RIYADH: Public-private partnerships are becoming increasingly vital in Saudi Arabia, as the Kingdom seeks to fast-track projects and sustain non-oil growth while avoiding pressure on the sovereign balance sheet, experts said.
Speaking to Arab News, Emilio El-Asmar, partner at Oliver Wyman’s Government and Public Institutions practice for India, the Middle East and Africa, said Saudi Arabia’s PPP framework provides a clear channel for government support, making the Kingdom a bankable destination for international investors.
“In a volatile global environment, marked by tariff frictions and supply-chain shifts, Saudi Arabia offers a predictable, rules-based market for FDI. Its PPP framework provides flexible procurement routes, enforceable contracts, and clear channels for targeted government support,” he said. “These features are making projects bankable for international investors and financiers.”
He noted that the government is also “showing skin in the game” through dedicated financing vehicles that add local currency depth and co-investment capacity, helping reduce financing friction and attract a wider pool of participants.
These elements, he said, make PPPs a practical tool to accelerate project delivery and sustain non-oil growth without overburdening public finances.
