“Future of Construction” Conference Explores Innovation and Sustainability Trends in the Sector
The “Future of Construction” Conference kicked off today at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center, held as part of the 35th edition of Saudi Build 2025, with the participation of a wide range of experts and specialists in construction, building technologies, and advanced materials.
The conference began with a keynote address delivered by Dr. Khaled Al-Hajri, Vice President of the Building Materials Sector at the National Industrial Development Center (NIDC), titled “The Future of the Building Materials Sector in Saudi Arabia.”
During his speech, Dr. Al-Hajri discussed the transformation taking place in the Kingdom’s construction sector, highlighting efforts to localize industries related to building materials and emphasizing the importance of innovation and sustainability in enhancing national economic competitiveness.
Dr. Al-Hajri noted that the building materials sector is one of the key pillars of Saudi Arabia’s industrial transformation, pointing out that the Kingdom is witnessing a major boom through its giga projects, such as NEOM and other national initiatives that provide real opportunities for localizing advanced construction technologies and increasing local content. He added that the *number of building materials factories in the Kingdom has doubled over the past five years—rising from fewer than 30 to more than 60—*reflecting a significant qualitative leap in the adoption of modern technologies and sustainable construction methods.
The conference featured a series of specialized panel discussions. The first session, titled “Saudi Giga Projects and Innovations Reshaping the Future of the Construction Industry,” addressed the major transformations taking place across the construction sector in the Kingdom and the growing role of innovation in promoting sustainability and achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
The second session, “Smart Homes and Smart Buildings: Developments and Future Prospects,” explored the rapid adoption of smart building systems and artificial intelligence applications in the sector, emphasizing that the local environment has become increasingly conducive to developing innovative solutions that enhance quality of life and energy efficiency.
Another session, “3D Printing in Construction: Assessing Compliance with Codes and Safety Standards,” underscored the importance of implementing robust safety measures in 3D printing applications as a fundamental step toward achieving higher efficiency and sustainability in construction processes. The session also highlighted the need for comprehensive documentation of manufacturing and testing procedures to ensure quality and traceability throughout all production stages.
The final session, “Advanced Exterior Building Materials: Emerging Trends,” brought together a distinguished group of experts and architects to discuss innovation in façade design, the development of locally sourced sustainable materials, and the integration of architecture with the natural environment and climate as key design elements.
The “Future of Construction” Conference serves as a national platform that brings together industry leaders and innovators to exchange insights and shape creative solutions that support Saudi Arabia’s urban development journey. It reflects the Kingdom’s transformational shift toward smarter, more sustainable, and future-ready construction models in line with its vision for modern, livable cities.
It is worth noting that Saudi Build 2025, which concludes on Thursday, continues to act as a strategic platform that showcases the dynamic growth of Saudi Arabia’s construction and urban transformation sectors. The exhibition gathers top international and local expertise and innovations under one roof, presenting a comprehensive vision for urban development and fostering commercial and professional opportunities across this vital industry.
