Riyadh kicks off Cityscape Global 2025 today, a major real estate gathering that draws global leaders to explore urban living trends and investment chances in Saudi Arabia. The four-day event, from November 17 to 20, aligns with Vision 2030 goals and highlights new laws opening property ownership to foreigners starting next year.
Event Draws Massive Global Crowd
Over 170,000 visitors from more than 120 countries are expected at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center in Malham. This marks the world’s most attended real estate show, organized by Tahaluf and backed by the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing.
The gathering focuses on the theme “The Future of Urban Living.” It comes at a key time as Saudi Arabia pushes forward with big projects like NEOM and Qiddiya City. These efforts aim to boost the economy and create modern communities.
Attendees include developers, investors, and policymakers. They will discuss ways to build sustainable cities that meet growing needs. The event also spotlights how real estate can drive job growth and tourism in the region.
Key Sponsors and Partners Drive the Agenda
Foundation partners lead the way, including NHC, Diriyah Company, ROSHN Group, New Murabba, Qiddiya City, and Rua AlHaram AlMakki Co. NEOM stands out as the principal partner, showcasing its vision for smart cities.
Other major backers include Masar as the holistic destination partner and KAFD as the business destination partner. STC serves as the digital enabler, highlighting tech’s role in real estate.
Diamond sponsors bring diverse projects to the table. This group features names like Binghatti from Dubai, Sobha, and Qatari Diar, which has shaped Qatar’s property scene since 2005.
| Sponsor Level | Key Examples | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Partners | NHC, Diriyah Company, ROSHN Group | Urban development and housing |
| Principal Partner | NEOM | Smart city innovation |
| Diamond Sponsors | Binghatti, Sobha, Qatari Diar | International real estate projects |
| Digital Enabler | STC | Technology integration |
These partners ensure the event covers a wide range of topics, from luxury homes to mixed-use spaces.
Innovation Takes Center Stage
Cityscape Global 2025 puts a strong emphasis on AI and PropTech. A dedicated zone will display how these tools change building design and management.
One highlight is the Cityscape Innovation Challenge. It offers $100,000 in proof-of-concept projects for startups with fresh ideas.
The event also hosts the world’s first real estate AI Prompt-a-thon. This contest encourages creative use of AI to solve industry problems.
Over 200 developers will share their latest work. These include massive projects that blend tech with daily life, supporting Saudi Arabia’s push for digital growth under Vision 2030.
Experts predict these innovations could add billions to the economy. They tie into recent trends, like Saudi Arabia’s first tokenized real estate deal earlier this year, which let people invest with as little as one riyal.
New Laws Spark Investment Boom
Saudi Arabia’s updated foreign homeownership law takes effect in 2026. It allows non-Saudis to buy property in certain areas, expected to attract billions in global funds.
This policy fits with Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy beyond oil. Real estate plays a big part, with goals to build millions of new homes by 2030.
At the event, speakers will break down how these changes create opportunities. Investors with over $5 trillion in assets under management will join talks on funding these projects.
Recent data shows Saudi real estate investments grew by 15 percent in the last year. This surge reflects confidence in the market’s stability and growth potential.
The law also supports tourism and business hubs. Projects like those from Red Sea Global aim to draw visitors with luxury resorts and eco-friendly designs.
Global Voices Shape Urban Future
More than 470 speakers from around the world will share insights. They include architects, tech experts, and government officials.
Sessions cover sustainable building, smart city tech, and investment strategies. One key talk on November 20 at the Future of Living Summit will dive into PropTech ventures.
International firms like those from Dubai and Qatar add diverse views. They highlight how regions can learn from each other to build better cities.
This mix fosters partnerships that could lead to joint projects. It positions Riyadh as a top spot for real estate talks and deals.
What Attendees Can Expect
Visitors get hands-on access to exhibits and networking. Over 550 booths will showcase properties and tech demos.
Prizes await innovators and startups through challenges. Even regular attendees might win through interactive sessions.
The event ties into broader trends, like the rise of tokenized assets in the Middle East. This follows Dubai’s plans to tokenize $16 billion in real estate by 2033.
- Network with over 170,000 professionals from 120 countries.
- Explore AI-driven tools in the PropTech zone.
- Attend talks on Vision 2030’s impact on housing.
- Discover investment options under new ownership laws.
These features make the event practical for anyone interested in real estate.
As Cityscape Global 2025 unfolds, it promises to set new standards for urban development. Share your thoughts on how these changes might affect global real estate, and comment below on what excites you most about Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
