The Almoosa Specialist Hospital in Khobar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been awarded the prestigious GCC Project of the Year at the 2024 MEP Middle East Awards – a significant recognition of the project’s exceptional sustainability and its groundbreaking performance in the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) sectors.

Now in its 18^th year, the MEP Middle East Awards celebrate outstanding achievements in the MEP industry across the region. This year’s event – held on September 19, 2024, at the Ritz-Carlton DIFC in Dubai – gathered industry leaders, contractors, and stakeholders to celebrate a record-breaking number of nominations, with nearly 100 companies and almost 300 entries across 20 categories.

Khobar’s Almoosa Specialist Hospital redefines healthcare with its blend of smart technology and sustainable design – enhancing patient care and operational efficiency in line with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, particularly as it relates to improving access to high-quality healthcare and modernising the Kingdom’s healthcare sector.

To deliver this exceptional project, four Sidara companies – Dar, Perkins&Will, Introba and Pierre Yves Rochon (PYR) – crafted a design that harmonises the region’s natural beauty and sets a new benchmark for excellence in sustainable and patient-centric healthcare. By integrating elements from healthcare, hospitality, retail, and fitness, the team created a serene environment that prioritises the wellbeing of both patients and staff. The innovative architectural design incorporates park-like landscaping, enhancing the healing atmosphere, while patient rooms are also designed to evoke a serene and residential feel. The hospital’s innovative features, including digital therapy and smart check-in kiosks, streamline operations and improve patient experiences.

The Almoosa Specialist Hospital became the first hospital in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the second in the GCC region to pursue and earn WELL certification, alongside its LEED Gold certification for meeting notable milestones in sustainability and energy efficiency.

The award-winning MEP systems that Dar developed for the Almoosa Specialist Hospital are comprehensive, tackling the complex needs of a modern healthcare facility. Serving a built-up area of 323,000 m², these systems feature essential components such as smoke management, firefighting systems, and critical life support equipment, all tailored to the facility’s expansive requirements.

This recognition at the MEP Awards highlights the impact that Almoosa Specialist Hospital will have on the community and the broader healthcare landscape in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Dar is incredibly honoured and privileged to be able to work with the Almoosa Health Group to deliver this innovative, highly-sustainable healthcare centre, which prioritises patients and creates an environment conducive to healing, recovery, and care.

As we continue to push the boundaries of design and technology, Dar remains dedicated to empowering our clients in delivering exceptional projects that improve lives and contribute to a sustainable future.