LAND strengthens its footprint in the Middle East & North Africa with a local presence in Saudi Arabia

LAND, founded in 1990 by its current CEO Andreas Kipar and co-founder Giovanni Sala, has already been active in the Middle East for 10 years, contributing to the design of public sections of EXPO 2020 Dubai, along with several projects in KSA, UAE, and Oman. Noteworthy projects in Riyadh include Al Urubah Park, the region’s first digitally driven park, where construction is currently underway, as well as Al Khuzam, an important residential development for the National Housing Company, featuring 70,000 units connected by an 8.5 km park, providing an anchor for citizens in the northern part of the capital.

With the establishment of a local presence in Saudi Arabia, LAND strengthens its role as a strategic consultant for nature-positive transitions in cities and territories, fostering closer collaboration with local and regional stakeholders. The new office, under the name LAND MENA, is located in the Diplomatic Quarter of Riyadh, a vibrant neighborhood home to over 80 embassies and international organizations. It plays a crucial role in the city’s expansion and symbolizes how urban design fosters community and international relations.

“We are very excited to strengthen our presence in this strategic region and are eager to contribute our expertise to a place with such rich history, culture, and natural diversity,” said Andreas Kipar, CEO and co-founder of LAND. “As a member of the task force for Nature-Positive Cities within the World Economic Forum, I am looking forward to sharing my vision for a Nature-Positive Landscape with partners and clients, placing communities and their needs at the very core of territorial development — in line with our mission of reconnecting people with nature.”

“This fast-growing region is undergoing a huge transformation and is on track to become a major global player in the near future,” added Jens Hoffmann, COO and partner of LAND. “The urban forestry initiative in Riyadh will serve as a model for how to address the extreme climatic conditions that many cities around the world will face. We look forward to supporting the country’s green transition, creating livable and resilient places where people can gather, socialize, move, and enjoy. With our own Research Lab and our expertise in Natural Capital Accounting, we’ll create strong cultural and innovative bonds to make sustainability tangible, visible, and measurable.”

In this context, LAND gives concrete form to the transformative approach and to urban development introduced by the Saudi government through Saudi Vision 2030 and its Quality of Life Program, aimed at improving citizens’ well-being and fostering economic growth. Furthermore, the new entity operates in compliance with the Saudi Green Initiative, a long-term sustainable action plan that aims to address climate change in the Kingdom.

During the visit to the Al Urubah Park construction site intervened, among others, Attilio Fontana, President of Re-gione Lombardia, and Undersecretary Raffaele Cattaneo, who were on an institutional mission in Saudi Arabia. “This project,” commented President Fontana, “comes at a time when Saudi Arabia is preparing for highly significant initiatives. Our relations can be further strengthened, thanks to our expertise in design, sustainability, and environmental innovation. These elements are shaping the urban and landscape development of our Region.”

Andreas Kipar and Attilio Fontana during the visit at Al Urubah Park, Photo Courtesy – Al Yamama

Alongside Andreas Kipar and Jens Hoffmann were LAND co-founder Giovanni Sala, LAND Director Stefano Roman, the artist Thomas Schönauer and the Managing Director of LAND Research Lab GmbH Nikolas Neubert, giving concrete evidence to the consultancy’s commitment to digital transformation and R&D. Among other notable guests, Carlo Baldocci, Italian Ambassador to the Kingdom in Riyadh, and key representatives from Assolombarda, leading a delegation of companies in the Saudi capital from September 17 to 19.