Saudi Aramco runs one of the largest supply chains on earth. Getting on it requires one thing above all others: 9 com approval.

For manufacturers, equipment suppliers, and EPC contractors targeting Saudi Arabia’s energy sector, 9 com qualification is the entry point to Aramco’s procurement system. Without a 9 com number, your company simply does not appear in Aramco’s e-Marketplace, and Aramco’s procurement teams will never find you.

What Is the Aramco 9 Com List?

The 9 com list is Aramco’s official classification system for approved commodity suppliers. Once your 9 com approval is complete, you receive a unique number and are added to the much sought after Aramco Approved Vendor List (AVL), making you eligible to receive direct requests for quotation (rfqs) on major projects across the Kingdom.

The range of companies that need 9 com qualification is broad: manufacturers of piping, valves, electrical components, mechanical equipment, and structural materials, as well as equipment agents and EPC contractors working on Saudi projects.

Importantly, companies that already hold an Aramco vendor code still need a separate 9 com number to qualify for commodity-based procurement.

How Does the 9 Com Approval Process Work?

The 9 com approval process follows five stages. First, you submit an application through Aramco’s e-Marketplace platform.

Second, Aramco reviews your documentation against the relevant commodity category code, known as the 9CAT.

Third, a technical readiness review takes place, and in many cases this includes a physical site inspection of your manufacturing facility.

Fourth, once all checks are complete, your 9 com number is issued and you appear on the AVL.

Successful 9 com approval completion usually takes between three and six months, depending on category complexity and how complete your documents are at the time of submission.

Core documentation requirements include ISO 9001 certification, product-specific certifications, factory registration documents, and financial records. Requirements vary by commodity category.

What Does 9 Com Have to Do with Local Content?

The connection between 9 com approval and local content is direct and commercially significant. Local content, Aramco’s in-kingdom total value add program, measures how much of a supplier’s activity contributes to Saudi Arabia’s domestic economy.

In February 2026, Aramco announced it had reached its 70% local content target, up from just 35% in 2015, and has now set a new target of 75% by 2030. Suppliers with strong local content scores and Saudi manufacturing presence are given priority in procurement cycles.

If you plan your 9 com application with local content scoring in mind from the start, you improve both your chances of approval and your long-term commercial position.

The local content program has contributed more than $280 billion to Saudi Arabia’s GDP since its launch and has attracted investments from 35 countries in new in-kingdom manufacturing facilities.

EPS support provides end-to-end 9 com consultancy, from initial readiness assessments and 9cat selection to site inspection preparation and post-submission follow-up. If you want 9 com approval help before you apply, contact us at info@epssupport.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Saudi Aramco 9 com approval take?

The process usually takes three to six months, depending on your commodity category and document completeness. Missing or expired certificates are the most common cause of delays.

What certifications do I need for 9 com qualification?

Core requirements include ISO 9001, product-specific certifications, factory registration documents, and financial records. Exact requirements vary by 9CAT code.

If I already have an Aramco vendor code, do I still need 9 com approval?

Yes. A vendor code and a 9 com number are separate. Companies with an existing vendor code still need 9 com qualification to access commodity-based procurement on Aramco’s e-Marketplace.

What is a 9CAT code and why does it matter for my 9 com application?

A 9CAT code is the commodity category code your 9 com application is evaluated under. Selecting the wrong code is one of the most common reasons for failed 9 com applications, because your documentation must match that specific category.

Does Aramco 9 com approval also qualify me for SABIC procurement?

No. SABIC runs a completely separate qualification process, and Aramco 9 com approval does not carry over automatically.

On April 22, 2026, the Public Investment Fund approved its new five-year strategy. For any international company thinking seriously about Saudi Arabia, this is the most important signal of where capital is actually going for the next half-decade. Here is an honest breakdown, without the hype.

What Changed From the 2021–2025 Strategy

The scale of PIF-led construction contracts dropped sharply. During the previous cycle, PIF accounted for around 38% of major contract awards, with roughly $71 billion in total. Under the new strategy, that figure is closer to $30 billion, and PIF’s share of awards has fallen to approximately 14%.

The reason is straightforward: oil revenue pressure, a fiscal deficit running at around 3.3% of GDP, and a deliberate decision to bring in more private sector capital rather than funding everything directly. This is not a retreat. It is a recalibration.

