Saudi Arabia architecture news 2024, KSA buildings, Red Sea construction design, Giga projects

Saudi Arabia Architecture News

Architectural Developments in the Middle East – KSA built environment updates, property images.

post updated 26 January 2025

Saudi Arabia Architecture Designs – chronological list

16 December 2024
LyondellBasell to Open Regional Corporate Office in Saudi Arabia at KAFD

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 16th December 2024 – LyondellBasell (LYB), a global leader in the chemical industry and one of the world’s largest producers of polymers and a leader in polyolefin technologies, has announced the establishment of its regional corporate office at the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), the prime business and lifestyle destination in the heart of the capital, Riyadh.

LyondellBasell Regional Corporate Office in the Muqarnas Tower designed by SOM at KAFD, Saudi Arabia:

image courtesy of architects practice

LYB, which has been operating in Saudi Arabia through various joint ventures, officially unveiled its new corporate office in October 2024. This marks the company’s first regional base in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia– a move that’s set to expand its operations and establish a profound presence within the dynamic landscape of Saudi Arabia and the region.

LYB is a global leader in developing, manufacturing and marketing high-quality and innovative products for applications ranging from sustainable transportation and food safety to clean water and quality healthcare. Through advanced technology and focused investments, LYB is enabling a circular and low carbon economy.

KAFD is a transformative mixed-use development that merges business with new benchmarks in urban living, smart city technologies, and sustainable development, designed to transform how urban communities live, work, and play. Spanning 1.6 million square meters, the Kingdom’s first vertical city is home to 95 buildings across five asset classes, featuring Grade A office spaces, upscale residences, diverse commercial and retail areas, luxury hospitality, and vibrant entertainment venues, all interconnected and walkable within 10-minutes.

Sultan Alobaida, Chief Commercial Officer of the King Abdullah Financial District Development and Management Company (KAFD DMC), said: “As the global economy continues to evolve, KAFD is strengthening its position as a premier destination for businesses and industry leaders. We are proud to welcome LyondellBasell to our vibrant business community, where it is poised to become a cornerstone of innovation and growth, contributing to the momentum of Saudi Arabia’s dynamic economic transformation.” He added: “KAFD is more than just a district – it is a catalyst for progress and a key enabler of Saudi Vision 2030. By offering advanced smart technologies, a deeply sustainable environment, and unmatched opportunities for collaboration, KAFD empowers businesses like LyondellBasell to scale, innovate, and thrive in an era of unprecedented possibilities.”

Deena Alkhayyal, Managing Director KSA, LyondellBasell Arabian Limited, said: “We are excited to open a corporate office in Riyadh, which will facilitate the growth of LYB in the Kingdom. The proximity to our existing joint ventures will enable us to sustain a strong relationship with our stakeholders.”

The LYB office is located in the Muqarnas Tower, a 70,000 sqm landmark designed by SOM. Inspired by the intricate “muqarnas” motifs of Islamic architecture, the tower features a façade that enhances shading and sun protection, creating comfortable and energy-efficient workspaces. Its design incorporates advanced sun control and daylighting features to reduce glare and heat gain while promoting sustainability.

Blending modern urban design with robust digital infrastructure, the tower fosters productivity, collaboration, and well-being, setting new standards for workplaces and reflecting KAFD’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.

With its new corporate office, LYB has joined other leading institutions and companies including Deloitte, JLL, and financial institutions such as Goldman Sachs and HSBC who have selected KAFD for their corporate offices in the Kingdom. KAFD is also home to more than 75 global and regional corporations as well as local government agencies and private businesses across a wide spectrum of industries, from finance and technology to healthcare.

About KAFD

Situated in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, KAFD is an iconic destination that merges the worlds of business and lifestyle in a digitally integrated and sustainable ecosystem, transforming the way contemporary communities live, work, and play. The destination is owned and managed by King Abdullah Financial District Development and Management Company (KAFD DMC), which was established in 2018 and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the sovereign wealth fund of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

With a vision to build a dynamic city of tomorrow, the Kingdom’s first vertical city solution, spanning 1.6 million square meters with 95 buildings designed by 25 world-leading architectural firms, has not only shaped the skyline of Riyadh but also transformed the city’s economic landscape and redefined the essence of urban living. It is the world’s largest LEED platinum-certified business and lifestyle district, epitomizing Saudi Arabia’s vision for economic diversification, quality of life, and sustainable development.
For further details about KAFD, please visit www.kafd.sa

About LyondellBasell
We are LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB) ― a leader in the global chemical industry creating solutions for everyday sustainable living. Through advanced technology and focused investments, we are enabling a circular and low carbon economy. Across all we do, we aim to unlock value for our customers, investors and society. As one of the world’s largest producers of polymers and a leader in polyolefin technologies, we develop, manufacture and market high-quality and innovative products for applications ranging from sustainable transportation and food safety to clean water and quality healthcare. For more information, please visit www.lyondellbasell.com or follow @LyondellBasell on LinkedIn.

29 November 2024
King Abdullah Financial District Metro Station, Riyadh
Design: Zaha Hadid Architects

photo © Hufton+Crow
KAFD Metro Station building
The world’s longest driverless transit system, the Riyadh Metro network spans over 176 kilometres across 6 lines and 85 stations.

