A Landmark Gathering Shaping The Future Of Real Estate, Investment, Sustainability & Design.
The 19th Real Estate Development Summit Saudi Arabia – Luxury Edition successfully concluded after two days of high-level exchange, strategic collaboration, and global networking, bringing together more than 800 leaders, investors, and decision makers shaping the future of the Kingdom’s rapidly evolving built environment. Held under the theme “Together Towards Tomorrow,” the summit showcased the unprecedented transformation underway across Saudi Arabia, where the real estate and construction pipeline has surpassed $2 trillion, redefining global standards of development, hospitality, and innovation.
A MILESTONE MOMENT FOR INVESTMENT & SUSTAINABILITY LEADERSHIP
In the welcome address, Ravi Kumar Chandran, Founder & Managing Director – GBB Venture, as the organizer, highlighted the launch of the summit’s first dedicated investment track, featuring over 200 global investment leaders, and announced a strategic partnership with VCM to ensure the event achieved netzero emissions through carbon measurement, reduction, and offsetting, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s leadership in sustainability.
LOCALIZATION & INDUSTRIAL EXPANSION
In a major industry announcement, Jalal Al Kurdi, Commercial Director – HH Shaker, unveiled the launch of Midea Shaker Company (MSA), a joint venture marking a transformational step in manufacturing localization.
The project begins with a 20,000 sqm facility with capacity for 650,000 AC units annually, expanding to 85,000 sqm with components manufacturing including compressors and robotics. Supporting giga-projects such as NEOM, Red Sea, and Qiddiya, the facility will generate employment, raise installation standards, and establish Saudi Arabia as a regional export hub for the GCC and Levant.
ART AS EXPERIENCE: REDEFINING CULTURAL STORYTELLING IN DEVELOPMENT
Osan Ghaddaf, Founder and Creative Director – Artevo Consulting, demonstrated how art transforms destinations into living cultural experiences rather than decoration.
With landmark projects across the region including The Red Sea, Diriyah Gate, Rosewood, and the Qatar National Museum, Artevo highlighted the power of storytelling and experiential installations in shaping distinctive luxury developments.
BIOTECH INNOVATION POWERING THE CITIES OF TOMORROW
Nicolás Otero, Business Development Manager – BIOO, introduced breakthrough biotechnology capable of transforming green spaces into producers of electricity, water savings, cooling, and interactive experiences.
Through systems such as biopanels, bioswitch installations, and bioluminescent landscapes, and with implementation readiness and ROI within 5–7 years, these innovations position Saudi Arabia at the forefront of biotech-powered cities.
REDEFINING LUXURY THROUGH LEGACY AND EXCLUSIVITY
Tetyana Kovalenko, Founder & Chairwoman – Elite Stone Srl., explored the pillars of luxury: legacy, worldwide recognition and branding, uncompromising quality, limited availability and exclusivity, and high economic value.
She referenced her 2,000-year-old quarry in Italy, which incorporates all the true elements of luxury in its products.
CARBON MARKETS DRIVING SAUDI ARABIA’S NET-ZERO MOMENTUM
Miklós Veszprémi, Senior Strategic Partnerships Manager – VCM, elaborated on the growing role of carbon credits and the Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM) in Saudi Arabia.
Established in 2021 with Public Investment Fund support, the Kingdom’s carbon exchange has rapidly become one of the world’s largest, enabling corporations to accelerate net-zero commitments. The session framed sustainable real estate as an environmental obligation, regulatory requirement, financial opportunity, and national expectation supporting Vision 2030 ambitions.
FROM SMART TO HUMAN-CENTRIC: THE NEW ARCHITECTURE PARADIGM
Ron Bakker, Co-Founder – PLP Architecture, presented a shift from purely sustainable and smart buildings toward humancentred architecture, using researchbased design and biophilia to create spaces that inspire connection.
Global mixed-use projects in Rotterdam, Tokyo, London, and Riyadh illustrated how public realm quality, mobility, and integrated lifestyles drive city vitality.
REDEFINING LUXURY THROUGH STORYTELLING AND SENSORY DESIGN PANEL: “ART OF ENHANCING EXPERIENCES”
The panel explored the evolving meaning of experience in luxury hospitality, noting that today’s travelers seek emotion, memory, and authenticity beyond physical luxury.
Led by: Siddharth Peters, Co-Founder – Love That Design
Panelists: Kristina Zanic, Founder & CEO – Kristina Zanic Consultants, Mira Alassaad, Deputy Head of Technical & Head of Interior Design – Dar Global, Dharmali Kusumadi, SVP – Design & Business Development – Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts, Rachel Johnson, Managing Principal – Wimberly Interiors, Dalia Muhndis, Executive Director – Interior Designer, Diriyah Company.
The discussion emphasized storytelling, cultural heritage, sensory connection, wellness, community, and indoor–outdoor living as fundamental design priorities.
INNOVATION SHAPING THE REAL ESTATE PROJECTS OF TOMORROW
The panel “Innovation Defining the Real Estate Projects of Tomorrow”, moderated by John Fekete, General Manager – CBRE Saudi Arabia, explored technology’s role in reshaping development.
Speakers Included: Eng. Faisal bin Abdulrahman Alnasser, CEO – Al-Andalus Properties, Mohammed Habis, CEO – Al Gharbia Development & Investment Company, Miklós Veszprémi, Senior Strategic Partnerships Manager – VCM, elaborated on the growing role of carbon credits and the Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM) in Saudi Arabia.
