RICS APC MENA Hot Topics 2026

53 minutes ago
5 min read

Building a Better You

Property Elite’s sole aim is to build better property professionals - supporting your career every step of the way, whether you are an AssocRICS or RICS APC candidate or a MRICS or FRICS Chartered Surveyor simply seeking engaging CPD.

We provide a wide range of training and support, so why not find out more on our website about how we might be able to support you? We work with candidates across all RICS APC and AssocRICS pathways, routes to assessment and geographic regions.

Don’t forget to sign up online for your free 15 minute AssocRICS or RICS APC consultation, including a review of your referral report if you have been referred. You can also book your bespoke training or support services directly through our eShop.

Free 15 Minute Consultation

15min

Book Now

Not sure about signing up? Make sure you read what our recent successful candidates have to say in our Testimonials.

What is this blog about?

In this week’s blog, we look at some hot topics for MENA in 2026. This is essential reading for all AssocRICS and RICS APC candidates based in MENA.

The hot topics we will look at are:

Saudi Vision 2030
Giga-projects
FIDIC contracts

Saudi Vision 2030

Vision 2030 is KSA’s blueprint for a better future, based on three strategic pillars; a vibrant society (improving quality of life), a thriving economy (diversifying away from oil) and an ambitious nation (becoming a global leader). It is not just a government strategy; it is the primary driver of the construction and property markets in KSA.

A key aim is to increase home ownership to 70% by 2030, leading to the creation of ROSHN (a national Giga-project and subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund, PIF) and the Sakani platform (providing subsidised financing).

The PIF is the driving force behind KSA Giga projects, including NEOM (sustainable urbanism, e.g., at The Line, Oxagon), Red Sea Global (regenerative tourism), Qiddiya kid-ee-ya (entertainment and sports) and Diriyah duh-ry-ah Gate (heritage and Najdi architecture).

The Real Estate General Authority (REGA) has been created, with responsible for licensing of brokers, property managers and auctioneers and Wafi requirements relating to off-plan sales.

In terms of sustainability, KSA is targeting net zero by 2060. Initiatives including mandatory green building standards and energy efficiency requirements (SBC 601/602). These will influence property value (e.g., green premiums) and construction costs.

Giga-Projects

Giga-projects are large-scale, multi-sector integrated investment ecosystems designed to stimulate economies. This is through creating new industries, promoting sustainability and driving non-oil GDP growth.

Managing projects of this magnitude introduces unprecedented risks that RICS APC candidates must be able to discuss.

For example:

Dealing with logistical and coordination challenges which go beyond traditional project management.
Specifying procurement strategies to deal with global demand and long-term supply of materials and specialised labour.
Innovation risk, as projects often utilise ‘First-of-a-Kind’ (FOAK) technologies (e.g., modular construction at scale or renewable energy integration). This can bring uncertainty to projects which requires considered risk management.

Sustainability is a core requirement for Giga projects, often going over and above to enhance the environment. RICS APC candidates need to consider the value of green assets and managing cost premiums associated with 100% renewable energy infrastructure.

Working on Giga projects typically requires adaptations to traditional procurement and contracting practices, e.g., collaborative /partnering style contracts and the use of building information modelling (BIM) and digital twins.

FIDIC contracts

In the MENA region, the FIDIC (International Federation of Consulting Engineers) contracts tend to be the industry standard for international construction and infrastructure projects.

Candidates must be able to identify which FIDIC book is appropriate for a specific procurement route. The primary 2017 editions (and their 1999 predecessors) include:

Red Book (Conditions of Contract for Construction) - the contractor builds the works in accordance with a design provided by the Employer. Payment is usually based on a Bill of Quantities.
Yellow Book (Conditions of Contract for Plant and Design-Build) - the contractor designs and provides the works (plant/building) based on the ‘Employer's Requirements’.
Silver Book (Conditions of Contract for EPC/Turnkey) - used for infrastructure projects where a high degree of price and time certainty is required. The contractor takes on the majority of the risk for design and execution.
White Book (Client/Consultant Model Services Agreement) - essential for the appointment of consultants, e.g., engineers and architects, rather than contractors.

In the Red and Yellow books, the Engineer is a central figure. Candidates need to understand the Engineer’s Duty to act on behalf of the Employer, as well as to act fairly when determining costs or time extensions under Clause 3.

FIDIC is known for a balanced approach to risk. However, candidates should understand the strict 28 day notice period under Clause 20 (Employer’s and Contractor’s Claims): Understanding the strict 28-day notice period and how FIDIC handles unforeseen events beyond the control of both parties, i.e., Force Majeure / Exceptional Events.

FIDIC promotes a multi-tiered approach to avoiding formal litigation:

Dispute Avoidance/Adjudication Board (DAAB) - a standing or ad-hoc board that assists the parties in avoiding disputes or provides a decision if a dispute arises.
Amicable settlement - a mandatory period to attempt to resolve the issue before moving to arbitration.
Arbitration - usually the final tier, typically conducted under ICC rules in international MENA projects.

Candidates should also be aware of the FIDIC Golden Principles. These are five mandatory rules that ensure that ‘Particular Conditions’ added by users do not change the fundamental risk-sharing nature of the FIDIC contract.

In the MENA region, many governments use modified versions of the FIDIC Red Book. Candidates undertaking the Contract Practice technical competency must, therefore, understand the baseline FIDIC version before identifying where local amendments have shifted the risk profile.

How can we help?

Don't leave it too late to book your submission feedback and review, APC question pack, e-mock interview or 1-2-1 mentoring. We also provide revision quizzes, revision guides and a CPD Webinar Package.
We offer a range of short and long-term support packages in our eShop, including our popular Monthly Mentoring and Kick Start packages. These can include an RICS APC or AssocRICS Counsellor in certain circumstances.

Offer 3 - Monthly Mentoring (APC)

Buy Now

Head to our blog archive to access even more free CPD and AssocRICS and RICS APC training and support.
Download your free AssocRICS and RICS APC resources, including e-books and revision quizzes.
Find out more about our bespoke AssocRICS and RICS APC training and support, before booking your free 15 minute consultation.