Autodesk, a leader in 3D design and engineering software, has announced collaboration with Dar Al-Riyadh, an engineering design firm, to drive the adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM) standards within the Kingdom.
In addition, Dar Al-Riyadh will open a new Autodesk Authorized Training Center to provide continuing education in BIM technology.
BIM is an intelligent, model-based process that provides insight for creating and managing building and infrastructure projects faster, more economically, and with less environmental impact.
The announcement was made at the IQPC Building Information Modeling Summit in Qatar.
“This multi-faceted cooperation between Autodesk and Dar Al-Riyadh will bring innovation solutions to the architecture, engineering and construction industries in the Kingdom,” said Louay Dahmash, Middle East territory director, Autodesk.
“As the construction industry continues to grow in KSA, architects, engineers and building owners will benefit greatly from the improved efficiencies that Autodesk’s BIM solutions offer.”
Global demand for BIM has been growing rapidly as governments, building owners and construction companies look to increase efficiency, reduce waste and enhance the quality of building projects.
The cooperation between Autodesk and Dar Al-Riyadh will better prepare professionals in the region to meet these challenges by creating access to BIM technology for current and future projects in the Kingdom.
“BIM is no longer a philosophical dream,” stated Prince Mohammed bin Turki Al-Saud, president of Dar Al-Riyadh.
“With practical, proven advantages to the strategy, government and the private sector worldwide are quickly adopting BIM, and we are eager to work with Autodesk to bring these innovative technologies to our customer. Autodesk BIM software includes a comprehensive portfolio of solutions that will enable our customers to remain competitive in the global market,” he said.
Autodesk training center planned in Kingdom
Autodesk training center planned in Kingdom
25,000 attend Social Development Bank’s DeveGO25 forum
The Social Development Bank concluded the second edition of the Entrepreneurship and Modern Business Practices Forum — DeveGo 2025 — announcing the achievement of high-impact outcomes that further reinforced the forum’s position as the largest national platform in the region dedicated to entrepreneurship, innovation, and freelance work in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
The forum witnessed broad participation from local and international experts, investors, entrepreneurs, and representatives of local, regional, and international institutions.
Over three days at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center, the forum drew 25,000 participants and visitors, who benefited from over 45 specialized workshops and over 2500 advisory sessions delivered by more than 70 consultants and experts.
The sessions covered key areas including entrepreneurial planning, business models, venture capital, digital platforms, freelancing, and emerging technologies.
The forum also featured 20 panel discussions with leading local and international speakers, addressing major global trends in entrepreneurship, including the future of artificial intelligence, the creative economy, digital transformation, and venture investment.
The forum saw the launch of the Saudi Empretec Fellowship, in the presence of Rebeca Grynspan, secretary-general of the UN Conference on Trade and Development.
The partners in success within the Social Responsibility Portfolio supporting entrepreneurs were honored.
It also saw the honoring of 13 winners of the Handicrafts Competition, representing various regions of the Kingdom, the announcement of winners of the Salam Award for Promising Projects, and the recognition of leading entrepreneurial projects fund under the Enterprises Track.
In addition, the NEXT UP Challenge concluded on the third day of the forum with 20 startups presenting their projects to more than 500 investors, enhancing opportunities for networking and partnership building.
As part of efforts to strengthen the support ecosystem, the forum witnessed the signing of 51 agreements, along with the launch of a suite of new financing products. These included the Capital Expansion Product with a ceiling of up to SR10 million, the Payroll Product with a ceiling of SR2 million, and the Rental Product with a ceiling of SR1.5 million, aimed at supporting enterprises in asset development and covering operational costs.
This reflects the bank’s direction toward offering more specialized financing tools that respond effectively to market needs.
The forum concluded by reaffirming its role as a unifying national platform for entrepreneurship, where accompanying activities and events provided direct engagement opportunities between entrepreneurs, investors, and experts.
The forum also highlighted success stories and practical experiences that reflect the scale of entrepreneurial momentum in the Kingdom and the growing role of the Social Development Bank in supporting a national economy driven by innovation and knowledge.
