BIM MATURITY AND IMPLEMENTATION READINESS AMONG SAUDI CONTRACTING FIRMS: BARRIERS, ENABLERS, AND THE PATH TO VISION 2030 MANDATES

Mohammed Ahmed Ali

doi:10.5281/zenodo.22096542

Abstract

Building Information Modeling (BIM) has become a central pillar of construction-sector digitalization strategies worldwide, and Saudi Arabia is no exception. As the Kingdom pursues the ambitious infrastructure and gigaproject targets set out under Vision 2030, the maturity of BIM practice among local contracting firms has emerged as a critical determinant of delivery success. This article synthesizes ten peer-reviewed studies published between 2018 and 2025 to examine the current state of BIM maturity, the barriers restraining wider implementation, the enablers capable of accelerating adoption, and the practical steps needed to align Saudi contractors with anticipated national BIM mandates. The review finds that awareness and knowledge gaps, a shortage of skilled personnel, weak client demand, and the absence of consistent policy instruments remain the most consequential obstacles, while government leadership, structured training, and top-management commitment stand out as the most powerful enablers. The article concludes with a five-phase readiness roadmap intended to help contracting firms, regulators, and industry bodies close the maturity gap before BIM mandates are extended across the public and private construction sectors.

Keywords

Building Information Modeling, BIM maturity, Saudi Arabia, Vision 2030, construction digitalization, contracting firms, adoption barriers

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