18 - 21 January 2026
11 - 14 May 2026

Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center located at ROSHN Front

Thank you for attending. See you next year!

Shaping the Future of Design Excellence

The Architect Leaders Forum Saudi, held on 24-25 February 2025 in Hall 6, successfully brought together visionaries, industry pioneers, and thought leaders to redefine the future of architecture and design in Saudi Arabia.

Through insightful keynotes, engaging panel discussions and in-depth explorations of cutting-edge trends, the forum examined the evolving role of technology, sustainability and cultural identity in shaping the built environment.

From AI-driven design and modular construction to architectural storytelling and well-being-focused spaces, this exclusive gathering inspired bold ideas and innovative solutions, contributing to the realization of Vision 2030’s ambitious transformation.

📅 24-25 February 2025
🕔 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
📍 Hall 6, Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center

Thank you to all who participated and contributed to making this event a success! Stay connected for future editions.

Key themes for 2025:

Shaping Saudi Arabia’s Architectural Identity

Technology and Innovation in Design

Sustainability and Circular Economy

Human-Centric and Experiential spaces

Thank you to our esteemed speakers

Faiyad Peterson

Country Director KSA
Cundall

Hala Lloyd

Director of Project Design Management
Buro Happold

Hani Razeq

Director of Sustainability
AESG

Mahmoud Abughazal

Corporate Director of Architecture Services
Omrania

Samer Mansour

Design Director, Principal
DnA Interiors

Francesca Arici

Chief of Planning and Development
Aseer Development Authority (ASDA)

Tomasz Wozny

General Manager KSA
Foster + Partners

Abdulrahman Medallah

Chief Development Officer
Confidential

Dragana Linden

Managing Director, KSA
HKS

Alfonso Senatore

Sustainability SVP
Sports Boulevard Foundation

Maxwell Connop

Regional Practice Lead
AtkinsRéalis

Eng. Leila Al Suhaimi

Sustainability Manager
Retal Urban Development

Mark Ruppert

Director of Architecture + Design
Mawarid Holdings International

Christina Bahou

Associate Architect
Perkins Eastman

Anas Sawalqa

KSA Director
SAY Studio

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2025 Agenda

Monday, 24 February 2025 Tuesday, 25 February 2025

Monday, 24 February 2025

17:00 – 17:25

Architecting a new era: Shaping Saudi Arabia's future through design excellence

Creating iconic, purpose-driven spaces aligned with vision 2030
Designing spaces that thrive amid climate and technological shifts
Integrating AI, smart materials, and advanced construction techniques
Crafting a unique Saudi architectural identity by balancing cultural heritage with bold, contemporary designs

17:25 – 17:50

Empowering architects: Skills and strategies for design excellence

Exploring the evolving skillsets that will define the next generation of Architects
Balancing creativity with practicality: strategies for maintaining innovative design while meeting budget, timeline, and regulatory challenges
Collaboration between architects, engineers, and urban planners to elevate project outcomes
Leveraging technology and tools like AI, BIM, and AR/VR to enhance the creative process

17:50 – 18:20

Merging traditional and modern aesthetics in architecture

What can contemporary architects learn from historical design practices, and how can these lessons be applied in today's urban environments?
Ethical considerations and challenges in preserving the essence of a structure while adapting it to modern needs
Fusing old and new without sacrificing functionality
Designing with purpose: Balancing preservation and innovation

18:20 – 19:05

Panel discussion - Architectural storytelling: Creating spaces with narrative

Preserving the unique identity of a place by infusing local culture and history into design
Designing spaces that evoke emotions and enhance user experiences
Using textures, shapes, and materials to convey deeper meaning and purpose
Balancing aesthetic vision with functionality to merge storytelling and practicality

19:05 – 19:25

Designing for the future: Innovation and resilience in A&D

Designing adaptable buildings that address evolving societal, environmental, and technological shifts
Harnessing sustainable and innovative materials to craft energy-efficient, resilient, and versatile designs
Developing strategies to mitigate risks from climate change and natural disasters through proactive architectural solutions
Leveraging diverse expertise across disciplines to achieve designs that merge creativity with enduring sustainability

Tuesday, 25 February 2025

17:00 – 17:25

Circular economy in architecture: Designing for reuse and regeneration

Designing adaptable buildings that prioritize material repurposing and reuse
Integrating circular design principles into traditional construction for sustainable, durable structures
Measuring the impact of circular economy strategies on both environmental and social outcomes
Using innovative technologies, like blockchain and digital twins, to enable and track circular practices

17:25 – 17:45

Reimagining cities: Designing the built environment for a future-ready Saudi Arabia

Designing adaptable urban cities that evolve to meet the changing needs of future generations
Harnessing the power of smart technologies to create seamless, efficient, and enhanced urban living experiences
Crafting people-centered spaces that encourage community engagement, well-being, and inclusivity
Integrating Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage with forward-thinking design to shape innovative, sustainable cities

17:45 – 18:05

Building a sustainable future: Addressing climate change through design

Embracing low-carbon, recycled, and energy-efficient materials
Designing for climate adaptability creating structures resilient to climate conditions.
Energy-efficient architecture to reduce buildings’ carbon footprint
Designing for longevity – Cultivating a whole life cycle thinking in design

18:05 – 18:50

Panel discussion: Will AI change the future of architecture and design?

