‘Private-public partnerships driving investment in Saudi Arabia’s booming real estate market’

Special ‘Private-public partnerships driving investment in Saudi Arabia’s booming real estate market’
Elias Abou Samra, CEO of Rafal Real Estate in discussion with Arab News’s Reina Takla. Supplied
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Updated 10 July 2024
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‘Private-public partnerships driving investment in Saudi Arabia’s booming real estate market’

‘Private-public partnerships driving investment in Saudi Arabia’s booming real estate market’

RIYADH: Private-public partnerships have become a cornerstone for attracting substantial investment to Saudi Arabia’s real estate market over the past five years, an expert has told an industry forum.

Amid Saudi Arabia’s drive to bolster the private sector and foster sustainable partnerships for development, the role of PPPs in spurring economic growth and innovation is now more critical than ever, delegates at the 15th Real Estate Development Summit Saudi Arabia - Europe edition were told.

Saudi real estate projects headlined the event held in Palma de Mallorca, Spain and hosted by GBB Venture. This gathering featured over 100 companies and connected decision-makers from major Saudi projects with global suppliers. 

It also showcased the Kingdom’s rapid real estate advancements, driven by ambitious urban developments and substantial infrastructure investments, emphasizing sustainability and innovation.

Speaking at the event, Elias Abou Samra, CEO of Rafal Real Estate, said: “We’ve seen good traction on PPPs. With private-public partnerships, you have guaranteed offtake. So most of the investments that came into the country were based on this.” 

In a panel discussion titled “In Conversation with a Chief Challenger,” Abou Samra introduced a classification system for PPPs in Saudi Arabia – structured and unstructured. 

“It’s a definition that I came up with, but it helps me understand the landscape of opportunities,” he said.

Structured PPPs encompass projects under the National Center for Privatization, which are highly organized and regulated. In contrast, unstructured PPPs involve mega projects like NEOM and Red Sea, characterized by joint ventures between public entities and private investors.

The NCP, is one of the executive programs launched by the Council of Economic and Development Affairs to achieve the objectives of Vision 2030. 

The program seeks to support the development of the national economy, and enhance the role of the private sector as well as strengthen the government’s focus on its legislative and regulatory role and seek to attract local and foreign direct investments.

During the discussion, Abou Samra unveiled a wealth of opportunities awaiting investors in the Saudi real estate market, highlighting the $1.5 trillion figure mentioned in a recent report by the US-based global real estate services company JLL, which details the pipeline for onward projects in the Kingdom.

“It will be good to segment this $1.5 trillion to understand the landscape of opportunities in the market out of the $1.5 trillion,” said Abou Samra. 

“I believe $80 to $90 billion have already been awarded. So that means there’s 15 times growth in terms of projects to be done over the next seven, eight, maybe 10 years,” he added.

The CEO was candid about the challenges faced by mega projects, acknowledging that they require time and often encounter issues. “It’s no secret that these projects can be stretched, but the relevance of these figures is to highlight the scale of opportunities. While the Saudi government may not invest the remaining balance of $1.5 trillion in the near term, there is notable traction from foreign direct investments.”

Regional investors have already shown significant interest, a development Abou Samra viewed as a healthy sign that will drive further foreign direct investment from both Western and Eastern markets.

“(They) understand the intricacies of investing in Saudi Arabia, creating a ripple effect that fosters more substantial international investment,” he explained.

The real estate market in Saudi Arabia is transitioning from traditional infrastructure projects to more sophisticated superstructures and operational activities. This transformation is poised to accelerate, particularly as most infrastructure works are already well underway. Abou Samra emphasized that this progress is promising for industries such as construction, lifestyle, tourism, and interior design.

Several initiatives are currently underway, including the headquarters group, which has seen a growing number of regional HQs moving to Riyadh. 

“As of my last check, 225 companies have relocated their regional headquarters to Riyadh. This demonstrates the leadership’s commitment to interdisciplinary development and value creation,” Abou Samra remarked.

More than 120 international firms received licenses to relocate their regional headquarters to Saudi Arabia during the first quarter of 2024, representing a 477 percent year-on-year increase. 

