Cityscape Global 2025 opened in Riyadh in the presence of senior Saudi government representatives, international decision-makers, and industry leaders from across the global real estate sector. Sponsored by the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, in partnership with REGA, Vision 2030 and the Housing Program, and organised by Tahaluf, Cityscape Global remains Saudi Arabia’s flagship platform for real estate investment and urban transformation. The opening marked a significant moment for the kingdom as it brought together national leadership, global delegates, and major developers under a unified theme dedicated to The Future of Urban Living.
The ceremony began with an opening address from Majed bin Abdullah Al Hogail, minister of Municipalities and Housing, who emphasised Saudi Arabia’s real estate growth and its rising global prominence in urban development. He highlighted the exhibition’s role as a national platform reflecting the kingdom’s ambition to build smart cities, modern lifestyles, and a world-class real estate economy founded on innovation, efficiency, and sustainability.
Read more-Cityscape Global 2025 returns to Riyadh with expanded agenda and global participation
At the end of his address, Al Hogail said:
“Let us move forward together with confidence toward an urban future worthy of a nation whose people build its legacy and write its chapters of progress with global standards and a steadfast national vision.”
Following his remarks were interviews with Kim Yun Duk, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport for the Republic of Korea; Dr Khalfan bin Said bin Mubarak Al Shuaili, minister of Housing and Urban Planning for the Sultanate of Oman; and then remarks from Prince Turki bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, governor of Aseer Region and chairman of the Aseer Development Authority. Their participation set a strong strategic foundation for a week dedicated to collaboration, investment, and discussions around the Cityscape 2025 theme.
Major announcements, partnerships and investments
Following the opening addresses, the event transitioned into a series of major project announcements that marked the tone for day one. Al Hogail revealed that the value of deals signed over the first two days of Cityscape Global will total $43bn. The announcements introduced major residential and mixed-use projects that reflected sustained confidence in the Saudi market and built on the momentum of last year’s opening. The strong flow of investment this year highlighted the continued acceleration of the real estate sector in Saudi Arabia and the growing interest from domestic and international players.
Major developers confirmed significant new deals during the opening program. NHC announced more than $26bn in new projects. Mohammad Albuty, NHC CEO, said the company continues to expand access to high-quality residential options and support large-scale community development across Saudi Arabia.
The King Salman Park Foundation (KSPF) revealed $1bn in new development value
KSPF CEO George Tanasijevich noted that the investment reflects continued progress toward delivering one of the world’s largest urban parks, featuring integrated residential, cultural, environmental, and commercial components.
Developer investments signal strong confidence in the market
Ajdan confirmed projects valued at $3.1bn, spanning more than 950,000 square metre of visionary mixed-use destinations including Sports Boulevard, Khobar Pier, Ajdan Towers, and Grand Square. Mohammed bin Abdulmohsen Al Otaibi, CEO of Ajdan, stated that the new deals highlight strong demand for high-quality urban destinations and waterfront living.
Retal added further activity to the day with new developments valued at $3.1bn and totalling 1,130,637 square metre in land area. These include Deera, Jewar Al Haram, Retal Heights, Ewan Makkah, Ayala Hills, and Sedra 4G residence.
Al Majdiah continued the momentum by announcing $2.5bn in residential and community projects. Khaled AlMajed, Al Majdiah Chairman, said the developments reinforce the company’s commitment to creating vibrant and liveable neighborhoods that support national growth.
Saudi Arabia strengthens its position as a real estate hub
Diriyah Company delivered an update marking a strategic shift from its traditional offerings, announcing the $1.5bn launch of the company’s first non-branded residential units, called Manazel Al Hadawi. This move widens access to the heritage-led district and responds to evolving demand patterns across the market. The new category represents its first launch aimed at a broader, more accessible audience, allowing more people to live within the landmark masterplan.
Mohammad Al Habib Real Estate, led by CEO Abdullah Al Habib, announced a major new residential development valued at $1.3bn. The project, named Tura, will span 250,000 square metre, marking a significant addition to the company’s growing portfolio of large-scale real estate ventures.
Al Othaim, through Abdulrahman Al Qoot, chief of the Residential Sector, announced $1.1bn in new developments. These include 236,000+ square metre of high-end retail, hospitality, and leisure spaces with 3,600+ units within Al Othaim Konooz, Madinah and Al Othaim Konooz, Khamis Mushait.
Rachel Sturgess, SVP at Tahaluf, said:
“The scale of investment announced at Cityscape Global today demonstrates the sector’s confidence in Saudi Arabia’s long-term urban development vision. In addition, [it showcases] how Cityscape Global continues to function as a leading platform for translating investment deals into tangible projects and economic opportunity.”
Conferences, workshops and strategic engagements across the venue
The event program continued across the venue with conferences, workshops, design showcases, investor briefings, and innovation sessions. These sessions will run throughout the next three days and bring together leaders from architecture, construction, PropTech, urban planning, and investment. Topics include future cities, sustainability, generative artificial intelligence, digital planning tools, affordable housing, and new models for community-centered design.
Foundation Partners of Cityscape Global include NHC, Diriyah Company, ROSHN Group, New Murabba, Qiddiya City, and Rua AlHaram AlMakki Co.
Cityscape Global has accelerated opportunities for collaboration and investment in Riyadh and continues to support national development objectives by bringing global expertise to Saudi Arabia. The strong opening reflects the ongoing growth of the real estate sector and the appetite for long-term partnerships across local and global markets. With leadership participation, multi-billion-dollar announcements, and a program designed around innovation and future-focused development, Cityscape Global 2025 began with a strong and unified commitment to shaping the future of urban living in the kingdom.