JUNE 8-9, 2026 | RIYADH INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTER PART
Welcome
WELCOME TO THE FIRST EDITION OF THE SAUDI 100
Saudi Arabia is undergoing one of the most ambitious transformations in the world today. From gigaprojects to urban regeneration, the Kingdom is redefining how landscapes are designed, built, and experienced.
At the heart of this transformation are the people, the visionaries, innovators, and leaders shaping the future of the industry.
Saudi 100 was created to recognise and celebrate those individuals. Those driving progress, challenging convention, and delivering the spaces that will define the next generation of cities across the Kingdom.
This edition begins by reflecting on our 2025 nominees, individuals who are already making a significant impact across the sector. It then looks ahead to 2026, highlighting the next wave of talent and leadership continuing to push the industry forward.
As FutureScape Global prepares to bring the industry together in Riyadh, Saudi 100 stands as a platform to showcase the people behind the progress, and the opportunities that lie ahead. We look forward to welcoming you to be part of this journey.
Scarlett Russell International Marketing Manager FutureScape Global
Class of 2025
AbdelRahman G. Alzoubi
Program Coordinator -
Cities Dialogues Secretariat
Arab Urban Development
Institute AbdelRahman G.
Muhammad Irfan A Landscape Assistant Advisor Aimpact
Dr. Mohammed Al-Surf
Managing Director
Tilad Sustainability Co.
Adam Powell
Landscape Manager Parsons Corporation
Ahmed S. Bana
Landscape Architect Lead
Amro Mously Reporting Manager
NEOM
Carlos Garcia Puente Director de proyecto IDOM Consulting, Engineering, Architecture
Haashiem Tayob Director, Business Operations, ETSD
NEOM
Halima Mrabti Associate Director
Buro Happold
Ibrahim Almohaimeed
Senior Architect Engineer
Riyadh Airports
Omar AL-Ajaji
Advisory Services Sector Manager VCM
Dr. Sultan Alshareef Director of Sustainability
New Murabba
Muhammad Majid Khan
Senior Manager Landscape
Facilities Operation
Joaquim Alvarez Head of Cognitive Cities & Software Engineering at ETSD NEOM
Thierry Roques
Senior landscape-architect and urban planner
Firas Touati Senior Manager, Landscape Architecture
WSP in Canada
Karim Elnabawy Balbaa Associate Director, Sustainability Development
New Murabba
Scott Hostetler
Senior Executive Director of Landscape Architecture
Red Sea Global
Khaled Alojyan Senior Architect
AECOM
King Salman Park Foundation
REGISTER FOR TICKETS
Muhammad Irfan Akram
LANDSCAPE ASSISTANT ADVISOR | +IMPACT
INDUSTRY CHALLENGES
Question 1 – Industry Challenges
What are the biggest challenges currently facing the landscaping and urban development sector in Saudi Arabia?
Landscape and Urban development sector in Saudi Arabia is facing various challenges at the moment, including green space per capita, smart use of irrigation water, water harvesting, shortage of trained human resources engaged in landscape O&M, benchmarks ans standards for urban landscape management.
“This recognition has brought me closer to sectors experts who been contributing to the landscape sector, but in silos.”
ACHIEVEMENT
What project or professional achievement are you most proud of, and what impact has it had?
I had the opportunity to manage the landscape design of stadiums for FIFA 2034 under the umbrella of Ministry of Sports, Saudi Arabia. I initiated and focused on the use of sustainable landscape features including paving stone, outdoor seating, shade structures, play equipment, native plant material, and smart irrigation systems.
At the moment I am helping King Salman Park Foundation KSA to establish benchmarks and standards for their operating models, quality standards, organisational structures. I am also developing Landscape O&M specifications, performance management systems and green waste management systems for the King Salman Park.
FUTURE OUTLOOK
How do you see the landscaping and urban development sector evolving across Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC over the next 3–5 years?
Landscape and urban development sector is evolving and flourishing in the Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC at scale which has no precedence. I envisage the attention to landscape and urban development will get more momentum in the coming years. This is mainly due to the proven benefits of landscape for improving the climate, reducing the heat island effects, and providing a space for healthy activities to the communities living in densely populated urban quarters.
SAUDI 100 RECOGNITION
What does it mean to you to be recognised as part of the Saudi 100, and how important is collaboration in shaping the future of the industry across the Kingdom?
I am grateful for being recognised as part of the Saudi 100, for my contribution to the landscape sector. This recognition has brought me closer to sectors experts who been contributing to the landscape sector, but in silos.
FUTURESCAPE GLOBAL
What value do industry events like FutureScape Global bring to the sector, and why is it important for professionals to be involved?
To effectively develop, establish and innovate the landscape sector in Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC, it is inevitable to have a platform like FutureScape Global. Such platforms helps
to strengthen the industry, share knowledge, and promote collaboration among the industry experts to address the challenges beings faced by the landscape and urban development sector in the region.
VISION 2030
How is Vision 2030 influencing the way landscapes are designed, delivered, and experienced in Saudi Arabia?
Vision 2030 has stewarded the growth of landscape sector in Saudi Arabia. It has improved public awareness of the benefits the landscaped urban open spaces provide for enhancing the urban quality of life.
In one sentence, how would you describe the future of landscaping in Saudi Arabia?
Landscape sector sees a bright light at the end of tunnel
2025 NOMINEE
Khalid BinSultan
DIRECTOR OF SPORTS LEGACY PLANNING | THE ROYAL COMMISSION FOR RIYADH CITY
INDUSTRY CHALLENGES
Question 1 – Industry Challenges
What are the biggest challenges currently facing the landscaping and urban development sector in Saudi Arabia?
