How building greener homes in Saudi Arabia could benefit the environment and well-being of homeowners

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Updated 11 May 2024
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How building greener homes in Saudi Arabia could benefit the environment and well-being of homeowners

  • Poor insulation of buildings and an overreliance on air conditioning is contributing to waste and environmental harm
  • Green building materials, energy efficiency, and water conservation techniques could make homes more sustainable

RIYADH: The concept of sustainable living has gained significant traction in recent years as individuals and communities strive to reduce their environmental impact.  

In Saudi Arabia, where rapid urbanization and economic growth have led to increased energy consumption and waste, the importance of adopting green living practices cannot be overstated.   

The first thing that people should be aware of is electricity consumption and energy conservation. By investing in solar technology, homeowners can reduce their reliance on non-renewable energy sources and lower their electricity bills in the long run.  

According to Thaer Qasem, senior energy engineer at SETS Saudi Arabia, a leading multidisciplinary engineering and consulting firm, Saudi Arabia’s residential sector consumed more than 47 percent of the total electricity produced in 2022.

Home cooling accounts for the largest share of that residential consumption and may reach up to 70 percent of that share, while lighting and other household appliances account for the rest. 




By choosing green building materials, homeowners can not only lower their energy consumption and carbon footprint, but also create healthier living spaces for themselves and their families. (Shutterstock)

“When designing or buying a new home, it is important to consider the insulation levels of walls and windows,” Qasem told Arab News. “The choice of building orientation can also increase natural light and help reduce heat absorption. 

“To add value to your home, you may want to consider incorporating renewable energy systems like solar thermal units to heat domestic water and PV systems to generate electricity. 

“Other techniques include purchasing equipment with a high-energy efficiency label and setting the AC temperature to at least 23 C.” 

He added: “Smart home appliances and tools also provide excellent tools for conserving energy, allowing us to better monitor and control our usage and energy efficiency.”   

Integrating smart home technology for monitoring and controlling energy usage allows residents to optimize their energy consumption and identify areas where efficiency can be improved. 




Integrating smart home technology for monitoring and controlling energy usage allows residents to optimize their energy consumption and identify areas where efficiency can be improved.  (Shutterstock)

Proper insulation, sealing, and the use of efficient HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems are also essential in preventing energy waste and maintaining a comfortable indoor environment, especially during the sweltering summer months.

Similarly, using recycled glass in countertops or tiles not only diverts waste from landfills but also reduces the energy required to produce new materials.  

Also, selecting building materials with low volatile organic compounds can help maintain good indoor air quality, which is particularly important in a region like Saudi Arabia where individuals spend a significant amount of time indoors due to extreme temperatures. 

By choosing green building materials, homeowners can not only lower their energy consumption and carbon footprint but also create healthier living spaces for themselves and their families. 

Khalid Al-Harbi, an architect based in Riyadh, said a common misconception around sustainability is that it relies solely on the energy systems, equipment, and material choices used in the building. However, he believes a good design is an efficient design.  

“A well thought out architectural design that studies the needs of the users and considers the environmental factors will significantly reduce the cost and energy use of the building,” Al-Harbi told Arab News.

“Through studying the solar orientation of the sun in both summer and winter, we can decide on the most efficient placements of the windows and the shading systems needed such as exterior screens, outdoor shades, curtains, and so on, throughout the building.” 

He continued: “We must also understand how the users will use the building and consider their need for natural lighting, as well as their privacy. We manage to achieve a good balance between maximum amount of natural light and privacy by incorporating inner courtyards, skylights, and windows with screens.” 

Clay walls have emerged as a popular choice for eco-conscious homeowners due to their numerous benefits, including natural insulation properties, humidity regulation, and sustainability.  

According to Adam Weismann, founding director of Clayworks and Claymoon, a business that has participated in numerous projects in Saudi Arabia, including the Red Sea International Airport and the King Faisal Cultural Center, clay is a sustainable, non-toxic alternative.




