From billion-dollar investments to gigawatt power plants, from a luxury mall opening to offshore engineering projects — whether you act or not, the market keeps moving forward.

Mega Energy Investment: Acwa Power to Add $30 Billion in China over Five Years

Acwa Power, the Riyadh‑based energy and water desalination giant, has announced that it will invest at least $30 billion in China over the next five years, focusing on three core areas: renewable energy, water desalination, and green hydrogen.

Saleh Al‑Habti, CEO of Acwa Power China, stated at the China Development Forum that despite rising global uncertainties, the company remains highly confident in China’s medium‑ and long‑term economic prospects. He emphasized that more than 99% of the equipment used by Acwa Power comes from China, benefiting from China’s innovation and industrial strength.

Major Offshore Contract: COOEC Wins Saudi Aramco Offshore Gas Project

China Oilfield Services Limited’s subsidiary COOEC (Offshore Oil Engineering Co., Ltd.) has won a contract for Saudi Aramco’s offshore natural gas project. The contract covers engineering, procurement, construction, and installation for offshore fields including Al Arabiyah, Hasbah, and Karan.

The contract resulted from a competitive tender launched in June 2025, in which COOEC prevailed. Previously, COOEC had already won multiple work packages for the Safaniyah oilfield, steadily expanding its footprint in the Middle East market.

Gigawatt Power Plant: Rabigh 2 Expansion Project Signed

Saudi Energy Company, together with Acwa Power, announced that a power purchase agreement (PPA) for the expansion of the Rabigh 2 Independent Power Plant (IPP) has been formally signed with the Saudi Power Procurement Company.

• Power generation capacity:2,313.5 MW
• Total contract value:SAR 11.5 billion (approx. USD 3.06 billion)
• Contract term:31 years
• Technical features:Large combined‑cycle gas turbines, with carbon capture units reserved for future installation

The project is located in the Rabigh region of Makkah Province, a strategic location on the Red Sea coast, further strengthening western Saudi Arabia’s position as an energy supply hub.

 Luxury Mall Debut: Solitaire Mall Reshapes Riyadh’s Retail Landscape

In early 2025, Solitaire Mall, touted as the “new pinnacle of luxury shopping in Riyadh,” officially opened.

• Total area:over 65,000 sqm
• Designer:Benoy, a world‑class design studio
• Design concept:“Geode” – rough on the outside, sparkling on the inside
• Brands:LV, Dior, Gucci, Cartier, Bvlgari, and other top luxury names
• Amenities:indoor/outdoor climate‑controlled areas, a high‑altitude rooftop garden, premium food court, luxury gym and spa

Off shore Dominance: CHEC Deepens Its Footprint in Saudi Marine Engineering

From the expansion and upgrade of Jeddah Islamic Port to the development of the “Maldives of the Middle East” along the Red Sea coast, China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) is taking control of the keys to Saudi Arabia’s “maritime gateway”.

• Strategic position:controlling Jeddah Islamic Port, Saudi Arabia’s largest port
• Technology edge:high barriers in marine engineering, creating a near‑absolute moat
• Versatility:from traditional cargo terminals to high‑end tourism coastlines, CHEC handles it all

Whether you act or not, the market keeps moving forward

Some companies ask: Is it still too late to enter Saudi Arabia now?

The answer: Yes, it’s still possible — but the window is narrowing.

• In 2023, the first wave of Chinese companies to enter Saudi Arabia enjoyed a “pioneer dividend” – less competition, higher margins, and clients willing to experiment.
• In 2025, the second wave benefited from a “growth dividend” – expanding markets, rising demand, and stronger policy support.
• Now, in 2026, the reality is: Acwa Power is increasing its bet on China; COOEC is winning major contracts; CHEC is deepening its presence on the Red Sea. A gigawatt power plant is signed; a luxury mall opens; cargo volumes on the Middle Corridor are skyrocketing. Saudi Arabia is transforming from an “oil kingdom” into a “procurement kingdom.”

If you don’t move, your competitors will. The market won’t wait while you hesitate.

While you are still debating whether to go to Saudi Arabia – Saudi ports are expanding, power plant tenders are being issued, malls are opening, and trains loaded with goods are crossing Asia and Europe along the Middle Corridor.

The market does not stop for any single company’s hesitation.

Your opportunity windows are more than one

Read the news, but also read the opportunities.

In the second half of 2026, KC Expo is bringing you a five‑exhibition matrix in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, covering the hottest procurement sectors in the country today.

The 35th Jeddah International Building & Decoration Exhibition

September 15‑17, 2026
With the Rabigh gigawatt power plant breaking ground, Solitaire Mall opening, and Red Sea tourism development accelerating – demand for building materials, decorations, construction machinery, and smart homes is surging.
Who’s waiting for you: power plant contractors, mall operators, hotel developers, government infrastructure departments

Middle East Education And Training Exhibition

October 5‑7, 2026
Saudi Vision 2030 for education continues to drive demand for new schools, smart classrooms, and vocational training equipment.
Who’s waiting for you: Saudi Ministry of Education, private school associations, procurement heads of vocational training institutions

The 17th Jeddah International Automotive Aftermarket Expo

October 13‑15, 2026
Vehicle ownership in Saudi Arabia continues to rise, electrification is accelerating, and the auto parts aftermarket is entering a golden period.
Who’s waiting for you: local auto parts distributors, repair chains, purchasing departments of OEMs

The 38th World Trade Expo Saudi

December 1‑3, 2026
A comprehensive multi‑sector trade fair covering building materials, machinery, home appliances, consumer goods, new energy, and other popular Saudi import categories.
Who’s waiting for you: multi‑channel Saudi buyers, government project owners, cross‑border traders

The 30th Jeddai International Agrofood And Propack Exhibition

December 8‑10, 2026
Rising consumer spending is driving surging demand for premium foods, packaging equipment, and printing machinery.
Who’s waiting for you: food importers, supermarket chains, packaging manufacturers, hotel groups and restaurants

Summary

Every major contract in the news represents a potential business opportunity for you.

Instead of reading about others signing deals, come to the exhibition floor and sign your own.

September | October | December
Jeddah – we look forward to seeing you there.