In its quarterly report, the Kingdom’s Ministry of Investment revealed 127 permits issued in the first three months of the year, underscoring the nation’s attractive and favorable business environment.

Speaking on the demand for residency in Saudi Arabia, the CEO emphasized that it remains robust, driven primarily by local residents and increasingly by expatriates who have made the Kingdom their home.

“I’ve launched the project since the beginning of this year, and almost 15 percent of the buyers are expats that are residents. Some of them have been residing in Saudi for 10 or more years, so they call it home. But until very recently, they were not actually buying a house,” said Rafal’s head.

This demand is primarily from Arabs and Southeast Asians, with potential growth in Western expatriates as community-driven projects like Dirriyah take shape, he explained.

Saudi Arabia launched the premium visa residency option in 2019, aimed to allow eligible foreigners to live in the Kingdom and receive benefits such as exemption from paying expat and dependents fees, visa-free international travel, and the right to own real estate and run a business without requiring a sponsor.

Abou Samra also discussed the burgeoning mortgage industry in Saudi Arabia, which is catching up on lost years of low uptake. The Saudi Real Estate Refinance Co., established by the Minister of Housing, aims to securitize and syndicate mortgage portfolios, creating liquidity in the market.

This initiative is likened to the establishment of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae in the US, according to the CEO.

Alternative strategies, such as land deals with extended payment terms, are being employed to decouple from debt markets amid anticipated turbulence. “We just won a project that’s a couple billion riyals in value, but we could start with 150 million riyals of equity, and this is without debt,” Abou Samra shared.

He concluded with a call to action for vendors and suppliers, emphasizing the importance of localization in the supply chain. “Localization is key. I know we’re speaking to a crowd that’s mostly vendors and suppliers from all over the world, but my advice would be, find ways to localize your products,” he urged.

The insights provided by Abou Samra underscored the dynamic and evolving nature of the Saudi real estate market, presenting a wealth of opportunities for investors and stakeholders.

Saudi Arabia’s real estate sector is poised for substantial growth, with projections reaching $69.51 billion in 2024 and anticipated to surge to $101.62 billion by 2029. This expansion aligns closely with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, focusing prominently on housing, tourism, and commercial development.




Chief Operating Officer of Armada Casa, Wassim Hamdanieh. Supplied

Speaking to Arab News on the sidelines of the event Wassim Hamdanieh, chief operating officer of high-end construction material supplier Armada Casa, said his firm plans to establish key partnerships to expand its premium construction materials portfolio.

“With Vision 2030 driving rapid growth, our focus is on meticulous, detail-oriented developments that align with the country’s urban and sustainability goals, positioning us to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s property landscape with unparalleled quality and innovation,” he said.

In another panel discussion, titled “Setting Saudi Above the Competing Boundaries,” Navdeep Hanjra, vice president of planning and development at the Royal Commission for AlUla, highlighted the vast potential of the region. 

“AlUla spans 22,000 sq. km., nearly the size of Belgium, and boasts stunning landscapes and significant nature reserves. Its master plans showcase its uniqueness and diversity,” she said.

Hanjra elaborated on the five master plans, emphasizing the “Journey Through Time,” which guides visitors from the ancient Nabataean era to Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage site. 

The “Path to Prosperity” master plan aims to grow the current population from 44,000 to 122,000, transforming AlUla into a sustainable city that balances tourism and community development. 




Navdeep Hanjra, vice president of planning and development at the Royal Commission for AlUla. Screenshot

The vice president emphasized that 70 percent of AlUla’s land is dedicated to nature reserves, ensuring the preservation and regeneration of its historic landscapes.

In response to whether AlUla would remain a limited tourist destination or open up further, Hanjra explained that a structured framework plan, developed five years ago, guides the region’s development. 

This plan includes clear urban development boundaries, visitor targets, and 12 guiding principles focused on cultural and natural heritage, sustainability, and socio-economic factors. 

These principles aim to support and retain the existing community while promoting sustainable development and re-naturalizing the landscape for future generations.

