Saudi landmark a concrete achievement

In 2019, the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) took home two awards from ACI’s Excellence in Concrete Construction Awards Gala.  It was the first time ever a Saudi structure had been nominated for the prestigious global awards program.  

Aramco won ACI’s most coveted Best Overall Excellence Award, as well as first place in the “Mid-Rise Building” category (building of 4-15 stories).  The awards honor the visions of creative projects throughout the global concrete design and construction community.  

ACI’s master of ceremonies George Seegebrecht, a leading concrete engineer, noted Ithra’s best in show award was for “the most innovative and inspiring projects.”   

The construction took a decade and today is among the region’s most complex and challenging engineering accomplishments.  

Ithra is recognized worldwide for its physical structure and design.  Since its opening, it has been recognized by Time magazine as one of the best 100 places to visit in the world and received awards across several categories for its excellence in branding at the Transform MENA Awards in 2019.