of regulatory frameworks that GACA has implemented, noting that these efforts have significantly improved services at Saudi airports, leading to higher levels of passenger satisfaction. This success has garnered recognition, with several airports receiving local and international awards.

Moreover, GACA has presented its innovative passenger experience programs at global conferences, sharing its best practices with civil aviation authorities worldwide, demonstrating how others can leverage these advancements for similar success.


Closing Bell: Saudi main index slips to close at 11,840

Closing Bell: Saudi main index slips to close at 11,840
Updated 21 November 2024
Follow

Closing Bell: Saudi main index slips to close at 11,840

Closing Bell: Saudi main index slips to close at 11,840
  • Parallel market Nomu gained 681.17 points, or 2.28%, to close at 30,540.28
  • MSCI Tadawul Index lost 4.52 points, or 0.30%, to close at 1,486.82

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index slipped on Thursday, losing 27.40 points, or 0.23 percent, to close at 11,840.52. 

The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR5.39 billion ($1.43 billion), as 98 of the stocks advanced and 131 retreated. 

The Kingdom’s parallel market Nomu gained 681.17 points, or 2.28 percent, to close at 30,540.28. This comes as 63 of the listed stocks advanced, while 23 retreated. 

The MSCI Tadawul Index lost 4.52 points, or 0.30 percent, to close at 1,486.82. 

The best-performing stock of the day was Al-Baha Investment and Development Co., whose share price surged 10 percent to SR0.33. 

Other strong performers included Saudi Reinsurance Co., with a 7.05 percent increase in its share price to SR43.30, and Saudi Chemical Co., which saw its share price rise 5.46 percent to SR10.24. 

Saudi Cable Co. recorded the largest decline, with its share price dropping 4.02 percent to SR97.90. 

CHUBB Arabia Cooperative Insurance Co. also saw its stock fall 3.13 percent to SR49.50. 

Naseej International Trading Co. experienced a 2.64 percent drop in its share price, which fell to SR92.30. 

On the announcements front, Saudi Awwal Bank has disclosed its intention to issue an SR-denominated Additional Tier 1 Sukuk through a private placement in the Kingdom, as part of its SR20 billion Additional Tier 1 Sukuk issuance program. 

According to a Tadawul statement, the bank has appointed HSBC Saudi Arabia as the sole lead manager for the proposed offer. The statement said the purpose of the issuance is to strengthen the bank’s capital base and support the achievement of its long-term strategic objectives. 

The amount and terms of the sukuk will be determined at a later stage, based on market conditions at that time. 

Saudi Awwal Bank closed the session at SR31.40, down 0.63 percent. 

The Saudi Investment Bank has announced the completion of its US dollar-denominated Additional Tier 1 capital sustainable sukuk offering under its Additional Tier 1 capital sukuk program. 

A bourse filing revealed that the offer is valued at $750 million, comprising 3,750 sukuk with a par value of $200,000 each and a return of 6.275 percent. 

The sukuk have a perpetual maturity, callable after five years. Settlement of the sukuk issuance is scheduled for Nov. 27, and the sukuk will be listed on the London Stock Exchange’s International Securities Market. 

Saudi Investment Bank closed the session at SR13.88, down 0.29 percent. 


Aramco to increase borrowing, focus on dividend growth, CFO says

Aramco to increase borrowing, focus on dividend growth, CFO says
Updated 21 November 2024
Follow

Aramco to increase borrowing, focus on dividend growth, CFO says

Aramco to increase borrowing, focus on dividend growth, CFO says

RIYADH: Saudi Aramco plans to increase borrowing and focus on enhancing its dividend distribution strategy, revealed the company’s chief financial officer. 

In an interview with Bloomberg, Ziad Al-Murshed explained that this move is part of the company’s efforts to optimize its capital structure. 

Aramco is considered one of the pillars of the Saudi economy, encompassing the entire oil production chain, from hydrocarbon extraction to energy generation, as well as refining and commercial distribution activities.  

“You’ll see us do a couple of things. One is, just take on more debt compared to use of equity,” Al-Murshed said during the interview. 

“It’s nothing to do with the dividend, it is optimizing our capital structure so that we end up with a lower weighted average cost of capital,” he added. 

Aramco returned to the debt market earlier this year after a three-year hiatus, raising $9 billion in two separate issuances. In June, it launched a $6 billion offering of dollar-denominated bonds, followed by a $3 billion issuance of Islamic bonds in September.   

