205th Edition – Zak World of Façades Saudi Arabia

Main Events 205th Edition – Zak World of Façades Saudi Arabia

205th Edition – Zak World of Façades Saudi Arabia

edition

205

Date

09 December 2025

Venue

Voco

City

Riyadh

Official page Watch the Event

About this edition

This will be the 205th edition globally and the 6th edition in Riyadh which will showcase sustainable innovations and challenges in the construction industry pertaining to the building envelope and will also display latest technological solutions.

Speakers & Panelists

Conference Agenda

Every speaker for the day, grouped by session. Select a topic to see who is presenting, the session focus and the talk points.

Session 1

Session 2

Session 3

09:00 — 10:00

Topic

Delegate Registration & Networking

Faisal Alghamdi

Architect

Gensler

Topic

Event Convenor & Host

10:00 — 10:05

Topic

Welcome Address

10:05 — 10:30

Ahmad Fuad Marrwa

Project Control Director

Clear Engineering Consultants

Topic

Early Integration in Façade Design

Talk points

Integrated Approach: Aligning façade systems with all disciplines from the outset to ensure the best results

Strategic Value: Enhancing design quality, aligning budgets, reducing risks, and strengthening project reliability for all stakeholders

Sustainable Outcomes: Securing a unified architectural identity that reflects the project’s sustainability and achieves its investment goals

10:30 — 10:55

David Sommer

Director - KSA

Schlaich Bergermann Partner

Topic

The Diversity of Architectural Façades in the Middle East: Three Case Studies

Talk points

Royal Diriyah Opera House

Al Thumama Stadium

Roof over Barahat Al-Nouq Square

10:55 — 11:10

Davide Malizia

High Performance Products KSA – Saudi Arabia Business Development

Kuraray

Topic

Engineering Acoustic Comfort & Sustainability: Shaping the Future of Façade Performance

Talk points

Acoustic engineering in laminated glass

Sustainable interlayers for modern façades

Next-generation innovations in interlayers technology

11:10 — 11:25

Oliver Rohde

Managing Director

seele Middle East

Topic

KinetIQ – Moving Architectural Forward

Talk points

Complex glass structures in 3D shape

11:25 — 12:00

Topic

Networking Tea / Coffee Break

12:00 — 12:25

Agnes Koltay

CEO

Koltay Façades

Topic

A Borosilicate Cast Glass Museum Façade - Design and Development Journey of Misk Art Institute

Talk points

Design inspirations and design development process of Misk Art Institute

Challenges of unique materials: Cast glass at large scale

Merging technology, craft and art: Technical aspects of cast glass design, research and testing

12:25 — 12:40

Miguel Costa Freire

Co-CEO

Effisus

Moutaz Kaddourah

Region Head MENA

Effisus

Topic

Redefining Façade Performance

Talk points

Understanding the price of façade failure

Global façade lessons

The EFS performance model

12:40 — 12:55

Eric Claeys

Founding Partner

Fassada Steel

Topic

Hybrid Steel Curtain Walls, Mastering the Demands & Complexity of Today’s Façades

Talk points

Hybrid steel curtain walls, the long-waited disruption in the market?

Fire resistance, tower infernos belong to the past

Drastic reduction of CO2 emission

12:55 — 13:35

Moderator

Filippo Innocenti

Director

Zaha Hadid Architects

Panelist

Azat Tatygulov

Associate

Buro Happold

Panelist

George Kanj

Vice President

Almabani General Contractors

Panelist

Mark Storm

Design Department Manager

Permasteelisa Gartner

Panelist

Rawan Alderjem Aldossari

Design Manager

Bechtel Corporation

Topic

KAFD Iconic Metro Station Façade

Talk points

Fluid Architectural Expression: How the façade reflects Zaha Hadid Architects’ signature parametric design approach, creating a flowing, organic form that seamlessly integrates with the dynamic urban fabric of the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD)

Engineering Complexity & Innovation: Advanced façade engineering solutions were deployed to execute the station’s intricate geometries, combining structural glass, custom cladding systems, and cutting-edge fabrication technologies

Sustainability & Functionality: The façade is designed not only as an architectural landmark but also as a sustainable envelope—maximizing natural light, improving passenger comfort, and reducing energy demands while ensuring durability in Riyadh’s challenging climate

Session summary

Filippo Innocenti

13:35 — 14:35

Topic

Networking Lunch Break & Prayers

14:35 — 14:55

Abdulrahman Al Samhan

Senior Architect and Design Specialist

Omrania

Topic

Sustainable Designs in Fast-track Project

Talk points

Building envelopes and site effects on NetZero building

Design process in the fast-track project

Façades technology in sustainable buildings

14:55 — 15:15

Austen Smith

Senior Associate

Hawkins & Associates

Topic

Façade Issues: Lessons Learnt from Forensic Investigations

Talk points

Environmental issues

Fire safety defects

Innovation case study: Museum of the Future, Dubai

15:15 — 15:30

Valeriya Chernikova

EMEA Marketing Manager

Dow Consumer Solutions

Topic

Silicone - Enabler of Sustainable Design

Talk points

Versatility of solutions, maximizing design freedom and transparency, whilst guaranteeing safety and durability

Analyzing technical challenges and tailoring solutions matching the specific context of each project

Sharing application learnings from global projects

15:30 — 15:45

Mohamed Magdy

Sales & Technical Manager

Gulf Polyester Powder Coating Company (ALWAN)

Topic

What is Powder Coating?

Talk points

Substrate

Markets of powder coating

Architectural powder

15:45 — 16:30

Panelist

Bassam Hilal

Project Director

Premium for Aluminium & Glazing Systems

Panelist

Jafar Abualrob

Facade Manager

Ahmadiah Contracting

Panelist

Marwan Abbas

Program Director

Khatib & Alami

Panelist

Samer Mohammed Abdullah

Finishing & Materials Development Head

Abdulmohsin Altheyab & Partners

Panelist

Waleed Elsayed

Design & Studies Director Engineering

LIWAN

Topic

The Strategic Importance of Early Supply Chain Engagement: Convincing Clients to Involve Façade Contractors in Schematic Design

Talk points

How early involvement of façade contractors can mitigate design risks, ensure material availability, and optimize cost

Strategies for making a business case to clients that early engagement of façade contractors reduces long-term project risks and delays

Examples of successful case studies where early collaboration has improved project outcomes

Explore how BIM (Building Information Modeling) and digital tools can facilitate this early engagement effectively

Session summary

Faisal Alghamdi

16:30 — 16:35

Topic

Vote of Thanks & End of the Conference

16:35 — 17:00

Topic

Post Event Networking

How it was

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Chapters

Partners

Associate Partners