The Three-Portfolio Structure

PIF’s new strategy organizes its work into three distinct portfolios. The Vision Portfolio focuses on six domestic ecosystems. The Strategic Portfolio holds the national champion companies. The Financial Portfolio covers global investments. For most foreign companies, the Vision Portfolio is where the relevant opportunities sit.

The Six Vision Portfolio Ecosystems

The six sectors receiving focus are: artificial intelligence and technology, tourism and hospitality, sports and entertainment, real estate, manufacturing, and mining. Each has active projects, funding commitments, and procurement pipelines. Saudi Arabia’s non-oil sector now accounts for more than 50% of GDP, and Moody’s projects non-oil growth of 4.5% to 5.5% annually for the next five to ten years.

What Is Still Moving at Full Speed

Expo 2030 construction started in April 2026, with a $7.8 billion budget. Three FIFA 2034 stadiums are already under construction, with eight more planned. The 10th mining licensing round is opening. AI infrastructure is receiving serious, accelerated investment. These are not future promises. They are active programs with procurement activity happening now.

What Has Been Scaled Back

Some elements of the giga-project pipeline have been restructured. NEOM’s residential population targets were revised downward. Certain components with very long delivery horizons and unclear near-term returns have been reprioritized. Companies that built market entry plans around those specific elements will need to adjust their approach.

The Private Sector Opportunity

Here is the important part. PIF’s new model explicitly calls for increased private sector participation to fill the gap left by reduced direct PIF spending. That is the opening. Foreign companies that can bring capital, technology, or operational capability into these six ecosystems are exactly what the strategy is designed to attract. Between 2021 and 2024, PIF contributed $243 billion to Saudi Arabia’s non-oil GDP. The next phase is built on partnerships, not just public funding.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is PIF’s new investment focus for 2026 to 2030?

PIF is concentrating on six domestic ecosystems: AI and technology, tourism, sports and entertainment, real estate, manufacturing, and mining. The strategy reduces direct public spending and opens more space for private sector partners.

Has Saudi Arabia slowed down on mega-projects?

Some have been restructured or delayed. However, high-priority programs like Expo 2030, FIFA 2034 infrastructure, and AI investment are fully active and on schedule.

What does the PIF strategy change mean for foreign investors?

It means the best opportunities are now in sectors where private capital and expertise are needed, rather than in direct government-funded construction contracts.

How does GDP growth in Saudi Arabia look for 2026?

The Saudi Ministry of Finance projects GDP growth of 4.4% to 4.6% for the fiscal year 2026, with strong non-oil sector performance driving most of that growth.

How should a foreign company align its entry strategy with PIF priorities?

Start by identifying which of the six Vision Portfolio ecosystems your business serves. Then build your registration, IKTVA compliance, and partnership approach around the specific procurement cycles in that sector.

Aligning your entry strategy with where PIF capital is actually flowing, rather than where it used to flow, is the difference between finding traction quickly and spending a year in the wrong conversations.

If you want to work through a PIF ecosystem alignment assessment for your business, reach out to the EPS team at info@epssupport.com.

Choosing the wrong Saudi Arabia business consultant does not just cost money. It costs time, and in a market moving as fast as the Kingdom is today, 12 wasted months can mean missed tenders, lapsed approvals, and competitors who are already operational. Before you sign anything, here is the framework we share with every prospective client.

1. Do They Have Active Relationships With Aramco, SABIC, MISA, and Vision 2030 Programme Offices?

Name-dropping is easy. Active working relationships are not.

Ask your consultant to name specific contacts, recent interactions, or outcomes they have achieved through these channels. A firm that can move an Aramco 9-Com approval or fast-track a MISA foreign investment license is operating at a different level than one that simply lists these institutions on its website.

At EPS Support, our vendor registration work spans Aramco, SABIC, CEER, and the Public Investment Fund. These are live engagements, not brochure content.

2. Can They Show Real Case Studies With Revenue or Compliance Outcomes?

Process decks are not results. Ask for case studies that include specific outcomes: licenses obtained, timelines achieved, contracts unlocked, or compliance requirements cleared. If a consultant cannot point to measurable wins for past clients, you are taking a significant risk.