One of the key challenges facing Saudi Arabia’s landscaping and urban development sector is the pace and scale of transformation. Riyadh is advancing ambitious projects while prioritising quality of life and livability. With multiple gigaprojects progressing simultaneously, the sector must deliver with speed, coordination, and quality. The challenge lies in translating this growth into integrated, sustainable, and human-centered environments that enhance long-term city performance and everyday experience.
ACHIEVEMENT
What project or professional achievement are you most proud of, and what impact has it had?
I am proud to contribute to the development of the sport sector in Riyadh and help shape its future. Seeing this translate into real progress, while supporting wider goals around livability and a more active city, has been very rewarding. A key achievement was contributing to Saudi Arabia’s successful FIFA World Cup 2034 bid. It reflects the Kingdom’s ambition and presents a major
opportunity to deliver long-term value through infrastructure, city development, and legacy.
FUTURE OUTLOOK
How do you see the landscaping and urban development sector evolving across Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC over the next 3–5 years?
The GCC is becoming both the present and future of world-class urban development, with Saudi Arabia leading this direction. The outlook is very positive, driven by strong ambition, investment, and a clear focus on quality of life, resulting in more integrated and people-focused environments.
SAUDI 100 RECOGNITION
What does it mean to you to be recognised as part of the Saudi 100, and how important is collaboration in shaping the future of the industry across the Kingdom?
It is a privilege to be recognised as part of the Saudi 100 and included among those contributing to the Kingdom’s transformation. The future of the industry will rely on strong collaboration across stakeholders, guided by the clear ambition of Vision 2030 and aligned national and city-level priorities.
FUTURESCAPE GLOBAL
What value do industry events like FutureScape Global bring to the sector, and why is it important for professionals to be involved?
VISION 2030
Events like Futurescape Global play an important role by providing a platform to exchange ideas, share best practices, and strengthen dialogue around the future of the sector, particularly given the scale and pace of transformation in Saudi Arabia. How is Vision 2030 influencing the way landscapes are designed, delivered, and experienced in Saudi Arabia?
Vision 2030 is reshaping urban development in Riyadh by placing greater emphasis on quality of life and city experience. It is driving a more ambitious, integrated, and people-focused approach aligned with broader national and city transformation goals.
It is a privilege to be recognised as part of the Saudi 100 and included among those contributing to the Kingdom’s transformation
In one sentence, how would you describe the future of landscaping in Saudi Arabia?
Urban development in the Kingdom is already setting new standards, with sport playing a key role in shaping more active, livable, and future-ready cities. Its influence is set to grow even further in the years ahead.
2025 NOMINEE
Marek Kubik
DIRECTOR OF ENERGY STORE | NEOM
INDUSTRY CHALLENGES
Question 1 – Industry Challenges
What are the biggest challenges currently facing the landscaping and urban development sector in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia’s urban development is constrained by the need to deliver affordable energy and water infrastructure quickly enough to support a growing population in a desert environment, while also meeting the demands of energy-intensive sectors such as AI. Against that backdrop, Vision 2030 sets ambitious goals for clean technology localisation and renewable energy deployment, and the challenge is to translate those ambitions into resilient, practical systems at scale.
ACHIEVEMENT
2025 NOMINEE
What project or professional achievement are you most proud of, and what impact has it had?
I’ve been fortunate in my career to help build and scale deeptech businesses that accelerate the clean energy transition.
Over more than 17 years, I’ve helped take grid-scale energy storage from first-of-a-kind projects to multi-billion-dollar platforms that support giga-scale energy systems.
One of the achievements I’m most proud of is being part of the founding team at Fluence, where I helped build one of the world’s largest energy storage technology providers. I was the second EMEA employee and helped establish the business, supporting its scale-up through to a $4.7 billion IPO and beyond.
As Managing Director, I led the Western Europe and Middle East sales organisation, built strategic partnerships, developed high-performing teams, and delivered more than $1 billion in energy storage solutions across the EMEA region before moving to the Middle East in 2023.
FUTURE OUTLOOK
How do you see the landscaping and urban development sector evolving across Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC over the next 3–5 years?
Saudi Arabia has one of the most exciting trajectories for renewable energy and energy storage in the world, having deployed its first gridscale storage assets only at the beginning of 2025 but already climbed into the top 5 largest markets for grid-scale batteries in the world.
This trend is set to continue under Vision 2030, with up to 130GW of wind and solar power and 48GWh of BESS to be built out in the next few years. The pace of development in this region is extraordinary, and Saudi Arabia is on track to become one of the most important global markets for battery energy storage alongside China and the USA.
SAUDI 100 RECOGNITION
What does it mean to you to be recognised as part of the Saudi 100, and how important is collaboration in shaping the future of the industry across the Kingdom?
Being named in the Saudi 100 is a huge honour and a recognition of my industry leadership and alignment with Vision 2030. I’m delighted to be listed alongside other industry leaders.
Collaboration between public and private sector bodies is absolutely critically important in shaping the future of industry. Vision 2030’s local content goals, for example, require strong coordination to ensure a balance between maintaining highly competitive wind, solar, and BESS prices
while encouraging private companies to set up assembly and production in the Kingdom, where the same economies of scale take time to achieve.
FUTURESCAPE GLOBAL
What value do industry events like FutureScape Global bring to the sector, and why is it important for professionals to be involved?
Events like FutureScape Global and the Saudi 100 deliver massive value by connecting key leaders and influencers around giga-project realities. This type of value is hard to measure until it happens, because you never know what collaborations or cross-industry connections it may lead to, while attendance helps keep a finger on the pulse of this exciting sector.
VISION 2030
How is Vision 2030 influencing the way landscapes are designed, delivered, and experienced in Saudi Arabia?
Vision 2030 has been vital in providing a sense of clarity, ambition, and direction across many sectors. It is transforming barren regions into regenerative ones through Green Saudi, zerowaste cycles, and renewable energy to power it all.
