HKA, a global management consultancy with a network spanning over 45 offices, has solidified its commitment to Saudi Arabia by securing an official regional headquarters license in the nation.
For over twenty years, HKA has been a fixture in the Saudi market, offering expertise from its Jeddah and Riyadh locations in risk management, conflict resolution, and legal services for capital projects within the construction sector.
The firm’s involvement in Saudi Arabia is marked by its contributions to some of the most prominent developments in the country, many of which are part of the transformative Vision 2030 mega projects.
Amanda Clack, a Partner and Regional CEO for EMEA at HKA, highlighted the significance of the license obtained from the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia, marking a milestone in the company’s decades-long engagement with the Saudi market. “The endorsement of our regional headquarters License marks an exciting progression in our ongoing dedication to this region,” Clack stated.
HKA has the distinction of being the premier significant international consultancy in the construction claims and expert domain to achieve regional headquarters status through this initiative.
Husam Gawish, Partner and Head of Saudi Operations at HKA, remarked on the firm’s qualifications for the program, noting the robust team of professionals, including senior managers, consultants, and support personnel that compose their Saudi Arabian operations.
The regional headquarters program, launched by Saudi Arabia in 2021 and effective as of January 1, 2024, is designed to entice multinational firms to establish their central operations in the kingdom, thereby turning it into a key commerce, manufacturing, and investment hub for the MENA region. The program offers special tax benefits and facilitates business engagements with governmental entities.
Jad Chouman, Partner and Head of Middle East at HKA, shared his optimism about the firm’s potential for continued growth within the Saudi market, aligning with the nation’s own ambitious economic diversification plans. “Alongside our core services in construction claims and expert witness provision, we’re expanding into areas like forensic accounting, technical services, and advisory,” he explained.
Gawish added that growth is evident across various sectors, with oil & gas remaining a cornerstone of the economy, but with rising activity in general construction, infrastructure, tourism development, and buildings.
Earlier this year, other major firms such as IBM Consulting and Deloitte also inaugurated their regional headquarters in Riyadh, following in the footsteps of PwC, which celebrated a similar achievement months prior.