Commissioned by the Saudi Ministry of Culture, this strategic project aims to structure and enhance the processes governing how contractors and consulting offices are qualified to work in the field of architectural and urban heritage.
CDP International led the preparation of the national methodology and operational framework, defining the policies, procedures, evaluation criteria, and technical requirements necessary for a transparent, merit-based pre-qualification system. The work included benchmarking international standards, analyzing existing Saudi and regional practices, and developing tailored qualification models aligned with local regulatory frameworks.
The project unfolded in five stages from the assessment of current systems and data gathering, to the development of qualification methodologies, evaluation templates, and governance guides, culminating in the definition of technical requirements for a digital pre-qualification platform. The initiative also involved stakeholder workshops, technical training, and capacity-building sessions with representatives from the Ministry and partner authorities.
By setting a unified national standard, the framework empowers the Ministry of Culture to ensure that heritage projects are implemented by qualified professionals who combine technical competence with a deep understanding of authenticity, sustainability, and cultural value.