In one sentence, how would you describe the future of landscaping in Saudi Arabia?
Quite simply, the future is bright, ambitious, and promises to be revolutionary - costcompetitive, clean, and fast to build, with round-the-clock solar and storage within reach and Saudi Arabia leading the way.
Francesco Aurelio Bongiorno
PROJECT DIRECTOR | JACOBS
SAUDI SPORTS 100
Question 1 – Industry Challenges
What are the biggest challenges currently facing the landscaping and urban development sector in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia’s landscaping and urban development sector is a core pillar of Vision 2030. The challenge lies in delivering green, livable cities that perform long term despite water scarcity and harsh desert conditions. This requires integrated planning, innovation, and collaboration between government entities, developers, and industry experts. Across municipal programs, mega projects, and private developments, the focus is on livability, resilience, and lifecycle value—positioning landscaping as strategic infrastructure essential to sustainable cities.
INDUSTRY CHALLENGES ACHIEVEMENT
What project or professional achievement are you most proud of, and what impact has it had?
One of the projects I’m most proud of is King Salman Stadium, integrated with King Abdulaziz Park as part of a broader vision for North Riyadh. The development brings together sports, public space, and urban greening at scale, with
around five million square meters of greenery supporting the city’s northern core. What makes this achievement impactful is the integration. The stadium is not standalone, but part of a connected landscape enhancing livability, environmental performance, and community use year round. The project contributes to cooling, improved air quality, and accessible public space, while supporting Riyadh’s long term growth. It demonstrates how large-scale integration can support Vision 2030 by combining infrastructure with sustainability and quality of life.
FUTURE OUTLOOK
How do you see the landscaping and urban development sector evolving across Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC over the next 3–5 years?
Landscaping is emerging as a strategic driver of city making across Saudi Arabia and the GCC. The sector is shifting toward performance-led solutions that cool cities, conserve water, and enhance quality of life. In the years ahead, resilience and lifecycle value will take priority over opening day impact, supported by technology transforming how green spaces are designed and operated. In desert cities, landscapes are increasingly recognised as long-term infrastructure.
SAUDI 100 RECOGNITION
What does it mean to you to be recognised as part of the Saudi 100, and how important is collaboration in shaping the future of the industry across the Kingdom?
Being recognised as part of the Saudi 100 is both an honor and a responsibility. It reflects not only personal achievement but the collective effort behind projects driving change across the Kingdom. It also highlights the importance of collaboration. The scale of Saudi Arabia’s transformation cannot be delivered in silos. Progress depends on strong partnerships across government, developers, designers, engineers, and operators, aligned to a shared vision. By sharing expertise and building local capability, the industry can deliver more livable, resilient, and sustainable cities. Being part of the Saudi 100 reinforces the importance of contributing to this collective journey.
FUTURESCAPE GLOBAL
What value do industry events like FutureScape Global bring to the sector, and why is it important for professionals to be involved?
For professionals, participation goes beyond networking—it’s about learning, collaboration,
and shaping the future of the industry. Events like FutureScape Global help align stakeholders around shared priorities, emerging technologies, and evolving standards. By supporting knowledge exchange, these platforms accelerate sector maturity and ensure landscaping continues to evolve as strategic infrastructure delivering long-term value, particularly in challenging environments.
VISION 2030
How is Vision 2030 influencing the way landscapes are designed, delivered, and experienced in Saudi Arabia?
Vision 2030 has reshaped how landscapes are designed, delivered, and experienced across Saudi Arabia. Landscape design has shifted from aesthetic to performance-driven, focused on livability, sustainability, water efficiency, and climate resilience. It has also driven greater integration between landscape, urban planning, and infrastructure, with projects planned at city and district scale and emphasis on lifecycle value and long-term maintenance. Most importantly, green spaces are now central to quality of life—providing shade, cooling, walkability, and social spaces that support wellbeing. Landscaping has been elevated into strategic infrastructure shaping how cities function and communities connect.
In one sentence, how would you describe the future of landscaping in Saudi Arabia?
Greening the Desert: Saudi Arabia’s landscaping future is performance-driven, sustainable, and people-focused— elevating landscapes into strategic infrastructure that enhances livability, resilience, and quality of life.
Michael PATTE
CREATIVE LANDSCAPE DIRECTOR AND NETWORK OF CITY INNOVATORS FOUNDER
INDUSTRY CHALLENGES
Question 1 – Industry Challenges
What are the biggest challenges currently facing the landscaping and urban development sector in Saudi Arabia?
One of the biggest challenges in Saudi Arabia’s landscaping and urban development sector is balancing speed with identity. The Kingdom is delivering a vast number of projects across public realm, parks, and destinations, creating pressure to move quickly and rely on standardised delivery models.
While guidelines improve coordination, they can limit design ambition when compliance outweighs reflection. Projects risk becoming interchangeable, lacking cultural specificity. This is reinforced by large delivery-led firms repeating similar approaches at scale, resulting in a more uniform landscape culture.
Climate is another critical challenge. Heat, water scarcity, and resilience must act as creative drivers, not constraints. The opportunity lies in creating environments that perform while offering comfort, beauty, and social value.
ACHIEVEMENT
What project or professional achievement are you most proud of, and what impact has it had? What I am most proud of is not a single project, but a body of work exploring landscape identity, climate adaptation, and cultural interpretation across Saudi Arabia.
Alongside major commissions, I have focused on developing ideas rooted in the region rather than applying imported models. A key initiative has been the Network of City Innovators, bringing together professionals to explore heritage, sustainability, and urban ecology.
This work has informed concepts like the Dry Sponge City, adapting global thinking to regional realities such as water scarcity, heat, and cultural relationships with landscape. What matters most is linking research with practice—helping shift the conversation from adaptation to authorship and enabling locally driven design approaches.
