RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s upcoming linear city project THE LINE is set to benefit from a new ready-mix concrete factory valued at SR700 million ($186.7 million). 

NEOM has partnered with Asas Al-Mohileb to develop and operate this facility, which will focus on producing sustainable concrete primarily for the construction of the smart city, which is designed to accommodate 9 million residents within a compact 34 sq. km footprint. 

The multi-plant factory will have the capacity to produce over 20,000 cubic meters of green concrete daily. 

Scheduled to begin operations in November, the facility aims to reach peak production by 2025 and is projected to create over 500 local jobs, contributing to the region’s economic growth. 

THE LINE, extending 170 km from the mountains of NEOM to the Red Sea, features a mirrored structure rising 500 meters above sea level while spanning just 200 meters in width. This innovative design underscores NEOM’s ambition to redefine urban living. 

Nadhmi Al-Nasr, NEOM CEO, said: “The delivery of these concrete plants is another testament to the rapid progress happening at NEOM. It also underscores the strength of the Kingdom’s construction industry, and the critical role local partnerships play in delivering this transformational project efficiently and sustainably.” 

The $500 billion giga-project NEOM, a key component of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aims to diversify the economy beyond oil by establishing a sustainable, tech-driven region in the country’s northwest.

Key initiatives include developing renewable energy, smart cities like THE LINE, and advanced industries while attracting global investors and fostering innovation in sectors such as biotech, robotics, and mobility. 

“This partnership emphasizes our firm commitment to advancing economic growth in the Kingdom by employing the latest technologies and innovative construction solutions,” said Sulaiman Al-Mohileb, CEO of Al-Mohileb.  

He noted that this initiative aligns with Vision 2030’s goals to strengthen the manufacturing sector and drive national development. 

The advanced concrete facility will integrate carbon capture and utilization technology and other energy-saving measures. 

Most of its output will support the construction of THE LINE, where concrete is essential for both substructure and superstructure elements. 

As construction progresses, the facility is poised to play a crucial role, with nearly 1,000 of the planned 30,000 foundation piles alrady completed.

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in sustainable construction, registering 2,000 of the 5,000 green building projects across the Arab world, according to a top official. 

Speaking at the opening of the 14th annual Saudi Green Building Forum, held in Riyadh from Oct. 6-8, Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majed Al-Hogail highlighted the Kingdom’s numerous milestones in this sector, reported the Saudi Press Agency. 

The surge in green building projects aligns with Saudi Arabia’s rapid population growth and heightened environmental awareness, driving the shift toward energy-efficient structures and the increased use of green building materials. 

The Saudi green building market is projected to generate $16.4 billion in revenue this year and is expected to grow at a compounded annual rate of 12.3 percent, reaching $33.0 billion by 2030, according to market research firm Prescient & Strategic Intelligence. 

During his speech, Al-Hogail said that these developments reflect the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainable practices, fostering a qualitative transformation in urban development. 

He added that this initiative underscores Saudi Arabia’s dedication to enhancing the efficiency of natural resource utilization, reducing carbon emissions, and creating healthy and safe urban environments. 

Al-Hogail also underscored the importance of this year’s forum, stating it addresses critical issues for the future of environmental sustainability. He noted that green buildings are essential for achieving sustainable development goals, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives. 

During the same event, Aramco’s Deputy Chief Engineer, Waleed Al-Naim, announced that the oil giant had launched a $1.5 billion sustainability fund to address climate challenges. 

This year’s forum focused on the optimal operation of cities in alignment with green building standards while addressing the connection between the construction and infrastructure sectors and environmental, climate, and desertification issues. 

To achieve this, the emphasis will be on strengthening the role of the government sector and cultivating partnerships with the private sector to support the localization of sustainable development goals in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030. 

Since its inception in 2010, the Saudi Green Building Forum has established the Kingdom as a leader in sustainable development, recognized by the UN Economic and Social Council. 

As a vital platform for dialogue and collaboration, the forum continues to drive Saudi Arabia’s sustainability agenda and shape the future of green building and urban development in the region.