Where Heritage Meets Tomorrow: A Night with *Novalis 2029* in Diriyah

A Cultural Evening Illuminating the Future

ARX hosted the latest international event dedicated to *Novalis 2029* in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday evening, presenting the book by Michael Schindhelm to a selected audience at Sharq in Diriyah. The atmosphere was vibrant yet sophisticated, with senior officials, industry leaders and experts gathering under the warm glow of heritage-inspired architecture.  

Held in Diriyah – a timeless symbol of the Kingdom's cultural roots and ambitious transformation – the event carried deep emotional resonance. One chapter of Schindhelm’s book unfolds in this very historic setting, making it more than a simple venue choice; it was a living bridge between past traditions and future innovations. The attendees engaged in a forward-looking conversation about culture, engineering, design and urban development, inspired by both the book’s vision and Diriyah’s own evolving story.  

Exploring Visionary Ideas for Cities of Tomorrow

*Novalis 2029* is not merely fiction; it is a speculative invitation to imagine our shared future. The book follows Maren, an artist working within an engineering and design firm in 2029, revealing a compelling blend of human creativity and technological ingenuity. Michael Schindhelm weaves scenarios exploring smart cities, underground agriculture, energy storage, the reuse of obsolete sites, post-conflict reconstruction and even space travel — enriched by insights from prominent figures like Pierre de Meuron.  

One of the evening’s unforgettable moments was Schindhelm’s live reading of select excerpts, immersing the audience in both narrative and idea. The subsequent panel discussion sparked an engaging exchange among visionary minds, touching on how engineering and design can be paired with long-term vision and responsible urban growth. Speakers also emphasized the importance of cultivating talent through strong national education systems, which will shape the engineers and designers of tomorrow.  

ARX expressed gratitude to distinguished contributors, including HRH Prince Fahad Bin Naif Al Saud of the Diriyah Foundation, Abdulmohsen Almajnouni, Hamad Aloqayli, Aymen Cheikh Mhamed, and the European Chamber of Commerce in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, whose support made this evening a milestone in future-focused discourse. 

Shimmering Horizons: Qatar's Digital Blueprint for the Sustainable Urban Future

The Echo of Innovation and Resilience

The 4th Smart City Expo Doha closed on November 26, culminating two days of intense discussions dedicated to transforming cities in the Middle East into sustainable and truly livable environments. Organized by Fira de Barcelona and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) of Qatar, this leading event on the urban future in the MENA region successfully brought together international minds and groundbreaking concepts, setting a high benchmark for regional development.

Under the potent slogan, "Beyond connectivity: a digital solutions pathway to a smarter, thriving future," the Expo focused sharply on the undeniable impact of AI across vital fields like mobility, design, and urban management. Consequently, the event featured over 30 international experts, showcasing four standout keynotes. Attendees had the opportunity to hear from Kent Larson (MIT) on tech-driven urban design and Jesús Serrano on AI innovation. Furthermore, H.E. Reem Al Mansoori detailed Qatar's urban transformation strategy, followed by an inspiring message on resilience and inclusion delivered by FIFA ambassador Ghanim Al-Muftah.

Qatar’s Living Digital Vision and the Road Ahead

The very celebration of this local edition of SCE Doha highlights Qatar's palpable leadership in smart and sustainable urban development across the MENA region. This prominent role already translates the country's digital vision into tangible reality through major national projects. For example, Lusail City, one of the most advanced smart city developments in the region, integrates real-time data systems, intelligent mobility solutions, and connected urban services that decisively enhance quality of life and operational efficiency.

In parallel, Msheireb Downtown Doha stands as the first fully built smart and sustainable city district in Qatar, combining digital innovation, energy efficiency, and human-centred urban design. These vibrant, living examples demonstrate precisely how Qatar is shaping future-ready urban environments, progressing toward the ambitions outlined in the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the nation's Digital Agenda 2030. Looking forward, the journey continues, as the next Smart City Expo Doha is now preparing for its fifth edition, scheduled for April 28–29, 2026. Before that date, the global significance of the event was recently affirmed, as this year's Smart City Expo Doha was featured at MWC25 Doha, which brought together nearly 300 thought leaders and over 250 exhibitors.

Cooling the Future: Daikin’s Bold Leap in Jeddah

A New Era in Saudi Manufacturing

In the vibrant heart of the *Kingdom of Saudi Arabia*, innovation is taking center stage. *Daikin*, a leading manufacturer of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration (HVAC-R) solutions, has begun constructing a groundbreaking manufacturing facility in Jeddah. This monumental step was celebrated on 26 November, with the steadfast support of their long-term partner and Chairman of Daikin Saudi Arabia, Mr. Tariq Almutlaq.  

The new facility will be dedicated to the localized production of chillers and hydronic heat pumps, tailored for advanced cooling needs. Designed to meet the evolving demands of regional customers in the Kingdom and beyond, this project stands as a testament to Daikin’s commitment to strengthening Saudi Arabia’s manufacturing sector while fueling regional growth. With operations guided by Daikin Applied Europe, customers can expect precision-engineered products that deliver unmatched durability, performance, and reliability — all perfectly suited for the region’s challenging climate. 

Powering Vision 2030 and Regional Growth

Driven by Saudi Arabia’s flagship projects like NEOM and the Red Sea development, the demand for energy-efficient infrastructure has reached unprecedented heights. Daikin’s strategic initiative directly supports Vision 2030, championing sustainability, job creation, and innovative industrial growth. Shinji Jodo, Managing Director of Daikin Arabia Regional Headquarter, emphasizes that this investment builds on over a decade of deep-rooted partnerships and operational expertise within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.  

This new facility follows Daikin's earlier milestone in 2022 — the Sudair Industrial City plant near Riyadh — which showcased the company’s dedication to technology transfer, local employment, and eco-friendly solutions. By integrating the globally recognized Production of Daikin System (DPS), which combines lean manufacturing, rigorous quality control, and continuous improvement, the Jeddah facility ensures optimal reliability and energy efficiency. Equipped with advanced laboratories and test benches, it will perform exhaustive factory acceptance tests before any product goes out the door, ensuring excellence every single time.  

Looking Ahead

Daikin’s strategic growth plan for the Middle East revolves around sustainable expansion, local production for local consumption, and deeper market penetration. Following the UAE factory established in 2014 and the KSA factory in 2022, the Jeddah facility marks a bold new milestone in Daikin’s journey. Initially producing large, air-cooled chillers, this plant is poised to broaden its portfolio in response to market needs, creating a ripple effect of innovation and growth across the wider region.  

In essence, this project isn’t just about cooling buildings — it’s about heating up opportunities, empowering local communities, and transforming the industrial landscape of the *Kingdom of Saudi Arabia*.