Saudi Arabia’s residential landscape changing as smart cities rise

Saudi Arabia’s residential landscape changing as smart cities rise
ROSHN is the first developer in the region to receive the BSI Kitemark for smart cities, underlining its commitment to creating sustainable and smart communities to enhance the experience of both residents and visitors. Supplied
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Updated 25 August 2024
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Saudi Arabia’s residential landscape changing as smart cities rise

Saudi Arabia’s residential landscape changing as smart cities rise
  • Saudi Arabia was represented five times in the 2024 edition of the International Institute for Management Development Smart City Index

RIYADH: The evolution of smart cities in Saudi Arabia could change the residential landscape of the Kingdom, as high-net-worth individuals discover these communities are perfect destinations for setting up homes, according to experts. 

Smart cities integrate artificial intelligence alongside information and communications technology to derive actionable insight from infrastructure, systems and processes to enhance the quality of life and safety for citizens. 

Saudi Arabia was represented five times in the 2024 edition of the International Institute for Management Development Smart City Index — with Riyadh, Madinah, and Makkah making the list along with Jeddah and Al-Khobar. 

With the $500 billion giga-project of NEOM set to lead the way with smart technology, it is no surprise the number of high-net-worth individuals flocking to Saudi Arabia is set to rise, with a report released by Henley & Partners in June projecting over 300 millionaires would be moving to the Kingdom in 2024.

Speaking to Arab News, Akram Awad, partner at Boston Consulting Group highlighted the important role smart cities will play in this area, as both a necessity and an opportunity for transforming the Kingdom’s residential landscape. 

“The rise of smart cities in Saudi Arabia is set to significantly boost the region’s attractiveness for high net-worth individuals seeking new homes. According to BCG’s 2023 Cities of Choice study, cities prioritizing quality of life, economic opportunities, and rapid adaptability to change are the most desirable,” said Awad. 

Awad noted that the Kingdom’s ambitious smart city projects, like NEOM and the ongoing transformation of Riyadh, could revolutionize the residential sector by using advanced technologies to enhance urban living. 

“These cities are designed to provide a superior quality of life through efficient resource management, reduced traffic congestion, and improved safety, making them highly appealing to HNWIs,” added Awad. 

Elias Abou Samra, CEO of RAFAL Real Estate Co. echoed similar views and said that high-net-worth individuals prefer smart cities due to remote access, efficient use of energy and cost savings. 

“Smart cities will form a major enabler for HNW international investors as they offer a high level of visibility and transparency with regards to their assets starting from the due diligence phase pre-purchase up to the operating phase,” he said. 

Saudi Arabia’s transforming residential landscape

In April, Saudi Arabia’s capital city Riyadh secured 25th place in the IMD Smart City Index, up five spots since 2023.

The assessment, which evaluates various structures and technologies in the city, underscored Riyadh’s strengths in health and safety, mobility, and governance.

Riyadh’s growth in these areas is being fueled by the work of Saudi Arabia’s largest multi-asset developer ROSHN.

The Public Investment Fund-owned giga-project signed a raft of agreements at the tech conference LEAP 2024 in March, with a focus on using innovation to make the developer’s homes smarter. 

ROSHN is the first developer in the region to receive the BSI Kitemark for smart cities, underlining its commitment to creating sustainable and smart communities to enhance the experience of both residents and visitors. 

Speaking to Arab News, ROSHN’s Senior Director for Sustainability Waleed Al-Ghamdi explained how the company is looking to integrate a smart operating model to manage its communities. 

“Planning for sustainability and integrating smart technology is a key dimension of what we do as a real estate developer, and ROSHN’s communities are designed to enhance the quality of life through using smart sustainable practices to reduce our ecological footprint and improve social equity,” said Al-Ghamdi. 

He added: “ROSHN is committed to setting new standards and raising the bar for the Kingdom’s real estate sector in line with Saudi Vision 2030’s objectives.”

Al-Ghamdi further pointed out that the developer is exploring opportunities to implement technology in its infrastructure to reduce energy, and water consumption, and improve mobility & connectivity for residents. 

