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SNG: Record $43bln real estate deals set pace at Cityscape Global 2025 in Saudi
SNG: Record $43bln real estate deals set pace at Cityscape Global 2025 in Saudi
About this update from Elm Company
Staff WriterCityscape Global 2025 continued in Riyadh today (November 38) with a series of real estate deals and policy discussions around the theme: The Future of Urban Living. Sponsored by Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, in partnership with REGA, Vision 2030 and Housing Program, and organised by Tahaluf, Cityscape Global has become the leading platform for convening international real estate leaders to discuss investments, planning and innovation.On day one, a dedicated panel discussion with Loaye Al-Nahedh, CEO, REDF; Brian Higgins, Founder & Managing Partner, King Street Capital Management and Mohammed bin Saleh Albuty, CEO, NHC, joined to discuss how Saudi Arabia’s government-backed initiatives are reshaping investor confidence. They noted a sharp rise in global interest, highlighting new opportunities in foreign direct investment and sectors such as data centres and digital infrastructure.Major projects, FDI driving Saudi real estateMajor projects and discussions around how foreign direct investment is helping the real estate industry in Saudi Arabia were also discussed across the first two days of Cityscape Global.In a fireside chat, John Pagano, CEO of Red Sea Global, emphasised the rapid progress of Saudi Arabia’s flagship destinations, noting that ten resorts are now operational, with seventeen more scheduled to open next year."I set out to build a national champion for Saudi real estate, and I think we’ve achieved that,” Pagano said, emphasising sustainability and alignment with Vision 2030. Red Sea and Amaala now stand as the world’s largest destinations powered entirely by renewable energy," he stated.Oussama Kabani, Group Chief Development Officer, ROSHN Group, joined Sheela Maini Søgaard, CEO of Bjarke Ingels Group, to discuss the next frontier of master-planning, from vertical mobility to AI-enabled design tools. The speakers underscored that future masterplans must remain both flexible and affordable to attract investment and ensure long-term success. Kabani stressed the importance of cross-project collaboration, while Søgaard noted that even as technology transforms urban life, human values and youth engagement must anchor tomorrow’s cities.Furthermore, Eng. Ahmed Al Juhani, CEO, Rua Al Madinah; Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO, Saudi Tourism Authority; Alessandra Priante, President, Italian National Tourism Board and Gavin M. Faull Chairman...