October 2023

Riyadh - 12 October 2023 - Saudi Awwal Bank was awarded SmartScore Platinum level certification for its new HQ “SAB Tower”, making it the first bank and third organisation in the Middle East to achieve SmartScore Platinum level, the highest rating of certification.

SmartScore, from the global accreditation body WiredScore, recognises best-in-class Smart Buildings that provide engaging work environments, drive cost efficiency, ensure high sustainability standards.

“SAB Tower” incorporates state-of-the-art technology-led and sustainability-aligned office spaces, staff lifestyle, retail and training facilities.

Ghada Al-Jarbou, Chief Operating Officer at SAB, said: “We are proud to be the first bank in Saudi Arabia to achieve the prestigious SmartScore Platinum designation certification and recognition - a testament to our pursuit of excellence and unwavering passion of the “SAB Tower” Project Team who which successfully completed the rigorous certification process.”

She added: “This certificate represents another addition to the previous accomplishments achieved by “SAB Tower”, it was awarded “MEED KSA Building Project of the Year 2022”, and earlier in 2023, achieved “LEED Gold Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council”. Our SmartScore Platinum level certification underscores our commitment to Employee Engagement and Workplace Experience”.

William Newton, WiredScore President, stated: “It was my great pleasure to visit “SAB Tower” in person to award the well-deserved “SmartScore Platinum certification”. By leveraging smart technology in its new headquarters. Its partnership with WiredScore Accredited Solution provider, Siemens, has helped “SAB” achieve its ambition of becoming Saudi Arabia’s leading, digitally-enabled bank.”

WiredScore has certified over 800 million square feet of prime real estate, impacting more than eight million people across 36 countries. The company has partnered with authorities in London, New York, Paris, Berlin and other global cities to set standards for digital connectivity in global commercial centres.