The 14th Saudi Green Building Forum (SGBF), held from October 6th to 8th, 2024, successfully gathered global leaders, policymakers, and innovators to discuss the future of sustainable development in Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East. Taking place at the Hilton Riyadh, the forum served as a crucial venue for exchanging knowledge and advancing green building initiatives aligned with Vision 2030.
Under the theme, “Building a Sustainable Future: Innovations and Best Practices for Green Construction,” the event featured an engaging agenda that included keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive workshops led by experts in architecture, engineering, and urban planning. Topics ranged from energy-efficient design and sustainable urban planning to the use of eco-friendly materials and the integration of renewable energy.
Mohamed El Zarkani, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Saudi Arabia, emphasized the forum’s significant role in fostering sustainability in the built environment. He noted that initiatives like the SGBF, which align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, are transforming challenges into opportunities. Green buildings, a cornerstone of this vision, not only tackle environmental issues but also promote human well-being, ensuring a secure and sustainable future.
Event Highlights:
- Over 700 participants from more than 20 countries attended the forum.
- Notable keynote speakers, including H.E Abdulrahman Al-Oraini, H.E Walid Abdullatif Al-Naeem, Mr. Othman Ibrahim, and Mr. Michael Dyke, presented innovative strategies for climate action, decarbonization, and energy transition.
- Dynamic panel discussions explored the roles of government regulations, private sector innovation, and public engagement in accelerating sustainable construction.
The forum also featured an exhibition where companies displayed cutting-edge green technologies and solutions designed to reduce the environmental impact of the built environment.
The 14th Saudi Green Building Forum was made possible by the generous support of its sponsors. Aramco served as the Host Sponsor, while ROSHN was the Official Urban Development Partner. RAWABI and MAGNOM were recognized as Official Sustainable Developers. NHC took on the role of Official Housing Partner, and HH Shaker/Midea was the Official Air Conditioning Partner. Red Sea International was the Official Modular Building Partner, with SIRC as the Official Recycling Partner. New Murabba was the Platinum Sponsor, while Gold Sponsors included NESMA, Johnson Controls Arabia, Al Sahab Investment, and Al Bawani Holding. Silver Sponsors comprised Zood, Thaker Development, Daikin, and Climatech, while Bronze Sponsors included Drykos, Kinan, and United Maintenance and Contracting Company. Strategic Partners were Al Nasser Group, Dimension, Kinan, and Systemair Saudi Arabia, with Jazeera Paints as the Strategic Paint Partner. The event also showcased innovations from exhibitors such as Jotun, Hempel Paints, Madar Building Materials, Al Rashed Cement, Al Obeikan AGC for Glass LLC, and Taldeen Plastic Solutions.
The forum reinforced Saudi Arabia’s leadership in sustainable development and its commitment to global environmental initiatives. As the Kingdom advances its green building practices, the SGBF remains a vital platform for fostering innovation and collaboration.
The Saudi Green Building Forum is a non-profit initiative dedicated to promoting sustainable development in Saudi Arabia through advocacy for green building practices, renewable energy, and eco-friendly infrastructure. Since its establishment, the forum has supported Vision 2030 and enhanced Saudi Arabia’s role in the global environmental movement.