A view of a traditional Arab mud brick village in Al Majmaah, Riyadh province. Clay walls have emerged as a popular choice for eco-conscious homeowners due to their numerous benefits, including natural insulation properties, humidity regulation and sustainability. (Shutterstock)

“From a sustainability perspective, clay has a very minimal carbon footprint because it is a pure substance with no chemicals,” Weismann told Arab News. 

“Additionally, from a toxicity perspective, there is nothing that clay can truly release into the atmosphere. Thus, using it is a highly healthy and beneficial solution.”  

Saudi Arabia is renowned for its clay houses, which fit seamlessly with the Kingdom’s natural aesthetic. Traditional architecture has long used sun-dried clay blocks, which remain cool during hot weather and release heat during the late hours when the temperature drops. 

“Since not everyone lives in a large home, apartments can also use clay walls and ceilings,” said Weismann. “Paint would be completely omitted and clay would typically be used instead. It has all the advantages of that, including helping to absorb toxins. 

“However, on a broader level, simply considering the materials you’re using and what you’re doing creates a small safe haven inside a larger apartment building where perhaps not as much thought was put into the materials.”

DID YOUKNOW?

• In 2022, Saudi Arabia’s residential sector consumed more than 47 percent of electrical output.

• Home cooling accounted for the largest share of that residential consumption.

• Air conditioning alone may soon account for 70 percent of consumption.

Weismann also proposed using clay under flooring with clay boards, which could be fitted with pipes carrying cool water, as an environmentally friendly alternative to air conditioning.

“Consequently, the building is being cooled by the cold water you are pushing through. That’s something I’d really like to explore in Saudi Arabia because I believe it would be beneficial for an eco-friendly home or apartment,” he added. 

In addition to using sustainable materials, implementing energy-efficient strategies is key to creating eco-friendly homes in Saudi Arabia. 

One effective approach is the installation of solar panels or solar water heaters to harness the abundant sunlight in the region and generate renewable energy for household needs. Saudi Arabia has an abundance of solar energy due to its hot climate. 

“However, a government incentive is needed to push people towards incorporating solar panels in their homes,” said Al-Harbi. “Many countries offer subsidies to their citizens where they help with 30-70 percent of the cost of solar systems. 

“The incentive programs are usually done with tax credits, lowering bills, low interest loans, etc. We’re confident that these types of programs will soon be implemented in the country.”

Part of the battle will be changing consumer behavior. Qasem believes raising awareness among families, including children, is essential to make effective energy savings. 

“Various easy methods make a big difference,” he said. “Turning off lights and AC when not needed, closing the windows and doors to conserve energy, using the washing machine at full capacity only, and using sunlight to your advantage are just a few.”  

When it comes to constructing eco-friendly homes in Saudi Arabia, the choice of building materials plays a crucial role. Opting for sustainable materials such as bamboo, recycled glass, and reclaimed wood can significantly reduce the environmental footprint of a home. 

For instance, bamboo is a fast-growing renewable resource that can be harvested without causing deforestation, making it an ideal alternative to traditional hardwoods.




Opting for sustainable materials such as bamboo, recycled glass and reclaimed wood can significantly reduce a home’s environmental footprint. (Shutterstock)

According to Al-Harbi, what makes a material sustainable is its abundance in nature and the size of its carbon footprint — the amount of energy and carbon emissions required to produce and transport it.

“While bamboo is a much more sustainable material, the use of local materials might be a more eco-friendly option,” said Al-Harbi. 

“We are hoping that with the industrial boom the country is going through, we will see more local factories that produce recycled materials — glass, aluminum, and plastics — and eco-friendly building materials like glass wool, made of recycled plastics, and sheep wool insulation. 

“We would also benefit from finding innovative solutions to reuse materials from buildings that were recently demolished, instead of all the materials going to a landfill.”