 


Closing Bell: Saudi main index edges down to close at 11,694

Closing Bell: Saudi main index edges down to close at 11,694
Updated 23 March 2025
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Closing Bell: Saudi main index edges down to close at 11,694

Closing Bell: Saudi main index edges down to close at 11,694

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index slipped on Sunday, losing 65.55 points, or 0.56 percent, to close at 11,694.77.

The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR2.64 billion ($704 million), as 85 of the stocks advanced and 155 retreated.   

On the other hand, the Kingdom’s parallel market, Nomu, gained 13.93 points, or 0.05 percent, to close at 30,535.46. This comes as 36 stocks advanced while 48 retreated.   

The MSCI Tadawul Index lost 10.73 points, or 0.72 percent, to close at 1,479.47.    

The best-performing stock was Al-Babtain Power and Telecommunication Co., whose share price surged 9.98 percent to SR46.30.  

Other top performers included Alujain Corp., whose share price rose 8.65 percent to SR37.70, as well as Arriyadh Development Co., whose share price surged 6.05 percent to SR34.20.

Naseej International Trading Co. recorded the most significant drop, falling 9.58 percent to SR84.

Al-Rajhi Co. for Cooperative Insurance also saw its stock prices fall 4.63 percent to SR136.

Banan Real Estate Co. also saw its stock prices decline 4.31 percent to SR6.22.

On the announcements front, Tam Development Co. declared its annual financial results for the year ending on Dec. 31, 2024. According to a Tadawul statement, the firm reported a net profit of SR30.13 million in 2024, reflecting a 25.77 percent drop compared to 2023. 

The decrease in net profit is primarily attributed to delays in government project awards and budget reviews in the first half of 2024 which affected contract pricing revenue recognition and utilization rates as well as strategic investments in talent acquisition and competitive pricing to secure new logo accounts temporarily compressing margins.

The drop was also linked to higher general and administrative expenses which increased 39 percent due to workforce expansion to support growth.

Tam Development Co. ended the session at SR175.80, down 6.02 percent.

Riyadh Steel Co. has also announced its annual financial results for the year, which ended on Dec. 31, 2024. A bourse filing revealed that the company reported a net profit of SR1.99 million in 2024, reflecting an 82.06 percent drop compared to 2023. This decline is owed to a reduction in selling prices, a decrease in other income, and higher expenses in comparison to the previous year.

Riyadh Steel Co. ended the session at SR2.01, down 0.49 percent.

Middle East Pharmaceutical Industries Co. has announced its annual financial results for the year, which ended on Dec. 31. According to a Tadawul statement, the firm reported a net profit of SR79.85 million in 2024, reflecting a 21.3 percent drop compared to 2023. 

This increase in net profit is primarily attributed to strong revenue growth and a higher gross profit margin, driven by product mix diversification and economies of scale from increased production. Nevertheless, the gain in gross profit was partially offset by higher selling, distribution, and general administrative expenses, which were largely due to ongoing investments in marketing, talent acquisition, and other growth-related initiatives.

Middle East Pharmaceutical Industries Co. ended the session at SR135.40, down 1.34 percent.

Alandalus Property Co. also announced its annual financial results for the year ending Dec. 31, 2024.

A bourse filing revealed that the company reported a net loss of SR31.6 million in 2024, down from an SR36.42 million net profit in 2023. This decline is primarily attributed to a decrease in operating profit resulting from operational losses incurred by some affiliated companies, particularly West Jeddah Hospital, due to the opening and commencement of operations at Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib Medical Hospital in Jeddah at the end of the first quarter of 2024, along with recorded losses in Al-Jawhara Al-Kubra Co. The net loss is also linked to an increase in general and administrative expenses along with a 31 percent surge in financing costs compared to the previous year.

Alandalus Property Co. ended the session at SR23.00, down 1.13 percent.


Public firms listed on Muscat bourse report 52.6% surge in profits

Public firms listed on Muscat bourse report 52.6% surge in profits
Updated 23 March 2025
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Public firms listed on Muscat bourse report 52.6% surge in profits

Public firms listed on Muscat bourse report 52.6% surge in profits

RIYADH: The net profits of public joint companies listed on the Muscat Stock Exchange surged 52.6 percent year on year to reach 1.339 billion Omani rials ($3.48 billion) in 2024.

