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Upgrading Project Performance in Makkah Municipality: Saudi Arabia’s First Municipal PMO Driving Governance, Efficiency, and Transformation
Makkah Municipality pioneered a national transformation in project delivery with the establishment of Saudi Arabia’s first Project Management Office (PMO). Designed to enhance governance, boost performance, and align practices with global standards, the PMO oversaw 456 projects spanning mega developments, urban planning, utilities, roads, flood protection, and quality initiatives.
K&A supported the Municipality by setting up and operating the PMO, providing end-to-end services including program management, design review, construction management, and capacity building for municipal staff.
Tackling Project Delivery in Makkah
The Municipality faced several obstacles in driving large-scale project delivery. Many consultants and contractors required significant upskilling, demanding tailored training to raise performance standards. At the same time, an advanced Project Management Information System (PMIS) had to be designed and rolled out within a matter of months. Collecting, validating, and standardizing data across multiple Amana departments—covering contracts, design drawings, and related documentation—added further complexity to the transformation effort.
First PMO Boosts Governance and Project Management in Saudi Arabia
Establishing and operating Saudi Arabia’s first municipal PMO created a structured framework to elevate project delivery. The team developed methodologies, procedures, and performance mechanisms in line with PMI standards, while also designing a GIS-based PMIS to track projects, contractors, costs, and issues in real time. Quality and safety were embedded through ISO 9001-2000 and ISO 14000 systems, reinforced by rigorous design review and cross-departmental coordination.
Beyond systems, K&A institutionalized long-term governance by setting up PMIS, EDMS, QA systems, procurement processes, and permanent Project Control and Contracting Departments. Strategic portfolio consulting introduced feasibility studies, financial models, and risk management frameworks, enabling better-informed decision-making. To build lasting capacity, more than 326 training sessions and workshops were delivered, embedding project management standards, quality, HSE, and PMO systems across the Municipality.
Results
- A centralized database of all projects and programs, supported by business intelligence dashboards and KPI reporting.
- Institutionalized governance systems, contract conditions, and portfolio management practices.
- Enhanced performance monitoring with Earned Value Management and robust risk management processes.
- A lasting PMO culture reinforced through training, workshops, and capability building.
- Lessons learned emphasized the value of NDAs with sub-consultants, retaining in-house expertise, and appointing experienced municipal leadership supported by in-house PMIS and EDMS systems.
