Turkish construction firms are emerging as key contenders for major projects in Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Neom development, according to Eyup Vural Aydin, chairman of Türkiye’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Research Center and member of the Saudi National Center for Privatization and PPP (NCP) Advisory Board.
Aydin revealed that one prominent Turkish company is being considered for one of 17 planned stadiums in Neom, though he did not specify the company’s name. He noted that this firm has a strong track record, having built significant stadiums across Europe. Other Turkish firms are also actively bidding for stadium contracts as part of Saudi Arabia’s large-scale Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to transform the country’s infrastructure with investments totaling $500 billion, according to Aydin.
Turkish companies are leveraging decades of experience in the Saudi market, especially in public-private partnership projects. Over the past 15 years, Turkish firms have invested approximately $100 billion in PPP ventures worldwide, providing them with the expertise needed for complex projects in sectors like ports, airports, and water treatment.
Aydin highlighted that Turkish companies are not just focusing on construction but are also expanding into facility management and service provision, enabling them to maintain a long-term presence in Saudi Arabia. He emphasized the importance of carefully evaluating the Saudi market, as some projects offer government guarantees while others require investors to take on more risk.
In summary, Turkish firms are well-positioned to play a significant role in Saudi Arabia’s ongoing transformation, with opportunities extending beyond construction to long-term operations and services.