FUTURE OUTLOOK
How do you see the landscaping and urban
SAUDI 100
approaches. The region’s future lies in creating new models, positioning Saudi Arabia as a global source of innovation.
SAUDI 100 RECOGNITION
What does it mean to you to be recognised as part of the Saudi 100, and how important is collaboration in shaping the future of the industry across the Kingdom?
Being recognised as part of the Saudi 100 is both an honour and a responsibility. It reflects a wider transformation where landscape and public realm are central to Saudi Arabia’s future.
Recognition should not only celebrate achievement but also clarify direction. Strong leadership requires clear values and a defined point of view.
I believe in distinct voices within the profession. Through initiatives like the Network of City Innovators, I aim to support dialogue around heritage, sustainability, and identity. This recognition is an opportunity to contribute more actively to that conversation.
FUTURESCAPE GLOBAL
experienced in Saudi Arabia?
Vision 2030 has repositioned landscape as a strategic element of national transformation, shifting focus from aesthetics to performance— linking landscape to quality of life, sustainability, and economic development.
Outdoor environments are now seen as essential frameworks for public life and environmental performance, contributing to resilience, heritage, and long-term value.
Looking ahead, the next phase will be defined not only by delivery, but by the cultural and urban models created—positioning Saudi Arabia for global leadership.
In one sentence, how would you describe the future of landscaping in Saudi Arabia? The future of landscaping in Saudi Arabia lies in moving from imported models toward a confident, climate-intelligent, and culturally rooted approach shaped from within the Kingdom.
Rasem Badran
FOUNDER AND CHIEF ARCHITECT |
DAR AL OMRAN - RASEM BADRAN
SAUDI 100
INDUSTRY CHALLENGES
Question 1 – Industry Challenges
What are the biggest challenges currently facing the landscaping and urban development sector in Saudi Arabia?
One of the key challenges facing landscaping and urban development in Saudi Arabia is its extraordinary geographic diversity. The Kingdom spans coastal areas, deserts, mountains, and highlands, each requiring distinct approaches rather than standardized solutions.
This demands adaptive strategies across planning and design, as conditions vary significantly between regions. At the same time, rapid development is increasing pressure on natural resources, particularly water, while intensifying environmental challenges such as heat and aridity.
Saudi Arabia’s architectural heritage offers valuable lessons, demonstrating how earlier generations responded to climate and resource limitations with ingenuity. The challenge today is to integrate this knowledge with contemporary practices to create solutions that are both innovative and grounded in place.
ACHIEVEMENT
What project or professional achievement are you most proud of, and what impact has it had?
A defining moment in my career was winning first prize at an international architectural gathering, which led to opportunities in Saudi Arabia, including work on the revitalization of Riyadh’s historic center.
Through this, I was entrusted with projects such as the Grand Mosque and the Justice Palace, deepening my engagement with Najd’s architectural heritage. What I discovered was not just a visual language, but a way of thinking—one rooted in responding intelligently to climate, terrain, and limited resources.
My work has focused on reinterpreting this knowledge rather than replicating it, seeking to create architecture that is both contemporary and grounded in its context. I see my approach as one of continuity, combining insights from the past with a modern analytical perspective.
FUTURE OUTLOOK
How do you see the landscaping and urban development sector evolving across Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC over the next 3–5 years?
Over the next three to five years, I believe the
sector will move toward a deeper understanding of natural systems. Before intervention, the land already holds a form of design, and studying how water, soil, and vegetation interact can inform more sustainable approaches.
In the Arabian Peninsula, this is reflected in oasis systems, where topography and water availability create fertile environments and moderated microclimates suitable for settlement.
Looking ahead, development will increasingly reinterpret these principles, integrating watersensitive design, climate-responsive landscapes, and context-driven planning. The future will be defined by the ability to translate the logic of the land into resilient, place-specific solutions.
SAUDI 100 RECOGNITION
What does it mean to you to be recognised as part of the Saudi 100, and how important is collaboration in shaping the future of the industry across the Kingdom?
Being recognised as part of the Saudi 100 is less about personal achievement and more about responsibility. It invites reflection on how we represent ourselves through the environments we create.
Traditional architecture expressed identity through a deep connection to climate, geography, and community life. Today, globalisation risks diluting this identity, creating uniform environments.
True collaboration depends on clear, distinct voices rather than convergence. Architecture, as a reflection of society, should emerge from local conditions rather than external models.
This recognition reinforces the importance of contributing to a contemporary yet rooted architectural language, one that reflects authenticity and engages with the world from a position of clarity.
FUTURESCAPE GLOBAL
What value do industry events like FutureScape
Global bring to the sector, and why is it important for professionals to be involved?
Events like FutureScape Global create valuable platforms for dialogue and exchange. Their role is not just to showcase trends, but to encourage critical engagement and the sharing of distinct perspectives.
By bringing together diverse voices, these platforms support an industry that evolves through innovation while remaining rooted in context.
VISION 2030
How is Vision 2030 influencing the way landscapes are designed, delivered, and experienced in Saudi Arabia?
Vision 2030 presents an opportunity to redefine landscapes and cities in Saudi Arabia, shifting from imported models toward approaches rooted in local identity.
Historically, development often followed global trends, producing efficient but disconnected environments. In contrast, traditional urban forms responded thoughtfully to climate and social life. Today, there is a growing emphasis on humancentered environments that foster interaction and belonging. The ambition is to create cities that feel lived-in and connected rather than purely functional.
In one sentence, how would you describe the future of landscaping in Saudi Arabia?
The future of landscaping in Saudi Arabia lies in drawing from its natural systems to create climate-responsive, place-based environments rooted in local identity.
