Cityscape Global 2025: the world’s leading real estate marketplace
Riyadh to host visionary developers and policymakers driving urban innovation at event from November 17 to 20
As a transformational force in global urban development, Cityscape Global is shaping the future of urban living through the next generation of city innovators, investors and designers. From November 17 to 20, the definitive platform for international investors seeking entry into the Saudi Arabian market will return to the kingdom’s capital, with this year’s event attracting more than 450 exhibitors, over 500 speakers, and visitors from more than 120 countries.
Last year, the Riyadh-based, mega-event secured its position as the largest real estate exhibition in the world, attracting 172,000 visitors, more than 450 Saudi and international exhibitors, and generating US$61.3 billion in real estate transactions. In terms of sheer magnitude, global appeal and landmark policy updates, the 2025 edition promises to be bigger than ever.
Underscoring Saudi Arabia’s expanding global influence, a who’s who of international developers and exhibitors from the United States, India, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Italy, China and elsewhere will participate in this year’s event. Amid growing Saudi-Sino ties, many high-profile Chinese companies, including Lifang, Lights, IAPA Architects and Glory Models, will showcase various innovative solutions in architectural rendering, design, planning and model making at the China Pavilion. Additionally, leading Chinese firms such as GD Fysculpture, Akuvox, Guangdong Lesso Lingshang Technology Industry and Jiangsu Congyi Home will exhibit the latest trends and technologies in decor, smart living, sustainable urban development and advanced building materials. Their presence highlights the growing collaboration between China and Saudi Arabia in architecture, construction and technology, supporting the kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals of fostering innovation, sustainability and global partnerships.
The event is expected to attract a surge in global interest and investment following the approval of a new foreign home ownership law, which will allow non-Saudis to own property in designated zones from 2026.
“This legislation puts Saudi Arabia firmly on the map for global real estate capital,” says Rachel Sturgess, senior vice-president at Tahaluf, the organiser of Cityscape Global. “The 2025 edition provides a major platform to connect the policy change with tangible investment opportunities for global developers and investors.
In 2024, the Gulf Cooperation Council real estate sector, comprising Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the UAE, experienced phenomenal growth, with total transactions exceeding US$383 billion.
“For 2025, we aim to grow that figure, with larger delegations and expanded site visits to live projects,” Sturgess says.
Central to Cityscape’s growth is Saudi Arabia itself. The event is closely aligned with the Saudi government’s Vision 2030, a blueprint to transform the kingdom into a global leader in business, trade and innovation. At the heart of this vision are more than 5,000 projects valued at more than US$5 trillion, led by the main partners – NHC, Diriyah Company, ROSHN, New Murabba, Qiddiya City, Rua Alharam Almakki, NEOM, King Abdullah Financial District, Red Sea Global, Masar Destination and King Salman Park Foundation – shaping the nation’s future. These landmark developments are redefining Saudi Arabia’s urban landscape and creating new economic and investment opportunities.
The theme of this year’s event, “The Future of Urban Living”, directly reflects the national agenda: “Cityscape Global mirrors Saudi’s evolution from vision to execution and from regional to international partnerships,” Sturgess says. “It provides a platform for dialogue, where thought leaders will demonstrate how Vision 2030’s ambitions can be transformed into real-world developments and new benchmarks for urban living.”
Like the Saudi nation itself, Cityscape Global has grown far beyond its traditional scope. “The exhibition has embraced innovation, evolving into a multidimensional platform for real estate capital and foreign direct investment,” Sturgess adds.
This year’s edition will host four major conferences. The Future of Living Summit will explore how demographic shifts and technological innovations are reshaping residential development, while the DnA (Developers and Architects) Stage will spotlight the design and construction of experience-driven spaces. The Innovation Arena will feature cutting-edge PropTech solutions, with a focus on integrating smart technologies and AI into urban planning, whereas Estaad (Stadiums and Entertainment) will explore the booming sports and mega-event infrastructure economy.
The event, held at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center, will showcase residential, commercial and mixed-use projects from more than 200 world-class developers. “We are proud to welcome major international brands such as Sobha, Bin Al Sheikh Holding and Kooheji Development,” Sturgess says.
Visitors can also expect high-value networking opportunities. For institutional investors and sovereign wealth funds, a major draw will be exclusive access to new development launches and closed-door VIP investment sessions, building on last year’s record transaction success.
Beyond transactions, the event serves as a platform for fostering partnerships with government entities, sovereign funds and private developers, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s growing appeal as a strategic global hub for urban innovation and investment.
With the kingdom rapidly emerging as a leader in global urban transformation, driven by ambitious giga-projects and cutting-edge sustainable infrastructure, Cityscape Global 2025 offers participants unparalleled access to the people, projects and ideas shaping the next generation of cities.
“The event brings together government leaders, developers, investors, architects, technology providers and policymakers under one roof. It is this inclusivity that has driven Cityscape Global’s ongoing success,” Sturgess says.