Saudi and European businessmen increase their collaboration in real estate development

The 15th Saudi Arabia Real Estate Development Summit: Europe Edition
The 15th Saudi Arabia Real Estate Development Summit: Europe Edition brought together more than 350 relevant actors in the sector and fostered numerous contacts and exchanges of projects and experiences

The 15th Saudi Arabia Real Estate Development Summit: Europe Edition was held at the Palau de Congressos, Palma de Mallorca - Spain.

 

With a very appropriate motto: Connecting beyond borders, this edition brought together more than 350 decision makers representing the main projects in Saudi Arabia and a global group of some of the most sought-after suppliers.

The meeting began with a heartfelt welcome speech by Ravi Kumar Chandran, CEO of GBB Venture, organizers of the summit, with the support of the Saudi Business Council.

With the legendary Sir Peter Cook, director of Cook Belacevic Haffner + Partners, sharing his expert opinion on the elements of pleasing architecture, the summit began on a high note.

 Arab News Business Editor Reina Takla interviewed Elias Abou Samra in an exclusive session on how Saudi Arabia has become a hot spot for real estate development and what aspects can make it truly accessible and affordable.

Next, Mohammed Adib, Head of Design at Dewan Architects + Engineers, took center stage to explain how they have been using AI and VR in BIM design processes.

This was followed by a series of sponsor presentations covering everything from building a biotech city, sustainable communities and water design to 3D printed tiles and surface coatings technology.

Then, the climax of the summit, the prearranged face-to-face meetings took over the attendees and kept them captivated and occupied with a high-quality staging put together by the organizers. A sumptuous lunch offered even more networking opportunities.

 A thought-provoking roundtable: Joe Tabet, Managing Partner of JT + Partners, led the discussion. While he offered participants an insight into his much-discussed project with NEOM-Treyam, he explored the various facets of real estate development in Saudi Arabia and how it compares to more established markets.

Amr Younes, Director of City Design and Construction at KAEC, Dr. Ahmed Khan Alhashimi, Executive Director of Engineering Affairs at Sumou Real Estate, Navdeep Hanjra, Vice President of Planning and Development at AlUla Royal Commission and Tareq Nabulsi, Councilor Development and Projects delegate of Al Othaim Investment & Co. agreed on the enormous potential of Saudi Arabia in terms of real estate development and that this country is the greatest phenomenon in the region.

 After another series of specific meetings scheduled in advance, a dinner awaited attendees where they could continue networking while enjoying a menu with local products at Assaona Gastrobeach Club.

As exciting as the first day was, much more awaited attendees on the second day, which began with a roundtable discussion discussing the topic of cross-border procurement.

Led by Maroun Deeb, Head of Project and Development Services for KSA and Bahrain - JLL, the roundtable discussed key aspects of political changes and the localization of supplies, while making it easier for international companies to establish their products and services in KSA. Jacob Rinard, Vice President - Program Director - Parsons, Saudi Arabia, Eng. Bakr Sindi, Chief Supply Chain Officer - Consultant, Sam Achampong, Regional Managing Director - CIPS MENA and Fadi Yanni, Delivery Director - JASARA Program Management Company brilliantly addressed this delicate issue. topic as panelists and provided long-term planning and execution of plans that make procurement and the supply chain a smoother path.

 The panel, which set the tone for the day, was followed by a series of presentations with the common theme of design that defies boundaries. Jason Speechly, Director of Design at RMJM, discussed some of RMJM's most notable projects and how they navigated the design process.

Edward McIntosh, Regional Director of Design at Atkins Realis, and William McDonough, CEO of McDonough Innovation, could not be present at the summit due to their circumstances in Saudi Arabia, but they were present digitally and showed their worth. Edward spoke about his celebrated work on the Iris project, while William offered insight into his acclaimed work with the Cradle to Cradle design concept, highlighting some examples of his own work.

 After leaving the audience on such a high note, the final series of meetings was filled with a new enthusiasm that attendees couldn't help but enjoy.

Concluding the summit with a creative networking session, the organizers said goodbye in style, leaving attendees just as excited for their next series of events:

16th Saudi Arabia Real Estate Development Summit: Luxury Edition in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on November 20-21, 2024.

3rd edition of the Africa Hospitality Innovation Summit, in Dubai, on December 4 and 5, 2024.
 
 4th edition of the Saudi Arabia and UAE Hospitality Innovation Summit, on April 16-17, 2025.