RIYADH: Saudia Group’s Project Management Office won the Strategy Excellence award at a recent event in Riyadh, with a company executive calling the recognition a milestone in the carrier’s transformation.
Emad Al-Ghamdi, general manager of transformation and PMO at Saudia Holding, spoke to Arab News at about how this reflects the group’s efforts with the support of the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, and the group’s director general.
The Global Project Excellence Awards, now in their fifth cycle, honor standout local and international organizations.
The award “also highlights the level of maturity, capability and excellence we have achieved in managing our strategic Transformation Program,” Al-Ghamdi added.
Al-Ghamdi added that the company has “adopted advanced portfolio management tools, predictive analytics, and (is) preparing for AI-driven dashboards to enhance visibility and proactive governance.”
Al-Ghamdi went on to say: “We see the PMO as an enabler of strategy, ensuring every project directly contributes to operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and national development objectives aligned with Vision 2030.”
He said that Saudia’s future PMO strategy focuses on sustainability, intelligence and impact.
The group plans to deepen digital intelligence, strengthen local content, and drive initiatives, aiming to set new regional benchmarks for PMO performance.
“As we look ahead, our vision is clear: we will reach new heights and farther destinations to make the PMO a strategic engine that accelerates transformation, empowers teams and sets new benchmarks for excellence across the region,” he said.
Offering advice to emerging PMO leaders, Al-Ghamdi added: “Lead with purpose and adaptability.
“Success is no longer about control; it’s about enabling collaboration, fostering innovation, and keeping your organization focused on value.”
The Project Management Offices Summit 2025 was held on Nov. 9, 2025, at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology in Riyadh as part of the Global Project Management Forum.
The event included a ceremony honoring the winners of the fifth cycle of the Global Project Excellence Awards, under the patronage and presence of Badr Al-Dulami, deputy minister of transport and logistics services for roads affairs, celebrating 24 organizations and 15 individuals on International Project Management Day.
