Enhancing Infrastructure Project Management in Saudi Arabia

Our client, a major Saudi Arabian infrastructure development agency responsible for nationwide projects (including roads, bridges, and utilities), sought strategic support to overcome chronic project delays and budget overruns affecting its portfolio.

The agency was grappling with persistent schedule delays and cost overruns on critical infrastructure projects. Key underlying issues included insufficient project planning and poor coordination among various contractors and government stakeholders, as well as external challenges like global supply chain disruptions that delayed materials and drove up costs. These factors, along with limited use of modern project management tools, hindered the timely and efficient delivery of projects.

Eurogroup Consulting developed a comprehensive solution to improve project delivery and governance. We helped establish a centralized Project Management Office (PMO) equipped with advanced planning and scheduling software (including Building Information Modeling tools for design coordination) and implemented robust risk management and communication protocols to align all stakeholders. Additionally, we introduced stricter budget tracking systems and quality control processes to keep projects on schedule and within scope.

Our approach began with a thorough review of the agency’s existing project management practices and identification of bottlenecks in ongoing projects. We then piloted the new PMO framework on a high-priority project, introducing digital project tracking dashboards, formal risk assessment workshops, and streamlined communication channels between the agency, contractors, and consultants. After a successful pilot that demonstrated clearer oversight and faster decision-making, we rolled out these practices across the agency’s portfolio. We conducted extensive training sessions for project managers and stakeholders on the new tools and processes, and facilitated regular progress meetings to ensure continued alignment and prompt issue resolution.

To ensure lasting improvements, we recommended that the agency maintain the empowered PMO and continuously update its methodologies. We suggested ongoing professional development for project management staff (including certifications and training in the latest tools), early stakeholder engagement and clear communication plans for each new project, and periodic post-project reviews to capture lessons learned. We also advised the agency to stay proactive in managing external risks by developing contingency plans for potential supply chain or regulatory delays.

The results of our engagement were transformative. The agency saw a substantial reduction in average project delay times and a notable decrease in cost overruns on new projects. With improved planning and risk oversight, infrastructure projects began reaching completion closer to their original deadlines, restoring confidence among stakeholders and the public. Communication and coordination among all parties significantly improved, leading to fewer misunderstandings and change orders during execution. Overall, the client is now delivering large-scale infrastructure projects more efficiently and reliably, bolstering its reputation and contributing to Saudi Arabia’s development goals.