28 - 30 September 2026

4 PM – 10 PM Daily

Jeddah Superdome

Construct Talks

Pioneering Industry Innovation and Excellence

Construct Talks returns to Jeddah Construct from 28 – 30 September, offering a focused platform to explore the evolving needs of the construction sector across the western region of Saudi Arabia. This year’s program highlights the intersection of innovation, sustainability and leadership – backed by real-world case studies, practical insights and interactive formats tailored to the region’s urban and coastal development landscape.

Designed for professionals navigating complex delivery environments, the agenda offers strategies to address project execution challenges, accelerate digital adoption and strengthen workforce capabilities. With speakers from across the industry, Construct Talks 2025 offers a space to exchange ideas, spark collaboration and gain insights that matter.

4 influential themes:

Construction industry in spotlight

Project Delivery & Execution

Focused on the planning and delivery of major developments in the western region, exploring collaborative models, modular construction and site innovations that drive efficiency and improve outcomes across large-scale projects

Sustainable Development

Focused on climate-resilient, people-centered development in the western region - exploring green infrastructure, inclusive design and sustainable urban planning through landmark projects like Jeddah Central and Al-Balad

Digital Systems & Intelligent Technologies

Explores how AI, BIM and geospatial tools are transforming project delivery - driving smarter, faster and more transparent construction through real-time data and connected site management

Leadership

Focuses on building future-ready teams, culture-building and workforce transformation - spotlighting youth engagement, HSE leadership and human capital strategies powering successful, future-ready teams

Construct Talks 2025 Speakers

Ahmad Mhanna

Director | ACI - Middle East, North Africa Region

Bilal Khalid

Chief Portfolio Officer | IHCC

Elise Chalouhi

Design Manager | NEOM

Ibrahim Sarhan

Founder & CEO | SAHRAA Development & Investment Corporation (SDICO)

Dr. Luay Ayyash

Construction Director | Royal Commission of AlUla

Matt Doran

MENA Regional Hub Manager | Chartered Institute of Building

Mohamed Anber

Project Manager | Kabbani Construction Group

Dr. Paul Mckeown

CEO | HanmiGlobal Saudi

Simon Jobbins

Engineering Director | Parsons

Dr. Wael Samy Abdelghany

HSE Director – Non Haramain Projects | Saudi Binladin Group

View all speakers

Interested in speaking?

Share your expertise

Are you a thought leader, industry innovator, or passionate construction industry professional eager to contribute to discussions which will drive the sector forward? We welcome you to express your interest in becoming a speaker at our Construct Talks. Share your insights, experiences, and visionary ideas with our engaged audience of industry enthusiasts.

Some of the themes that will be discussed are project management, technology in construction, project updates, leadership & sustainability.

Become a speaker

View Agenda

Upskill and earn CPD points

Our series of Talks are certified through the CPD Certification Service, the world’s leading and largest independent CPD accreditation organization working across all industry sectors.

2025 Agenda

Day One
Sun, 28 September
Day Two
Mon, 29 September
Day Three
Tue, 30 September

06:00 PM

Fireside chat: Safety beyond compliance: Embedding a culture of care on Site

Leading health and safety in high-density, live, or operational project environments
Moving from a checklist-driven approach to behavior-based safety practices
Empowering site supervisors to model and reinforce safe behaviors
Fostering team ownership of safety outcomes to reduce incidents

Wael Samy AbdelghanySaudi Binladin Group

Esmail Alqadhi, MSc, CSPBupa Arabia

06:20 PM

Fast-tracking with human-centered spatial intelligence: Balancing speed, quality, and experience

Designing for accelerated timelines in hot, humid, and dense urban contexts
Maintaining compliance and safeguarding accessibility, inclusivity, and safety under schedule pressure
Aligning modern construction methods with spatial connectivity and social dynamics
Delivering rapid execution without compromising quality, safety, or human experience

Rafah AltaweliUniversity of Jeddah

06:35 PM

Fireside chat: Leading high-impact teams in a rapidly evolving construction landscape

Strategies for managing large, multi-disciplinary site teams under high-pressure conditions
Aligning leadership goals and communication across client, consultant, and contractor roles
Building and sustaining a resilient team culture amid tight deadlines and shifting priorities
Preparing teams for complex, high-stakes delivery environments with limited resources

