Saudi real estate market set for rebound leading GCC growth: Markaz

A view of a common residential area built in the desert near a corniche park in Dammam, in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province. File/Shutterstock
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Updated 25 August 2024
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Saudi real estate market set for rebound leading GCC growth: Markaz

  • UAE’s real estate sector will continue to grow through 2024, driven by strong demand in residential, office and hospitality segments
  • Analysis highlighted a revival in Kuwait’s real estate sector, marked by rising rents and land prices

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s real estate market is expected to rebound in the second half of this year, driven by strong performance in both oil and non-oil sectors, a new analysis has revealed. 

In its new report, Kuwait Financial Center, also known as Markaz, forecasted continued growth in the Gulf Cooperation Council’s real estate sector, with the Kingdom, Kuwait, and the UAE leading the charge. 

The growth is driven by strong macroeconomic fundamentals, supportive government policies, and increasing investor interest, according to the report developed by Markaz’s MENA Real Estate team and Indian-based research firm Marmore MENA Intelligence. 

This comes as Markaz’s Real Estate Macro Index Scores for the second half of 2024 are projected at 3.5 for Kuwait, 3.7 for the UAE, and 3.6 for Saudi Arabia, indicating a strong rebound in the real estate market. 

While Kuwait and Saudi Arabia show improvements from their first-half scores of 2.9 and 3.55, respectively, the UAE’s stable score of 3.7 shows ongoing strength and potential for sustained growth in these key GCC markets, the report said. 

For Saudi Arabia, developing the real estate sector is crucial as it aims to become a global business, tourism, and investment destination in line with Vision 2030. 

“In Saudi cities Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, the residential sector saw a substantial year-over-year increase in sales transactions by 77 percent, 93 percent, and 28 percent, respectively, during the first quarter of 2024,” said Markaz. 

“The office sector also strengthened with rising rents in high-end and mid-range properties across these cities,” the asset management and investment banking firm added. 

A recent Ministry of Investment report said that 57 international firms had established their regional headquarters in Saudi Arabia in the second quarter of this year, an 84 percent increase from the same period the previous year. 

The regional HQ program introduced new tax incentives for multinational companies relocating to the Kingdom, including a 30-year exemption on corporate income tax, withholding tax related to headquarters activities, discounts, and support services. 

“This increase in rents has been partly driven by the new regional headquarters initiative, a part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which kicked off at the start of 2024,” said Markaz. 

It also said that the Kingdom’s hospitality sector experienced significant growth in the first quarter of the year, with Riyadh leading a 26.8 percent increase in average daily rates. 

The rise was driven by increased business travel, religious tourism from the Muslim Hajj pilgrimage and Umrah, and a vibrant slate of international and cultural events. 

The Kuwaiti institution further said that Saudi Arabia’s real estate market outlook remained positive, with strong performance projected to continue in the latter half of 2024, driven by robust non-oil sector activities and substantial government infrastructure spending. 

“The market is believed to be in an accelerating phase, indicative of a dynamic period of growth ahead,” added Markaz. 

Citing an International Monetary Fund projection, Markaz said Saudi Arabia’s real gross domestic product is expected to grow by 2.6 percent in 2024, recovering from previous contractions, with an optimistic forecast of 8.1 percent growth next year. 

“This economic recovery is mirrored in the real estate domain, where the General Authority for Statistics reports a 0.6 percent rise in the real estate price index for the first quarter of 2024, led by a 1.2 percent rise in residential land prices,” said Markaz. 

UAE real estate 

Markaz projected the UAE’s real estate sector will continue to grow through 2024, driven by strong demand in residential, office, and hospitality segments. 

“The non-oil economy, including significant contributions from the real estate sector, is expected to sustain strong growth, buoyed by government support and favorable policies, such as the revised Golden Visa requirements, which now enhance investor eligibility,” the report said. 

The analysis highlighted that the UAE real estate market remains vibrant, with record transactions and rising prices despite geopolitical uncertainties. 

In the first half of the year, residential property prices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi surged 18.3 percent and 8.6 percent, respectively, reinforcing the UAE’s status as a top luxury housing market. 

Markaz said that reducing the minimum downpayment for golden visas to 1 million dirhams ($272,264) is expected to attract more international investors and further boost the market. 

“Office spaces in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have also seen rent increases due to high demand, particularly in higher-grade properties, reflecting a market trend toward quality,” the report said. 

“The hospitality sector continues to thrive, supported by a surge in tourism and business travel, contributing to a robust performance in hotel average daily rates across major cities,” it added. 

Markaz projected that the UAE real estate sector would continue its growth trajectory in the latter half of the year, though with a slight moderation in some segments and areas, such as Abu Dhabi. 

The market’s resilience reflects a strong economic environment and effective policy measures, ensuring ongoing growth and investment attractiveness. 

Kuwait real estate 

Kuwait’s real estate sector is also demonstrating resilience and growth potential despite challenging economic conditions, with a projected GDP contraction of 1.4 percent, following a 2.2 percent decline last year, according to Markaz. 

“Despite these broader economic challenges, the non-oil sectors, especially real estate, are experiencing growth supported by an expected 2 percent increase in non-oil GDP,” said Markaz. “Enhanced project activities and anticipated business reforms drive this growth.” 