Another aspect to consider is water efficiency. Water scarcity is a pressing issue in Saudi Arabia, making its conservation a critical aspect of green living.

Adopting water-efficient practices such as installing low-flow fixtures and water-efficient appliances can significantly reduce household water consumption.  

“Most of the water conservation solutions come from increasing the awareness of the users to how much water they’re using,” said Al-Harbi.

“Metering devices that monitor the consumption of water might be very informative to the residents about how much water they’re using. Of course, using water-efficient fixtures and appliances will also help with reducing the water consumption as well.”  

These simple upgrades not only help conserve water resources but also lower water bills for homeowners. Investing in rainwater harvesting systems for irrigation and non-potable water needs can further reduce reliance on municipal water sources.

By capturing rainwater and using it for landscaping or other non-drinking purposes, homeowners can contribute to water conservation efforts and reduce the strain on local water supplies.




Drought-resistant plants such as these are now widely used for landscaping in Riyadh. (Shutterstock image)

Choosing drought-resistant plants for landscaping reduces the need for irrigation, promotes biodiversity, and enhances the overall sustainability of the home, while also preserving precious water resources for future generations. 

By incorporating green building materials, energy-efficient strategies, and water conservation techniques, individuals can contribute to sustainability efforts and create healthier, more efficient living spaces.

However, Al-Harbi believes achieving a fully “sustainable building” is extremely difficult and rare. He said: “Unfortunately, the materials and technologies we currently have in Saudi Arabia, as well as the codes and zoning restrictions, do not allow us to design green homes yet.”

As the demand for sustainable practices continues to grow, it is essential for homeowners in Saudi Arabia to prioritize eco-friendly choices in their homes to mitigate environmental impact and promote a more sustainable future. 

Embracing green living guidelines in homes in Saudi Arabia is not only beneficial for the environment but also for the well-being and finances of homeowners.
 


Riyadh governor receives Cuban ambassador in Riyadh

Updated 12 May 2025
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Riyadh governor receives Cuban ambassador in Riyadh

Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar held a cordial discussion with the Ambassador of Cuba to the Kingdom Miguel Porto Parga in Riyadh on Monday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Meanwhile, the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki met Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ishaq Dar in Islamabad on Monday, the Saudi ambassador wrote in a post on X.

The parties held friendly talks and discussed issues of common interest.


Americans living in Saudi Arabia reflect on their ‘home away from home’

Updated 13 May 2025
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Americans living in Saudi Arabia reflect on their ‘home away from home’

  • Expats laud high living standards, safety, opportunities and strong moral fabric as President Trump visits the Kingdom
  • Job opportunities being created for foreigners and locals alike as Kingdom opens up to business and overseas investment

RIYADH: Americans living in Saudi Arabia have found a home away from home, as people-to-people ties reflect the enduring relationship between the two countries.

Ahead of US President Donald Trump’s visit to the region, four expats spoke to Arab News about their experiences of living in the Kingdom.

Maria Cometti, who is the cofounder of DQ Living magazine and lives in Riyadh, said: “For me, the safety, economic opportunity and strong moral fabric of society are among the greatest benefits of living in Saudi Arabia.

“As a parent, our top priority is our family’s health and safety … it’s foundational. Healthcare here is also affordable, which makes a big difference.

“As an American married to a Saudi, I am especially grateful for the strong ties between our two countries.”

The female employment rate has risen to more than 36 percent, surpassing the Vision 2030 goal of 30 percent. (AFP/File)

Hana Nemec, an executive who moved to the Kingdom in 2015 at the age of 24, said that when she arrived the female employment rate was under 20 percent, which “often made me the only woman in meetings and led to some seating arrangement questions and cultural blunders on my part.”

At the end of last year, the figure had risen to more than 36 percent, surpassing the Vision 2030 goal of 30 percent 10 years ahead of schedule.