20 November 2024
King Salman Stadium Masterplan, Riyadh
Design: Populous

image : Populous
King Salman Stadium Masterplan
Poised to become the largest-capacity stadium in the Kingdom and one of the world’s premier sports venues, the stadium is slated for completion in late 2029.

Shebara Red Sea luxury hotel brand

Luxury Wellness Resort AMAALA, Red Sea

25 June 2024

Knight Frank: Saudi Arabia’s construction awards hit US$ 142 billion

Riyadh | 24 June 2024: Saudi Arabia is experiencing a significant surge in its construction activities, with the construction output value for the residential, institutional, infrastructure, industrial, energy & utilities and commercial sectors reaching US$ 141.5bn, up by 4.3% compared to last year, according to the latest analysis by global property consultancy Knight Frank’s Construction Landscape Review report for Saudi Arabia.

Mohamed Nabil – Regional Partner, Head of Project & Development Services, MENA, says: “We are currently witnessing a historical transformation unfolding in Saudi Arabia with construction projects standing out in their design scale and value. Given the scale of development pipeline, the government is hoping to attract over US$ 3 trillion in investments by 2030, a figure recently confirmed the Minister of investment during the inaugural Sino-Gulf Cooperation for Industries and Investments Forum in China last month.”

This substantial investment in transforming the Kingdom is at the heart of Vision 2030 and will also strengthen the Kingdom’s position as a global hub for tourism, commerce and trade.

Knight Frank says that since the launch of Saudi Arabia’s National Transformation Plan in 2016, the total budgeted value of real estate and infrastructure projects has surpassed US$ 1.25 trillion. This transformation is evident across the entire urban landscape, driven by Vision 2030, which aims to deliver over 660,000 residential units, more than 320,000 hotel keys, over 5.3 million sqm of retail space, and more than 6.1 million sqm of new office space by the end of the decade.

Nabil continued, “Notably, 38% of the existing contract award value accounts for Riyadh Province, equating to US$ 54bn, followed by Mecca and Tabuk Provinces at US$ 28.7bn and US$ 28.5bn, respectively. While construction sector contract awards account for 61% of the total value, the transportation sector follows in second place at 33%, highlighting the significant investment being made in bolstering the capital’s transportation infrastructure as the population swells to a projected 10 million by 2030.”

The residential sector primarily dominates Saudi Arabia’s construction output value, accounting for 31% (US$ 43.5bn) of the total output value in 2023 and projected to reach US$ 56.9bn by 2028, according to Knight Frank’s analysis. The energy and utilities sector follows closely in second place, with a value of US$ 35.1bn, which is forecast to increase to US$ 46.5bn by 2028.

By the end of 2028, the Kingdom’s construction output value for all sectors is forecast to reach US$ 181.5bn, making Saudi Arabia the largest world’s largest construction market, according to Knight Frank.

Residential construction cost benchmark

Knight Frank has also published an analysis of residential construction costs across Saudi Arabia which outlines the range of building construction and fixed fit-out costs across different residential categories, including different tiers of villas, and the same for apartment buildings.

Having analysed construction rates per square metre for various residential projects in Kingdom, Knight Frank’s data reveals that the variance in construction costs is primarily attributed to the unique differences in the scale, quality and type of construction projects, ranging from SAR 3800-10,000 psm. Using the lower end of this range as well as the data on average dwelling size, Knight Frank’s analysis suggests that the cost to deliver the Kingdom’s planned 660,000 homes by 2030 will cost at least US$ 175bn.

Giga Projects

By far the most visible impact of Vision 2030 has been the emergence of new super-cities, mainly Giga projects around the Kingdom, particularly in the Western part of the country.

Amar Hussain – Associate Partner, Research, ME, added: “With a value of over SAR 1.25 trillion launched but not yet delivered, Giga Projects are undoubtedly transforming the Kingdom’s urban landscape. Arguably one of, if not the most expansive, real estate development programs ever seen in the world is gathering pace in Saudi Arabia as the 2030 deadline nears to realise Vision 2030.

“Nationally, the planned volume of residential units has risen to 660,000 units, an increase of 30% in the last 12 months. Meanwhile, the office pipeline is steady at 6 million square meters. In the commercial market, plans are currently underway for 5.3 million square meters of retail space and an additional 320,000 hotel rooms, which will contribute to Saudi Arabia’s objective of growing the population to 40 million and accommodating 150 million visitors by 2030. This figure has increased from approximately 106 million visitors last year, including 27 million international visitors, a 62% increase from the previous year”.

According to Knight Frank’s analysis, there are currently 25 Giga projects that are at various phases of construction around the Kingdom, with Western Saudi Arabia remain a focus of development with plans valued at US$ 692 billion, accounting for 55% of the total US$ 1.25 trillion development plan. The region is expected to see extensive growth in luxury residential supply and hotel accommodation, as well as retail, and office space.

