Leading construction and engineering firm El Seif Engineering Contracting Company has become the first organisation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) to achieve certification to the BSI ISO 56001 Innovation Management Kitemark.
This achievement complements El Seif’s existing Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Smart Cities Kitemark, demonstrating their commitment to innovation and leadership in the construction industry.
The Kitemark, which is aligned to the auditable standard, BS ISO 56001:2024, is a key component of the BS ISO 56000 series, providing organisations of all sizes - from private enterprises and public bodies, to supply chains, innovation centres and universities – with a robust framework to help systematically build and strengthen their innovation capabilities.
El Seif Engineering Contracting Company was also the first organisation globally to transition from the ISO 56002 Kitemark to the ISO 56001 version.
The standard supports organisations with embedding effective innovation practices that enhance competitiveness, reduce risk and drive sustainable growth, while also acting as a bridge between existing management system standards such as quality (ISO 9001), environmental management (ISO 14001) and Occupational Health and Safety (ISO 45001).
Following a comprehensive audit, El Seif Engineering Contracting Company was formally awarded the certification at a presentation ceremony.
Shahm Barhom, Managing Director, Product Certification, BSI, said: "Innovation is vital for organisations as it helps to drive economic growth, addresses societal challenges, and enables businesses to remain competitive in a rapidly changing environment."
"This Kitemark sets a rigorous benchmark for building structured, effective and sustainable innovation capabilities, and this achievement demonstrates a clear commitment to embedding innovation across El Seif’s business. It highlights the organisation’s prominent position in implementing best global practices and its vital role in advancing innovation and sustainability, aligned with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030," he added.
Osama Oueini, Corporate Innovation Manager, El Seif Engineering Contracting Company, said: "BSI’s methodology helped us to tailor global best practice to our local operating context. Their team was responsive and supportive throughout, and continues to provide monthly reviews to help drive improvement."
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