We share outcome-based client examples during our initial consultations because we believe that is the honest way to build trust before any engagement begins.

3. Do They Have Domain Experts Across the Full Value Chain?

A good Saudi Arabia business consultant is not just a legal fixer or a registration agent. Real market entry requires technical expertise, financial structuring knowledge, HR and Saudization planning, and legal compliance, all working together. If your consultant is strong in one area but weak in others, you will end up patching gaps with multiple vendors and losing coherence.

EPS Support fields specialists across all of these disciplines, which means our clients work with one team rather than managing four separate firms.

4. Do They Offer End-to-End Support, From Feasibility Through to Operations?

Advisory-only firms are common. They will give you a strategy document and then leave you to execute it alone. That is fine if you have a strong internal team with Saudi market experience. Most international companies do not.

We work with clients from the feasibility stage through to operational execution, including RHQ setup advisory, joint venture structuring, and day-to-day regulatory compliance.

5. Are They Familiar With Your Specific Sector?

Oil and gas entry requirements are different from mining, agro-technology, or IT. A generalist consultant may not know the technical approval requirements for your industry or the specific procurement channels you need to access.

EPS Support has dedicated practice areas in oil and gas, mining, and agro-technology consulting, which means the advice our clients receive is grounded in the actual requirements of their sector, not a generic market entry template.

Choosing a consultant is a high-stakes decision. We are happy to walk you through our approach and answer these questions directly. Reach out to our team at info@epssupport.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a business consultant in Saudi Arabia actually do?

A Saudi Arabia business consultant helps companies navigate the legal, regulatory, and commercial requirements for operating in the Kingdom. This includes market entry strategy, company registration, MISA licensing, vendor registration with major state entities, Saudization compliance, and sector-specific advisory.

How do I verify that a Saudi consultancy has real government connections?

Ask for specific examples of approvals they have obtained, entities they are registered with as vendors or approved service providers, and timelines from recent client engagements. A reputable firm will have concrete answers, not vague claims.

What is the difference between advisory consulting and end-to-end support?

Advisory consulting means a firm provides recommendations but leaves implementation to you. End-to-end support means the consultant handles the entire process, from feasibility and licensing through to operational setup, reducing your need for internal Saudi expertise in the early stages.

How important is sector specialization when choosing a Saudi business consultant?

Very important. Each sector in Saudi Arabia has its own regulatory framework, government approval requirements, and procurement norms. A consultant without sector-specific knowledge may miss critical steps that delay your entry or create compliance risks down the line.

How long does it typically take to set up a business in Saudi Arabia with a consultant?

With the right consultant and full documentation ready, a standard MISA license and commercial registration can take between 30 and 60 days. More complex setups involving Aramco vendor registration or joint venture structures typically take longer depending on the specific approvals required.

The Hormuz crisis has pushed forward a transformation that was already happening. Saudi Arabia’s $7 billion Landbridge railway is now being treated as a national security project. The Red Sea ports it connects are becoming the main entry and exit points for Gulf trade, and the business opportunities forming around them are significant.

What Is the Saudi Landbridge?

The Saudi Landbridge is a railway network designed to connect the Red Sea coast on the west side of the Kingdom to the Arabian Gulf coast on the east. The main line covers 950 kilometres between Jeddah and Riyadh. Two extensions add further reach: a 146-kilometre line to King Abdullah Port and a 172-kilometre line to Yanbu. Along the route, seven logistics centres will support storage, customs, and freight operations. When complete, this network will allow cargo to cross Saudi Arabia in under 10 hours by train, creating a direct Asia-to-Europe freight path that avoids the Strait of Hormuz entirely.

The Red Sea Ports That Anchor the Network

Three ports sit at the western end of the Landbridge. Jeddah Islamic Port is the Kingdom’s busiest container terminal, with DP World operations there expecting rising volumes. King Abdullah Port, one of the largest fully automated ports in the region, forms a key anchor point for the network. Yanbu Commercial Port is becoming a major energy and industrial export terminal. Together, these ports represent a combined capacity of 18.6 million TEUs per year.

What Is Already Moving

The shift is visible today. More than 25 supertankers have been redirected to Yanbu for oil exports. Ma’aden, Saudi Arabia’s mining company, is now routing aluminium exports through Yanbu instead of Gulf terminals. Around 900 trucks per day are crossing into Kuwait via land corridors, and the east-west Petroline pipeline is running near full capacity. The system is being used before the railway is even finished.

