We are very pleased to have had a presence at this year’s Cityscape Global in Riyadh (17-20 November).
It was an event of epic proportion and a great opportunity to meet up with clients – past, present and future. Thank you to all those who dropped by our stand to say hello.
Significant differences to last year’s show, highlighting current trends in the Saudi real estate sector, include:
- Shift in the delivery model from public to private, with significant PIF landholdings now being designed and delivered by the private sector or in partnership
- Significant ramping up of private sector development activity in the residential and commercial typologies, particularly in north Riyadh
- Emphasis on integrated development and walkability within development sites, and so: multiple uses/multiple anchors with an emphasis on connectivity, public transport and strengthening of the civic realm at the pedestrian level
- Apartments – mid-to-high density developments – but also lower density villa developments which present their own challenges around transport and urban integration
- Private sector taking the public sector’s lead to raise design standards and real – as opposed to superficial – increases amenity levels.
Design firms which will do well in the current environment are those which:
- Champion design by combining international standards with local presence and market knowledge
- Understand the climate and culture of Saudi Arabia
- Embrace Najdi and Salmani design directions
- Are agile, flexible and efficient
- Promote excellence but can document and deliver to market conditions.