“We can achieve a double-digit reduction in consumption, by using energy-efficient systems and by reusing resources such as water for irrigation. We’re also looking to make our communities future-ready, by both installing and providing provisions for EV chargers in public and private areas, as well as providing digital platforms and micro-mobility solutions for all,” said Al-Ghamdi. 




Akram Awad, partner at Boston Consulting Group highlighted the important role smart cities will play. (Supplied)

Smart cities to enhance public safety

It is not just inside the home that will benefit from the rise of smart cities.

Traffic congestion, along with raising public safety, also benefit from the innovations on offer in such developments.

“As urban areas such as Riyadh continue to grow rapidly, implementing smart city solutions becomes crucial in addressing the challenges accompanying such expansion. These solutions offer innovative ways to manage traffic congestion, enhance the delivery of municipal services, and ensure the safety of a diverse and growing community,” said Boston Consulting Group’s Awad. 

He noted that smart cities in Saudi Arabia can significantly improve the management of essential resources like energy and water, ensuring efficient and sustainable use. 

They will also create more livable and inclusive environments by leveraging data to tailor services to the specific needs of residents, promoting a sense of community, and fostering economic opportunities. 

RAFAL Real Estate Co. CEO Samra noted that smart cities will become even more effective with the implementation of AI. 

“Future cities will resemble living organisms with optimized connectivity among residents, visitors, service providers, weather effects, public realms, and institutions. This may extend to automatic response to all sorts of hazards and incidents,” he said. 

Awad added that AI can also optimize traffic light management to reduce congestion, enable proactive crowd management, and detect visual pollution issues like graffiti and potholes through advanced image recognition. 

Combating the risks

Even though smart cities will make life smoother and easier, their developments are not without risk.

Federico Pienovi, chief business officer and CEO for APAC and MENA at software firm Globant said it is crucial to prioritize AI safety and data privacy as the foundation for all other capabilities in smart cities. 

“A key challenge is that citizens are often unaware of the extent of data collection through sensors and devices. Addressing this gap requires proactive communication, public education initiatives, and transparent disclosure of data practices. Additionally, outdated technology and inefficient security protocols expose smart cities to malicious threats,” Pienovi told Arab News. 




Federico Pienovi, chief business officer and CEO for APAC and MENA at software firm Globant. Supplied

He added: “To combat these risks, cities must invest in modern cybersecurity measures, regularly update systems, and foster a culture of security awareness among both officials and residents.” 

Awad said that mechanisms such as robust data lineage systems document the use of personal data, centralized data privacy agreements, and integrated anonymization capabilities are essential to ensure the privacy of data in smart cities. 

“These measures ensure that personal data is handled responsibly and transparently, maintaining public trust while leveraging data for urban improvement. By prioritizing security and privacy, smart cities can safeguard their residents while enhancing the quality of urban living through advanced technology,” he added.


Oil Updates — prices fall more than 1% on OPEC+ output hike discussion

Oil Updates — prices fall more than 1% on OPEC+ output hike discussion
Updated 10 sec ago
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Oil Updates — prices fall more than 1% on OPEC+ output hike discussion

Oil Updates — prices fall more than 1% on OPEC+ output hike discussion

SINGAPORE: Oil prices fell more than 1 percent on Thursday following a report that OPEC+ is discussing a production increase for July, stoking concerns any potential increase in global supply would exceed demand growth.

Brent futures fell $1.05, or 1.62 percent, to $63.86 a barrel by 9:51 a.m. Saudi time, while US West Texas Intermediate crude dropped 97 cents, or 1.58 percent, to $60.60.

Members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and their allies, known as OPEC+, are discussing whether to make another large output increase for a third month in July at their meeting on June 1, Bloomberg News reported.

An output hike of 411,000 barrels a day for July is among the options under discussion, although no final agreement has yet been reached, the report said, citing delegates.

OPEC+ has been in the process of unwinding its output cuts with additions to the market in May and June and Reuters has previously reported that the group may bring back as much as 2.2 million bpd by November.