This increase coincided with the listing of OQ Exploration and Production and OQ Base Industries in 2024, while energy companies recorded improved performance, with some moving from losses to profits, the Oman News Agency reported.

This falls in line with strong growth in Arab stock exchanges in 2024, where trading values surged 58.1 percent to surpass $1.03 trillion.

It also aligns with a 21.3 percent increase in regional trading volumes and a 35.9 percent rise in the number of trades during the year, reflecting a dynamic financial landscape with varied market performances.

Statistics from the Oman News Agency, based on preliminary financial results for around 90 public joint-stock firms with fiscal years ending in December, revealed improved performance across most companies in the banking, industrial, investment, service, and telecommunications sectors.

The data further showed that the total number of companies that reported profits last year was 69, compared to 68 entities that reported profits in 2023, excluding the financial results of funds and firms that were not listed on the stock exchange during 2023.

The figures also indicated that OQ Exploration and Production topped the list of companies with the highest net profits, totaling 326.5 million rials.

Bank Muscat came in second with 225.5 million rials, followed by Sohar International Bank, which came in third with 100.2 million rials.

Omantel ranked fourth after recording net profits at the local level of 69.4 million rials. The National Bank of Oman placed fifth with net profits of approximately 63.1 million rials, followed by OQ Gas Networks, which came in sixth with 47.8 million rials.

The data further showed that Bank Dhofar placed seventh with 43.6 million rials, while Ahli Bank ranked eighth with 41.6 million rials.

Ominvest placed ninth with net profits of an estimated 35.9 million rials, while Oman Arab Bank ranked tenth with net profits of 30.4 million rials.

Preliminary data showed that the losses recorded by public joint-stock companies decreased last year to around 38.1 million rials, compared to losses of 50.6 million rials in 2023. However, the number of firms recording losses last year jumped to 21, compared to 20 companies that recorded setbacks in 2023.

Last year, five companies flipped from losses to profits, including SMN Power Holding, which reported group net profits of 4.5 million rials in 2024, up from 6.4 million rials in 2023. Sohar Power Co. also posted net profits of about 22 million rials, compared to 5.1 million rials the previous year.

Conversely, six companies turned from profits to losses, most notably Leva Group, which recorded losses of 5 million rials in 2024, compared to net profits of 6.3 million rials in 2023, and Oman Refreshments, which recorded group losses of 2.7 million rials last year, compared to a net profit of 6.3 million rials in 2023.

Galfar Engineering and Contracting also recorded a group loss of 3.9 million rials in 2024, compared to a profit of 574,000 rials in 2023.


Riyadh municipality unveils new investment opportunities across key sectors 

Riyadh municipality unveils new investment opportunities across key sectors 
Updated 23 March 2025
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Riyadh municipality unveils new investment opportunities across key sectors 

Riyadh municipality unveils new investment opportunities across key sectors 

JEDDAH: Riyadh has unveiled new investment opportunities for 2025, covering commercial, residential, retail, industrial, and leisure projects to boost the city’s economy and development. 

The Riyadh municipality introduced 20 new investment prospects, covering more than 175,000 sq. meters across over 20 sites. These include mixed-use developments, existing retail spaces, mobile sports clubs, and areas allocated for concrete and construction material factories — along with a cafe and ATM setup. 

Investors can access the projects through the Furas online platform, designed as the municipality’s primary hub for real estate and municipal investment opportunities, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The initiative is part of a broader strategy to accelerate private sector participation in urban development, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. 

“This step comes as an extension of the Riyadh municipality’s strategy to enhance the role of the private sector in urban development, by enabling it to participate effectively in developing facilities and services, and achieving integration between government and investment efforts to meet the needs of society,” the SPA report stated.  

“It also contributes to raising the quality of urban life and achieving the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030,” it added.  

