Zak World of Façades KSA 2026
About the event
Zak World of Façades KSA is a one-day conference on façade design and engineering, held on 1 December 2026 at the Riyadh Marriott Hotel in Riyadh. Registration opens at 09:00 and the programme runs until 17:20.
The programme covers aerodynamic building design, façades as cultural and environmental infrastructure, the acoustic and thermal performance of glass, customised façade systems, fire safety for supertall and complex buildings, and in-Kingdom manufacturing and the circular façade economy. A panel discussion examines the façade of the Qiddiya Performing Arts Centre, and a tabletop exhibition of products and solutions runs alongside the sessions. The conference is aimed at architects, developers, main contractors, façade consultants and contractors, sustainability and fire consultants, glass processors, structural and cost consultants and project management firms.
Entry is by online registration only. Every registration is reviewed and approved by the organiser, there is no on-site registration, and passes are non-transferable. A limited number of complimentary seats are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis to qualifying professionals such as architects, consultants, developers, contractors and government officials, while a delegate fee of USD 500 per person applies to product and material suppliers and testing firms, subject to availability. The full-day pass includes the conference hall, the exhibition area, lunch, a networking session, the delegate kit and a link to the HD video recording of the conference.
Agenda
18- 09:00–10:00Delegate Registration & Networking
- 10:00–10:05Welcome Address
- 10:05–10:30Topic to be Announced
- 10:30–10:55Automotive Inspired Aerodynamic Building DesignFusing the principles of car design and architecture to inspire aerodynamic building design. Implementing universal system design and design-for-constructability and operability principles in design validation, rationalisation and development. Using computational design, parametric modelling and BIM to blend design, performance, construction and operation criteria. Case study: Al-Bahr Towers and Bugatti Residences.
- 10:55–11:05Solar-Powered, Long-Lasting Active Self-Cleaning Technology for Anodized AluminiumA next-generation anodised aluminium cladding with an anodic oxide layer that harnesses sunlight to continuously break down pollutants, keeping façades cleaner for over 25 years with minimal maintenance. Its ultra-hydrophilic surface (WCA = 8.9°) lets remaining particles wash away with rain or wind.
- 11:05–11:15Crafting World Wonders with AluminiumDevelopment of aluminium structures, façade integration with aluminium structures and project applications.
- 11:15–11:25Engineering Acoustic Comfort & Sustainability: Shaping the Future of Façade PerformanceAcoustic engineering in laminated glass, sustainable interlayers for modern façades and next-generation innovations in interlayer technology.
- 11:25–11:50Under the Skin: Façades as Cultural and Environmental InfrastructureTranslating heritage into contemporary architectural expression; designing façades that respond to climate, comfort and performance; creating a meaningful public experience through materiality and form.
- 12:40–13:00From Sketch to Site: The Role of Customized Systems in "Freedom of Design"Managing complex rotational envelopes in high-rise design; engineering non-orthogonal façades for modern structural frames; engineering large-scale sloping glass for security and impact resistance; combining façade methodologies for optimised project delivery.
- 13:00–13:10Getting Low with U-ValuesUnderstanding the U-value of glass and why it matters; reducing embodied and operational carbon through U-value performance; exploring glass strategies to improve occupant comfort.
- 13:10–13:55Designing at Mega Scale: The Façade of Qiddiya Performing Arts CentrePanel discussion moderated by John Douglas (VIA) with Tom Wiscombe (Tom Wiscombe Architecture), Philip Dietmar Keil (AESG) and Ahmad Abusada (Mace - Qiddiya Delivery Partner). Topics include the project concept, what a megafaçade is, shaping the five leaning blades and deep cuts of the building's form, rationalising large inclined and folded façade surfaces, the technical complexity of massive façade units from precon to installation, collaboration and the biggest delivery challenges.
- 14:55–15:15Topic to be Announced
- 15:15–15:35Fire-Safe Façades for Saudi Arabia's Supertall and Complex BuildingsTranslating Saudi requirements into façade fire-safety strategies by aligning SBC, IBC and Saudi Civil Defense requirements; engineering critical interfaces such as slab edges, spandrels, cavities and non-standard geometries; and turning compliance into verified performance through coordinated design, tested systems, specialist installation, independent inspection and lifecycle assurance.
- 15:35–15:45Unlocking Design Freedom in Balustrades and BalconiesVersatility of solutions that maximise design freedom and transparency while guaranteeing safety and durability; analysing technical challenges and tailoring solutions to each project; sharing application learnings from global projects.
- 15:45–15:55Turnkey Solutions for Bespoke Building EnvelopesComplex geometries, challenging engineering solutions and worldwide proven experience.
- 15:55–16:05KinetIQ - Moving Architectural ForwardComplex glass structures in 3D shape.
- 16:05–16:45Localizing the Envelope: In-Kingdom Manufacturing, Materials, and the Circular Façade EconomyPanel with Zaid Ihab Elayan (Teef Najd Group) and Alaa Alhabash (Mace). Topics: progress and challenges in sourcing low-carbon aluminium, glass and composite materials locally under IKTVA; designing for circularity through standardised detailing, disassembly and material reuse; how local fabricators are upgrading technical capabilities for giga-project specifications; and how Saudi regulations and incentives are driving local material adoption.
- 16:45–16:50Vote of Thanks & End of the Conference