Analysts have been anticipating the move and in a note on Wednesday, RBC Capital analyst Helima Croft said a 411,000 bpd increase from July is the “most likely outcome” from the meeting, primarily from Saudi Arabia.

“A key question will be whether the voluntary cut will be fully drawn down before the leaves turn brown in many parts of the world in line with the original taper schedule,” she said.

Prices were already lower in the session after Energy Information Administration data released on Wednesday showed US crude and fuel inventories posted surprise stock builds last week as crude imports hit a six-week high and gasoline and distillate demand slipped.

Crude inventories rose by 1.3 million barrels to 443.2 million barrels in the week ended May 16, the EIA said. Analysts in a Reuters poll had expected a 1.3 million-barrel drawdown.

“The EIA’s reported surprise stock builds will have a downward pressure particularly on WTI,” said Emril Jamil, a senior analyst at LSEG Oil Research. He added this could further incentivise more US exports to Europe and Asia. 


Closing Bell: Saudi main index ends lower at 11,303 

Closing Bell: Saudi main index ends lower at 11,303 
Updated 21 May 2025
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Closing Bell: Saudi main index ends lower at 11,303 

Closing Bell: Saudi main index ends lower at 11,303 
  • MSCI Tadawul 30 Index lost 19.78 points to close at 1,441.01
  • Parallel market Nomu declined 110.94 points to end at 27,417.62

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index closed in the red on Wednesday, falling 134.5 points, or 1.18 percent, to settle at 11,303.68. 

The total trading turnover reached SR4.37 billion ($1.16 billion), with 37 stocks advancing and 206 declining. 

The MSCI Tadawul 30 Index also dropped, losing 19.78 points, or 1.35 percent, to close at 1,441.01. 

The Kingdom’s parallel market Nomu declined by 110.94 points, or 0.40 percent, to close at 27,417.62, with 26 stocks gaining and 49 retreating. 

The best-performing stock of the day was Saudi Arabia Refineries Co., rising 4.38 percent to SR69.10. 

Other top gainers included Perfect Presentation for Commercial Services Co., whose share price rose 3.37 percent to SR11.66, and SHL Finance Co., which gained 2.22 percent to SR20.30. 

The day’s largest decline was seen in National Gypsum Co., with its share price dipping 4.76 percent to SR20.4. 

ACWA Power Co. saw its shares drop 4.40 percent to SR274, while Al-Rajhi Co. for Cooperative Insurance declined 4.17 percent to SR115. 

On the announcements front, ACWA Power said it has received approval from the Capital Market Authority to proceed with a SR7.12 billion capital increase through a rights issue. 

The CMA’s decision, issued on May 20, allows the company to offer, register, and list rights issue shares — pending shareholder approval at an upcoming extraordinary general assembly. 

The rights issue was first disclosed on Dec. 19, when ACWA Power submitted its application to the CMA. 

Alinma Bank has successfully completed a $500 million issuance of dollar-denominated sustainable Additional Tier 1 capital certificates under its Tier 1 Capital Certificate Issuance Programme. 

The offering targets eligible investors in Saudi Arabia and internationally, with settlement expected on May 28. 

The issuance comprises 2,500 certificates, each with a par value of $200,000, offering an annual return of 6.5 percent. These perpetual instruments are callable after 5.5 years. 

The certificates will be listed on the International Securities Market of the London Stock Exchange and were offered exclusively under Regulation S of the US Securities Act of 1933. 

During Wednesday’s session, Alinma Bank shares rose 0.18 percent to close at SR27.50 on the main market. 

Flynas has set the final offer price for its initial public offering at SR80 per share following the successful completion of the institutional book-building process, which was oversubscribed by 99.8 times, according to a statement.

BSF Capital, Morgan Stanley Saudi Arabia, and Goldman Sachs Saudi Arabia, acting as joint financial advisors, co-underwriters, and joint bookrunners for the IPO, confirmed that institutional investors subscribed in full to the 51,255,568 ordinary shares allocated in the first phase, representing 100 percent of the total offered.

Following this, up to 20 percent of the total offering will be allocated to retail investors in the second phase of the IPO.