Bilal Khalid IHCC

Mohammed Abdel JawadPMI KSA Chapter Director

06:55 PM

Case study: Balancing heritage and modern delivery in historic districts

Regenerating Heritage for Adaptive Reuse: Preserving cultural identity while upgrading essential infrastructure
Working within strict regulatory and conservation frameworks, in the UNESCO context
Structural retrofitting and adapting construction techniques to protect sensitive structures and materials
Restoring & Repurposing Heritage assets: bringing sustainability & SDGs into the urban regeneration exercise

Chiara CeiJeddah Historic District

07:10 PM

Panel discussion: From design to delivery: Navigating the complexities of execution

Identifying common disconnects between design intent and site execution
Exploring coordination and communication breakdowns through real-world examples
Sharing practical solutions and lessons learned from the field
Addressing late-stage design changes and their impact on delivery timelines

Craig WoodMace Arabia

Ghassan SoftahSaudi Council of Engineers

Jason DonnachieMusanadah Facilities Management

Khalil Al SaeediSaudi Entertainment Ventures | SEVEN

Mahmoud ZeidanHKS

07:50 PM

Enabling Vision 2030 through Effective Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA) and environmental permitting frameworks

Embedding environmental and social sustainability into projects from the very start of planning and development
Providing a clear pathway for compliance with regulations while reducing risks and environmental impacts
Strengthening transparency through stakeholder engagement, consultation, and community trust
Signaling commitment to sustainability that attracts responsible investment and drives innovation

Fiona SymesNational Transformation Institute, KAUST Beacon Development

08:10 PM

The human side of tech adoption: Making change stick on site

Addressing resistance to digital tools through relatable, team-led approaches
Supporting early adoption with simple tools and real-world use cases
Building confidence through peer mentoring and visible early wins
Embedding digital habits into daily workflows

Suhail Alrabee IFMA Business Community

06:00 PM

Enabling Better Infrastructure (EBI): Driving purpose, certainity and pace in strategic infrastructure planning

Paul MckeownHanmiGlobal Saudi

06:15 PM

Panel discussion: ICE spearing lecture: Enabling better infrastructure

Elise ChalouhiNEOM

Simon JobbinsParsons

Tarig H. M. HamzaInstitution of Civil Engineers (ICE)

Paul MckeownHanmiGlobal Saudi

06:45 PM

Revolutionizing project efficiency with lean construction practices

Introduction and Exploration of the core principles in Lean Construction
See how Lean methods help teams work faster and avoid wastage TIMWOODS
Learn integrated practical tools and techniques to implement Lean strategies for Maga project management
Understand how Lean practices can help finish projects on time and within budget

Luay AyyashRoyal Commission of AlUla

07:05 PM

Panel discussion: Defining green: Perspectives on sustainability in concrete construction

Defining Green Concrete: What truly makes a concrete structure sustainable, encompassing materials, design, and construction practices?
Holistic Sustainability: Is using green materials sufficient, or must sustainability consider the entire project lifecycle, from design to construction?
Design & Construction Impact: How do architectural, structural design, and on-site contractor practices influence a project's green credentials?
Industry Standards & Certifications: How do codes, standards (like ACI), and green building certifications shape sustainable concrete construction?
Cost & Collaboration: Explore cost savings in sustainable structures and the crucial role of collaboration among material suppliers, designers, and contractors.

Ahmed ElyamaniDar

Mohamed AnberKabbani Construction Group

Ibraheem QasrawiTransgulf Readymix Concrete Co.

Ahmad Mhanna American Concrete Institute (ACI)

07:35 PM

Panel discussion: Building professionalism: Raising standards across the construction lifecycle

Elevating site and project management practices through professional development
Embedding ethical leadership and accountability in delivery teams
Promoting certification, training, and continuous learning in KSA’s evolving market
Aligning local practices with global standards for quality and safety

Fatma AbdallaMinistry of Energy and Infrastructure-UAE

Ibrahim SarhanICAD

Mohamed Maged HegazyRSG

Simon Baines House of Consulting Office (HCO)

Matt DoranChartered Institute of Building

08:30 PM

Networking Hour by Chartered Institute of Building

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) is the leading international professional body for individuals working in and leading the construction industry. Established in 1834, CIOB provides a wide range of services, including membership, professional development, qualifications, and resources that support professionals and organizations in shaping the future of the built environment.

With a focus on driving innovation, sustainability, and ethical practices, CIOB’s educational initiatives advance the skills and knowledge of construction professionals worldwide. Through its advocacy work, CIOB also promotes the highest standards in public policy, enhancing the quality and integrity of construction projects across the globe.