Since its inception in 2002, Cityscape Global has established itself as a cornerstone event in the global real estate sector. Last year, they made the strategic decision to move the event to Saudi Arabia, reflecting their commitment to supporting the region’s rapid development. It also aligns with the country’s Vision 2030 objectives of boosting the real estate sector.
As Cityscape gears up for the 2024 edition of Cityscape Global under the theme “The Future of Living” in November, they are keen to affirm their mission to be a 360-degree platform that connects international and regional B2B audiences with the growing homebuyer market. In this interview, Rachel Sturgess, group director of Tahaluf, the event’s organizer, talks about what’s new and how the event highlights Saudi Arabia’s booming property landscape.
How does Cityscape Global 2024 align with and support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, particularly when it comes to real estate and urban development?
Saudi Arabia is emerging as a pivotal market in the global economy driven by its ambitious Vision 2030 agenda. The Kingdom’s strategic location, robust infrastructure development, and significant investment in mega-projects offer unparalleled opportunities. These initiatives are transforming Saudi Arabia’s urban landscape and opening up new avenues for growth in sectors like tourism, entertainment, and housing.
Cityscape Global serves as a platform to showcase the ambitious real estate projects that are key to Saudi Arabia’s urban and economic transformation to the global market. It showcases cutting-edge developments like NEOM and The Red Sea Project. It supports the broader vision of creating sustainable, smart cities that enhance the quality of life and attract international investment to Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia’s goal is to achieve 70 percent homeownership by 2030. This initiative is part of a broader vision to ensure every family residing in the Kingdom has the opportunity to own a home. Cityscape Global offers visitors a firsthand look at the most exciting upcoming projects within the Kingdom.
Sustainability is an important focal point in the real estate scene. As a leading real estate event in the region, can you share examples of eco-friendly projects or exhibitors?
Sustainability has become a central focus not only for the entire real estate industry but for us, too. By fostering discussions on sustainable practices and presenting cutting-edge solutions, Cityscape Global plays a crucial role in advancing the global real estate industry’s commitment to sustainability.
We have so many exhibitors committed to sustainability it’s impossible to name them all. However, the real estate sector is increasingly implementing practices that prioritize environmental stewardship, energy efficiency, and sustainable urban development.
One major trend in sustainability in real estate development is the integration of smart technologies to create energy-efficient, net-zero buildings. This trend is increasingly prominent in Saudi Arabia as the Kingdom emphasizes sustainability as a key component of its Vision 2030 initiative. Saudi Arabia is investing in smart city projects like NEOM, which is designed to be a model of energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
By focusing on these sustainable practices, our event aims to showcase the latest innovations and encourage widespread adoption of green strategies in real estate development.
Cityscape Global is also an essential networking platform and launchpad of vital partnerships. Last year, the event saw $30 billion in deals during the event. What do you think helped achieve this success, and how do you plan to continue it in 2024?
In 2023, we witnessed $30 billion in deals announced across numerous significant projects, including residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments that are set to transform the Saudi skyline. By hosting Cityscape Global in Saudi Arabia, we’ve created an ideal platform for industry leaders and decision-makers to connect in a location that is not only geographically central but also economically dynamic.
Cityscape Global attracts top-tier international investors and developers due to the exciting opportunities available in Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing real estate market. The Kingdom’s strategic investments in infrastructure and mega-projects create a dynamic landscape for high-impact ventures. The event provides a unique platform for global industry leaders to connect with key stakeholders from Saudi mega projects and explore opportunities with innovative international developers.
What new features and innovations can we expect at Cityscape Global 2024?
This year, we are increasing the world-class speaker faculty. We’re also adding two new halls and four new features.
A new Stadiums & Mega Events conference will cover four days of internationally renowned speakers focusing on stadium development in the Kingdom, including three stadiums under construction and eight planned new builds for the World Cup 2034. The Student Competition is a new addition that aims to empower the next generation of industry leaders. Meanwhile, our Future Build section will acquaint the youth with construction technology.
Last year, five lucky visitors won homes, and we are excited to offer more thrilling giveaways in this edition.
How do you see AI, IoT, and other advanced technologies shaping the future of real estate in Saudi Arabia, and how is Cityscape Global 2024 highlighting these trends?
Emerging technologies are shaking up the real estate world. Extended reality and AI are changing how buildings are designed, creating detailed, lifelike renders. In construction, robotics and AI are making things faster and more efficient by reducing material waste and automating tasks. Smart buildings are now a reality thanks to IoT, which captures real-time data, and when it’s combined with AI, it boosts efficiency, security, and maintenance. AI is also changing how we invest in real estate by offering deep insights into market trends and property values.
At Cityscape Global, we bring together leading futurists and technology innovators from around the world under the event theme “The Future of Living”. These experts provide insights into how AI, IoT, and other advanced technologies are shaping smarter, more sustainable cities. With a focus on these groundbreaking innovations, the event highlights how the real estate sector is on the cusp of a transformative evolution.
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