Future projects in Saudi Arabia’s Jubail and Ras Al Khair industrial cities are estimated at SR23 billion ($6.12 billion) over the next five years, a top official said.

The Royal Commission for Jubail (RCJ) currently manages a total of 91 construction contracts worth SR19 billion ($5 billion) in more than 200 sites, Ahmed Al Balawi, general manager of technical affairs in the RCJ, was quoted as saying in an Arab News report.

During a meeting with the contracting committee’s members, Al-Balawi highlighted opportunities for contractors who want to work in Jubail and Ras Al Khair industrial cities through working with the RCJ or the private sector.

“The RCJ will continue to develop the contracting sector by professional institutional work to improve the quality and performance of the Saudi contractor,” Al Balawi said during a presentation entitled 'Future opportunities and main requirements to work in the RCJ’s projects'.

He added that the RCJ’s priorities include applying the highest quality and safety standards in the workplace and protecting workers and preserving the environment. It also focuses on developing plans and programs for the national workforce in the contracting sector.

The RCJ is keen on activating the technical evaluation by the teams and committees formed for that purpose, and field visits, as well as seeking the views of former beneficiaries of the contractor’s work to make sure of his ability to perform the assigned work, he explained.

The centre of the industrial city of Jubail will include administrative buildings, commercial areas, centres for exhibitions and conferences, hotels and residential apartments, service facilities, in addition to the light rails to transfer passengers from one area to another and the various parts of the city, said Al Balawi.