“I’m pleasantly surprised every single day since I came to Saudi Arabia by the people, their infectious hospitality and their dedication to working hand in hand to achieve Vision 2030 goals,” Nemec said.

“Personally, it has been emotional to witness the incredible changes in Saudi Arabia since Vision 2030 was announced due to the profound impact it’s made on my life.”

As the Kingdom continues to open up to business and overseas investment, it is creating new job opportunities for foreigners and locals alike.

American Sameer Shams said: “I have lived in Riyadh for more than 15 years and enjoyed the rich culture, safety, modern infrastructure and affordable living with unique experiences. Saudi Arabia (offers) excellent career opportunities, particularly in growing sectors.”

He said he had seen how the US-Saudi relationship, historically rooted in oil and defense, had evolved toward technology, AI and renewable energy, a development that could be seen through events like the Saudi-US Investment Forum in Riyadh.

“Such events have attracted top business leaders and strengthened people-to-people ties through collaborative initiatives in sustainable development, finance and innovation,” he said.

“The transformation in Saudi Arabia is tangible and impactful, offering new opportunities for both citizens and expatriates. The Kingdom’s trajectory toward modernization is evident. Having witnessed these shifts firsthand, I see the current era in Saudi Arabia as a time of great promise and positive change.”

Daniel Talbot, who is studying applied technology in water desalination at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, said: “I began pursuing my degree in 2024 but already view it (Saudi Arabia) as home.

“It’s where my family and I have chosen to plant roots over the next four to five years while I pursue my master’s and Ph.D.”

Horse riders past the Maraya, the world’s largest mirrored building, in the desert canyon of Ashar Valley in Saudi Arabia’s northwestern Al-Ula desert. (AFP/File)

Being part of a community of colleagues, many of whom he now calls friends, has made Talbot feel at home and he praised the compassion and generosity of the Saudi people.

“I believe the Saudi people represent the future of the Middle East and I feel honored to play even a small role in that journey.

“With clear vision and ambitious goals, I see the Kingdom not only reshaping its own future but also positioning itself as a global leader in several industries.”

Talbot attributed much of the country’s success to Vision 2030, calling it “one of the most ambitious national strategies of our time.”

Talbot said that one of the best things about moving to Saudi Arabia was the proximity to the Red Sea.

“The stillness and natural scenery have brought tranquil and restful moments for my family, whether it’s a picnic at sunset or simply enjoying a quiet evening under the stars near our home. The Red Sea, with its clear waters and vibrant marine life, has been refreshing.”

 


Saudi Cabinet welcomes upcoming visit by US President Trump

Updated 12 May 2025
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Saudi Cabinet welcomes upcoming visit by US President Trump

  • Ministers expressed optimism visit would serve to deepen strategic partnership between Riyadh and Washington

RIYADH: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman chaired the weekly Cabinet session in Riyadh on Monday, where ministers welcomed the upcoming official visit of US President Donald Trump to the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Cabinet expressed optimism that the visit would serve to deepen the strategic partnership between Riyadh and Washington across various sectors in line with shared interests and long-term visions, SPA added.

In a statement to SPA, Minister of State, Cabinet Member for Shura Council Affairs, and Acting Minister of Media Essam bin Saad bin Saeed said the Cabinet reiterated its strong condemnation of the Israeli occupation authorities’ incursion into the Gaza Strip and Palestinian territories.

It also denounced ongoing violations of international humanitarian law by Israeli forces, and reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s steadfast support for the Palestinian cause and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.

Ministers also welcomed the ceasefire agreement reached between Pakistan and India last week, affirming the Kingdom’s continued commitment to working with international partners to support efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace between the two South Asian neighbors.

The Cabinet said that Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the Munich Security Conference Leaders’ Meeting in the fourth quarter of 2025 reflects its commitment to multilateralism and to advancing global peace, security, and stability.

The Cabinet also hailed Saudi Arabia’s election as the Arab Group’s representative to the International Civil Aviation Organization Council.