Construction Timeline

The Saudi China Landbridge Consortium, formed by Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) and Chinese contractor CCEC, is leading construction. Design teams include Systra, Thales, WSP, and Italferr. Hill International, Sener, and Italferr are managing the project. The Jubail-to-Dammam section was opened in April 2024. The full network is expected to reach completion around 2034, with major construction tenders expected from mid-2026 onward.

Business Opportunities Along the Corridor

The corridor is opening demand across several sectors: rail freight technology, dry port management, automated warehousing, cold chain logistics, and multimodal transport services. The projected economic impact includes $4.2 billion in annual savings for the Saudi economy and an expected 200,000 jobs created.

How to Enter This Market

Foreign companies can enter through MISA registration, with additional advantages available inside Saudi Special Economic Zones. IKTVA compliance gives logistics companies a stronger position in Aramco and government-linked procurement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Saudi Landbridge completion date?

The full network is targeted for 2034, per MEED project tracking.

Which ports does the Landbridge connect?

Jeddah Islamic Port, King Abdullah Port, and Yanbu on the Red Sea side, connecting through to Dammam and Jubail on the Gulf coast.

Why is Yanbu becoming more important?

Yanbu sits outside the Hormuz risk zone. Redirected tankers and industrial exports are making it one of the Kingdom’s fastest-growing port hubs.

What sectors have the most opportunity?

Warehousing, cold chain, rail technology, port automation, and freight forwarding all have strong demand connected to the corridor.

If your company is looking at the Saudi logistics sector and wants to understand what registration, partnerships, and positioning look like in practice, the EPS team is available to help. Send your questions to info@epssupport.com for a direct conversation.

Getting on Saudi Aramco’s approved vendor list is one of the most important steps a manufacturer or supplier can take when entering the Saudi market. The 9COM list is Aramco’s official classification system for approved commodity suppliers. Once you are listed, you become eligible to receive direct requests for quotation (RFQs) on major projects across the Kingdom. Without it, your company is simply invisible to Aramco’s procurement teams.

Who Needs 9COM Approval?

If your company makes or supplies engineered equipment, industrial materials, or technical products, you likely need 9COM approval. This includes manufacturers of piping, valves, electrical components, mechanical equipment, and structural materials, as well as EPC contractors and equipment agents working on Saudi projects. Companies that already have a vendor code with Aramco still need a separate 9COM number to qualify for commodity-based procurement.

The Step-by-Step 9COM Registration Process

The process runs through Aramco’s e-Marketplace platform. Here is how it works:

Step 1: Supplier Profile Activation. Register and activate your company profile on the e-Marketplace. Make sure all company data, contacts, and documents are complete before moving forward.

Step 2: 9CAT Commodity Category Selection. Choose the correct commodity categories (9CAT codes) that match your products. Wrong selections are one of the most common reasons for rejection.

Step 3: Documentation Submission. Submit your technical and quality documents. This includes ISO 9001 certification or equivalent quality management system (QMS) evidence, product certifications, factory credentials, and financial standing documents.

Step 4: Technical Readiness Audit. Aramco will review your technical capability. In many cases, this includes a physical site inspection of your manufacturing facility. Being well-prepared for this audit is critical.

Step 5: Approval and Listing. Once all checks pass, your 9COM number is issued and you appear on the Approved Vendor List (AVL).

The full process typically takes between three and six months, depending on category complexity and document completeness.

Common Reasons Applications Are Rejected

The most frequent problems include: incomplete or expired certificates, selecting the wrong 9CAT codes, weak quality management documentation, and poor preparation for site inspections. A missing document that seems minor can delay the entire process by months.

9COM and IKTVA Compliance

9COM approval connects directly to Aramco’s IKTVA (In-Kingdom Total Value Add) program. Suppliers with strong local content scores and Saudi manufacturing presence are given priority in procurement cycles. Planning your 9COM application with IKTVA scoring in mind improves your chances and your long-term commercial position.

SABIC Vendor Qualification: Key Differences

SABIC runs its own separate vendor qualification process. While some documents overlap with Aramco requirements, the platforms, category codes, and audit criteria are different. A company approved by Aramco is not automatically approved by SABIC, and vice versa.