The CFO noted: “We had the luxury of sitting out those three years until the market became conducive.” 

Al-Murshed provided insight into how the company increased its dividend by 4 percent in each of the past two years and is now paying over $81 billion in base dividends. 

“We’re looking for it to be progressive over the years,” he said, adding that the company’s free cash flow supports this strategy. 

While the company plans to issue debt regularly, Al-Murshed emphasized that it will not be overly frequent and revealed that Aramco has no plans to sell more debt for the remainder of 2024. 

“We want to be active, but we don’t want to be too active,” he said. 

The CFO further clarified that the company’s decision to sell debt is primarily aimed at broadening its investor base. 

Al-Murshed did not specify whether Aramco would borrow to support its dividend payments, which are set to total $124 billion this year, exceeding the company’s earnings. 

Earlier this month, Aramco reported a net profit of SR103.37 billion ($27.52 billion) for the third quarter of 2024, exceeding analyst expectations, which had projected a median net income of $26.9 billion. 

However, in a statement released at the time, the company noted a 15.4 percent decline in net profit compared to the same period in 2023, attributed to challenging market conditions, including lower prices for crude oil, refined products, and chemicals. 

Aramco’s vision remains to be the world’s leading integrated energy and chemicals company, operating in a safe, sustainable, and reliable manner.   


Saudi Arabia's Ma’aden proceeds with $10bn capital raise to boost phosphate stake

Saudi Arabia's Ma’aden proceeds with $10bn capital raise to boost phosphate stake
Updated 21 November 2024
Follow

Saudi Arabia's Ma’aden proceeds with $10bn capital raise to boost phosphate stake

Saudi Arabia's Ma’aden proceeds with $10bn capital raise to boost phosphate stake
  • Ma’aden said its shareholders will convene virtually on Dec. 11 to approve the capital increase
  • Plan includes issuing 111 million new ordinary shares valued at SR10 each

RIYADH: Saudi Arabian Mining Co., or Ma’aden, has issued a shareholder circular outlining the terms of its plan to raise its share capital to SR38.03 billion ($10.1 billion) from SR36.92 billion to boost its phosphate business. 

The move follows an earlier announcement to acquire a 25 percent stake in Ma’aden Wa’ad Al-Shamal Phosphate Co. from Mosaic Phosphates B.V., increasing its ownership in the joint venture to 85 percent. 

In April, Ma’aden announced the signing of an agreement to acquire 210.93 million shares owned by Mosaic Co. and its subsidiary, Mosaic Phosphates B.V. Regulatory approval for the transaction was granted in November by the Capital Market Authority.

In a bourse filing, Ma’aden said its shareholders will convene virtually on Dec. 11 to approve the capital increase. The plan includes issuing 111 million new ordinary shares valued at SR10 each, representing a 3.01 percent rise in the company’s share capital. 

In exchange, Mosaic Phosphates will transfer its MWSPC stake to Ma’aden, aligning with the Saudi firm’s strategic expansion in the phosphate sector. 

MWSPC, established in 2014 and based in Turaif, is a joint venture between Ma’aden, Mosaic Co., and Saudi Basic Industries Corp. Following the transaction, SABIC will retain its 15 percent stake while Ma’aden strengthens its position as a global phosphate leader. 

Mosaic Netherlands Holding Co., a subsidiary of Mosaic Co., will receive the newly issued shares, which will be subject to a three-year lock-up period. Limited transfers will begin in the fourth year, with full tradability by the fifth year, the circular said. 

The acquisition will enhance Ma’aden’s control over MWSPC, recognized as a low-cost, large-scale phosphate producer. It will also grant Ma’aden access to Mosaic’s marketing rights, a component of the deal’s valuation at SR5.62 billion. 

Ma’aden expects increased earnings per share following the transaction, reflecting anticipated synergies and enhanced operational efficiencies, according to the document. 

The company assured shareholders that all regulatory approvals for the transaction have been secured, with a detailed timeline for procedural steps provided in the circular. 

The move underscores Ma’aden’s commitment to driving value creation in the Kingdom’s mining sector, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 goals to diversify the economy and develop industrial capabilities. 

In the first half of this year, Ma’aden achieved a net profit of SR2 billion, marking a 160 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023. 

The surge in profitability was driven by several key factors. A major contributor to this financial success was the significant boost in sales volume, according to a Tadawul statement. 

