Built for the Future

SABIC’s building in Jubail is a remarkable achievement of engineering and design that reflects the company’s 47-year journey of innovation and sustainability. The facilities managers tasked with planning this newest addition to SABIC’s office footprint explain that they set out to create a working environment to serve SABIC employees well―both now and in the future. This human-centric approach to the design has resulted in a building packed with facilities to enhance the experience for the 3,500 employees based here.

An open-space floor plan removes barriers between staff members and management, reflecting SABIC’s values to inspire and engage. Spaces and furniture follow a universal theme, maximizing the flexibility of the space. The building also features large dining rooms, collaboration and learning facilities ready to accommodate over 1,500 people, a modern lecture hall, a mosque, recreation centers for male and female employees, and a nursery for children.

Situated in a windy coastline area, the building is designed to prioritize safety: It is constructed using a stilt structure technology sourced from Europe and the US and with SABIC-produced steel (Hadeed). Over 1,500 solar panels, combined with wind-energy technology, generate all the energy required to light the recreation center and parts of the parking area. The result is an impressive reduction in CO₂ emissions.

The Jubail building is currently among the most energy efficient buildings of its size in Saudi Arabia. SABIC’s facilities’ experts explain that this is the result of the large number of energy and resource-saving measures that are part of the design―for example, leveraging natural sunlight for interior lighting; the use of a chilled water system to power heating, ventilation and air conditioning; and a catering system that minimizes food waste. Shortly after its inauguration, the building was distinguished with the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certificate for its smart solutions in resource management and energy efficiency.

A crucial aspect of the building is how it integrates digital features and capabilities. Smart meeting rooms and a mobile app reservation system are helping to create a productive workspace in a building that is truly dynamic, adaptable, and flexible. Jubail is also set to become SABIC's primary data hub, connecting all SABIC's global sites using the latest technology, including advanced data systems and environmental and operational excellence systems.

Moreover, procurement for the building reflected SABIC's dedication to supporting the local economy. Over 77% of the purchases made for mechanical, electrical, and finishing works during construction were from local sources―contributing to the successful achievement of Saudi Vision 2030.

Already in 2023, Jubail has been the venue for many employee events, from training to U MATTER 23 employee roadshows—and the building is making a striking impact. “We receive a lot of positive feedback from our employees and customers visiting the site,” explains one senior manager. “There is a true sense of community and we are very curious about how this building and the surrounding area will evolve.”

_{Disclaimer: This abridged interactive version of the SABIC Integrated Annual Report 2023 is based on the original PDF report published on this website. In case of any discrepancy, the original PDF report will prevail.}