Highlights from GBB Venture’s 16th Real Estate Development Summit – Luxury Edition.
The 16th Real Estate Development Summit – Luxury Edition, held on November 20th and 21st at the iconic Ritz Carlton in Jeddah, proved to be a momentous gathering for the real estate industry in Saudi Arabia. Organized by GBB Venture, this by-invitation-only event brought together over 650 qualified attendees, 90 global suppliers, and 170 project companies, representing more than 7,000 real estate projects in the Kingdom. Themed ‘Together Towards Tomorrow’, the summit focused on futuristic development, sustainability, and the luxury segment’s unique demands, encouraging an environment of innovation and collaboration.
The summit highlighted the importance of aligning efforts across the industry in the pursuit of shared goals, particularly in-light of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. This national blueprint is not just a framework for transformation, it’s a call to action for all stakeholders to combine efforts and create meaningful change. The discussions at the summit reinforced the idea that collaboration is key. When we work together, we multiply the impact of our individual efforts and ensure a unified approach to achieving the Kingdom’s ambitious objectives.
Hearing the speakers’ insights and experiences was both inspirational as well as a source of great hope. It was a reminder of what’s possible when stakeholders in real estate, development, and investment are united by a common purpose enabling the creation of sustainable, innovative, and luxurious developments that not only elevate the industry but also contribute to a better future for Saudi Arabia.
Here at Saudi Projects we were delighted to once again be main media partners for this and as such were well represented by Laura Wojciechowski, Partner & Media Director and Leah De La Hunty, Country Manager. Both played an integral role in showcasing the event’s success and emphasizing the power of in-person networking.
Upon returning from the event, Leah commented, “Reflecting on my experience at The 16th Real Estate Development Summit in Jeddah, it’s clear that in-person networking has unparalleled value. The connections, opportunities, and inspiration I gained over the two days are a reminder of the power of face-to-face interaction. GBB Venture’s events are the perfect platform for this, they provide a unique opportunity to build meaningful relationships, create lasting impressions, and drive business success. If you want to experience this firsthand, make sure to attend the upcoming GBB events. You never know where it will lead!”
The event opened with a fantastic welcome address from GBB Venture’s Managing Director, Ravi Kumar Chandran, followed by the Guest of Honour, Dr. Sami Angawi, Founder of Sami Angawi Architects, who shared his vision for sustainable and culturally respectful future developments in Saudi Arabia. Reflecting on the experience, Laura Wojciechowski, Partner & Media Director at Saudi Projects, commented on how inspired she was by Dr. Angawi’s words. “One of my true highlights of the Summit this year was meeting the visionary architect Dr. Sami Angawi. As media partners for the event, Saudi Projects had the privilege of witnessing Dr. Angawi’s groundbreaking approach to architecture.”
Dr. Angawi is renowned for his ability to merge Islamic architectural principles with modern luxury, creating spaces that elevate the quality of life. His work spans residential, cultural, healthcare, and urban developments, consistently setting new standards by balancing tradition with contemporary needs.
Laura continued, “I am eager to see how Dr. Angawi and his team at Sami Angawi Architects continue to shape the future of architecture, where luxury meets cultural heritage.”
Elias Bou Habib, Head of Consulting (KSA) at CBRE, a knowledge partner for the summit set the tone for discussions with his presentation on Branded Residences:
The Direction of Luxury in Real Estate, a topic resonating deeply with Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning luxury real estate market.
For all those unable to attend the summit, here’s a day-by-day account of the proceedings.
Day One
The first day was packed with engaging panels, insightful presentations, and the much-anticipated face-to-face pre-arranged meetings, which facilitated over 1,400 meaningful business discussions. With over 20 innovative and informative displays showcasing cutting-edge solutions from sponsors such as HH-Shaker, MIDEA, and RAK Ceramics.
650 attendees and 7,000 projects highlighted
Key moments included:
Panel discussion.
Residential Luxury – What Saudi Needs for Homes of Tomorrow?
Moderated by Pedro Ribeiro – CBRE, with experts Fabrice Collot – Arabian Homes, Cyril Piaia – formerly of Emaar EEC, and Sultan Batterjee – IHCC. The panel discussed the demand for branded residences and the Kingdom’s status as a prime global destination.
