Chinese modular tech helps build Saudi sustainable hotel

CIMC Modular Building Systems, or CIMC MBS, has signed an agreement to construct the Earth Hotel in Riyadh, marking its inaugural hospitality venture in the Middle East and North Africa. This sustainable project highlights the Chinese company's expertise on modular construction, with a focus on meeting Saudi Arabia's sustainability and tourism goals.

The Earth Hotel, developed in partnership with the design-forward and sustainability-focused Earth Hotels brand, will be a three-story, four-star boutique property encompassing 11,000 square meters, according to a news release from the company.

Set for completion in 2026, the hotel will be located in Riyadh's Al Maathar district, a central area close to major landmarks and the Diplomatic Quarter in the Saudi capital, offering 86 signature rooms, lofts and suites designed for both business and leisure travelers.

A subsidiary of China International Marine Containers Group, a Chinese leading transportation equipment manufacturer, CIMC MBS will provide a full spectrum of services including module design, offsite manufacturing, and on-site installation.

This modular technology is expected to shorten the construction time by over 50 percent compared to traditional methods, while reducing about 70 percent of on-site construction waste and cutting carbon emissions by 30 percent.

"We are proud to contribute our modular expertise to this landmark project in Riyadh," said Victor Zhu, managing director of CIMC MBS. "This not only supports Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative, but also contributes Chinese wisdom to the green transformation of the global construction industry."

With more than 20 years of international project experience, CIMC MBS has delivered modular building solutions to schools, stadiums and hotels across over 20 countries and regions, including the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Australia, Japan, Norway and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Saudi Arabia's tourism sector is rapidly evolving, with significant government investment in infrastructure and hospitality projects under the Vision 2030 initiative.

The kingdom recently announced that it has already reached its Vision 2030 goal of 100 million annual visitors — years ahead of schedule. According to official figures, tourism now contributes nearly 5 percent of Saudi's GDP, second only to oil production.

As this year marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Saudi Arabia, the hotel's developer said the project will become another proof of Sino-Saudi friendship, praising CIMC MBS's proven technical competence and execution capabilities, noting the project as a model for supporting Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 in smart city and tourism ambitions.

In recent years, CIMC Group has actively pursued its globalization strategy, establishing its MENA regional headquarters in Riyadh, positioning the region as a key growth market. CIMC MBS is also leveraging this foothold to implement the Belt and Road Initiative while accelerating its market expansion.