The company’s robust performance in primary aluminum and gold sales played a crucial role in driving up revenues. Ma’aden also benefited from reductions in raw material costs and lower depreciation expenses, which further enhanced its profitability. 

Ma’aden’s performance and strategic advancements underscore its commitment to leading the mining sector and contributing to Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification goals, particularly in developing mining as a critical pillar of the Kingdom’s industry. 


Saudi Urban 20 delegation emphasizes need for frameworks to tackle development issues 

Saudi Urban 20 delegation emphasizes need for frameworks to tackle development issues 
Updated 21 November 2024
Follow

Saudi Urban 20 delegation emphasizes need for frameworks to tackle development issues 

Saudi Urban 20 delegation emphasizes need for frameworks to tackle development issues 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia emphasized the need for comprehensive strategic frameworks to tackle global economic, climate, and development challenges during the seventh Urban 20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro. 

A delegation led by Fahd Al-Rasheed, adviser to the General Secretariat of the Saudi Council of Ministers, participated in several key discussions at the event, highlighting the Kingdom’s urban development strategies and its commitment to sustainability, social inclusion, and economic empowerment on a global scale. 

Speaking about the country’s approach to urban transformation, Al-Rasheed said: “Saudi Arabia has adopted a comprehensive strategic framework for urban development and transformation that empowers city leadership to pursue the initiatives that drive their growth and success.” 

He also underlined that the U20, which unites cities from G20 member states, is vital in facilitating tools such as financing models to support cities in achieving their goals. 

Al-Rasheed gave those remarks during a panel discussion titled “Empowering Cities on their Own Paths to Development,” which included global urban leaders such as Edward Glaeser of Harvard University, Nasiphi Moya, mayor of Pretoria, and Kate Gallego, mayor of Phoenix. 

At the summit, Al-Rasheed also attended the launch of the first U20 book, a compilation of insights from global urbanists addressing shared challenges faced by metropolizes. 

His contribution, titled “Enlightened City Leadership: A New Model for a Sustainable Urban Future,” highlighted the importance of training city leaders to manage the complexities of modern urban administration. 

“Delivering on urban development imperatives requires comprehensive strategic planning that embraces governance, resourcing, and competitive advantage,” he remarked. 

Al-Rasheed pointed to projections that cities with populations exceeding 1 million will increase from 700 today to 1,600 by 2080. 

To meet the growing demand, he underlined that approximately 2 million urban leadership professionals will need to be trained over the next 35 years. 

“Urban development plans must include mechanisms to address pervasive issues, including poverty and social inclusion while preparing the next generation of city leaders to confront the deluge of challenges that cities will continue to face worldwide,” he said. 

The Urban 20 event in Brazil. Supplied

Al-Rasheed further explained that although many institutions offer training in disciplines such as urban planning, civil engineering, and public administration, there remains a lack of programs providing a comprehensive curriculum specifically focused on preparing city leaders to address both the technical and socioeconomic aspects of their roles. 

The U20 summit concluded with a closed-door session attended by Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, president of Brazil, where Al-Rasheed reiterated the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainability and social equity in urban development. 

“We are proud to represent Saudi Arabia’s unique perspective and experience in urban development on this important global stage,” he said, according to press release, adding: “We look forward to continuing Saudi Arabia’s legacy of leadership at the Urban 20 and to continuing our work with urban leaders from around the world to unify city voices around common challenges.” 

Among the highlights of the delegation’s activities was a mayoral dinner co-hosted by Al-Rasheed and Eduardo Paes, mayor of Rio de Janeiro and chair of this year’s Urban 20. 

The event brought together more than 100 city leaders, including the mayors of major cities such as Paris, Pretoria, Helsinki, and Phoenix, to celebrate civic leadership and its impact on urban development. 

Representatives from multinational organizations, such as Anaclaudia Rossbach, executive director of UN-Habitat, also attended the gathering.

In his opening remarks at the dinner, Al-Rasheed said: “Mayoral leadership calls for a unique combination of abilities to anticipate and navigate future trends, including technological disruptions, economic shifts, and demographic changes, while demonstrating the social sensitivity to care for and improve citizens’ daily lives.” 

He added: “By convening senior city leaders from around the world to address the common challenges of urban development and city leadership, Saudi Arabia continues to demonstrate its commitment to global collaboration in the spirit of the Urban 20.”