ZIGURAT's Local Hub in Riyadh Gathers One Hundred Professionals to Drive the Sector's Digital Transformation

ZIGURAT Institute of Technology hosted its first Local Hub in the Middle East in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. The event brought together nearly one hundred industry professionals, students, and alumni of ZIGURAT to explore how artificial intelligence (AI), BIM, and digital twins are reshaping the construction industry. Sponsored by GRAPHISOFT, the gathering exceeded expectations and highlighted the growing need for specialised training in a region undergoing rapid urban and technological development.

During his opening remarks, Pau F. Aldomà, CEO of ZIGURAT, reinforced the institute’s commitment to nurturing local talent and supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030: “This national strategy calls for bold ideas, skilled professionals, and strong partnerships. At ZIGURAT, we believe education is the foundation for achieving that future, and we are proud to be an active part of the journey.”

Addressing the Construction Skills Gap

The first panel, “Digital Transformation in Construction: Rethinking Project Delivery”, featured Hossam Abdulaziz, Dr Omar Dahan, and Mohamed Dorra—all three ZIGURAT alumni and ambassadors—alongside Ahmed Fadhl Al Mawla. The speakers discussed the disconnect between traditional university education and the practical skills demanded in today’s construction projects.

Dr. Omar Dahan pointed out how ZIGURAT bridges this gap by equipping professionals with actionable knowledge that applies directly on-site from day one. Mohamed Dorra advocated for integrating digital competencies—like BIM, AI, and digital twins—into academic curricula to better prepare students for the realities of the modern construction industry. Dahan used a compelling analogy: “In the construction of the future, BIM is the skeleton, AI is the brain, and digital twins are the nervous system.”

AI in Practice: Tools, Challenges, and Human Insight

The second panel, moderated by ZIGURAT alumna Sarah Sakr, addressed the impact of AI in project management. Speakers included Ahmed Elhadidi (ZIGURAT alumnus and ambassador), Maged Elhamady (alumnus), and Kamal Bairagdar (representing Jacobs, a long-standing ZIGURAT partner). The panellists shared real-world applications of AI tools used in their daily workflows.

Ahmed Elhadidi stood out for revealing personal insights and practical resources, culminating in an AI challenge for attendees. The session sparked a dynamic debate on the boundaries of automation and the importance of retaining human oversight, acknowledging that while AI enhances efficiency, it cannot replace emotional intelligence or ethical judgement.

The panel also showcased capstone projects from recent graduates of the  Master's in Global BIM Management, including work by Xènia Lozano, Nicolás Rivero, Lucía Izaguirre, Daniela Soto, Carlos Carmona, and Santiago Rodríguez, underlining the real-world relevance and impact of ZIGURAT’s academic programmes.

Community, Networking, and Global Impact

The evening concluded with an energetic networking session, where attendees engaged in a professional challenge using connection cards. Three winners were selected to receive ZIGURAT-branded prizes. A memorable anecdote came from one of the winners, who travelled over 300 kilometres to participate, demonstrating the strong commitment of students and professionals to continuous learning and career development.

More than just an academic event, the Riyadh Local Hub reaffirmed ZIGURAT’s role as a hub for innovation, collaboration, and global knowledge-sharing in the AEC sector. The event is set to become a reference point for professionals seeking to align with the digital transformation and sustainability goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

As clearly shown in Riyadh, education, collaboration, and innovation are the real engines of change.