Cityscape Global's second day spotlights the future of urban development with major real estate launches
π Riyadh β 27 Jumada al-Awwal 1447 AH, corresponding to November 18, 2025
Cityscape Global 2025 continued its work in the capital Riyadh, with the second day bringing further major investment announcements and continued specialized discussions on urban development trends and "the future of urban living." The day drew wide attendance from experts, real estate leaders and decision-makers from inside and outside the Kingdom.
Sessions on both the first and second days addressed the pivotal role of major national projects and foreign direct investment in strengthening the Saudi real estate sector. A joint panel featured Real Estate Development Fund CEO Loai Al-Nahdi, NHC CEO Mohammed bin Saleh Al-Bati, and King Street Capital Management Managing Partner Brian Higgins, who discussed the growing interest of global markets in the Saudi real estate market and the emergence of new opportunities in digital infrastructure and data centers.
An extended panel on the future of Saudi cities was also held, featuring the mayors of Jeddah, Makkah and Asir, alongside JLL's regional director in the Kingdom. The session discussed efforts to improve quality of life, raise investment appeal, address stalled projects, and develop urban plans tailored to each region's characteristics.
A separate session on urban transformation examined the role of major events in supporting urban development, with leaders from the Saudi Tourism Authority and Roshn City Ventures, along with representatives of the Italian National Tourism Board and Swiss-Belhotel International. Participants stressed the importance of long-term planning and building an urban system that capitalizes on tourism activity and global growth prospects.
A session on the future of urban planning in the Kingdom featured leaders from Roshn and Bjarke Ingels Group, who discussed development prospects using AI technologies and vertical transport systems, along with the importance of sustainability, resilient urban structures, and greater youth involvement in designing the cities of the future.
Red Sea Global CEO John Pagano reviewed the rapid progress in developing major tourism destinations, noting that 10 resorts are now operational, with 17 more expected to open next year, alongside a full commitment to sustainability and renewable-energy operations.
On the investment front, the exhibition's first two days saw real estate deals exceed $43 billion, a clear reflection of the sector's accelerating growth. Roshn announced a development project worth $293 million comprising more than 700 residential units, while Bilad Financial Company launched the "Makkah Vision" fund worth $4.4 billion, alongside the "Real Estate Opportunities 2" fund in Qurtoba.
ALUPCO and Asia Aluminum announced a Saudi-Chinese industrial partnership worth $500 million to build aluminum plants dedicated to major real estate projects, while Al Awwal Investment Company announced the launch of two development funds worth $764 million in the Al-Sahafah and Al-Hamra districts of Riyadh.
The exhibition also offers visitors special deals including discounts, cashback, real estate financing rates below 3%, and prizes exceeding SAR 11 million.
Cityscape Global 2025 runs until November 20, with wide participation from government entities, developers and investors, reflecting the Kingdom's growing urban momentum and its central role in shaping the next generation of Saudi cities.