Contracts for the investment sites range from five to 25 years, covering multiple districts across Riyadh. Key locations include Jarir, Al-Deerah, and Al-Rawdah, alongside Al-Basateen, Al-Qadisiyah, and Al-Jazirah. 

Additional areas feature Al-Hamra, Al-Morouj, and Al-Yamamah, as well as Eastern Suwaidi, Al-Masha’il, Al-Manakh, Badr, and Taybah. 

Investors are invited to review competition requirements and the application process via a dedicated link, with the envelope opening set for May 2025. 

In a parallel push to enhance the capital’s livability, 87 new parks were inaugurated over the last three years — raising the city’s total to over 700, up from 615. The parks cover more than 745,000 sq. meters, featuring nearly 25,000 shrubs and 7,000 trees planted across different districts to ensure equitable access to green spaces. 

The parks now serve as dynamic community hubs, hosting cultural, social, entertainment, and sporting activities. The move underscores Riyadh Municipality’s commitment to improving quality of life, fostering social cohesion, and advancing Vision 2030’s urban sustainability goals. 

With these investments and infrastructure developments, Riyadh is positioning itself as a leading model for vibrant, sustainable urban growth in the region. 


Global economic growth to average at 3.1% in next 5 years: IMF official 

Global economic growth to average at 3.1% in next 5 years: IMF official 
Updated 23 March 2025
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Global economic growth to average at 3.1% in next 5 years: IMF official 

Global economic growth to average at 3.1% in next 5 years: IMF official 

RIYADH: Global economic growth is expected to average around 3.1 percent in the next five years, below the pre-pandemic level of 3.7 percent, according to an International Monetary Fund official.

Speaking at the China Development Forum in Beijing on March 23, Nigel Clarke, deputy managing director of the IMF, said that total factor productivity internationally, which measures the ability to create more outputs with the same inputs, has been growing at a slower pace since the 2008-09 global financial crisis.

The worldwide growth projections of the IMF indicate that countries in the Middle East are expected to show future financial resilience. 

In January, the UN financial agency said Saudi Arabia’s economy is projected to grow by 3.3 percent in 2025 and 4.1 percent in 2026. 

“Global growth is steady but underwhelming. Our five-year ahead growth forecast remains at 3.1 percent— well below the pre-pandemic average of 3.7 percent,” said Clarke. 

He added: “Patterns of trade and capital flows are shifting. AI (artificial intelligence) is rapidly advancing. Trade is no longer the engine of global growth it used to be. Divergences across countries are widening. And governments worldwide are shifting their policy priorities.” 

Clarke argues that countries should pursue structural reforms to boost productivity and ensure medium-term growth.

He further said that in aging societies— where the share of the working-age population is shrinking— productivity growth plays a vital role in maintaining living standards. 

“It also applies to emerging markets and developing economies trying to close the gap with richer countries. To provide better jobs and a higher standard of living, they too need to ignite productivity growth,” added the deputy managing director.

He added that this productivity growth could be achieved only by innovation, technological advancements, and ample investments in research and development. 

Citing IMF research, Clarke highlighted that productivity growth in advanced economies could increase by 0.2 percentage points a year with a hybrid policy that boosts public research expenditure by a third and doubles subsidies to private research. 

He noted that AI could boost global gross domestic product growth between 0.1 and 0.8 percentage points per year in the medium term, depending on how it is adopted.

Clarke also underscored the necessity of better resource allocation in the future to maintain a healthy global productivity level. 

“The movement of labor and capital toward more productive firms and industries has long been an important source of overall productivity growth. As workers move from farms to factories, for example, their productivity increases dramatically. So too do their income and living standards, with spillovers to the whole economy,” he said. 

According to Clarke, effective measures should be taken to strengthen the private sector, as well as create an environment that could help them thrive. 

“Through our policy advice, lending and capacity development, the IMF has consistently supported countries in establishing macroeconomic and financial stability as a foundation for growth,” said Clarke. 

He added that a new IMF Advisory Council on Entrepreneurship and Growth has been created to help countries develop ideas on easing regulatory barriers, adapting tax systems, and incentivizing long-term savings to boost innovation.