Saudi Fransi Capital, serving as lead manager, announced that all necessary arrangements have been completed with receiving agents to facilitate the individual subscription process, which will run for three days from May 28 until June 1 at 12:00 p.m.


Saudi Arabia’s PIF halts Swiss financial market investments over Credit Suisse fallout

Saudi Arabia’s PIF halts Swiss financial market investments over Credit Suisse fallout
Updated 21 May 2025
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Saudi Arabia’s PIF halts Swiss financial market investments over Credit Suisse fallout

Saudi Arabia’s PIF halts Swiss financial market investments over Credit Suisse fallout
  • Decision driven by how Swiss regulators handled 2023 government-backed rescue of Credit Suisse by UBS Group
  • PIF continues to expand footprint across Europe, signaling redirection of capital

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund will no longer allocate capital to Switzerland’s financial markets, two years after suffering losses from the collapse of Credit Suisse.

During the FII PRIORITY Europe Summit in Albania, PIF Gov. Yasir Al-Rumayyan said that the decision was driven by the manner in which Swiss regulators handled the 2023 government-backed rescue of Credit Suisse by UBS Group, reported Bloomberg.

The abrupt deal was executed without shareholders’ approval, impacting investors across the Middle East.

PIF, one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds, is reassessing its investment strategy amid growing concerns over regulatory stability and investor protection.

The fund’s decision to halt investments in Switzerland’s financial markets marks a significant shift in its approach, underscoring the long-term impact of the 2023 Credit Suisse collapse on regional and institutional investor confidence.

PIF also continues to expand its footprint across Europe, signaling a redirection of capital.

“We’re not going to invest in the financial markets in Switzerland. If you change something overnight and wipe out all of your investors, this is a big red flag,” Al-Rumayyan said, as reported by Bloomberg.

The remarks were made during an on-stage discussion with Noel Quinn, newly appointed chairman of Zurich-based Julius Baer Group Ltd.

Quinn responded: “As the chairman of a Swiss bank as of 10 days ago, that concerns me.”

The 2023 acquisition of Credit Suisse was finalized rapidly following a sharp decline in its stock price.

The plunge became worse after the former chairman of the Saudi National Bank, Ammar Al-Khudairy, said the bank would “absolutely not” be open to further investments in Credit Suisse.

“The deal didn’t receive approval from either Credit Suisse or UBS shareholders as regulators and lawmakers rushed to contain a crisis of confidence that was spreading across global markets,” according to Bloomberg.

The 2023 acquisition of Credit Suisse was finalized rapidly following a sharp decline in its stock price. Shutterstock

At the time, shareholders from the Middle East, including SNB and the Qatar Investment Authority, collectively held around 20 percent of Credit Suisse.

SNB, which was the largest shareholder in the Swiss lender, had called on Credit Suisse to reject the offer from UBS, Bloomberg reported.

Other investors had cautioned that the Swiss government’s decision to override standard merger procedures and sideline shareholder votes could deter institutional investors.

Legal analysts also warned that the rushed nature of the transaction had undermined Switzerland’s standing as a reliable investment destination where the rule of law is safeguarded.

Al-Rumayyan’s remarks came as PIF announced plans to open a subsidiary office in Paris and committed to doubling its investments in Europe to $170 billion by the beginning of the next decade.

The fund has already deployed approximately $85 billion across the region between 2017 and 2024, making strategic investments in key European economies, including the UK, France, and Italy.


Saudi Arabia and Kyrgyzstan announce establishment of a joint business council 

Saudi Arabia and Kyrgyzstan announce establishment of a joint business council 
Updated 21 May 2025
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Saudi Arabia and Kyrgyzstan announce establishment of a joint business council 

Saudi Arabia and Kyrgyzstan announce establishment of a joint business council 
  • Forum reviewed investment opportunities, advantages, and incentives in Saudi Arabia and Kyrgyzstan
  • Bilateral meetings were held between company representatives from both countries

BISHKEK: Saudi Arabia and Kyrgyzstan, represented by the Saudi Chambers Federation and the Kyrgyz Chamber of Commerce and Industry, announced the signing of an agreement to establish a Saudi-Kyrgyz Joint Business Council — a significant step to advance economic cooperation between the two countries. 

