HPW: Tell me about the considerable growth you’ve seen in Saudi Arabia.  

NF: We established our commercial registration in 2010, and through organic growth, we’ve scaled the business to 4,000 active contractors in just four years.  

This growth has been made possible by the importance of capital expenditure in Saudi Arabia, particularly in the context of diversifying the economy under Vision 2030. For instance, in October 2020, 95% of our revenue came from the oil and gas (O&G) market. Today, O&G represents only 40% of our revenue, highlighting our expansion into diversified sectors.  

HPW: How have you achieved this growth?  

NF: We’ve aligned ourselves with the Kingdom’s strategic objectives, particularly by supporting the KSA Giga project programme and investing further in the local economy and workforce through our Saudisation efforts.  

HPW: What is your localisation strategy?  

NF: Saudisation is at the forefront of our company strategy and client solutions. We’ve focused heavily on hiring, developing, and empowering KSA nationals within our business. Additionally, we actively support our clients in driving their Saudi workforce initiatives.  

NES views its presence in KSA as a long-term commitment, demonstrated through ongoing investments in community and cultural projects. We’ve placed significant emphasis on hiring local talent, with the approach of bringing in expatriates only to supplement roles when necessary.  

HPW: How do you monitor success?  

NF: We monitor our success through the valuable feedback we receive from our clients and contractors. This is reflected in our impressive Net Promoter Score (NPS), which currently stands at 69 with one of the largest energy companies in the Middle East. Obtaining feedback from our clients and contractors in the Kingdom is crucial for our business. It enables us to deliver exceptional service consistently.

This is what clients and contractors say about us: 

Client Testimonial
“Our division had 37% growth in 2024, and the workforce was the most critical part of all. I am very pleased to announce that NES was the prime workforce supporter for us, and they showed outstanding performance in all aspects, including sourcing people, deployment, and managing their rotations. NES management, especially, is always available to support any type of emergency case. Out of all suppliers, NES always stood ahead in the game. 

I want to thank NES’s whole team for their outstanding support in KSA, the UAE, and Oman.”
Workforce Planner of Well Construction   

Contractor Testimonial
I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for the positive and rewarding work experience I have had with NES. Since joining the company seven years ago, I have consistently been impressed by NES’s supportive and collaborative work environment and commitment to its employees. These experiences have fulfilled my work and contributed significantly to my personal and professional growth. Thank you, NES, for creating such a positive and enriching work environment. I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such a talented and dedicated team. SA Mud Advisor   

HPW: What skills are currently in demand in Saudi Arabia?  

NF: The focus is on KSA Giga projects, so expertise in construction and infrastructure (C&I) is in high demand. Additionally, there is a growing need for technology professionals to support the tech sector.  

With the Kingdom’s increasing emphasis on tourism, we anticipate upcoming requirements in this sector as well. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia’s commitment to energy transition is driving a rising need for talent in renewables and alternative energy sectors.   

HPW: Looking ahead  

NF: NES is well-positioned to continue its impressive trajectory in Saudi Arabia by aligning its strategies with the Kingdom’s evolving needs and ambitions. As Vision 2030 drives further diversification of the economy, the demand for skilled professionals in technology, tourism, and renewable energy will expand, presenting significant opportunities for NES to deepen its presence in these emerging sectors.  

Their commitment to Saudisation and long-term investment in local talent and community projects ensures they are not just responding to current needs but also helping shape the future workforce of Saudi Arabia. By maintaining their focus on localisation and leveraging their expertise to support key initiatives such as Giga projects, NES is poised to play a vital role in the Kingdom’s transformation.    

With a strong foundation in place and a clear understanding of local priorities, NES’s next chapter will likely involve driving innovation, fostering sustainability, and continuing to contribute to Saudi Arabia’s ambitious journey toward a diversified and thriving economy.