Each major Saudi buyer runs its own supplier registration: Aramco uses its e-Marketplace (SAP Ariba) with the CCC, SABIC uses SAP Ariba with Achilles due diligence and the Group CCC, Ma’aden uses its own supplier portal (approval typically in 8–10 days with Luba’s fast track), NEOM uses SAP Ariba plus its own questionnaire, SEC runs its own supplier registration, and government entities buy through Etimad. One well-prepared document pack can be reused across all of them.
- Portals compared
- Aramco, SABIC, Ma’aden, NEOM, SEC, Etimad
- Shared core documents
- CR, Chamber, Zakat, VAT, GOSI, Nitaqat, bank letter, profile
- Fastest with Luba
- Ma’aden fast-track: 8–10 days
- Extra cybersecurity
- Aramco CCC / SABIC Group CCC for applicable classifications
The portals at a glance
| Organization | Sector | Platform | Extra requirements | Typical time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saudi Aramco | Oil, gas, energy | e-Marketplace (SAP Ariba) | CCC, IKTVA, Aramco-specific letters | Weeks; varies by category |
| SABIC | Chemicals, manufacturing | SAP Ariba + Achilles | Due diligence, Group CCC where applicable | Weeks to months |
| Ma’aden | Mining, metals | Ma’aden supplier portal | Supplier-type questionnaire, SRM review | 8–10 days with Luba fast-track |
| NEOM | Giga project | SAP Ariba + NEOM questionnaire | Code of conduct, confidentiality agreement | Varies; not published |
| Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) | Power, utilities | SAP Ariba (self-registration request + questionnaires) | Qualification questionnaire by category | Varies; not published |
| Etimad | Government entities | Etimad (Ministry of Finance) | Annual subscription to bid, tender guarantees | Account: usually days |
Timelines are typical for complete applications. Each organization sets and may change its own rules.
Which portal should you register with first?
- Industrial and mining suppliers: start with Ma’aden (fastest with our fast track), then SABIC and Aramco.
- Oil and gas: Aramco first, and start the CCC early because it is often the longest step.
- Construction and infrastructure: NEOM and other giga projects, plus Etimad for government projects.
- Utilities and electrical: SEC, Marafiq and the National Water Company.
- Selling to ministries or authorities: Etimad.
One master document pack for every portal
| Document | Aramco | SABIC | Ma’aden | NEOM | Etimad |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CR + Chamber | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Zakat + VAT | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| GOSI + Nitaqat | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bank letter | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Company profile | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | – |
| Financial statements | ✓ | ✓ | If asked | ✓ | Per tender |
| Cybersecurity certificate | CCC | Group CCC | By scope | By scope | – |
Prepare the pack once, keep every certificate valid, and reuse it. That is how we register clients with several organizations in parallel.
Registration vs. pre-qualification
Registration creates your supplier record. Pre-qualification is the buyer’s check that you can supply a specific category (technical, financial, HSE and quality). Being registered makes you visible; being qualified in a category is what gets you invited to tenders in it.
Foreign companies
Most portals let foreign companies start, but purchase orders and many categories need a Saudi legal entity. The usual route is MISA investment registration and a CR first, then registration. We run company formation and vendor registration as one project.
How Luba helps
We build your master document pack, register you on every relevant portal, prepare questionnaires and certificates, and follow up until approval. See our vendor registration service.
Frequently asked questions
Which Saudi vendor registration is the fastest?
With complete documents, Ma’aden is usually the fastest of the large industrial buyers: with Luba’s fast-track service, approval typically comes within 8–10 days. An Etimad account can usually be created within days.
Can I use the same documents for Aramco, SABIC and Ma’aden?
Mostly yes. The core documents (CR, Chamber, Zakat, VAT, GOSI, Nitaqat, bank letter and company profile) are shared. Aramco and SABIC add their own letters, due diligence and cybersecurity certificates.
Do I need the CCC for every portal?
No. Aramco’s CCC and SABIC’s Group CCC apply to suppliers in specific cybersecurity classifications, such as those with system or data access. Other suppliers may not need one.
Do vendor registrations need renewal?
Yes, in practice. Certificates such as Zakat, GOSI and Chamber membership expire and must be updated on each portal, and cybersecurity certificates are typically valid for two years.
Should I register on all portals at once?
Register first where your products or services fit best, then add others using the same document pack. Applying for unrelated categories slows approval.
Requirements can change. Always confirm current rules with the official authority or our team before applying.