The signing ceremony took place on the sidelines of the Saudi-Kyrgyz Business Forum held on May 21 in Bishkek, the Kyrgyz capital, in the presence of Kyrgyz Minister of Economy and Commerce Bakyt Sydykov, Saudi Chambers Federation Chairman Hassan bin Muajab Al-Huwaizi, and several ministers and officials from both nations, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The forum was also attended by Saudi-Kyrgyz Business Council Chairman Ahmed Al-Dakhil, Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan Ibrahim bin Radi Al-Radi, Kyrgyzstan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ulukbek Maripov, along with more than 100 investors. 

The chairman of the Saudi Chambers Federation emphasized that the establishment of the joint business council is the result of sustained efforts and mutual desire, providing an effective platform for Saudi and Kyrgyz businessmen to showcase and promote their activities and build commercial partnerships, amid vast opportunities for cooperation between the two countries. 

The joint business forum reviewed investment opportunities, advantages, and incentives in Saudi Arabia and Kyrgyzstan across sectors including exports, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, banking, hydropower, agriculture, and technology. 

Bilateral meetings were also held between company representatives from both countries. 

Notably, the federation’s delegation visits to Kyrgyzstan included a series of meetings with government and private sector officials to discuss prospects for economic cooperation and explore investment opportunities. 


Saudi crude output hits 8.96m bpd in March: JODI data

Saudi crude output hits 8.96m bpd in March: JODI data
Updated 21 May 2025
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Saudi crude output hits 8.96m bpd in March: JODI data

Saudi crude output hits 8.96m bpd in March: JODI data
  • Crude exports fell by 12.11% month on month to 5.75 million bpd
  • Kingdom’s slight increase in crude production came amid a broader strategic pivot within OPEC+

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s crude oil production rose to 8.96 million barrels per day in March, reflecting a 0.11 percent monthly increase, according to the latest Joint Organizations Data Initiative data.

According to the database, crude exports fell by 12.11 percent month on month to 5.75 million bpd.

Refinery crude exports rose 10.3 percent during this period to 1.55 million bpd. The uptick was driven primarily by diesel shipments, which jumped 20.66 percent from the previous month to 806,000 bpd.

It also accounted for the largest share of refined product exports in March at 52 percent, followed by motor and aviation gasoline at 17 percent, and fuel oil at 12 percent.

Total refinery output reached 2.94 million bpd in March, a 12.32 percent monthly increase, with diesel comprising 42 percent of refined products, motor and aviation gasoline 24 percent, and fuel oil 15 percent.

Domestic demand for refined petroleum products increased by 223,000 bpd in March compared to the previous month, reaching 2.22 million bpd.

On an annual basis, demand rose by 5.07 percent, equivalent to 107,000 bpd.

The Kingdom’s slight increase in crude production across the month came amid a broader strategic pivot within OPEC+, which has agreed to significantly boost oil output starting in June. The alliance announced an additional 411,000 bpd increase for June, following a similar adjustment made for May.

This marks a continuation of the group’s recent efforts to accelerate the return of previously curtailed supply to the global market. The upcoming increase is expected to add further downward pressure on prices, which have already been trending lower due to ample inventories, modest international demand growth, and increasing non-OPEC output.

Total refinery output reached 2.94 million bpd in March, a 12.32 percent monthly increase. Shutterstock

Direct crude usage

Saudi Arabia’s direct crude oil burn rose to 383,000 bpd in March, reflecting a 35.3 percent increase from the previous month.

Direct crude burn refers to the use of unrefined crude oil for electricity generation, rather than for export or refining.

The increase came amid the seasonal ramp-up in cooling needs as temperatures begin to rise heading into the warmer months.

Although the Kingdom has made substantial progress in expanding its natural gas infrastructure to reduce reliance on direct crude burn, fluctuations still occur, particularly in transitional months like March, when energy demand begins to shift but supply systems have not fully ramped up.