Ayad Al-rawi
DIRECTOR - LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE | RED SEA GLOBAL
INDUSTRY CHALLENGES
Question 1 – Industry Challenges
What are the biggest challenges currently facing the landscaping and urban development sector in Saudi Arabia?
Whilst things in the industry are certainly improving there are still many challenges. I think a better understanding of all thing’s horticulture is very important. with a real emphasis on planting and greening cities it’s not just about what looks nice on paper, but what plants thrive and what plants will improve the environment and improve biodiversity whilst not being a drain on local resources. It’s a real specialism that goes beyond landscape architecture and as designers understanding limitations on knowledge and when specific expertise is required is critical. An obvious challenge that I’m sure most in the industry will raise is that of time, it’s great that
SAUDI 100
projects are developing at a rapid rate and the built environment is constantly changing but sometimes speed is not always conducive to quality and the longevity of a development. Balancing the speed of delivery with long term goals can be a real challenge.
ACHIEVEMENT
What project or professional achievement are you most proud of, and what impact has it had? It’s a hard one to choose as I have been blessed to have worked on many great projects around the region with some great clients and design teams. As a professional achievement I would say establishing and growing the Cracknell Qatar office, that was a highlight for me, I had the opportunity to work on some great projects and developed a brilliant team of designers with the support of the head office in Dubai. The Cracknell team really team in Doha helped me grow as a designer and as a leader.
In terms of a project, I think a small project that we worked on a as team in Doha that spanned most of my 6-7 years in Qatar. This was the Al Mesilla Marriot resort, a small luxury hotel resort in the heart of Doha that had many challenges, not least a dense forest of existing trees and palms that we had to try and retain and integrate into the design.
This development consisted of a main hotel building, 30+ luxury villas, a kids club, restaurant and Spa all set within a lush grove of existing trees complimented with additional tree and shrub planting. The fact the client engaged us early and allowed us to influence the masterplanning and setting out of the buildings helped a lot in the landscape design and to work on a project from masterplanning and concept right through to detail design and implementation was great and I believe the end product came out really well and having the chance to go back years later to see guests using the pools, rest areas and gardens was very fulfilling.
FUTURE OUTLOOK
How do you see the landscaping and urban development sector evolving across Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC over the next 3–5 years?
I believe there will be a leveling out of sorts, growth has been so rapid in recent years, but I feel in the coming years as emphasis may shift slightly to focus on strategic developments. Hopefully there will also be a little more focus on quality and long-term development visions. I certainly believe destination developments especially around sporting events will be a large part of future developments in the region.
SAUDI 100 RECOGNITION
What does it mean to you to be recognised as part of the Saudi 100, and how important is collaboration in shaping the future of the industry across the Kingdom?
To be recognised by Saudi 100 is a huge honour and one that I am immensely proud of. I would also have to mention the support of so many people during my career, namely my family, The management and all staff at Cracknell whom I spent over 12 years of my career in the region with
and of course everyone at Red Sea Global who have given me the opportunity to work on some amazing projects.
I firmly believe that collaboration is really the key to any successful development. I have delivered several lectures on this topic to students and industry professionals and more than ever its integral to how we plan, design, implement and maintain developments of all shapes and sizes.
FUTURESCAPE GLOBAL
What value do industry events like FutureScape Global bring to the sector, and why is it important for professionals to be involved?
Events like this are vital to the industry, it provides a great opportunity for industry professionals to meet, create connections, provide educations and inspire thought and dialogue in the industry.
VISION 2030
How is Vision 2030 influencing the way landscapes are designed, delivered, and experienced in Saudi Arabia?
I think it has afforded opportunities for local talent from across multiple industries to gain valuable experience in both designing and delivering large scale developments. This will undoubtably lead to better understanding and recognition of landscape architecture and design disciplines in general but also help establish the long-term development of the Kingdom and its residents. from a selfish perspective as a designer, it has also provided a vital platform that has allowed designers the canvas to be creative.
In one sentence, how would you describe the future of landscaping in Saudi Arabia? The future is bright; the future is green
Salem El Seoudi
SENIOR LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION MANAGER | MISK CITY
INDUSTRY CHALLENGES
Question 1 – Industry Challenges
What are the biggest challenges currently facing the landscaping and urban development sector in Saudi Arabia?
I would say currently its procurement. There is now a certain theme of materials which you can see around Riyadh, both in hardscape and softscape materials. The supply has become slightly challenged by all the mega projects in riyadh, and the cost of material is starting to rise. Yes, there are new and constantly emerging companies in the filed of landscaping, whether suppliers, or contractors, but one thing which always needs to be challenged, is quality. There is alot of competition in the field now, and you basically need to be very well aware of the quality of materials. As for soft scaping, there is a lot of trees being procured from oversees, and the acclimatization time for those trees as well as the way in which they are transported, and their availability, has also become a rising challenge.
ACHIEVEMENT
What project or professional achievement are you most proud of, and what impact has it had?
At Misk City, I joined at a stage when the development was effectively a blank canvas, an opportunity to help define, from the ground up, a new benchmark for urban living in Riyadh.
Through a highly considered approach to both hardscape and softscape across the public realm, we have delivered a cohesive placemaking strategy that prioritizes walkability, human-scale design, and a distinct urban identity, setting Misk City apart within the city’s evolving landscape.
Today, Misk City stands as a leading example of integrated, future-ready development: a vibrant, pedestrian-oriented environment where living, working, and lifestyle experiences are seamlessly connected within a 15-minute radius. It is a testament to what can be achieved through disciplined execution, design excellence, and a clear, unified vision.
FUTURE OUTLOOK
How do you see the landscaping and urban development sector evolving across Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC over the next 3–5 years?
I believe this momentum will continue to accelerate, underpinned by national initiatives such as the Saudi Green Initiative and an increasingly robust pipeline of transformative developments.
