Chinese contractor Sinoma International has won a SR1.1bn ($298m) engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract to build a fourth production line at the Qassim Cement plant in Buraidah, Saudi Arabia.

The contract was awarded by Saudi Arabia-based cement producer Qassim Cement.

The contract includes the construction of a new line with a daily production capacity of 10,000 tonnes of clinker. The contract duration is two years from the start of construction.

Omar Al-Omar, CEO of Qassim Cement, said: “The project will replace certain outdated, low-efficiency production lines by incorporating the latest technological advancements.”

Saudi Arabian cement producers achieved record sales growth in 2024, driven by strong contract awards.

According to a report by Aljazira Capital, Saudi Arabia’s domestic cement sales surged by 9.1% year-on-year in January 2025, reaching 4.89 million tonnes.

The increase reflects strong project activity in Saudi Arabia, with a record $144bn-worth of contracts awarded in 2024.

With tight deadlines to meet Saudi Vision 2030 goals, pressure on the construction industry is mounting. In addition, the surge in announced projects is straining the kingdom’s resources.