In-person networking delivers unparalleled value
Panel discussion. Sustainable Luxury. Moderated by, Ignacio Gómez – Global Design Principal. Aedas the panel speakers Martin Pease – Group Head Development Architecture Design and Planning – Red Sea Global, Dr. Francesca Arici – Chief of Planning and Development – Aseer Development Authority, Alberto Bounous – VP Design & Development – KAFD and Saeed Albially – Executive Director Rua Al Madinah Holding, all representing PIF-backed establishments spoke about how, in their respective mega and giga projects are incorporating sustainability at the very core of the planning and development.
Collaboration is key to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030
Day Two
Tourism, Hospitality, and Legacy
The second day expanded the focus to tourism and heritage with some of the highlights below.
Panel discussion. Hosted by an energetic and popular hospitality leader, Bastien Blanc, Co-Founder – TroKadero Hospitality Global, the panelists were: Lee Hallman, Acting Chief Development Officer – AlUla Development Company, Fahad Alobailan, Group CEO – Alhokair Group, Samer Sabra, Chief of Assets Management – Jabal Omar Development Company and Dr. Fahad bin Mushayt, CEO – ASFAR.
Led by Bastien Blanc – TroKadero Hospitality, the panel delved into religious and cultural tourism, featuring insights from AlUla Development Company, Alhokair Group, and ASFAR.
Award-winning projects reflect innovation and excellence
Debate. Preservation versus Modernization
A thought-provoking discussion featuring Gabriel Gil – OMRANIA by EGIS, Tim Martin – Gensler Middle East and Ralf Steinhauer – RSP, culminating in a consensus on harmonizing Saudi heritage with cutting-edge design.
The evening of Day two at the GBB Venture Summit culminated in the highly anticipated RICA – REDS Industry Choice Awards gala dinner, celebrating excellence in real estate development. The awards recognized outstanding leaders and projects in various categories, with winners including:
REDS INDUSTRY CHOICE AWARDS, WINNERS
Celebrated Designer of the Year
Aljohara Nour Beydoun, Chief Designer & Founder, Ink Design
Celebrated Architect of the Year
Ignacio Gómez, Global Design Principal, Aedas
Celebrated Woman in Real Estate & Youth Icon of the Year
Mashael Bin Saedan, Founder & CEO, Al Saedan for Development
Celebrated Developer of the Year
Oussama Kabbani, Group Chief Development Officer, ROSHN
Celebrated Consultant of the Year
House of Consulting Office
Celebrated Contractor of the Year
AlBawani Co. Ltd. (ABCC)
Celebrated Sustainable Project of the Year
Our Habitas Al Ula
Celebrated Futuristic Project of the Year
Shebara Resort by Red Sea Global
Celebrated Project of the Year (Hospitality)
St. Regis – Red Sea Resort
Celebrated Project of the Year (Residential)
Marafy by ROSHN Group
These prestigious awards were based on a transparent, open nomination and voting process, recognizing the best in the real estate industry for their commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence in development.
Leah De La Hunty remarked on the palpable energy of the event, “The real value of this summit lies in its ability to connect visionaries with decision-makers. From CBRE’s insights to the personal exchanges I had with developers and consultants, every conversation reinforced the potential of collaboration in Saudi Arabia.”
Attendees noted the summit’s unique format, which combined strategic networking with curated content.
GBB Venture has a series of exciting events planned for 2025.
4th Edition of the Hospitality Innovation Summit (Saudi Arabia & UAE)
17th Real Estate Development Summit (Saudi Arabia & Europe)
18th & 19th Real Estate Development Summit (Africa & Saudi Arabia)
The future balances luxury with sustainability
These events will continue to promote innovation, collaboration, and networking within the real estate and hospitality sectors. The 16th Real Estate Development Summit was more than just an industry event, it was a celebration of innovation, sustainability, and the power of personal connections. As Saudi Arabia continues its ambitious transformation, events like these serve as vital platforms for shaping its future.
For those who attended, it was an experience of learning, networking, and inspiration. For those who missed it, the next chapter is just around the corner.
See you at the next GBB Venture summit!
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