All mega projects should have a databank, accessible and transparent to all stockholders, containing statistics, forecasts, financial capability and assets of the projects, including their independent management status.
This was one of the resolutions of the first Saudi Mega Infrastructure Projects (MIP-2012) summit, which concluded last week.
Faisal S. Al-Fadl, head of the organization committee of Saudi MIP 2012, presented the recommendations.
Al-Fadl said mega projects must have a strategic national vision apart from allowing a collective involvement in the planning and development of large projects. The project should also maintain a record of lessons learned.
He said: “Delegates advised the public and the private sector to establish a nonprofit institute to manage all records that can be of use to stakeholders like owners, investors, suppliers etc.”
The summit was organized by MEED in coordination with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and GC Company in Riyadh, with the support of FA Partners, an architectural and engineering construction group of companies. The event attracted a lot of media attention and got many industry professionals involved.
Presentations and panel sessions were held on fields like transport infrastructure (road, rail, and aviation), social infrastructure (education, health care) & utilities infrastructure (power & water, desalination, renewable energy, waste management). A number of issues came up through think-tank sessions, which were conducted throughout the three-day summit.
The delegates concluded the summit with the following recommendations:
The performance of mega projects should be measurable, quantifiable and manageable to foresee the outcomes of the projects along with their positive and negative indications.
Saudi Arabia should have a professional certification institute, such as nongovernmental organizations similar to the Mega Projects Association in the UK, to take care of an industry vision of the mega projects.
Government regulation and guidance tools should be put in place for the logistical relationship of mega contractors with subcontractors.
Environmental assessments and green building methodologies must be a prerequisite to the design, construction and operation of all mega projects in order to reduce the ecological footprint and CO2 emission.
A mandatory national organizational chart should be in place to integrate information of mega projects for middle sized to small projects. Such a chart would clearly indicate the parametric project information and the responsibilities of internal and external players. There can be a web-based system for this purpose with on-demand accessibility.
There should be an independent legal system protecting the investors’ interest by providing them guidance for contractual risk management.
A special education department should be established for all mega project managers to implement an on-job training system.
Finally, along with agreeing on these recommendations, the delegates also settled upon having annual Saudi MIP conferences to continue networking, having effective panel discussions to contemplate on new challenges arising in the Kingdom and sharing experience and knowledge with each other.
Strategic vision must for MIPs
Strategic vision must for MIPs
Klija Festival in Buraidah empowers small businesses
- Half a million attend 15-day celebration of heritage; event creates 1,500 seasonal jobs
RIYADH: The 17th Klija Festival in Buraidah drew more than half a million visitors during its 15-day run, celebrating the region’s heritage and entrepreneurial spirit.
Organized by the Qassim Chamber of Commerce, the event highlighted small businesses, providing a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase local products.
More than 340 sales outlets, marketing corners and points of sale welcomed attendees, while the festival provided 1,500 seasonal job opportunities, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The small business pavilions featured families in the cottage industry, artisans and startups presenting traditional foods, and handicrafts and heritage items that reflect the region’s identity.
Participants said that the festival was a key marketing platform, boosting sales, increasing brand awareness, facilitating knowledge exchange and fostering connections with organizations supporting SMEs.
Mohammed Al-Hanaya, Qassim Chamber secretary-general and festival supervisor, said that the event brought together families, artisans, SMEs, companies and institutions, stimulating commercial activity, opening direct marketing channels and enhancing economic returns.
He added that the festival provided seasonal jobs for more than 1,500 young men and women across operations, marketing and services, supporting the labor market, empowering national talent, and connecting youth to the events and creative economy.
Klija, a traditional cookie made from wheat flour, dates or sugar, date syrup and natural ingredients such as cardamom and lemon, is a rich source of energy, carbohydrates, dietary fiber and natural proteins.
A cultural icon rooted in Qassim’s traditions, the cookie has gained international exposure through the festival, expanding the availability of packaged products.
Starting next year, the festival will be renamed the International Klija Festival, a rebranding approved by Qassim Gov. Prince Faisal bin Mishaal, who described it as a “successful model for turning local initiatives into global economic engines.”
This year’s festival, held at the King Khalid Cultural Center, included international participants from Egypt, Turkiye and Morocco, marking its evolution into a cross-cultural platform.
