Driving Innovation in Airport Infrastructure.
About the Conference
Introducing the Airport Design & Build Conference
New for 2026, the Airport Design & Build Conference is a dedicated conference taking place alongside Global Airports Forum, the Kingdom’s leading airport exhibition, on 1 December 2026 in Riyadh.
Created in response to the unprecedented investment in airport infrastructure across Saudi Arabia and the wider region, the conference provides a focused platform for exploring the future of airport planning, design, engineering, construction, and infrastructure delivery.
Bringing together airport authorities, infrastructure developers, architects, engineers, planners, contractors, consultants, technology providers, and industry leaders, the conference will examine the trends, innovations, and partnerships shaping the next generation of airport infrastructure.
The programme will address critical industry priorities including greenfield airport development, terminal planning and design, airport expansion programmes, smart airport infrastructure, sustainability, digital transformation, operational efficiency, passenger experience, and the successful delivery of large-scale aviation projects.
Designed for senior decision-makers across the aviation ecosystem, the Airport Design & Build Conference offers a valuable opportunity to exchange knowledge, share best practices, discover innovative solutions, and build strategic partnerships that will help deliver future-ready airports.
Agenda Programme
View Session Schedule
09:00 β 10:00 Registration and Networking Coffee
10:00 β 10:15 Opening Ceremony
10:15 β 10:30 Keynote Address
The Future of Airport Development: Designing Infrastructure for Growth, Connectivity and Changing Passenger Demand
10:30 β 11:15 Panel Discussion
Planning the Next Generation of Greenfield Airports: From Masterplans and Airside Strategy to Future-Ready Terminals
This session examines how new airports are being planned from the ground up, balancing long-term capacity, operational efficiency, sustainability targets, airline needs, and passenger expectations
11:15- 11:30 Keynote Address
Designing for Net Zero and Resilience: Turning Sustainability Goals into Airport Infrastructure Decisions
11:30 β 11:45 Coffee and Networking Break
11:45 β 12:30 Panel Discussion
Designing Smart Airports: Digital Twin, Automation and Connected Passenger Journeys
This session goes beyond broad digitalization and speaks directly to how technology is shaping terminal design, passenger flow, operations, and the integration of smart systems into future airport infrastructure.
12:30 β 12:45 Keynote AddressΒ
Designing for Efficiency: Passenger Flow, Commercial Performance and Space Utilisation
12:45 β 13:30 Panel Discussion
Designing Airports with a Sense of Place: Balancing Local Identity, Passenger Experience and Global Expectations
Airports are increasingly expected to reflect local identity while delivering world-class passenger experiences. This discussion will explore how design, culture and functionality come together to create distinctive airports that meet both regional aspirations and global expectations.
13:30 β 14:30 Networking Lunch
14:30 β 14:45 Keynote Address
Beyond the Terminal: Designing Airport Cities and Integrated Aviation Hubs
14:45 β 15:00 Keynote Address
Expanding Airports Without Stopping Them: Designing and Building in Live Operational Environments
15:00 β 15:45 Panel Discussion
Delivering Airport Mega Projects: Procurement, Risk, Phasing and Lessons from Major Capital Programmes
Airport projects are becoming larger and more complex, requiring careful management of cost, timelines and stakeholder expectations. This discussion will explore procurement strategies, risk management, project governance and lessons learned from major airport developments worldwide.
15:45 β 16:00 Closing Remarks and Thank you Note
Who Should Attend
Government & Regulators
Airport Authorities & Regulators
Design, Engineering & Construction
Technology & Solution Providers
Industry Stakeholders
