Cityscape Global Returns to Riyadh in November

Riyadh, August 20, 2024 — Cityscape Global, the region’s leading real estate event, will return to Riyadh from November 11–14, 2024, for its second and largest edition yet, organized by Tahaluf under the theme “The Future of Living.” The event, to be held at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center in Malham, is sponsored by the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, supported by the General Real Estate Authority and the Housing Program, and organized by Tahaluf, a strategic alliance between Informa PLC, the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP), and the Events Investment Fund (EIF).

Context and Background

Saudi Arabia’s real estate sector is undergoing a profound transformation driven by Vision 2030, the national strategy to diversify the economy and enhance quality of life. Cityscape Global serves as a major catalyst for this shift, bringing together investors, developers, and industry leaders to showcase major projects and foster international cooperation. The inaugural Saudi edition in 2023 attracted over 300 exhibitors, 55% of which were international, along with 160,000 visitors from more than 170 countries and over 10,000 international investors. It also hosted the unveiling of $18.3 billion in Saudi-based real estate projects.

Building on that success, the 2024 edition aims to be the largest Cityscape-branded event in history, with over 400 exhibitors, 500 speakers, and seven conferences. It will retain its standing as the largest property showcase of its kind globally, with a heightened B2B and investment focus.

Key Details

Cityscape Global 2024 will introduce new sector profiles, including Stadiums and Attractions, Sustainable Smart Buildings, Smart Hotels, and Developers, alongside a dedicated Smart Cities conference and tech zone. The event will incubate investment opportunities through a dedicated investors program and tailored networking opportunities, while showcasing intelligent infrastructure, technology-driven solutions, and data-driven planning for efficient, sustainable, and livable urban environments.

Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majed bin Abdullah Al-Hogail stated: “Saudi Arabia’s real estate landscape is undergoing an enormous transformation driven by Vision 2030. The comprehensive strategy for the real estate sector aims to achieve the goals of the vision by building a prosperous and solid economy and vibrant, integrated communities in an ambitious nation.”

Faisal bin Saud Al-Khamisi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP), added: “Our goal at Cityscape Global 2024 is to align with the Vision 2030 set by HRH the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the housing sector. We aim to attract investors, developers, innovators, and stakeholders from around the world to showcase their projects, exchange knowledge, establish partnerships, and collaborate in building the cities of tomorrow at the international, regional, and local levels. Our objective is to create a significant advancement in the future of urban life.”

The event will also highlight Saudi Arabia’s sports infrastructure development, emphasizing the eight newly announced stadiums, and will feature a special segment dedicated to stadiums and mega events. More information is available at www.cityscapeglobal.com.

Implications and Impact

Cityscape Global 2024 is set to reinforce Saudi Arabia’s position as a global hub for real estate investment and innovation. By attracting international investors, developers, and innovators, the event supports the Kingdom’s efforts to develop sustainable and future-proof cities. It also serves as a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s broader goals of economic diversification and global engagement. The focus on smart cities and sustainable buildings reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to cutting-edge urban development, while the inclusion of sports infrastructure underscores the integration of mega events into the national development narrative. The event’s outcomes are expected to further stimulate foreign direct investment and partnerships, contributing to the growth of the non-oil economy.

Vision 2030 Alignment

Cityscape Global 2024 directly supports Vision 2030 by advancing the real estate sector’s transformation, promoting sustainable urban development, and enhancing international cooperation. The event embodies the Vision’s objectives of building a prosperous economy and vibrant communities, while showcasing Saudi Arabia’s leadership in shaping the future of living. As the Kingdom continues to diversify its economy and improve quality of life, platforms like Cityscape Global play a vital role in attracting global expertise and investment, ultimately contributing to a brighter future where opportunities and prosperity are within everyone’s reach.

20 Questions

Q1. What is Cityscape Global?

A1. Cityscape Global is the region’s leading real estate event, organized by Tahaluf, a strategic alliance between Informa PLC, the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP), and the Events Investment Fund (EIF). It showcases major real estate projects and fosters international cooperation.

Q2. When and where will Cityscape Global 2024 take place?

A2. Cityscape Global 2024 will be held from November 11–14 at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center in Malham, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The event is expected to attract global participants and showcase the latest in real estate innovation.

