Interview: Khalid Al Amoudi, CEO, Saudi Red Bricks Company (SRBC), on advancing quality, efficiency and value across the supply chain
Which performance standards shape purchasing decisions for contractors and developers?
KHALID AL AMOUDI: A noticeable shift is happening in how materials are chosen and much of it comes down to durability, energy efficiency and the ability to withstand a changing climate. One of the most important issues today is moisture resistance. With more rain, cloud seeding and the possibility of flooding in certain areas, materials must withstand prolonged exposure to water. Thermal efficiency is another factor. In a hot climate where 70-80% of energy use can go towards air conditioning, materials that reduce heat transfer make a significant difference. Better-insulated blocks, improved glazing and even basic design decisions can dramatically reduce cooling loads. At scale, that eases the burden on existing power infrastructure and allows it to serve far more users without major expansion.
How are manufacturers integrating automation and Industry 4.0 technologies?
AL AMOUDI: Many factories are using heavy-duty robots capable of handling large loads that previously required significant manual labour. This not only improves safety, but it also reduces waste and improves consistency. Digital control systems are becoming standard. Entire production lines are monitored and managed by integrated computers, giving manufacturers visibility over the whole process from raw materials to finished goods. This makes it easier to spot inefficiencies. Energy optimisation is another important element. Many plants are shifting from copper to aluminium in transformers, busbars and internal cables to reduce consumption. The transition to natural gas rather than crude oil-based fuels is helping to reduce emissions and improve the quality of the energy used. There is growing interest in incorporating artificial intelligence, building on existing robotics and digital infrastructure so that full plant operations – from material intake to sales – are managed more accurately and efficiently.
Where do sustainability regulations and circular-economy policies create the most immediate opportunities for innovation in materials?
AL AMOUDI: Materials that lower a building’s long-term energy consumption, such as insulation, glazing or shading solutions, offer immediate value in a country where cooling demand is high. These solutions allow the national grid to operate more efficiently without major new investment. Again, weather resilience is an area where innovation is critical. With rainfall increasing in some regions, water-resistant materials that retain structural integrity for many years are essential. This supports both sustainability goals and asset longevity. Regulation is also reshaping the market. Stronger enforcement of the Saudi Building Code, SASO standards and certification requirements is helping remove non-compliant materials from circulation. This opens space for higher-quality, tested products that support national energy and sustainability objectives.
To what extent can deeper collaboration across the value chain enhance supply resilience?
AL AMOUDI: One of the strongest ways to build resilience is through the consistent application of standards and coordination among producers, consultants, contractors and logistics partners. When certified materials move through authorised channels and are monitored by on-site consultants, the whole system becomes more reliable. Enforcing standards plays a major role. Preventing the use of materials manufactured outside regulatory oversight reduces the risk of structural issues, safety hazards or costly rework. In a fast-growing sector, one weak point in the chain can affect the entire project ecosystem. As warehouse occupancy remains high and demand continues to climb, strong links between certified producers, logistics networks and on-site supervision help ensure that materials arrive when needed, meet specifications and keep construction timelines consistently on track.
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