Saudi Construction Market Research Supporting Data-Driven Market Entry
Issues
Solution
We delivered a structured market research study tailored to construction sector specifics in Saudi Arabia. The study covered demand segmentation, regional development plans, competitive landscape mapping, value chain dynamics, and risk considerations. A blend of primary interviews and secondary data was used to capture regulatory nuances and evolving investor sentiments. The study concluded with a detailed opportunity assessment and entry strategy recommendations aligned with Vision 2030’s infrastructure pipeline.
Approach
The market research engagement involved six structured modules:
- Demand Mapping – Segmented construction demand across infrastructure, real estate, and industrial sectors
- Regulatory Overview – Assessed licensing, zoning, and public procurement policies
- Competitor Benchmarking – Mapped pricing models, service offerings, and JV strategies of top 10 firms
- Project Pipeline Analysis – Identified mega-projects and regional hotspots
- Risk Assessment – Evaluated macroeconomic, compliance, and reputational risks
- Stakeholder Mapping – Profiled relevant ministries, regulators, and top contractors
Insights were presented through both strategic narratives and granular data models.
Recommendations:
To guide market entry, we provided the following recommendations:
- Prioritize entry into the Riyadh and Eastern Province clusters due to strong project pipelines
- Target mid-scale infrastructure tenders to build a local track record before scaling
- Partner with local firms holding CIDB-equivalent licensing for faster mobilization
- Establish an in-country project office to meet localization criteria
- Monitor Saudi contractor pricing benchmarks to remain competitive
- Use early projects as proof-of-capability for Vision 2030 tenders
These recommendations were tailored to the client’s risk appetite and investment timeline.
Engagement ROI
The market research enabled data-backed decisions that accelerated entry timelines by 6–9 months. The client avoided potential misallocations worth approximately SAR 18 million by excluding low-priority regions. Competitive intelligence allowed them to tailor pricing and partnership offers with 10% higher win probability in early tenders. The engagement provided not only market clarity but also tangible cost avoidance and faster time-to-market in a high-stakes investment environment.