Ithra Achieves the Diamond Mostadam Certification for Building Sustainability

Dhahran, March 2, 2025: The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) has achieved the prestigious Mostadam Sustainability Assessment Program Diamond Certification, which is considered an important standard for measuring the environmental impact of projects, encouraging them to commit to environmental sustainability, energy and water efficiency, improving environmental performance, and helping to reduce their carbon footprint. Ithra met all the certification requirements, making it the first project in the Kingdom to receive the certification in the category of Operations + Existing Buildings (Mostadam O+E).

Abdullah Al Buqami, Technical Services Manager at Ithra, expressed his pride in this achievement, stating: “This recognition reflects our commitment to making Ithra a model of sustainability. We believe that innovation in design and environmental practices can truly shape the future. Ithra being the only project receiving a certification in this category in Saudi Arabia is a major milestone in our sustainability journey, reinforcing our dedication to leading by example and inspiring others to uphold and elevate sustainability standards across the Kingdom.”

The Mostadam certification awarded to Ithra reflects its efforts to boost sustainability and adopt eco-friendly practices, including energy and water efficiency in operations, improved waste management, sustainable transportation solutions, and enhanced user health and comfort. Additionally, it highlights the center’s efforts in educating and raising community awareness about sustainability.

Mostadam is a pioneering initiative launched by the Sustainable Building Program under the umbrella of the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing. The initiative provides a comprehensive and dynamic rating and certification system designed to address sustainability challenges in buildings across the Kingdom.

Its framework focuses on key sustainability dimensions that are deeply embedded in the Kingdom’s fabric. Mostadam is specifically tailored to the country’s climate and environmental characteristics, emphasizing areas such as energy, water, health, and quality of life, in alignment with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

It is worth noting that the Mostadam Diamond Certification is the highest level in the Mostadam rating program. It is awarded to existing projects that met the highest environmental standards and reflect local values.