After one of the worst years on record, companies in Saudi Arabia were looking forward to a strong recovery in 2017 on the back of higher oil prices.

But it has not turned out that way. At least, not so far.

Contract awards are down compared with one year ago and the IMF downgraded its forecast for growth in the kingdom in 2017 in April.  

Yet, in the past few weeks, things appear to be changing. We have seen a raft of major announcements that suggest momentum is building in the kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 reform programme, for example:

• The launch of the region’s biggest ever renewables programme
• The creation of the National Centre for Privatisation
• A tourism drive centred on an Entertainment City
• Progress on a series of high-profile transport public-private partnership (PPP) projects

One year on from the launch of Vision 2030, the MEED team discusses the progress being made to turn around the giant Saudi economy and their thoughts on the outlook for the kingdom.

Based on the findings of MEED’s latest report on Saudi Arabia, published on 30 April and featuring the latest data, MEED considers the opportunities and challenges ahead for businesses in the kingdom. 

To assess the outlook for Saudi Arabia, MEED’s Editorial Director Richard Thompson is joined by:

• Andrew Roscoe, MEED Power & Water Editor
• Jennifer Aguinaldo, MEED Transport & Technology Editor
• Hossam Abougabal, MEED Construction Reporter

You can take part in the discussions by submitting your questions live to the MEED team, who will respond during the broadcast. You can also submit questions in advance to richard.thompson@meed.com and get answers during the show.