With major global commitments ahead, including Expo 2030 Riyadh and the FIFA World Cup 2034. The Kingdom is entering a pivotal phase of sustained
growth and delivery.
This represents not a culmination, but the beginning of a long-term evolution in Saudi Arabia’s urban and landscape development trajectory.
SAUDI 100 RECOGNITION
What does it mean to you to be recognised as part of the Saudi 100, and how important is collaboration in shaping the future of the industry across the Kingdom?
This recognition holds significant meaning for me, both personally and professionally. It reinforces a deeper sense of responsibility and fuels my passion to continue striving for excellence.
Alongside esteemed colleagues across the industry who were also recognized, I am committed to contributing, sharing knowledge, and collectively elevating our field. By leading with intent and setting a strong example, we can sustain momentum and inspire the next generation of professionals.
There are no limits to what we can achieve in Saudi Arabia, and this is only the beginning.
FUTURESCAPE GLOBAL
What value do industry events like FutureScape Global bring to the sector, and why is it important for professionals to be involved?
I believe FutureScape global shines a welldeserved spotlight on the professionals and projects shaping the industry. It creates a valuable platform for engagement, enabling established professionals to connect, strengthen their networks, and expand their reach, while also giving newcomers deeper insight into the projects and the people behind them.
It highlights a community that is continuously pushing boundaries and setting higher
SAUDI 100
standards, reinforcing a culture of excellence across the sector.
VISION 2030
How is Vision 2030 influencing the way landscapes are designed, delivered, and experienced in Saudi Arabia?
First and foremost, it serves as the primary driver and foundation for everything we are witnessing today. Saudi Vision 2030 continues to encourage, challenge, and elevate the industry,pushing professionals to bring forward innovative ideas that are both sustainable and deeply rooted in the cultural context of the city.
In one sentence, how would you describe the future of landscaping in Saudi Arabia?
The future of landscaping in Saudi Arabia is defined by sustainable, climate-resilient design that integrates native ecology, smart technologies, and large-scale urban greening to enhance livability and support the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030.
Laila Alawneh
DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL AND URBAN PLANNING | NEOM
INDUSTRY CHALLENGES
Question 1 – Industry Challenges
What are the biggest challenges currently facing the landscaping and urban development sector in Saudi Arabia?
The biggest challenge facing the landscape and urban development sector in KSA is transforming mobility infrastructure into a truly human-centric system aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.
ACHIEVEMENT
What project or professional achievement are you most proud of, and what impact has it had?
One of my proudest achievements is contributing to major masterplanned developments in Saudi Arabia, including AlUla, Diriyah, NEOM, The Sports
Boulevard, and transit-oriented development in Riyadh. What made this meaningful was helping shape a new model for cities—integrating mobility, landscape, and urban systems from the outset rather than as separate layers.
My role focused on aligning strategic vision with deliverable frameworks, ensuring design intent translated into implementable plans with clear objectives and measurable KPIs that enhance human experience. This included embedding human-centric principles into mobility and public realm strategies, critical to the Kingdom’s ambitions.
The impact extends beyond individual projects, contributing to new benchmarks for urban livability—supporting more sustainable, walkable, and resilient environments in line with Vision 2030. SAUDI 100
FUTURE OUTLOOK
How do you see the landscaping and urban development sector evolving across Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC over the next 3–5 years?
Over the next 3–5 years, the sector in Saudi Arabia and the GCC will shift from rapid expansion to a
more mature, integrated phase. The focus will move toward systems-based planning, where mobility, landscape, and public realm shape both urban development and regional growth, supporting economic priorities and social sustainability.
Sustainability and climate-responsive design will become non-negotiable, while the market becomes more outcome-driven—prioritizing deliverability, phasing, and long-term value over iconic scale.
Ultimately, the shift will be from building projects to creating human-centric environments that support how people live and interact.
SAUDI 100 RECOGNITION
What does it mean to you to be recognised as part of the Saudi 100, and how important is collaboration in shaping the future of the industry across the Kingdom?
The sector will continue evolving toward integrated, systems-based planning that supports economic growth, industrial advancement, and socially sustainable communities. Sustainability will become essential, and development will focus more on deliverability and long-term value.
The emphasis will move from delivering projects to shaping high-quality environments that enhance quality of life and long-term wellbeing.
FUTURESCAPE GLOBAL
What value do industry events like FutureScape Global bring to the sector, and why is it important for professionals to be involved? FutureScape Global serves as a calibration point rather than just a networking platform. In a fastmoving market like Saudi Arabia, it provides an opportunity to test whether planning approaches are keeping pace with delivery realities.
It also enables comparison across markets facing shared challenges such as climate, livability, and implementation complexity. For me, it sharpens judgment—ensuring my work remains globally informed and locally grounded within the Vision 2030 context.
VISION 2030
How is Vision 2030 influencing the way landscapes are designed, delivered, and experienced in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Vision 2030 is reshaping landscapes from decorative elements into essential infrastructure that supports urban life, environmental performance, and economic value.
Design is shifting toward landscape as a structuring system integrated with mobility, land use, and microclimate strategies, with a strong focus on climate responsiveness and human comfort.
Delivery expectations around scale and speed have driven more coordinated and standardized approaches, ensuring design intent is maintained through execution.
Most importantly, the public realm is being redefined as a driver of quality of life—supporting walkability, health, and social interaction. Ultimately, landscape architecture is becoming a strategic discipline central to how cities function.
In one sentence, how would you describe the future of landscaping in Saudi Arabia? The future of landscaping in Saudi Arabia is evolving into a climate-responsive core component of urban infrastructure that shapes Saudi cities while reinforcing national identity
Muteb Alosaimi
GENERAL MANAGER | LANDSCAPE NURSERY AT RED SEA GLOBAL
INDUSTRY CHALLENGES
Question 1 – Industry Challenges
What are the biggest challenges currently facing the landscaping and urban development sector in Saudi Arabia?
