Cityscape Global 2025 – Key Takeaways

We are very pleased to have had a presence at this year’s Cityscape Global in Riyadh (17-20 November).

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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.

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Significant differences to last year’s show, highlighting current trends in the Saudi real estate sector, include:

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• 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.

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Design firms which will do well in the current environment are those which:

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• 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.