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Limburg green brick technology for new soccer temple in Saudi Arabia

The Genk company Orbix and the Maasmechelen company Masterbloc are putting their technology into action to produce CO2-eating bricks for the construction of the new soccer stadium in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. Among other things, that country will host the Asia Cup in 2027 and the World Cup in 2034.

A groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding was signed in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, between numerous parties. At the table were: the Genk-based Orbix that developed the technology for storing CO2 in metal slag, the Maasmechelen-based Masterbloc that manufactures such CO2-eating building blocks, the Arab oil giant Aramco that acts as builder and financier, and the Arab construction group Al Kifah, also a producer of building blocks. The deal was thanks to the mediation of LD Export, a specialized agency that helps European and British companies develop their business in the Gulf states.

Carbstone

The Genk-based Orbix previously scored highly with its pioneering Carbstone technology. After all, the building block is not baked in the conventional way, but the hardening process takes place by adding CO2. This is done via the carbonatation technique. This immediately eliminates the most energy-intensive part of the production process, namely backing. The new facade stone is not only CO2 neutral, but also CO2 negative. In fact, the brick eats CO2 and retains it. One ton of CO2-negative facade stones absorbs more than 60 tons of CO2 while curing.

Masterbloc of Maasmechelen has been Orbix’s regular partner for many years, using that technology to make and commercialize CO2-eating building blocks. The Belgian construction group Besix will lead the construction of the Dammam stadium.

Sustainable stadium

For the Dammam stadium project, Orbix and its Saudi partner Al Kifah will produce millions of paving stones and masonry blocks locally, using CO2 as a binding agent and steel slag as a raw material. That should make the new soccer stadium just about the most sustainable in the world.

For the Dammam stadium alone, 2.7 million kilograms of CO2 will be sequestered during production, equivalent to the environmental impact of 4,000 trees. The Dammam stadium is expected to be completed in June 2026. Cost: $1 billion. The stadium, with a capacity of 47,000 spectators, will serve as a key venue for the 2027 Asia Cup and future global events such as the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

For the Dammam stadium alone, 2.7 million kilograms of CO2 will be sequestered during production, equivalent to the environmental impact of 4,000 trees.

A group of eight people standing together indoors, in front of a display screen showing seating bowl and stadium amenities information.

Universities

The partnership does not stop at construction. Orbix and Al Kifah are collaborating with the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) to train Saudi students in Carbstone’s advanced technology. This will ensure long-term knowledge transfer and strengthen the next generation of Saudi engineers. In addition, Belgian universities (including UHasselt) will participate in this initiative, promoting academic cooperation between the two countries.

Business card

“This is a wonderful calling card for us,” said Orbix CEO Serge Celis. “Moreover, it is only a beginning. Eleven more stadiums will be built before the World Cup in 2034. It will go very fast.”

For the questionable working conditions in Saudi construction, Celis points to Belgian construction coordinator Besix. “The Dammam stadium is already being build. At least I haven’t seen anything wrong there in terms of working conditions and safety.”

Source: Het Belang van Limburg, Jan. 17, 2025