Expo Riyadh 2030 Prioritizes Local Suppliers

Organizers of Expo Riyadh 2030 have confirmed that the majority of major construction and procurement packages will be sourced from local manufacturers and Saudi-registered suppliers, in a move aimed at strengthening domestic supply chains ahead of the global event.

Expo Riyadh 2030 Company is prioritizing local firms for ongoing infrastructure works, including piping, cabling, electrical equipment, and bulk materials. Procurement follows the Saudi Government Tenders and Procurement Law, which gives formal preference to Saudi or majority Saudi-owned suppliers when qualified local options are available.

A database of prequalified local contractors, suppliers, and consultants is being compiled and made available to international participants through a dedicated one-stop registration portal. Registration is expected to remain open until the Expo event period, which runs from 1 October 2030 to 31 March 2031.

How to register and bid

Most construction and infrastructure tenders are published through the Etimad government procurement platform, operated under the Ministry of Finance. Suppliers register through the main Etimad portal, while live tenders can be browsed and tender documents downloaded via the Monafasat section.

Saudi-registered companies need a valid Commercial Registration from the Ministry of Commerce, Chamber of Commerce membership, a Zakat/tax certificate from ZATCA, a GOSI compliance certificate, Saudization (Nitaqat) compliance, and a Saudi bank account. Registration involves logging in with Ministry of Commerce credentials, completing establishment data, appointing an authorised representative, and uploading the required documents. Firms without a commercial registration can register under the "Supplier with no registration" option using a professional practice license or alternative documents.

Foreign companies can take part through investment licensing or temporary commercial registration, or by using a Saudi-registered commercial agent. Under a 2026 framework, government entities may request permission before issuing a tender to allow foreign firms without a Saudi regional headquarters to compete when local capacity is insufficient.

The focus on local sourcing is expected to open significant opportunities for Saudi businesses, contractors, and consultants, supporting jobs and industrial growth across the Kingdom.

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