The panel explored the evolving meaning of experience in luxury hospitality, noting that today’s travelers seek emotion, memory, and authenticity beyond physical luxury. Arch. Mohammed K. Alduraibi, Managing Director – Oud Real Estate Company, Akram Omar, Chief Development Officer – AWJ Holding Company Key themes included AI integration, digital transformation across construction and operations, and new financing frameworks enabling public-private partnerships, while merging technology with cultural identity.
INVESTMENT & RETURNS OUTLOOK: SAUDI ARABIA’S EVOLVING REAL ESTATE LANDSCAPE
Matthew Green, Head of Research – CBRE MENA, presented a 2025 outlook highlighting Saudi Arabia’s continued economic momentum driven by regulatory reform, infrastructure expansion, and global events including Riyadh Expo 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Real estate accounts for approximately 12% of national GDP, with Riyadh office markets operating at 98% capacity and achieving 15% annual rent growth. Residential development is accelerating with 200,000 units planned by 2030, supported by white land tax, private credit, and increased sovereign fund participation.
PARTNERSHIP ANNOUNCEMENTS & SIGNING CEREMONIES
The summit hosted multiple signing ceremonies celebrating major new developments, including:
26H JEDDAH PROJECT
A mixed-use landmark featuring: 270-key Hilton Tempo Hotel (first outside the USA), 180 residential rental units 7,000 sqm of retail space. Signed by: Abdullah Mohammad Kamel, CEO – Alworoud Real Estate Investment Company, Dr. Mostafa Mwafy, CoFounder – LDP+Partners, Nader Fouda, Co-Founder – LDP+Partners.
An additional partnership involved AlJazira Capital, Oud Real Estate Company, and land ownership stakeholders for a luxury hotel and residential tower on Al Kurnaysh Road, Jeddah.
CONNECTING MANUFACTURERS & DISTRIBUTORS FOR HIGH IMPACT MARKET GROWTH
The Distributor–Manufacturer Meet brought together leading manufacturers and distributors shaping Saudi Arabia’s expanding real estate supply ecosystem.
The session enabled product discovery, market alignment, and collaboration to support the Kingdom’s fast-growing real estate and construction sectors.
SAUDI ARABIA’S INVESTMENT POTENTIAL BEYOND 2030
The panel “Unveiling Saudi’s Investment Potential: Vision Beyond 2030”, moderated by Charles Habak, Senior Partner – McKinsey & Company, featured: Walid Almurshed, CEO – Quara Holding, Khalid Hassan Al Gahtani, Chairman – Haka Group, Waleed Al Rashdan, CEO – Arbah Capital, Mohamed El Samman, Group CEO – Rajhi Investment Co.
The discussion highlighted a shift from speculative to value-driven development, with opportunities beyond major cities.
HOSPITALITY & TOURISM INSIGHTS
Harmen De Jong, Regional Partner & Head of Consulting – Knight Frank, revealed tourism spending has exceeded preCOVID levels, now accounting for 6.1% of GDP, targeted to reach 10% by 2030.
Visitor numbers surpassed 100 million in 2023, with a target of 150 million, while hotel capacity is set to grow from 170,000 to 358,000 keys. Key opportunities include mid-scale hospitality, secondary cities, and branded residences in holy cities.
THE GROWING APPEAL OF BRANDED RESIDENCES IN EGYPT
The session “Investment in Branded Residences in Egypt” featured: Mohamed Salah Mohamed Abdelhakim, CEO – A Capital Holding, Dalia El Kordy, CCO – A Capital Holding.
Speakers discussed rising demand driven by investor confidence, premium living standards, and long-term resilience.
BUILDING FOR LONG-TERM VALUE: SAUDI ARABIA’S NEW DEVELOPMENT MODEL
The “Built for Returns” panel examined Vision 2030’s shift toward mixed-use, sustainable developments backed by institutional capital. Panellists: Ibrahim Alalwan, Managing Director – Watheeq Capital, Anas AlDowayan, CEO – Aldowayan Holding Company, Abdullah Kamel, CEO – Al Woroud Real Estate Investment Company, Mohammad Arab, Group CEO – Arab Group Led by Susan Amawi, General Manager KSA – Knight Frank, the panel emphasized ESG, placemaking, and community value.
GBB FUTURE MINDS PROGRAM
This edition introduced the GBB Future Minds Program, engaging 30 students from Effat University with global architects and designers, in collaboration with LWK + Partners, PLP Architecture, and Alien Architecture.
Sessions covered resilient cities, humancentric design, and Saudi cultural storytelling, concluding with workshops and student presentations.
RICA – SAUDI ARABIA’S PREMIER REAL ESTATE CHOICE AWARDS
The REDS Industry Choice Awards (RICA 2025) celebrated excellence across Saudi Arabia’s real estate, architecture, and design sectors, with 59 nominees across 15 categories. Notable winners included Roshn Group, Red Sea Global, Foster + Partners, Jeddah Front, Desert Rock, and individual leadership awards.
CLOSING PERSPECTIVE Across discussions, a clear theme emerged: Saudi Arabia is one of the world’s most dynamic real estate markets, driven by Vision 2030 ambition, institutional capital, innovation, and global confidence. GBB concluded by introducing a Net-Zero pathway for the summit in partnership with VCM, reinforcing a responsible, industry-led approach to climate action.
2026 EVENTS CALENDAR For opportunities across Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Africa, GBB invites interest via marketing@gbbventure.com or through its upcoming events platform.