CIPS boosts procurement leadership in Saudi Arabia amid Vision 2030 celebrations

The Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) is expanding its influence across Saudi Arabia, orchestrating key events and recognising outstanding practices to align with the kingdom’s Vision 2030 reforms and elevate its position as a regional procurement hub.

The Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) is amplifying its presence across Saudi Arabia in conjunction with the Kingdom’s National Day celebrations, emphasising a strong commitme...

nt to supporting Vision 2030 through enhanced procurement and supply chain capabilities. The professional body is spearheading a series of flagship events that not only mark this national milestone but also reflect the transformative ambitions embedded within Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic and social reform agenda.

This September, CIPS has convened influential gatherings in key cities including Jeddah and Riyadh, focusing on elevating procurement standards and fostering professional growth. Earlier in Jeddah, the event “How CIPS Can Help You Achieve Excellence in Modern Procurement” convened senior practitioners and industry leaders to delve into emerging trends, global best practices, and pathways for professional advancement. Shortly afterward in Riyadh, the “Women in Procurement Leadership” programme created a unique forum for female procurement professionals, providing targeted mentorship on achieving MCIPS certification, the highest globally recognised procurement qualification, and nurturing connections among peers driving the profession forward.

Continuing this momentum, CIPS plans to hold an event in Dammam, providing further opportunities for local professionals to engage with global standards and strengthen their contributions toward the Kingdom’s development vision. This broad geographical engagement underscores CIPS’ strategy to build a cohesive and highly skilled procurement community across the entire country.

CIPS’ expanding footprint in Saudi Arabia is highlighted by record achievements in Ethics certification and Professional Empowerment Program (PEP) awards, signalling growing demand for procurement excellence. The Global CIPS Awards in London recently recognised two Saudi organisations for their outstanding procurement practices, further underlining the Kingdom’s rising influence on the global stage. Notably, Diriyah Company, a flagship giga-project integral to Vision 2030’s cultural and economic transformation, was honoured with the Procurement Excellence Standard Award. The ceremony, attended by Diriyah’s CEO Jerry Inzerillo and CIPS leadership, celebrated the company’s adherence to procurement processes that emphasise efficiency, sustainability, transparency, and alignment with global benchmarks. This award highlights procurement’s strategic role in promoting innovation, governance, and sustainable growth in Saudi Arabia.

Senior figures from CIPS have emphasised the centrality of procurement in driving sustainable economic growth within the Vision 2030 framework. Sam Achampong, Regional Director for Asia, Middle East, Africa, Australia and New Zealand, stated that procurement and supply are at the core of operational transformation within Saudi organisations. He praised the growing events calendar and qualification offerings as vital resources for professionals aiming to advance Saudi Arabia’s competitive edge. Ahsan Sarwar, General Manager of CIPS KSA, noted the unprecedented demand for procurement knowledge and capability across the Kingdom. He highlighted the enthusiastic response at recent events and underlined CIPS’ commitment to empowering local talent and fostering long-term partnerships that underpin Vision 2030’s goals.

Looking ahead, CIPS is preparing for a series of major upcoming industry gatherings and awards ceremonies that will further reinforce Saudi Arabia’s role as a regional procurement hub. The Procurement & Supply Chain Futures Forum, organised by CIPS MENA and set to take place in Riyadh at prestigious venues like the Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, promises to unite global thought leaders, pioneers, and innovators. These forums, held recently and scheduled for April 2026, explore themes fundamental to Vision 2030 such as procurement’s role in economic transformation, overcoming supply chain disruptions, harnessing AI and blockchain technologies, and fostering sustainability within supply chains. The associated CIPS MENA Excellence in Procurement & Supply Awards spotlight exceptional leaders and organisations advancing the profession regionally and internationally.

Beyond CIPS events, the broader Saudi procurement ecosystem is gaining momentum through other significant conferences including the Saudi Supply Chain and Procurement Conference in Dammam and the Saudi Procurement Governance Conference in Riyadh. These gatherings, supported by national bodies and government ministries, focus on topics such as local content development, digital supply chains, procurement governance, regulatory compliance, and risk management. They collectively reinforce the Kingdom’s ambition to elevate procurement and supply chain excellence to global standards while fostering transparency, efficiency, and innovation in line with Vision 2030’s strategic objectives.

Riyadh, in particular, is emerging as a leading procurement and supply chain innovation hub. The 2025 CIPS MENA Procurement & Supply Chain Futures Forum attracted over 2,500 participants from around the world, showcasing the city’s pivotal role in shaping the future of procurement aligned with Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification and growth plans. Such events underscore the importance of procurement as a critical lever for sustainable development and competitiveness in the region.

In sum, CIPS’ expanded activities across Saudi Arabia during this National Day period and beyond reflect a dynamic and rapidly maturing procurement sector that is instrumental to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 transformation. Through professional development, recognition of excellence, and collaboration with local and international stakeholders, procurement is advancing as a strategic function integral to Saudi Arabia’s economic future. CIPS, together with national organisations and government support, is positioning procurement and supply chain management at the forefront of this profound national endeavour.

Source: Noah Wire Services