From Tender desk to Stadium site: my first year as an expat engineer in Saudi Arabia

This is my first experience on a live construction site. Naturally, I was a little nervous stepping into such a major project without much previous fieldwork under my belt. But from the start, I was given real responsibility.

Under the guidance of my supervisor, Mohammed Nassar, I’ve been involved in producing technical shop drawings for the concrete elements of the stadium. Each day brings new challenges to tackle as a team, where everyone contributes to building something greater together. It is a truly stimulating environment, there is never a dull moment.  

This opportunity builds on everything I learned during my time in the Tender department at BESIX, where I was lucky to be mentored by my incredible manager, Olivier Vantomme. He believed in me, gave me space to contribute, and encouraged me to take the next step. Looking back, starting a career in the Tender Department is truly an ideal way to understand all the key aspects of a construction project, from finance and contractual matters to methods and planning.  That foundation proved invaluable the moment I put my boots on the ground here.

You’d expect the scale to be overwhelming. And it is, at first. The project is enormous and the progress is amazing. But what really stood out were the people and the team.

This multicultural environment truly changes the way you see things and opens your mind to how others work and think. As for the team, despite the workload and deadlines, it stays united and ready to tackle any challenge together. We also make time for activities outside of work to clear our minds, whether it is paddle, football or going out for dinner.

Not every day is a win. Some days are tougher than others, with delays, long to-do lists, and mounting pressure. What keeps you going is, first, the visible progress on site. Every visit shows how fast things are moving, from the steel works to the façade and architectural finishes. It is especially motivating when you see something you personally worked on taking shape in front of you. And when energy runs low, it's the team spirit that lifts you. A quick chat, a smile, a bit of good humour, it’s often all you need to get back on track and give your best.

Moving alone to Saudi Arabia hasn’t been easy. Overnight, I went from my life in Belgium to starting a whole new chapter abroad. BESIX has been there every step of the way. Supporting me with logistics and helping me grow through the challenges. But beyond that, this experience has brought tremendous personal growth. I’ve learned a lot about myself. Living far from home forces you to reflect, adapt, and find strength in new places. Saudi Arabia has also changed a lot in recent years making it easier to enjoy life here.

My journey on this project is just beginning, and so is my learning curve. And if the first year is anything to go by, I know I’m in the right place. I’m grateful to BESIX for offering young engineers like me a chance to learn by doing, to take responsibility early, and to discover the world along the way.

If you’re about to join a project abroad, or anywhere outside your comfort zone, here’s my advice: be curious, be humble, and be ready to learn from everyone. Working on a mega project early in your career isn’t glamorous. It’s hard work, long days, and a steep learning curve. But it’s also the fastest, most intense, and most rewarding way to grow as a person and as an engineer.