During the session, the Cabinet approved a memorandum of understanding between the Saudi Ministry of Energy and the Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security for cooperation in the energy sector.

The Cabinet further authorized the Minister of Education, or a deputy, to negotiate and sign an MoU with the US focused on cooperation in the field of education and training.

In the field of health regulation, the Cabinet approved an MoU between the Saudi Food and Drug Authority and the Chinese National Medical Products Administration to enhance cooperation in the regulation of drugs, medical devices, and cosmetics.

It also approved an MoU between the Saudi Presidency of State Security and Oman’s General Secretariat for Communications and Coordination concerning the combatting of terrorism and its financing.


Riyadh International Industry Week 2025 begins in Saudi capital

Updated 12 May 2025
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Riyadh International Industry Week 2025 begins in Saudi capital

  • The event is taking place May 12-15 at Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center 
  • Riyadh Exhibitions Co. and Messe Dusseldorf announce strategic alliance

RIYADH: The Riyadh International Industry Week 2025 kicked off on Monday at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center, with the participation of more than 524 exhibitors from 20 countries.

In his opening remarks, Abdulaziz Al-Ahmadi, deputy minister of industrial development, expressed hope the event will be a platform for launching qualitative industrial partnerships that contribute to opening new horizons for globally competitive Saudi industries.

“Riyadh International Industry Week is a key enabler for promoting growth in the industrial sector and creating qualitative partnerships between various sectors hosted by the exhibition,” Al-Ahmadi said.

The week connects more than 524 exhibitors and leaders in the regional and international industrial sector, and embodies the Kingdom’s prestigious position in the industrial sector at the regional and global levels, the minister continued.

He pointed out that the partnership between the public and private sectors forms the cornerstone of achieving industrial development in Saudi Arabia.

“Government agencies, within the industry and mineral resources system, and the government system as a whole, are working to build genuine partnerships with the private sector, under the continuous supervision of the Saudi leadership.

“The necessary programs, enablers, and initiatives are being provided to support this growth, such as the Standard Incentives Program, the Industrial Sector Competitiveness Program, and the Factories of the Future Program,” said Al-Ahmadi.

He continued that, to enhance the competitiveness of local factories, attract entrepreneurs, and provide experts with development mechanisms, the National Industry Strategy has identified 15 industrial enablers in the Kingdom, categorized under four enabling axes: building and strengthening supply chains with global standards, developing the country’s industrial business environment, promoting international trade, and fostering a culture of innovation and knowledge in the industrial sector through talent development and enhancement.

The National Industry Strategy encompasses over 136 initiatives, including initiatives specific to industrial goods and enabling initiatives for the industrial sector. Additionally, the strategy includes a comprehensive set of key performance indicators to monitor performance and make data-based decisions, he added.

Among them are initiatives specific to industrial goods, such as those aimed at ensuring the availability and competitiveness of petrochemicals.

“We look forward to increasing cooperation between primary and downstream petrochemical companies to develop businesses, create new opportunities, and lead this targeted transformation to ensure the integration of supply chains and maximize added value,” said Al-Ahmadi.

Speaking at the opening session Prince Saud bin Turki bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz, chairman of Riyadh Exhibition Co., said: “Riyadh International Industry Week complements the efforts of the Ministry of Industry to highlight investment opportunities and enhance the Kingdom’s position as a regional industrial hub. This aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and increase the industrial sector’s contribution to the national GDP, a step that fosters sustainable development and reinforces the Kingdom’s standing as a leading industrial powerhouse.”

The exhibition hosts more than 524 local and international companies from 20 countries. Alongside the exhibition, the forum features several dialogue sessions and will welcome over 50 local and international speakers, including industry experts and executives, to discuss key topics related to manufacturing, supply chains, and digital transformation in the industrial sector.

Exhibitors are showcasing cutting-edge innovations shaping the future of industry in the Kingdom and the region, in addition to holding a series of workshops.

