Almabani has partnered with Netzero to launch the first smart pocket forest in Riyadh, an initiative that brings together native planting, smart monitoring technology and urban design to support the city’s greening and sustainability goals. The project is a tangible example of how construction and environmental stewardship can work together in one of the world’s fastest-growing cities.

A pocket forest is a small, densely planted green space designed to deliver outsized environmental benefits in a compact area. By planting a diverse mix of native species close together, these spaces help cool the surrounding environment, absorb carbon, support biodiversity and improve air quality in dense urban districts.

The Riyadh smart pocket forest goes a step further by integrating monitoring technology into the planting. Sensors track soil moisture, temperature and plant health in real time, allowing the forest to be managed efficiently and sustainably. This data-driven approach reduces water use and helps ensure the new green space thrives in Riyadh’s demanding climate.

The partnership with Netzero reflects Almabani’s wider commitment to sustainability beyond the construction site. As a leading EPC contractor, Almabani understands that the environmental impact of its work extends far beyond the projects it builds. Initiatives like this are a way to give back to the communities where the company operates and to contribute to the Kingdom’s environmental ambitions.

The launch also aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader greening efforts, which aim to increase vegetation cover, improve quality of life and create more liveable cities. By supporting these goals, Almabani is helping to shape an urban environment that future generations can enjoy.

Almabani has long recognised that sustainability is not a separate activity but a core part of responsible delivery. From reducing waste on its construction sites to supporting community initiatives, the company is working to integrate environmental responsibility into every aspect of how it operates.

The smart pocket forest is only the beginning. Almabani and Netzero will continue to explore opportunities to expand urban greening initiatives across the Kingdom, demonstrating that meaningful environmental progress is achieved when companies, partners and communities work together toward a shared vision.

The choice of a pocket forest is deliberate. Unlike large parks, pocket forests can be integrated into the existing fabric of the city, turning underused spaces into thriving green areas without requiring vast tracts of land. This makes them a practical and scalable solution for dense urban environments.

The monitoring technology embedded in the forest also serves a demonstration purpose. By showing how data can improve the efficiency of urban greening, the project provides a model that can be replicated in other districts and cities.

Almabani’s involvement reflects the company’s belief that contractors have a role to play in shaping sustainable cities, not just building them. The skills and resources that go into major infrastructure can equally be applied to initiatives that improve the everyday environment of residents.

The launch event brought together representatives from both organisations and local stakeholders, underlining the collaborative nature of the project. Almabani and Netzero will monitor the forest’s growth and share the lessons learned as the initiative develops.