Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in Sustainable Infrastructure Development in Saudi Arabia: A Risk-Reward Analysis from a Project Management and Contracting Perspective

Abstract

This study investigates the dynamics of risk and reward allocation, governance, and technological enablers in Saudi Arabia’s Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) within the framework of Vision 2030. Using a qualitative methodology based on semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis in NVivo, the research identified 13 initial codes consolidated into four overarching themes: risk–reward mechanisms, project management and governance, institutional and technological enablers, and international best practices. Findings reveal that while PPPs are central to infrastructure delivery, risk allocation in Saudi Arabia remains highly government-centric, often undermined by opaque communication and weak project management capacity. Governance reforms, such as the PSP Law, provide a legal basis, yet institutional fragmentation and regulatory overlaps persist. Technology, including blockchain and AI, is recognised as a potential enabler of transparency but remains at a largely symbolic stage. Comparative analysis highlights that international best practices can inform Saudi PPPs only when adapted to the Kingdom’s socio-economic and institutional context. The study advances PPP scholarship by providing a context-specific understanding of governance and risk-sharing in emerging markets, integrating technology as a dual enabler, and offering practical recommendations for policymakers, investors, and project managers.