“I am pleased to announce the strategic alliance between Riyadh Exhibitions Co. and Messe Dusseldorf, through which three of Messe Dusseldorf’s largest global exhibitions will be held in Riyadh,” said Prince Saud.

“In this context, I am also delighted to announce that the Saudi Smart Manufacturing Exhibition will now become part of the Saudi Industrial Transformation Exhibition 2025, which will take place from Dec. 1-3, 2025 under the patronage of the Ministry of Industry and in collaboration with Hannover Messe International. This move aims to further develop the unified identity of industrial transformation exhibitions and expand their focus in line with the future direction of the national industry,” he said.

“I highly value the trust and confidence shown by our sponsors and participants from across the globe in this edition,” he added.

The event will run from May 12-15, bringing together over 48,000 industrial products and advanced technologies under one roof, alongside national pavilions representing seven major industrial nations.

The event includes several specialized industrial exhibitions: the Saudi Plastics and Petrochemicals Exhibition and the Saudi Print and Pack Exhibition, both marking their 20th editions and serving as platforms to showcase the latest innovations and sustainable solutions in manufacturing, printing, and packaging.

In addition, the Saudi Iron and Metal Industries Exhibition and the Saudi Machinery and Heavy Equipment Exhibition, now in their third editions, spotlight advancements in engineering industries and heavy equipment.


Trump heads for Saudi Arabia on major Middle East tour

US President Donald Trump gestures, while he boards Air Force One, as he departs for Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE.
Updated 52 min 8 sec ago
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Trump heads for Saudi Arabia on major Middle East tour

  • Trump’s Middle East tour will start in Saudi Arabia — the same place he began his debut overseas trip in his first term in 2017

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, US: US President Donald Trump on Monday left for Saudi Arabia on what he called a “historic” tour of the Middle East that will mix urgent diplomacy on Gaza with huge business deals.

Air Force One took off on a journey that will include visits to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates — and possibly talks in Turkiye on the Ukraine war.

Israel’s war on Hamas in Gaza will hang heavy over the first major tour of Trump’s second term — but in one sign of progress, US-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander was handed over to the Red Cross just as the president boarded his plane.

“It’s big news,” Trump said at the White House shortly before departing. “He’s coming home to his parents, which is really great news. They thought he was dead.”

Trump has in recent weeks seemed to cool on his efforts to end the Gaza war — despite boasting before taking office that he would be able to bring the conflict to a swift end.

He has also been increasingly at odds with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Gaza, as well as over strikes on Yemen’s Houthis and on how to handle Iran’s nuclear program.

Trump said there were “very good things happening” on talks between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear ambitions — though he added that Iran “can’t have a nuclear weapon.”

The US president said that he hoped for more developments on Gaza during his trip to the Gulf, noting that his tour involved “three primary countries” in the region.

“I hope that we’re going to have other hostages released too,” he said when asked if he expected further progress toward a ceasefire in the Palestinian enclave.

Hamas asked Trump to “continue efforts” to end the war after freeing hostage Alexander, while Netanyahu said he would send mediators to Qatar on Tuesday for further negotiations.

Qatar has played a key role as a middleman in talks on ending the war.

Trump said he could change his plans and fly to Istanbul on Thursday if talks between Russia and Ukraine happen there and make progress.

“I don’t know where I’m going to be at that particular point, I’ll be someplace in the Middle East. But I would, if I thought it would be helpful,” Trump told reporters Monday.

Trump added that he thought both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin could attend — raising the prospect of a landmark summit.

Trump’s Middle East tour will start in Saudi Arabia — the same place he began his debut overseas trip in his first term in 2017, and memorably posed over a glowing orb with the leaders of Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

But on that occasion he also visited Israel, whereas this time it is not on the itinerary.

His decision to once more bypass traditional Western allies to visit the Gulf states underscores their pivotal geopolitical role — as well as his own business ties there.