About Knight Frank

Knight Frank LLP is the leading independent global property consultancy. Headquartered in London, the Knight Frank network has 487 offices across 53 territories and more than 20,000 people The Group advises clients ranging from individual owners and buyers to major developers, investors, and corporate tenants. For further information about the Firm, please visit www.knightfrank.com.

In the MENA region, we have strategically positioned offices in key countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and Egypt. For the past 13 years, we have been offering integrated residential and commercial real estate services, including transactional support, consultancy, and management.

Understanding the unique intricacies of local markets is at the core of what we do, we blend this understanding with our global resources to provide you with tailored solutions that meet your specific needs. At Knight Frank, excellence, innovation, and a genuine focus on our clients drive everything we do. We are not just consultants; we are trusted partners in property ready to support you on your real estate journey, no matter the scale of your endeavour.

Previously on e-architect:

Saudi Arabia Architecture News 2024

13 March 2024
Trojena Ski Village – the world’s first “vertical ski village”, NEOM
Architects: Aedas

image courtesy of architects practice
Trojena Ski Village
Futuristic resort for GCC year-round adventure sports, to host the 10th Asian Winter Games in 2029, the Gulf Region’s first ever outdoor ski resort.

26 January 2024
The Garage KAUST Building, main campus of King Abdulaziz University for Sciences and Technology, Riyadh
Design: STUFISH

photo : Tim Franco
The Garage KAUST Building
London-based architecture and design studio STUFISH, have transformed a former multi-storey carpark in the heart of Riyadh into the Middle East’s largest start-up incubator.

22 January 2024
Norlana, Gulf of Aqaba, NEOM
Architects: 10 Design

image courtesy of NEOM
Norlana Luxury Homes on the Gulf of Aqaba

15 January 2024
Assila Headquarters, Riyadh
Design: Peter Ruge Architekten

photo : Laurian Ghinitoiue
Assila HQ, Saudi Arabia

15 Jan 2024
Design Space AlUla, AlJadidah Arts District, Alula
Design: Giò Forma Studio

photo : RCU / Nicholas Jackson Photography
Design Space AlUla
February 2024 will mark the opening of Design Space AlUla, a focal point for showcasing AlUla’s wide ranging design initiatives contributing to the vision for AlUla. This new Saudi building provides exhibition, workshop and archive space, and is designed to foster collaboration among design professionals, students, and design enthusiasts, whilst strengthening AlUla’s legacy across the cultural sphere as a catalyst for creative inspiration and design.

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Saudi Arabia Architecture News 2023

15 December 2023
Epicon, Gulf of Aqaba, NEOM, northwest Saudi Arabia
Architects: 10 Design

image courtesy of NEOM
Epicon Luxury Resort on the Gulf of Aqaba

AlUla Dune Hotel
AlUla Dune Hotel, Saudi Arabia building

6 November 2023
Shebara, Sheybarah Island, Red Sea, western Saudi Arabia
Design: Killa Design architects

image courtesy of architects practice
Shebara Red Sea luxury hotel brand

1 August 2023
Red Sea phase one construction

image courtesy of architects practice
Red Sea phase one construction update

14 June 2023
Tabuk Camel Contest Buildings

Designlab Experience Builds Groundbreaking Setting for Tabuk Camel Contest in Saudi Arabia
June 15- June 30, 2023

Beginning tomorrow, June 15, 2023 through June 30, Designlab Experience, a creative studio leader in temporary and immersive architecture, will debut an architectural complex for the Tabuk Camel Contest, a touring festival celebrating the beauty of Saudi Arabia’s beloved cultural icon.

Sponsored by The Camel Club, the 35,000-square-meters arena uses sustainable technologies and recyclable materials that do not disrupt the terrain. After the Tabuk debut, all the minimalist structures will be carefully dismantled and reconstructed at the next location using the original materials and setup.

The site will include a Royal Area created exclusively for VIP guests, a Heritage Village erected for the thousands of fans attending, a media center, judges’ quarters, stables, and a Kids Village featuring a stage, a playground, and several interactive stations. The camel parade route will stretch between the Royal Area and the Heritage Village.

During the two-week festival, camels, wearing makeup and elaborate costumes, will be judged in multiple categories, including Best in Show.

Renderings and Masterplans: Courtesy of Designlab Experience

14 April 2023
Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City, Misk City, Riyadh
Design: RMJM Architects

image courtesy of architects practice
Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City offices

17 Apr 2023
Konoz Box of Jewels, Riyadh
Design: Benoy

images courtesy of architects practice
Konoz Box of Jewels, Riyadh

11 March 2023
Jayasom health resort, Amaala, Triple Bay, Red Sea, western Saudi Arabia

images courtesy of architects practice
Jayasom Wellness Resort, Amaala

26 January 2023
Islamic Biennale, Jeddah, western Saudi Arabia
Design: OMA

photograph by Marco Cappelletti, Courtesy of OMA
Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah
With a scenography designed by OMA / Iyad Alsaka and Kaveh Dabiri, the first edition of the Islamic Biennale has opened in Jeddah, hosted by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation. Artworks are displayed over 120,000 square meters of exhibition spaces, taking over the Western Hajj Terminal, designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) and winner of the Aga Khan Award in 1983.