Salem Alanzi

From Strategy to Execution: Bridging the Gap in Saudi Project Management

4 Min Read

In Saudi Arabia, Vision 2030 has set a bold roadmap for transformation, with giga-projects, government reforms, and corporate initiatives reshaping the nation’s economy and society. While many organizations excel at defining strategies, the true challenge lies in execution — turning ambitious plans into tangible results.

This gap between strategy and execution is one of the most pressing challenges in Saudi project management today. Without proper execution, even the most visionary strategies risk becoming documents on a shelf. This article explores the key execution challenges Saudi organizations face and outlines practical solutions to bridge the gap.

Why the Strategy-Execution Gap Exists

Many Saudi organizations face similar hurdles:

  • Strong planning, weak delivery — strategies are clear but execution processes are inconsistent.
  • Limited alignment — project teams often fail to see how their work connects to Vision 2030 or organizational strategy.
  • Execution bottlenecks — bureaucracy, cultural norms, or lack of agility slow down delivery.
  • Skills and capability gaps — shortage of trained project managers and execution leaders.

Bridging this gap requires strong governance, effective PMOs, agile practices, and a culture of accountability.

Key Execution Challenges in Saudi Project Management

1. Misalignment Between Strategy and Project Portfolios

  • Problem: Projects sometimes operate in silos without direct linkage to Vision 2030 goals or corporate strategies.
  • Solution: Establish a Strategic PMO that prioritizes and approves projects based on their alignment with strategic objectives.

2. Over-Bureaucratization

  • Problem: Excessive approvals, hierarchical structures, and rigid processes can slow execution.
  • Solution: Adopt Agile and Hybrid Models that balance governance with speed, reducing bottlenecks while maintaining accountability.

3. Lack of Skilled Project Leaders

  • Problem: While Saudi Arabia has a growing pool of project managers, many organizations still face gaps in leadership, technical expertise, and agile capabilities.
  • Solution: Invest in training, certifications (PMP, Agile, PRINCE2), and mentorship programs to build strong Saudi project leadership.

4. Weak Benefits Realization Tracking

  • Problem: Many projects are judged by delivery (on time, on budget) but not by the actual value created.
  • Solution: Adopt frameworks like the Value Delivery Efficiency Framework (VDEF) to measure success by outcomes and impact, not just outputs.

5. Cultural and Organizational Resistance

  • Problem: Resistance to change, fear of failure, and traditional management styles can undermine execution.
  • Solution: Encourage a performance-driven culture supported by executive sponsorship, quick wins, and recognition of successful delivery.

Practical Solutions to Bridge the Gap

  1. Create a Clear Line of Sight from Strategy to Execution
    • Every project should map back to organizational KPIs or Vision 2030 metrics.
  2. Empower PMOs as Strategic Enablers
    • Move PMOs from administrative oversight to strategy-alignment centers.
  3. Leverage Agile at Scale
    • Use Agile methods in digital transformation and innovation projects while maintaining PMO governance.
  4. Invest in Digital Tools
    • Implement Project Portfolio Management (PPM) platforms for real-time tracking and dashboards for decision-makers.
  5. Focus on Value Delivery
    • Ensure projects generate measurable benefits for citizens, customers, and organizations.

Local Context: Why This Matters in Saudi Arabia

  • Vision 2030 demands speed and impact: Delays in execution can affect national targets.
  • Mega-projects require precision: Giga-projects like NEOM and Qiddiya involve thousands of moving parts that must align.
  • Government transformation: Ministries and agencies must deliver digital services that directly improve citizen experience.
  • Corporate competition: Saudi corporates must execute flawlessly to compete regionally and globally.

The Future of Project Execution in Saudi Arabia

As Saudi Arabia continues its transformation, execution excellence will become a defining factor for organizational success. Future trends include:

  • AI-driven project monitoring for predictive risk management.
  • Hybrid PMOs combining governance with agility.
  • Localization of expertise, with Saudi project managers leading national initiatives.
  • Enterprise-wide value delivery frameworks to ensure projects create long-term impact.

Bridging the gap between strategy and execution is essential for Saudi Arabia’s progress under Vision 2030. By aligning projects with strategy, empowering PMOs, adopting agile models, and focusing on value delivery, organizations can turn ambitious plans into measurable results.

The message is clear: in the Kingdom’s transformation journey, strategy defines the vision — but execution delivers the future.