How EPS Manages the End-to-End Process

EPS Support Services works with manufacturers and suppliers to manage the entire 9COM process, from initial document review and 9CAT selection to site inspection support and post-submission follow-up. The team has direct experience with Aramco’s e-Marketplace system and knows what Aramco’s evaluators look for.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How do I check the Aramco Approved Vendor List?

The AVL is managed internally by Aramco. Approved vendors appear in the e-Marketplace system after their 9COM number is issued.

Q2. What is the difference between a vendor code and a 9COM number?

A vendor code registers your company with Aramco for general dealings. A 9COM number qualifies you to supply specific commodities and receive RFQs for those categories.

Q3. How long does Aramco 9COM approval take?

Typically three to six months, depending on the category and how ready your documents are at the time of submission.

Q4. What certificates are required for Aramco registration in 2026?

Core requirements include ISO 9001, product-specific certifications, factory registration documents, and financial records. Requirements vary by commodity category.

Q5. Is there an Aramco 9COM renewal process?

Yes. Approved vendors must renew their qualification at regular intervals and keep certificates and company information current on the platform.

Take the Next Step

Getting 9COM approval right the first time saves months of delays and protects your commercial position in the Saudi market. If you want to make the process as effective and hassle-free as possible, consider using EPS Support Aramco 9 Com Approval Consultancy Services. Our professional  team of experts can walk you through the entire process from start to finish.

Reach out to EPS Support Services at info@epssupport.com to get started.

The Gulf region is facing a serious food crisis. More than 70 percent of food for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries usually comes through the Strait of Hormuz. By March 2026, disruptions have blocked most of these paths.

This has forced retailers to fly in basic items and has caused food prices to rise by up to 120 percent. While this is a difficult time for the region, it also creates a massive Saudi Arabia business opportunity for companies that can provide food and logistics solutions.

Why the West Coast is a Top Saudi Arabia Business Opportunity

The west coast of Saudi Arabia is the only safe way to keep the region fed right now. Ports like Jeddah Islamic Port, King Abdullah Port, and Yanbu work separately from the Strait of Hormuz.

These ports can handle a combined 18.6 million containers. Because other regional ports are crowded, more cargo ships are choosing to stop here. This shift makes the Red Sea coast the main center for trade. For any company in the shipping or storage sector, this is a prime Saudi Arabia business opportunity.

Moving Food by Land to GCC Neighbors

A vital land route is already working to solve the crisis. Every day, 900 trucks carry food from Jeddah across the desert to the border of Kuwait. This is the only way for countries like Kuwait and Qatar to get food without using risky sea paths.

To make this better, the government is fast-tracking a 7-billion dollar Landbridge railway project. This train will move food from the west coast to the east coast very quickly. Building the warehouses, hubs, and railway infrastructure for this rail line is another significant Saudi Arabia business opportunity, especially for savvy EPC firms.

Urgent Needs in Agri-Tech and Cold Chain

The region needs more than just transport. The Saudi government needs large storage centers and cold chain tools built on the west coast right now. They also need smart farming systems.

Since Saudi Arabia gets 70 percent of its water from desalination, there is a big need for vertical farming and indoor growing. Companies from Brazil, India, and the Netherlands are in a very strong position to fill this Saudi Arabia business opportunity.

Fast Approvals for Food System Companies

Feeding the people is now a top priority for national security. Because of this, the government has made it easier and faster for food companies to register. You can now get your investment license much quicker than in other industries.

How EPS Helps You Enter the Market

EPS Support Services provides expert Saudi Arabia market entry consulting to help your firm join this expansion. We have more than 15 years of experience helping global firms win work and build local operations. Our team has special knowledge in Saudi Arabia Agrotechnology Advisory to guide you through rules and find local partners.

The chance to get first-mover benefits is ending soon. As new rules for Special Economic Zones start in April 2026, the best spots will be taken quickly. Do not stay on the sidelines while others grow. Email us today at info@epssupport.com to start your journey.

In Saudi Arabia’s fast-evolving industrial and commercial ecosystem, brands and intellectual property (IP) are no longer intangible buzzwords — they are financial instruments.

