Integrating Sustainability Criteria into Project Management Practices in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Traditionally, sustainability within projects has been associated primarily with the delivery of sustainable outcomes, while conventional project management practices have focused on the iron triangle of cost, time, and quality. However, increasing global attention to sustainability and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles has expanded the role of project managers beyond traditional performance measures, requiring sustainability considerations to be integrated throughout the project lifecycle. Despite the growing importance of sustainability, limited empirical evidence exists regarding the practical integration of ESG principles within project management practices in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the extent to which sustainability criteria based on ESG principles are integrated into project management practices within the Saudi Arabian context. A qualitative research approach was adopted, employing semi-structured interviews with twelve project management professionals from various industries in Saudi Arabia. The collected data were analysed using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns, challenges and opportunities associated with sustainability integration. The findings revealed that although sustainability and ESG principles are increasingly recognised within Saudi project environments, their practical implementation remains limited and inconsistent across the wider project sector. ESG integration was found to be more evident in large-scale strategic projects aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, while many organisations continue to face challenges related to the absence of standardised sustainability frameworks, limited ESG awareness and organisational barriers. The study further highlights the significant role of Saudi Vision 2030 in promoting sustainability-oriented project practices and encouraging greater consideration of environmental and social impacts. The research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable project management in Saudi Arabia and provides practical recommendations for policymakers and project practitioners. The study recommends the development of a National Sustainable Project Management Code to establish consistent sustainability standards, strengthen ESG implementation, and support the long-term objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.