Atlas Support and Services is driving Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 with expert inspection services, localisation efforts, and clean energy solutions, while elevating sustainability, Osama Al Raei, Business Development Manager, tells OGN

As Saudi Arabia continues to make significant strides towards diversifying its energy sector and achieving the goals outlined in Vision 2030, Atlas Support and Services emerges as a pivotal player in the region’s evolving landscape.

With an established reputation for excellence in inspection and conformity assessment, the company strategically positioned to contribute to the advancement of clean and efficient energy solutions.

Its approach not only aligns with the national vision but also addresses critical industry needs through a combination of technical expertise and innovative practices.

In 2024, Atlas Support and Services is set to focus on key investment priorities that underscore its commitment to the Saudi energy sector.

This includes the recruitment of highly skilled professionals to enhance its testing and inspection services, particularly in areas related to the ISO/IEC 17020 accreditation.

The company’s successful execution of inspecting electrical setups in pilgrims' camps this year exemplifies its capability and dedication to high standards.

In an exclusive interview with OGN energy magazine, Osama Al Raei, Business Development Manager, reveals that Atlas Support and Services is preparing to launch several major projects related to regulatory inspections, further solidifying their role in the sector.

The company also plays a crucial role in the broader GCC region, positively impacting the energy industry through their accredited inspection services.

By forging strategic partnerships and integrating advanced technologies into its processes, Atlas Support and Services is well-equipped to meet both international and local standards.

Its proactive approach to addressing the evolving needs of the energy sector demonstrates a forward-thinking strategy that supports sustainability and contributes to the economic goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

Below are excerpts from the interview:

What are Atlas Support and Services’ key investment priorities for 2024 in the Saudi Arabian energy sector? Are there specific projects or collaborations you are particularly focused on?

Investment priorities for 2024 include the employment of qualified personnel capable of performing testing and inspection services across all areas of the ISO/IEC 17020 accreditation.

This year, the focus was on inspecting the electrical setup in pilgrims' camps, a project which was implemented with complete success. Consequently, Atlas is working on several major inspection and testing projects related to regulatory bodies, which are expected to be launched before the end of 2024.

How does Atlas Support and Services plan to leverage its expertise in inspection and conformity assessment to drive advancements in clean and efficient energy solutions in Saudi Arabia?

Atlas plans to leverage its expertise in inspection and conformity assessment to advance clean and efficient energy solutions in Saudi Arabia by actively participating as an inspection body at all stages of energy projects.

This involves cooperation with executing and contracting companies and serving as a certification body for project inputs subject to Saudi standards.

In what ways is Atlas Support and Services aligning its operations and goals with Saudi Vision 2030, particularly in terms of localisation and contributing to the national economy?

We are doing it in the following ways:

• Employment of national competencies.

• Providing clear outputs from testing and inspection operations to customers, whether positive or negative, to promote safety regulations for technicians and equipment in projects and prevent accidents leading to human or material loss.

• Clarifying the specifications of project inputs, materials, and tools, and their conformity with Saudi specifications before issuing certificates of conformity.

Can you share examples of how Atlas Support and Services has positively impacted the energy industry across the GCC region? What role do you envision the company playing in future regional energy initiatives?

Atlas Support and Services has positively impacted the energy industry in Saudi Arabia by obtaining accreditation from the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) as an inspection body for power project inputs and the National Grid executed by contractors.

This includes performing inspections at factories on materials supplied to projects to ensure their compliance with approved specifications and issuing inspection reports.

What are the most significant energy challenges that Atlas Support and Services is currently addressing, and how are your innovations contributing to sustainability in the sector?

Atlas Support and Services envisions playing a key role in the field of clean energy by contributing to the testing and inspection of the primary inputs for these projects.

How does Atlas Support and Services integrate new technologies into its inspection and conformity assessment processes to enhance service quality and efficiency?

This is achieved through intensive training of technical engineers according to the latest inspection techniques and utilising electronic platforms that expedite the inspection process, thereby avoiding project delays and ensuring timely delivery to clients.

What partnerships or collaborations does Atlas Support and Services seek in the Saudi energy sector to further its strategic goals? How do these partnerships benefit both parties?

Atlas Support and Services seeks to collaborate with official regulatory authorities and execution companies in the energy sector.

This cooperation benefits Atlas by establishing it as a major partner in the fields of testing and inspection at local and regional levels.

For the counterpart, it ensures the achievement of their strategy regarding community service and product quality in alignment with Vision 2030.

Can you describe Atlas Support and Services’ approach to ensuring that its services not only meet international standards but also effectively address local regulatory requirements and market needs in Saudi Arabia?

Atlas Support and Services ensures that its services meet international standards while effectively addressing local regulatory requirements and market needs by staying updated with new standards or legislation in the fields of inspection, testing, and product conformity.

The company obtains relevant regulations and accreditations from competent authorities in Saudi Arabia and markets them to customers to emphasise the importance of adhering to these standards and specifications.

How does Atlas Support and Services plan to expand or adapt its services in response to the evolving needs of the energy sector in Saudi Arabia and the broader GCC region?

The plan includes obtaining specialised accreditations and attracting and qualifying technical personnel.

By Abdulaziz Khattak