Supporting construction in the KSA
Chairman
Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Ajlan
The Saudi Contractors Authority is an organ of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Commerce, concerned with the country’s construction sector. Established in 2015 through a resolution of the Council of Ministers, the authority aims to create a secure environment for national and foreign business contractors in Saudi Arabia. Hannah Barnett spoke to Chairman Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Ajlan to learn more.
The building and construction sector is the second largest non-oil sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is no surprise, then, that the contracting industry represents an integral part of this ever expanding and evolving market. The Saudi Contractors Authority (SCA) therefore aims to organise and develop the contracting sector, building distinctive productive competencies and creating a safe environment of international quality.
Membership enhances a contractor’s credibility in the market and allows them to benefit from the SCA’s various services, as well as getting access to any necessary support and advice.
“We always work to find an appropriate solution to the problems and crises facing contractors in general,” said Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Ajlan, Chairman. “We do this by encouraging innovation and enhancing communication among all relevant parties in the sector.”
Ten years of work
SCA was established a decade ago, in 2015, through Council of Ministries resolution No 510. The resolution in question pledged to organise and evolve the contracting sector by contributing to driving development across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The authority seeks to achieve its objectives through developing related aspects of the working environment to reach the highest levels of productivity and quality. Key milestones include hosting the International Contracting Conference, which takes place in February each year and brings together global industry leaders. The company has also put large amounts of investment into training programmes, digital platforms and sustainability initiatives.
In March 2024, SCA also launched the newest version of its respected Contractors Classification System. The classification is based on a meritocratic evaluation process that considers a contractor’s qualifications. This includes financial capacity, technical expertise, project experience and adherence to quality standards. The classification certificate enhances a company’s market reputation and opens doors to business opportunities. It is also intended to improve the quality of services provided, reduce
commercial cover-ups and increase a contractor’s competitiveness.
SCA now serves over 20,000 contractors across Saudi Arabia, where it provides industry insights, training and regulatory support. The authority collaborates with public and private stakeholders to enhance efficiency, sustainability and safety. SCA’s digital platforms facilitate licensing, certification and compliance for industry professionals. This is done with the aim of driving the digital revolution.
Vision
Building future with confidence Mission
Organizing contracting industry through setting and executing high quality organizational standards, encouraging innovation, developing skills, improving communication in the industry and achieving economic sustainability
“Our commitment to digital transformation, workforce development and thorough sustainability initiatives truly sets us apart,” said Mr Al-Ajlan. “We provide an extensive knowledge base and best practices to help contractors meet international standards and improve business efficiency.”
Sustainable solutions
Complementing the substantial work of the Saudi Contractors Authority to usher in nationwide improvements and developments is the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI).
The SGI is an ambitious national initiative focused on combating climate change, improving quality of life and protecting the environment for future generations.
The initiative was launched in 2021 by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, as a whole-of-society initiative. This means it is focused on uniting all sustainability efforts in the country to rapidly scale up climate action across the whole Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
SGI supports Saudi Arabia’s ambition to reach net-zero emissions by 2060 through the Circular Carbon Economy approach and is also accelerating the country’s transition to a green economy. Three overarching targets guide SGI’s work: emissions reduction, afforestation and the protection of land and sea environments.
“We in SCA actively promote sustainable construction practices through initiatives like green programmes and modern construction technologies,” added Mr Al-Ajlan. “Our role is to educate, develop and support contractors, by adopting sustainability-driven approaches that align with national objectives.”
The construction industry is also undergoing a digital revolution, thanks to innovations
like Building Information Modelling, AI and automation. SCA supports this transformation and now uses digital platforms for licensing, contractor classification and regulatory compliance. “These advancements enhance efficiency, reduce project delays and improve quality control across the sector,”
Mr Al-Ajlan explained.
The SCA has made further significant steps by promoting model contracts which are designed to enhance transparency and efficiency in the construction sector. Recent initiatives include launching standardised contract templates, designed to reduce disputes, improve legal clarity and align with Vision 2030 construction goals.
A suitable role
Mr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Ajan has served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors at SAC since 2024. In this short time, he has leveraged his expertise to guide strategic decision-making and organisational growth. Mr Al-Ajan is personally dedicated to advancing the industry through regulatory
enhancements, modern construction technologies and the empowerment of small and medium enterprises.
A quick look at his experience reveals that Mr Al-Ajan is undeniably already an experienced and distinguished figure in Saudi Arabia’s construction sector. As the founder and CEO of Sif Al-Imara Contracting Company, he has already made a name for himself driving excellence in project execution and innovation. Between 2021 and 2024 Mr Al-Ajan also held key roles as a Board Member and Executive Committee Chairman of the Saudi Contractors Authority, where he shaped policies and strategies to elevate the sector’s efficiency and alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.
His extensive leadership experience also includes roles as a Board Member of the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry between 2012–2016 and Chairman of the Commercial Committee, where he contributed to trade and investment growth.
Mr Al-Ajan graduated with an MBA from Cardiff University in 2001. Before that, he
studied for his bachelor’s degree in finance at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals in Saudi Arabia. With a strong focus on collaboration, sustainability, and SME development, he continues to drive transformative change in Saudi’s construction landscape
“The ability to shape the future of the Saudi Arabian construction industry is incredibly rewarding,” Mr Al-Ajan said, in conclusion. “Each day presents new opportunities for innovation, collaboration and driving impactful changes. Seeing the country’s infrastructure evolve, and knowing our work contributes to national progress, truly keeps me motivated.” n