With the acceleration of Vision 2030 projects, a growing number of companies are discovering that their ability to win bids, secure financing, and attract investors hinges on how effectively they can quantify and communicate the value of their brand and IP assets.

EPS Support, in strategic partnership with the European Brand Institute (EBI) – Middle East, has become a leading provider of brand valuation KSA and IP financing Saudi Arabia solutions that turn intangibles into measurable, investable assets.

The Challenge: Intangibles Overlooked in Saudi Tenders

While Saudi Arabia is experiencing one of the largest waves of industrial and commercial tenders in its history, most companies still rely solely on traditional balance sheets to showcase strength.

Assets like R&D, trademarks, proprietary technology, and know-how often remain invisible in procurement bids.

This creates two critical problems for firms:

1. Undervalued Proposals in Strategic Sourcing Saudi Arabia
   Without accounting for intangibles, bids underrepresent a company’s true competitive advantage, limiting their ability to stand out in Aramco, SABIC, and NEOM tenders.

2. Lost Financing Opportunities
   Banks, investors, and lenders increasingly demand credible metrics for intangible assets to back lending decisions. In fact, according to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), over 80% of global corporate value in 2025 is tied to intangible assets — yet many Saudi firms fail to document it effectively.

The EPS Solution: Turning Brand Strength into Financial Leverage

EPS Support bridges this gap through its EBI-certified methodologies, ensuring valuations are internationally recognized while being locally grounded. The process includes:

• Comprehensive Brand & IP Valuation: Assessing patents, trademarks, design rights, R&D, and brand equity using financial, legal, and market-based models.

• Bid-Ready Reports: Presenting results in formats aligned with Saudi tendering authorities, enabling firms to include brand/IP value as part of technical and financial submissions.

• Financing Enablement: Creating valuation reports that meet the requirements of banks and private equity firms, turning IP into collateral for loans and credit facilities.

• Strategic Advisory: Beyond numbers, EPS advises on how to leverage valuations in strategic sourcing Saudi Arabia, joint ventures, and franchising models.

Case Study: Saudi SME in Renewable Energy

A Saudi SME in the renewable energy sector approached EPS Support while preparing for a multi-billion-riyal EPC tender. Despite having groundbreaking proprietary technology, the firm was struggling to showcase its unique market advantage against larger competitors.

EPS Intervention:

1. Brand & Patent Evaluation: EPS valued the company’s patents in solar energy conversion and its established brand reputation in the GCC market.

2. Brand Strength Analysis: Using EBI methodologies, EPS demonstrated high customer loyalty and market positioning, quantifying this into measurable equity.

3. IP Financing Saudi Arabia: EPS presented valuation reports recognized by regional banks, allowing the SME to secure SAR 120 million in credit lines backed by intangible assets.

4. Tender Integration: With valuation reports included in its bid, the company successfully outperformed competitors by proving both technological superiority and financial credibility.

Impact:

• Bid success rate improved by 40%.

• Financing secured enabled expansion of manufacturing capacity by 30% within one year.

• The SME positioned itself as a strategic supplier within the renewable energy ecosystem aligned with Vision 2030’s Saudi Green Initiative.

The Bigger Picture: IP as a Cornerstone of Vision 2030

Saudi Arabia is steadily transitioning toward a knowledge-driven economy, where innovation, R&D, and brand strength are as vital as physical infrastructure. Policies like Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP) initiatives and IKTVA localization programs emphasize the need to quantify and leverage intangible assets.

By integrating brand valuation KSA and IP financing Saudi Arabia into bidding processes, EPS Support ensures:

• Companies gain competitive differentiation in procurement.

• SMEs access global-standard valuation frameworks adapted to Saudi regulations.

• Investors and lenders gain confidence in local firms through credible asset-backed assessments.

Conclusion: Intangible to Investable with EPS Support

In 2025, the difference between winning and losing a contract, securing or missing financing, is no longer just about balance sheets or manpower — it’s about proving the value of innovation, IP, and brand equity.

EPS Support, powered by the expertise of the European Brand Institute – Middle East, enables Saudi firms to convert intangible assets into investable financial capital.

This isn’t just a compliance exercise — it’s a strategy for growth, resilience, and leadership in a hyper-competitive market.

