The Real Estate Future Forum, held at Riyadh’s Four Seasons Hotel from January 27 to 29, is shedding light on transformative trends in Saudi Arabia’s real estate sector, aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals. The event brings together more than 300 speakers from 85 countries, offering a global platform to discuss innovations, sustainability, and investment strategies under the theme “Future for Humanity: Shaping Dreams into Reality.”
Focus on Financing and Partnerships
Ibrahim Al-Alwan, Managing Director at Watheeq Financial Services, emphasized the growing importance of property financing within the financial sector. “Banks’ portfolios in real estate financing are very high,” Al-Alwan noted, highlighting the critical role of regulation, management, and effective investment tools.
Public-private partnerships (PPPs) also emerged as a key opportunity, particularly in utilities, social, and civil infrastructure. Joe Jabbour, Managing Director at Boston Consulting Group, noted that government offtake agreements are paving the way for such collaborations. “Most investments being prepared for the market are structured with foreign investors in mind,” Jabbour added, underlining the Kingdom’s drive to attract international capital.
Vision 2030 Projects and Regional Development
Prince Turki bin Talal, Governor of the Asir Region, outlined significant progress in local projects spearheaded by the Public Investment Fund (PIF). “There are nine projects in development, with four already launched and five underway,” he revealed. Additionally, the region now boasts between 6,000 and 8,000 licensed hotel rooms, complementing its expanding tourism infrastructure.
In a milestone for sports and culture, Prince Turki also announced that Abha’s World Cup bid has been officially recognized as the best in Saudi Arabia by the Ministry of Sports.
Foreign Investment in Sacred Real Estate
A major announcement from the Capital Market Authority (CMA) marked the forum’s first day: foreign investors are now permitted to invest in Saudi-listed companies owning real estate in Makkah and Madinah. CMA Chairman Mohammed El-Kuwaiz praised this development, stating, “We congratulate these companies on this milestone.”
Technological Innovations Ahead
The forum’s upcoming sessions promise a deep dive into cutting-edge technologies shaping the industry. Panels will explore virtual reality for property marketing, the integration of the metaverse into digital real estate, and advancements in robotics and 3D printing for construction.
As Saudi Arabia continues to evolve its real estate landscape, the forum underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and global investment appeal, solidifying its position as a hub for growth and transformation in the sector.
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