Saudi Arabia Elevates Engineering Standards: Implications for Security Professionals

In a decisive move to enhance the professionalism and ethical standards of its engineering workforce, Saudi Arabia has mandated that all engineers working on projects within the Kingdom obtain accreditation from the Saudi Council of Engineers (SCE). On March 2, 2025, the SCE approved the Engineer’s Charter, a professional and ethical code requiring all registered engineers to commit to principles such as honesty, integrity, fairness, and technical excellence.

Aligned with the Engineering Professions Practice Law, this policy applies to all engineering roles, including those in civil, mechanical, electrical, and physical security disciplines. The charter became legally binding 60 days after publication in official media, and enforcement is expected to roll out across 2025, including professional certification exams assessing engineering competencies.

Mandatory Accreditation and Enforcement Timeline

Under the new rules, both Saudi and expatriate engineers must be accredited to legally work in the Kingdom. Expatriate professionals face additional requirements, including a minimum level of experience and successful completion of SCE approved professional exams.

The first rounds of certification exams will take place throughout. 2025 and are a prerequisite for achieving various professional ranks under the SCE framework.

The Imperative of Professional Standards in Critical Design Environments

Saudi Arabia’s move reflects a broader recognition of the essential role that engineering standards play in critical infrastructure, energy, and security environments. In these sectors, design decisions have wide reaching implications. Elevating professional accountability helps safeguard public interests and ensures a consistent level of competence across the industry.

By institutionalizing ethical conduct and technical accreditation, Saudi Arabia is reinforcing the importance of engineering as a regulated and respected profession.

Continuous Professional Development: A Cornerstone of Engineering Excellence

A vital component of the new policy is Continuous Professional Development (CPD). Engineers must complete at least 20 hours of CPD annually, through activities like technical seminars, training courses, or industry workshops.

This requirement reflects global best practices. Professional bodies like ASIS International have long integrated CPD into their certification renewal process, requiring, for example, 60 CPE credits every three years. Likewise, chartered engineers in many countries must maintain CPD logs to retain their professional standing.

In a fast evolving landscape, staying informed is no longer optional, it’s a responsibility.

The Role of Vendors in Supporting CPD Initiatives

Technology and innovation are advancing rapidly, making engineering standards and best practices a constantly evolving environment. In this context, trusted technology vendors can play a valuable role in supporting the professional development of engineers.

While some may use technical sessions as thinly veiled sales opportunities, others genuinely invest in education that advances industry understanding. The most respected vendors collaborate with certification bodies to ensure their content is formally recognized for CPD. For engineers, these sessions offer critical insights into emerging trends, compliance, and responsible system design.

Working with vendors who prioritize thought leadership over product promotion can be a strategic advantage for firms committed to engineering excellence.

Preparing for Compliance

To meet the new SCE requirements, engineers and organizations should:

·         Verify and update SCE accreditation status.

·         Plan and track CPD activities annually.

·         Engage with recognized training providers and vendors offering certified CPD content.

·         Ensure recruitment and training strategies meet Saudization targets.

·         For expatriate engineers, initiate the registration process and confirm eligibility early.

Final Thoughts

These new regulations represent a defining moment for engineering in Saudi Arabia. By aligning with global standards and demanding continuous professional growth, the Kingdom is signalling that engineering is not just a technical skill, but a professional discipline rooted in responsibility, ethics, and innovation.

For professionals operating in the physical security and critical infrastructure sectors, understanding and adhering to these expectations is not just a legal requirement, it’s an opportunity to lead.