Q3. What is the theme of Cityscape Global 2024?

A3. The theme is “The Future of Living,” reflecting a focus on sustainable, technology-driven, and livable urban environments. It aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals for modern, integrated communities.

Q4. Who is sponsoring Cityscape Global 2024?

A4. The event is sponsored by the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, supported by the General Real Estate Authority and the Housing Program, and organized by Tahaluf. This backing underscores the event’s alignment with national development priorities.

Q5. How many exhibitors and speakers are expected?

A5. Over 400 exhibitors and 500 speakers are expected, along with seven conferences. This makes it the largest Cityscape-branded event in history, enhancing its global standing.

Q6. What new sector profiles are added this year?

A6. New profiles include Stadiums and Attractions, Sustainable Smart Buildings, Smart Hotels, and Developers, plus a Smart Cities conference and tech zone. These additions reflect evolving urban trends and Saudi Arabia’s mega-project developments.

Q7. What did the 2023 edition achieve?

A7. The 2023 edition attracted over 300 exhibitors, 55% international, 160,000 visitors from over 170 countries, and more than 10,000 international investors. It also unveiled $18.3 billion in Saudi-based real estate projects.

Q8. What did Lord Alan Sugar say about the 2023 event?

A8. Lord Alan Sugar, UK entrepreneur and host of BBC’s The Apprentice, said: “I was amazed by the vision, scale, and significance of the projects being undertaken in Saudi Arabia. It is inspiring.”

Q9. What did Minister Majed Al-Hogail say about the event?

A9. He stated that Saudi Arabia’s real estate landscape is undergoing an enormous transformation driven by Vision 2030, aiming to build a prosperous economy and vibrant, integrated communities in an ambitious nation.

Q10. What did Faisal Al-Khamisi say about the event’s goals?

A10. He said the goal is to align with Vision 2030 for the housing sector, attract global investors and innovators, and collaborate in building the cities of tomorrow, creating significant advancement in urban life.

Q11. What is Tahaluf?

A11. Tahaluf is a strategic alliance between Informa PLC, the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP), and the Events Investment Fund (EIF). It organizes Cityscape Global and other major events.

Q12. How does Cityscape Global support Vision 2030?

A12. It supports Vision 2030 by driving real estate sector transformation, promoting sustainable urban development, and enhancing international cooperation, aligning with goals of economic diversification and vibrant communities.

Q13. What is the focus of the Smart Cities conference?

A13. The Smart Cities conference focuses on intelligent infrastructure, technology-driven solutions, and data-driven planning for efficient, sustainable, and livable urban environments, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to innovation.

Q14. Will sports infrastructure be highlighted?

A14. Yes, the event will highlight Saudi Arabia’s sports infrastructure development, emphasizing the eight newly announced stadiums, with a special segment dedicated to stadiums and mega events.

Q15. What is the significance of the investors program?

A15. The dedicated investors program incubates investment opportunities and facilitates tailored networking, connecting global investors with Saudi real estate projects, thereby stimulating foreign direct investment and partnerships.

Q16. How many conferences will be held?

A16. Seven conferences will be held, covering various aspects of real estate and urban development, providing a platform for knowledge exchange and thought leadership among industry experts.

Q17. What is the expected international participation?

A17. With over 400 exhibitors and 500 speakers, significant international participation is expected, building on the 2023 edition where 55% of exhibitors were international and visitors came from over 170 countries.

Q18. What is the economic impact of Cityscape Global?

A18. It stimulates investment, showcases major projects, and fosters international cooperation, contributing to the growth of Saudi Arabia’s non-oil economy and the realization of Vision 2030 economic goals.

Q19. How can one participate or learn more?

A19. More information is available at www.cityscapeglobal.com. Interested parties can explore exhibitor, sponsor, and attendance opportunities on the website.

Q20. What is the long-term vision for Cityscape Global in Saudi Arabia?

A20. Cityscape Global aims to be a catalyst for the ongoing transformation of Saudi Arabia’s real estate sector, supporting the creation of sustainable, future-proof cities and enhancing the Kingdom’s global leadership in urban development.

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