Saudi Arabia is poised to become the largest construction site in history, propelled by Saudi Vision 2030 and monumental projects like NEOM — a visionary urban development redefining sustainability and urban living. Sustainability throughout the entire project lifecycle is a foundational pillar driving these giga-projects, ensuring lasting environmental, social and economic impact.
“Greening the Giga” will spotlight the intersection of sustainability and mega-projects in Saudi Arabia, examining how large-scale urban developments can advance Vision 2030 by integrating sustainable practices. This workshop provides a platform to exchange pioneering research, innovative strategies and transformative ideas that support the sustainable development of mega-projects and key industries across the Kingdom. Global experts in urban sustainability will convene to share best practices, research advancements and insights.
Aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) priorities in “Sustainability and Essential Needs,” the workshop will focus on critical themes such as life-cycle thinking (LCT), carbon management and sustainable infrastructure. Discussions will cover recent advancements and applications of LCT and life-cycle assessment (LCA) across sectors including oil and gas and energy, chemicals, water, infrastructure, construction and building materials, as well as operations and maintenance (O&M). The workshop will also address sustainability certifications, environmental product declarations, and the integration of LCT and LCA into policy and regulations to enhance resource efficiency, drive innovation, and promote sustainability in these pivotal areas.
The workshop is expected to attract more than 500 participants, including students, Saudi researchers and industry experts. Their diverse backgrounds will undoubtedly make the event both enriching and impactful. The Urban Lab and the organizing committee warmly welcome all participants and hope you have a productive and inspiring experience at KAUST.
This event is organized by the Urban Lab KAUST with financial support from the Office of Research Funding and Services (RFS).
The KAUST Urban Lab is a leading research hub dedicated to tackling critical urban challenges through sustainability, resilience, and livability. Its mission is to transform cities into sustainable, adaptive, and inclusive spaces that enhance the quality of life for current and future generations. The lab employs advanced tools such as life cycle assessment, climate analytics, resiliency modeling, socio-economic evaluations, and intelligent computing to develop innovative strategies that shape urban planning, policy, and global infrastructure.
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is a globally renowned research university on the Red Sea, ranked among the top in advancing science and technology. Established in 2009, it boasts state-of-the-art facilities, a vibrant international community, and a strong focus on solving global challenges in energy, water, environment, and food security. KAUST attracts top talent worldwide, fostering innovation and groundbreaking discoveries in a dynamic and collaborative environment. The university's global influence is highlighted by its first-place ranking in "citations per faculty" according to the QS 2021 rankings, underscoring the impact of its research, which frequently appears in the top 25% of the world’s most prestigious scientific journals.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), the largest country in the Middle East, holds about 17% of the world’s proven oil reserves and has long been a key player in stabilizing global energy markets. Strategically located on the Arabian Peninsula with coastlines along the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf, Saudi Arabia is now focused on an ambitious economic transformation under Vision 2030. This initiative aims to diversify the economy by expanding into sectors like petrochemicals, mining, logistics, and sustainable energy. Complementing these efforts is the Saudi Green Initiative, which focuses on environmental sustainability, including afforestation, carbon emissions reduction, and renewable energy projects, all geared toward ensuring long-term prosperity and strengthening its position among G20 economies.
Dr. Anissa Nurdiawati – Postdoctoral Fellow, KAUST
Dr. Qudsia Kanwal – Postdoctoral Fellow, KAUST
Dr. Furqan Tahir – Postdoctoral Fellow, KAUST
Dr. Safi Ullah – Postdoctoral Fellow, KAUST
Dr. Athira U Nambeesan – Research Specialist, KAUST
Mr. Vinodh K. Buri – Research Specialist, KAUST