Can AI enhance creativity in architecture, or does it risk overshadowing human innovation?
How can AI create spaces that truly reflect individual needs and cultural contexts?
Exploring how generative AI can push the limits of architectural form and aesthetic possibilities
Examining the ethical dilemmas of AI-driven architecture, from data privacy to its potential bias in decision-making

18:50 – 19:10

Green building certifications and Saudi-specific standards

Exploring how LEED, BREEAM, and other international certifications can address Saudi Arabia’s unique climate and cultural needs
Role of Mostadam and other Saudi-specific standards in driving sustainable development within the Kingdom
Bridging the gap between certification and real-world performance to ensure sustainability goals are met
Strategies to incentivize widespread adoption of green building practices in Saudi Arabia

19:10 – 19:30

Wellbeing by design: Designing spaces that put people first

Exploring how thoughtful architecture can promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being
Integrating Biophilia and Natural Elements to foster healthier, more vibrant spaces
Designing Inclusive and accessible environments that cater to diverse needs
Measuring the Impact of design through wellbeing metrics and tangible outcomes

Be inspired, connect and lead the future of design

Curated with the knowledge, expertise and guidance of experts from architecture and design community, Architect Leaders Forum Saudi is an exclusive event designed especially for you to explore a carefully selected range of innovative and inspiring products, materials, and services for your projects.

Here’s why Architect Leaders Forum Saudi is the place for you:

Take your project up a notch with case studies & topics, all carefully chosen of our panel of advisory board members.

Forge valuable connections with industry pioneers shaping Saudi Arabia's architectural landscape.

Earn CPD points while learning from real-world case studies. Walk away with actionable strategies curated by experts to elevate your work

Network with peers over a cup of coffee in a casual and relaxed setting while checking innovative displays, workshops and more.

Sponsorship Enquiries 2026

What is the future of
architecture and design?

Join the conversation, earn CPD points and learn about the latest at the two-day Architecture & Design Talks programme.

It includes case studies, presentations, and panel discussions on impactful topics such as heritage & culture, innovation, modernisation, and adaptation of existing buildings, human-centric urban design, integration of design technology, inspirational case studies, carbon-neutral Architecture and designing for the circular economy.

Who should attend?

At Big 5 Construct Saudi 2025, the Architect Leaders Forum is designed with you in mind—providing actionable insights, knowledge, and inspiration to help you thrive. Whether you’re a decision-maker, specialist, or aspiring leader, these sessions are your opportunity to stay ahead and achieve more.

Engage with people from your community:

Architects, Designers, Interior Designers, Urban Planners, Specifiers, Head of Architecture & Design (in Tourism & Hospitality, Government Department), Property/Real Estate Developers, Academia, Homeowners.

Sponsorship Enquiries 2026

Upskill and earn CPD points

Our series of Talks are certified through the CPD Certification Service, the world’s leading and largest independent CPD accreditation organization working across all industry sectors.

Speaker testimonials

Busiest event!

It’s a real pleasure to be speaking and engaging with my members here. I would take every opportunity to be part of the event.

Matt Doran
MENA Regional Hub Manager
Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)

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Fantastic!

It was an honor for me to be part of the speaker panel. Being part of Big 5 Construct Saudi has been fantastic. It’s great to be able to see attendees coming together to really bring the construction industry moving forwards.

Jena Ladhanim
Managing Director KSA
CBRE Global Workplace Solutions

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Superb!

Immaculate conference with great speakers representing different parts of the industry, from different verticals from client side and contractors.

Jad Ibrahim
Vice President of Support Services
Shade Corporation

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Incredible session!

Very productive discussion. It’s a pleasure to share my knowledge and the stage here in Saudi Arabia.

Guilherme Jacobucci
Executive Director
WSP

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Inspiring!

Everything was perfect and seamless. The energy and atmosphere at the exhibition is great. I get to network and connect with many businesses from different sectors.

Asma Alotaibi
Director of Logistics Projects
Ministry of Transport & Logistic Services

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