Saudi Roundup: New Tenders in Aviation & Waste Management

This week’s Saudi Roundup covers new PPP opportunities for Qassim Airport and a national waste management platform, alongside 13 initiatives to support the SME sector and a new agreement to develop Expo 2030 Riyadh’s Expo Village.

General Business & Economy

Saudi Arabia Launches RFQ For National Waste Management Platform PPP

Saudi has launched the Request for Qualification (RFQ) phase for a project to develop and operate a National Platform for Waste Management under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. The RFQ was issued by the National Centre for Waste Management (MWAN), the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA), the National Centre for Privatisation & PPP (NCP), and the Environment Fund (EF). Interested parties have until October 4, 2026, to submit their qualification applications.

Saudi Arabia Approves National SME Strategy Targeting 500,000 Jobs

The Saudi Cabinet has approved the National Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium Enterprises Strategy, which includes 13 initiatives designed to accelerate business growth, attract innovative startups from around the world, and lower the cost of doing business in the Kingdom. The strategy aims to create more than 500,000 direct and indirect jobs and increase the contribution of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to Saudi Arabia’s GDP to 35%.

Real Estate & Construction

Dar Al Majed Signs $49 Million Deal For 296-Unit Madinah Project

Tadawul-listed Dar Al Majed Real Estate Co. has signed a SR185 million ($49.3 million) development agreement with Jadwa Al Maqar Real Estate Fund to develop 296 residential units in Madinah, expanding its project pipeline in one of Saudi Arabia’s two holy cities. The development will include 66 villas and 230 apartments, with Al Majdiah serving as the developer and overseeing design, planning, development, and supervision services.

Expo 2030 Riyadh Signs $853 Million Joint Venture To Develop Expo Village

Expo 2030 Riyadh and Mohammad Al Habib Real Estate Co. have signed a SR3.2 billion ($853 million) joint venture agreement to develop Expo Village, an integrated residential community planned for the upcoming event. The agreement represents Expo 2030 Riyadh’s first joint-venture project and highlights its efforts to expand private-sector partnerships, generate new economic opportunities, and create long-term value.

FIFA World Cup 2034 To Help Drive Saudi Aluminum Demand Up 80%

Saudi Arabia’s aluminum demand is expected to reach at least 1.6 million tonnes annually by 2030, up from around 1 million tonnes currently, with consumption potentially doubling within five to seven years. Demand could reach as much as 1.8 million tonnes annually by 2030, supported by major exhibitions and infrastructure projects linked to preparations for the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

Aviation

Dammam Airports Signs Design Deal To Expand King Fahd International

Dammam Airports Co. has signed a design contract with WSP to advance the expansion of King Fahd International Airport under its approved master plan, which targets an eventual capacity of 32 million passengers annually. Unveiled in July 2025, the airport’s master plan targets more than 19.3 million passengers per year by 2030, more than double the number recorded in 2022.

Saudi Arabia Prequalifies 6 Bidders For Qassim Airport PPP

Matarat Holding and the National Centre for Privatisation & PPP (NCP) have prequalified six bidders to compete for the development and operation of Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Qassim under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. The shortlist comprises five consortiums and one standalone company. The project will be awarded under a 30-year Build-Transfer-Operate (BTO) contract.

Fintech

Saudi Fintech Sector Grows To 371 Companies As Digital Payments Expand

Saudi Arabia’s fintech sector reached 371 companies as of August 2026, as the Kingdom continues to advance its digital payments and financial technology agenda. The figure, announced at Money20/20 Middle East in Riyadh, represents a 23% increase from the 301 fintech companies reported by Fintech Saudi in May. The growth highlights the continued expansion of Saudi Arabia’s fintech ecosystem across areas including payments, insurtech, digital banking, and alternative investments.