• Extreme Climate & Water Scarcity
• Sustainability vs. Resource Consumption
• Rapid Urbanization & Mega-Project Complexity
• Skilled Labor Shortages
• Urban Planning & Governance Gaps
ACHIEVEMENT
What project or professional achievement are you most proud of, and what impact has it had?
Established 180-hectare mega-nursery operation, scaling production capacity to support multi-billion SAR giga-project portfolios.
• Led 480+ workforce, improving operational productivity by an estimated 25% through restructuring and KPI governance.
• Delivered supply of 15M+ plants across Red Sea, Amaala, and PIF projects, ensuring ontime project readiness.
• Transformed nursery into a profit center, improving EBITDA performance through commercialization strategy and cost optimization initiatives.
• Reduced operational waste and procurement inefficiencies, generating
estimated 18–25% cost savings across supply chain operations.
• Integrated automation & data analytics systems improving plant survival rates and production predictability by 30%+.
• Directed full P&L; responsibility, aligning financial performance with long-term sustainability and ROI objectives.
• Full executive oversight of Landscape Nursery enterprise including strategy, operations, HR, finance, and commercial growth.
• Developed and executed 5-year strategic roadmap aligning with Vision 2030 sustainability mandates.
• Led financial performance management ensuring profitability, capital discipline, and long- term asset optimization.
• Oversaw end-to-end horticulture logistics and supply chain operations supporting luxury tourism developments.
• Guided digital transformation of nursery systems, embedding automation and datadriven decision framew
FUTURE OUTLOOK
How do you see the landscaping and urban development sector evolving across Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC over the next 3–5 years?
• Big Shift: From Mega-Projects Deliverable Cities.
• Rapid but More Disciplined Urban Growth
• Landscaping Becomes Core Infrastructure (Not Decoration
• Water-Efficient, Climate-Responsive Design Becomes Mandatory
• Smart & Data-Driven Urban Environments
• Rise of Integrated Delivery & Private Sector Role
SAUDI 100 RECOGNITION
What does it mean to you to be recognised as part of the Saudi 100, and how important is collaboration in shaping the future of the industry across the Kingdom?
Being recognised as part of the Saudi 100 would be a meaningful milestone for me it reflects the work I’ve put into contributing to the Kingdom’s growth and aligning with the ambitions of Vision 2030. It’s not just recognition, but a responsibility to keep raising standards and delivering real impact.
FUTURESCAPE GLOBAL
What value do industry events like FutureScape Global bring to the sector, and why is it important for professionals to be involved? Events like FutureScape Global bring real value by creating a platform where the industry connects, learns, and aligns. They bring together developers, consultants, contractors, and suppliers to exchange ideas, showcase innovation, and stay ahead of emerging trends especially around sustainability, technology, and urban livability
VISION 2030
How is Vision 2030 influencing the way landscapes are designed, delivered, and experienced in Saudi Arabia? Vision 2030 is fundamentally reshaping
SAUDI 100
landscapes in Saudi Arabia moving them from decorative elements to essential parts of how cities function and feel.
In design, there’s a clear shift toward climateresponsive landscapes—using native planting, shaded spaces, and water-efficient systems. Landscapes are now planned to reduce heat, support walkability, and improve overall quality of life, not just aesthetics.
In one sentence, how would you describe the future of landscaping in Saudi Arabia?
The future of landscaping in Saudi Arabia is climate-adaptive, water-efficient, and people-focused designed as essential urban infrastructure that enhances livability and supports the goals of Vision 2030.
Giuseppe Fanciullo
DIRECTOR OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE - RED SEA GLOBAL
INDUSTRY CHALLENGES
Question 1 – Industry Challenges
What are the biggest challenges currently facing the landscaping and urban development sector in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia is experiencing one of the most ambitious urban transformation programmes in the world, which creates both exceptional opportunities and significant challenges for the landscape architecture and urban development sector.
One of the key challenges is balancing speed of delivery with long-term quality. Many projects are being delivered at scale and pace, so maintaining design integrity, technical coordination, and construction quality across all stages is essential.
Another major priority is sustainability in an arid climate. Water-efficient landscapes, native planting strategies, smart irrigation systems, and resilient materials are becoming increasingly important to ensure projects remain both environmentally and economically sustainable over time.
Finally, I believe the sector is moving beyond creating attractive spaces alone. The real challenge now is delivering places that are functional, culturally relevant, durable, and
capable of generating lasting social and economic value.
ACHIEVEMENT
What project or professional achievement are you most proud of, and what impact has it had?
The professional achievement I am most proud of is not a single project, but the ability to successfully lead complex landscape and urban developments across very different cultural, commercial, and technical contexts.
Throughout my career, I have contributed to high-profile projects ranging from internationally recognised destinations such as Raffles Hotel and Changi Airport in Singapore to major Saudi developments including Adrena at The Red Sea and KAFD public realm in Riyadh.
What I value most is the ability to build effective design processes that align vision, stakeholders, budgets, technical requirements, and delivery realities. In complex projects, success rarely depends on design alone—it depends on leadership, coordination, and the ability to turn ambition into achievable outcomes.
FUTURE OUTLOOK
How do you see the landscaping and urban development sector evolving across Saudi
Arabia and the wider GCC over the next 3–5 years?
Over the next 3–5 years, I believe the landscaping and urban development sector across Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC will continue to evolve from ambition-led growth to performance-led maturity.
The first phase of transformation has understandably focused on creating global attention through iconic destinations and landmark developments. The next phase, in my view, will place greater emphasis on efficiency, durability, operational excellence, and long-term return on investment.