Ready to Mobilize: EPS Contracting in Action

In Saudi Arabia’s era of giga-projects, contractors are no longer judged only on price or technical capability—they are judged on their ability to mobilize. Vision 2030 has accelerated the pace of development, pushing forward projects in energy, petrochemicals, infrastructure, and smart cities.

Against this backdrop, EPS Contracting Division stands out by delivering not just plans, but boots on the ground, ensuring projects meet strict deadlines, align with Aramco standards, and drive forward IKTVA implementation.

The New Reality of Industrial Execution in KSA

Saudi Arabia’s 2025 budget allocates SAR 1.285 trillion ($342 billion) in spending to fast-track giga-projects, with a focus on diversifying the economy through infrastructure, renewable energy, and industrial expansion.

At the same time, Aramco continues to invest heavily, with planned capital expenditures surpassing $55 billion annually, ensuring oil, gas, and petrochemical projects remain core drivers of growth.

This wave of investment creates unprecedented demand for contractors who can mobilize at scale—deploying manpower, equipment, and temporary facilities quickly and in compliance with Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards (SAES).

For companies like EPS, mobilization has become the strategic differentiator in winning and retaining contracts.

EPS Contracting Division: Mobilization in Practice

EPS Contracting has developed a mobilization framework designed for speed, compliance, and localization.

1. Site Readiness from Day One

• Rapid deployment of temporary facilities including camps, offices, utilities, and storage.

• Pre-positioned logistics hubs across the Eastern Province ensure equipment and materials are on site without delay.

2. Compliance with Aramco Standards

• Every mobilization aligns with Aramco’s rigorous specifications, from scaffolding systems to safety equipment.

• Regular training and certifications ensure that teams meet evolving HSE and QA/QC requirements.

3. IKTVA Implementation in Action

• EPS actively recruits Saudi nationals across skilled trades, engineering, and site management.

• Partnerships with local SMEs ensure a large portion of procurement—steel, fasteners, scaffolding, and consumables—remains in-Kingdom.

• These measures directly contribute to the IKTVA goal of 70% local content by 2025.

4. Industrial Execution at Scale

• EPS has successfully mobilized over 300 technicians within 14 days for Aramco shutdowns.

• Integrated multi-discipline services (civil, mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation) reduce fragmentation and deliver holistic site readiness.

Why Mobilization Capability Matters

Mobilization is not just logistics—it is the foundation of project success.

• Time-to-Execution: According to MEED, delays in mobilization account for up to 18% of GCC project cost overruns. Contractors that can mobilize efficiently mitigate this risk.

• Compliance & Safety: Pre-certified teams and standardized equipment reduce incidents, penalties, and rework.

• Localization & Reputation: IKTVA-driven mobilization demonstrates long-term commitment to Vision 2030, strengthening contractor reputation and competitiveness.

• Sustainability: By sourcing locally and shortening supply chains, mobilization reduces emissions and supports the Kingdom’s green transition targets.

The Numbers Behind the Strategy

• Saudi Arabia’s $3 trillion+ project pipeline (NEOM, The Line, Qiddiya, Diriyah Gate, and Aramco expansions) requires the mobilization of tens of thousands of workers annually.

• Aramco’s IKTVA program achieved 63% local content in 2024, with 70% targeted by 2025—placing pressure on contractors to localize both supply chains and workforce strategies.

• Infrastructure demand is projected to create over 1 million new construction and contracting jobs by 2030, according to Saudi Ministry of Economy forecasts.

EPS Support: Turning Localization into Action

EPS Contracting Division’s edge lies in its execution-driven culture:

• Boots on the ground, not just plans on paper.

• Localization integrated into every mobilization plan.

• Seamless compliance with Aramco and global standards.

• Sustainable, resilient practices that align with the Kingdom’s long-term goals.

EPS doesn’t just respond to tenders—it mobilizes with readiness, speed, and a clear commitment to Vision 2030’s industrial transformation.

Conclusion

As Saudi Arabia continues to push forward giga-projects and industrial expansions, mobilization has emerged as the critical benchmark of contracting excellence.

With compliance to Aramco standards, alignment to IKTVA objectives, and proven experience in rapid deployment, EPS Contracting Division demonstrates how localization can be more than a policy—it can be boots on the ground that deliver real value.

In the race to build the Kingdom’s future, mobilization is the true measure of readiness—and EPS is already leading the way.