Saudi Arabia’s PIF at forefront as Gulf wealth funds approach $18tn by 2030

Saudi Arabia’s PIF at forefront as Gulf wealth funds approach $18tn by 2030
Updated 23 March 2025
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Saudi Arabia’s PIF at forefront as Gulf wealth funds approach $18tn by 2030

Saudi Arabia’s PIF at forefront as Gulf wealth funds approach $18tn by 2030

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund and five of its regional counterparts are on track to control $18 trillion in assets by 2030, marking a 50 percent surge from the end of 2024, according to an analysis.  

In its latest report, Deloitte Middle East noted that the region, home to six of the world’s 10 largest sovereign funds, now holds approximately 40 percent of global SWF assets — solidifying its position as a dominant force in the market.  

The study aligns with the latest report from the Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute, which ranks Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund sixth globally, managing $925 billion. The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority leads the Gulf with $1.05 trillion, followed by the Kuwait Investment Authority at $1.02 trillion and the Qatar Investment Authority with $526 billion. 

Julie Kassab, sovereign wealth fund leader at Deloitte Middle East, said: “The Gulf region continues to be the epicenter of sovereign wealth fund activity, with its major players driving innovation in investment strategies and operational excellence.” 

She added: “We are witnessing these funds not only expand their geographical footprint but also significantly enhance their internal capabilities, setting new standards for the industry in terms of performance and governance.” 

The report also highlighted that Gulf SWFs maintained an “aggressive investment pace,” deploying $82 billion in 2023 and an additional $55 billion in the first nine months of 2024. 

Deloitte listed five major players shaping the region’s investment landscape: Saudi Arabia’s PIF, ADIA, Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala, Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Co., and QIA. 

Globally, the total number of sovereign wealth funds has nearly tripled since 2000, reaching approximately 160-170 funds, with 13 new ones established between 2020 and 2023. 

Asia takes center stage 

Deloitte’s analysis highlights key trends reshaping the regional SWF landscape, with funds increasingly focusing on fast-growing countries outside traditional Western markets. 

The report revealed that Gulf SWFs strategically prioritize Asia, with many establishing new offices throughout the Asia-Pacific region and significantly increasing allocations to high-growth economies, including China and India. 

Wealth funds in the Gulf region were particularly active in China, investing approximately $9.5 billion in the Asian giant during the first nine months of 2024. 

Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and Kuwait Investment Authority ranked among the top 10 shareholders in Chinese A-share listed firms. 

“This represents a strategic opportunity as Western investors reduce their exposure, allowing Middle Eastern funds to leverage their strong political and trade relationships with Beijing,” Deloitte noted. 

The report added that Gulf wealth funds are also eyeing Africa, particularly the mining industry, for new opportunities. 

This year, the UAE and Saudi Arabia have shown a willingness to invest in high-risk extractive ventures in Africa, both directly and through stakes in multinational mining companies. 

This shift coincides with the rise of new investment vehicles, particularly “Royal Private Offices,” which now control an estimated $500 billion in assets. 

Combating challenges 

Wealth funds in the Gulf region are under increasing pressure to sharpen their competitive edge, focusing on internal performance, risk oversight, and investment management to deliver stronger returns, the analysis stated. 

The report noted that many regional wealth funds are becoming more proactive — showing greater openness to divestment, demanding better reporting from portfolio companies, and exerting more influence at the board level.  

The study added that this drive for excellence has intensified competition for human capital among these funds, with soaring demand for experienced national talent. 

“Gulf SWFs now employ an estimated 9,000 professionals across their operations. Gulf funds are offering increasingly attractive packages to senior professionals, particularly those with experience at established funds like Singapore’s Temasek or Canada’s Maple Eight,” Deloitte stated. 

The consulting firm added that Gulf governments are also reassessing their approach to strategic assets. This has led to the creation of new, domestically focused funds designed to co-invest alongside international partners rather than compete directly with established regional players. 

It concluded: “Looking ahead, while geopolitical uncertainties and potential commodity price fluctuations may create headwinds, these pressures could drive greater efficiency and innovation in fund management practices.”