Projects will increasingly be measured not only by how they look at launch, but by how they perform over time—commercially, environmentally, and socially.
This means greater focus on resilient materials, lifecycle cost planning, smart maintenance strategies, water efficiency, and spaces that remain relevant and valuable years after completion..
SAUDI 100 RECOGNITION
What does it mean to you to be recognised as part of the Saudi 100, and how important is collaboration in shaping the future of the industry across the Kingdom?
Being recognised as part of the Saudi 100 is both an honour and a responsibility. For me, it represents that I am making a meaningful contribution to one of the most exciting transformation journeys taking place anywhere in the world.
Saudi Arabia is creating new cities, destinations, and public spaces that will shape future generations, and I feel privileged to play a small part in that progress through my work.
SAUDI 100
FUTURESCAPE GLOBAL
What value do industry events like FutureScape Global bring to the sector, and why is it important for professionals to be involved?
Industry events such as FutureScape Global create real value when they bring people together around common goals and shared challenges.
VISION 2030
How is Vision 2030 influencing the way landscapes are designed, delivered, and experienced in Saudi Arabia?
Vision 2030 is having a transformative impact on the way landscapes are conceived, delivered, and experienced across Saudi Arabia.
It has introduced a bold and ambitious agenda that recognises landscape architecture as a strategic contributor to economic diversification, tourism, quality of life, and environmental resilience.
In one sentence, how would you describe the future of landscaping in Saudi Arabia?
The future of landscaping in Saudi Arabia will be challenging yet highly rewarding, as bold vision is transformed into sustainable places of lasting impact.
Ali Wazzan
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT | IMAM
ABDULRAHMAN
BIN FAISAL
UNIVERSITY
INDUSTRY CHALLENGES
Question 1 – Industry Challenges
What are the biggest challenges currently facing the landscaping and urban development sector in Saudi Arabia?
The landscaping and urban development sector in Saudi Arabia is experiencing rapid growth driven by Vision 2030, but it also faces several important challenges. One of the main challenges is water scarcity. The country’s arid climate and limited rainfall make it difficult to maintain green spaces, which increases the need for efficient irrigation systems and the use of treated or recycled water. In addition, the extreme heat—especially during summer—puts pressure on plant survival and raises maintenance costs, requiring careful selection of native and droughtresistant plants.
Another key challenge is the shortage of skilled professionals in landscape architecture, horticulture, and sustainable design. This can affect the quality and long-term performance of projects. There are also high costs associated with implementation and maintenance, especially for large-scale developments, which can impact project sustainability over time.
SAUDI 100
ACHIEVEMENT
What project or professional achievement are you most proud of, and what impact has it had?
The project I am most proud of is my graduation project, “SustainaPark,” an industrial park located in the industrial area of Qatif. This project was recognized as a winner at the Landscape Middle East Awards, which was a significant milestone in my academic and professional journey.
FUTURE OUTLOOK
How do you see the landscaping and urban development sector evolving across Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC over the next 3–5 years?
Over the next 3–5 years, the landscaping and urban development sector in Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC is expected to evolve rapidly, driven by Vision 2030 and similar regional strategies. One of the most important shifts will be the move from traditional landscaping to strategic, sustainability-driven design. Landscaping is no longer seen as a decorative element, but as a key part of urban planning that improves quality of life and environmental performance.
We will also see strong growth in green infrastructure and large-scale urban greening projects, such as national initiatives to increase green spaces and plant millions of trees. This
will significantly expand the role of landscape architects in shaping cities and public spaces.
Another major trend is the integration of smart technologies, including AI-based irrigation systems, sensors, and data-driven design tools. These technologies will help reduce water consumption and improve efficiency, which is critical in a region facing water scarcity and extreme climate conditions.
In addition, indoor and vertical landscaping is expected to grow, especially in commercial and mixed-use developments, becoming a standard feature rather than a luxury.
Overall, the sector will move toward creating smart, sustainable, and human-centered cities, where environmental performance, cultural identity, and user experience are all integrated. This transformation will position Saudi Arabia and the GCC as global leaders in innovative urban and landscape development.
SAUDI 100 RECOGNITION
What does it mean to you to be recognised as part of the Saudi 100, and how important is collaboration in shaping the future of the industry across the Kingdom?
Being recognised as part of the Saudi 100 is a meaningful milestone in my journey as a Landscape Architect. It represents not only personal achievement, but also a responsibility to contribute to the future of the industry in Saudi Arabia. For me, this recognition reflects the impact of my work and motivates me to continue developing innovative, sustainable solutions that align with the Kingdom’s vision.
FUTURESCAPE GLOBAL
What value do industry events like FutureScape Global bring to the sector, and why is it important for professionals to be involved?
Industry events like FutureScape Global play a vital role in advancing the landscaping and urban development sector. They provide a platform for professionals to connect, exchange knowledge, and stay updated on the latest trends, technologies, and best practices. These events bring together experts from different disciplines, creating opportunities for meaningful discussions and collaborations that can lead to more innovative and effective solutions.
VISION 2030
How is Vision 2030 influencing the way landscapes are designed, delivered, and experienced in Saudi Arabia?
Vision 2030 is significantly transforming how landscapes are designed, delivered, and experienced across Saudi Arabia. It has shifted the role of landscape architecture from a mainly aesthetic function to a more strategic one that supports environmental sustainability, public health, and quality of life. Today, landscapes are designed to be multifunctional—providing recreational spaces, improving urban ecology, and contributing to climate resilience.
In one sentence, how would you describe the future of landscaping in Saudi Arabia?
The future of landscaping in Saudi Arabia is innovative, sustainable, and humancentered, shaping greener cities that balance environmental responsibility with cultural identity and quality of life.