The analysis highlighted a revival in Kuwait’s real estate sector, marked by rising rents and land prices. This is particularly evident in the Istithmari segment, or the housing rental market, where apartment land prices have seen significant annual gains in most areas, except for the western Mahboula district. 

Commercial land prices have also increased across all governorates, while rental rates for three-bedroom and 60 sq. meter apartments have remained stable, showing an uptick compared to the end of 2022, despite some exceptions in Mahboula and Khaitan area near Kuwait City.

“The sector is poised for further growth despite the decline in overall volume and value of real estate transactions — a normalization from the pent-up demand seen post-pandemic,” Markaz said.

“The Kuwaiti real estate market’s future looks promising, supported by macroeconomic stability and strategic reforms likely to drive continued recovery and expansion.” 


Saudi non-oil trade surplus with GCC jumps over 200% in April

Updated 10 July 2025
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Saudi non-oil trade surplus with GCC jumps over 200% in April

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s non-oil trade surplus with fellow Gulf Cooperation Council countries jumped by more than 200 percent in April 2025, driven by a sharp rise in re-exports and strengthening regional economic ties.

According to the latest figures released by the General Authority for Statistics, the Kingdom posted a trade surplus of SR3.51 billion ($935 million) with GCC nations during the month, compared to just SR1.16 billion in April 2024 — a year-on-year increase of 203.2 percent.

The total value of non-oil trade, which includes re-exports, between Saudi Arabia and the GCC bloc reached SR18.03 billion in April, reflecting a robust 41.3 percent growth from SR12.76 billion in the same month last year.

This momentum is attributed to the accelerated pace of regional economic integration, supported by strategic initiatives such as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and similar diversification programs across the Gulf. These frameworks aim to reduce dependence on hydrocarbons by fostering growth in sectors like logistics, finance, tourism, and manufacturing.

Non-oil exports — encompassing both national products and re-exported goods — saw a notable rise of 55 percent year on year to SR10.77 billion. Within this category, re-exports surged by 81 percent to SR7.74 billion, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s growing role as a regional re-export hub. National-origin exports also rose by 13.3 percent, totaling SR3.03 billion.

Imports from GCC countries also registered an increase, climbing to SR7.26 billion in April — a 25.2 percent rise compared to SR5.80 billion in the previous year.

Among individual member states, the UAE continued to dominate Saudi Arabia’s regional trade portfolio, accounting for SR13.53 billion — or 75.1 percent — of the Kingdom’s total non-oil trade with the GCC. Bahrain followed with SR1.8 billion (10 percent), while Oman recorded SR1.45 billion (8.1 percent). Kuwait and Qatar contributed SR819.9 million (4.5 percent) and SR422.1 million (2.3 percent), respectively.

The data reflects not only Saudi Arabia’s growing non-oil export capacity but also a broader regional shift toward more diversified, interconnected Gulf economies.


Saudia, flyadeal rise high in Cirium’s June punctuality rankings

Updated 10 July 2025
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Saudia, flyadeal rise high in Cirium’s June punctuality rankings

  • Marks Saudia’s second time in 2025 leading global rankings for arrival and departure punctuality
  • Achievement aligns with Kingdom’s ambition to become global aviation hub

JEDDAH: Saudia emerged as the world’s most punctual airline in June, topping global rankings for both on-time departures and arrivals, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium.

In its latest report, the London-headquartered independent aviation analytics company said that Saudia operated 16,733 flights in June, achieving a 91.33 percent on-time arrival rate and a 90.69 percent on-time departure rate — a 2.41 percent increase in arrival punctuality compared to May’s rate of 89.18 percent.

The achievement aligns with Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a global aviation hub and a top destination for international travelers. Under Vision 2030, the Kingdom is investing heavily to boost private sector participation, expand connectivity, and reinforce its role in global aviation.

It also supports the National Aviation Strategy’s goal of enhancing the travel experience, which aims to target 330 million passengers annually, over 250 global destinations, and 4.5 million tons of air cargo by 2030.

Ibrahim Al-Omar, director general of Saudia Group, said, “Achieving exceptional on-time performance and maintaining operational excellence requires seamless coordination across all sectors and subsidiaries of the group.”

This marks Saudia’s second time in 2025 leading global rankings for both arrival and departure punctuality, following a similar achievement in March. It also mirrors the airline’s performance in June 2024, when it topped the rankings with an on-time arrival rate of 88.22 percent and a departure rate of 88.73 percent across 16,133 flights to more than 100 destinations.

Flyadeal, Saudia Group’s low-cost carrier, ranked first in the Middle East and Africa for on-time arrival performance, achieving a rate of 91.77 percent across more than 5,980 flights. The carrier’s performance surpassed that of Saudia within the region.

In a statement, Saudi Group said: “The accomplishment reflects Saudia and flyadeal’s unwavering focus in operational efficiency and excellence, achieved during the high-demand period of Hajj, summer travel, and Eid Al-Adha holidays.”

In the airport category, Cirium ranked Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport as the world’s most punctual large airport for the same period. The travel gateway recorded a 90.41 percent on-time departure rate and an 86.99 percent on-time arrival rate, outperforming major global hubs in operational efficiency.

With 22,180 flights tracked, the Kingdom’s capital hub served 109 routes operated by 59 airlines, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s growing global connectivity and aviation excellence.

Meanwhile, Dammam’s King Fahd International Airport ranked seventh among medium-sized airports for on-time departures, achieving an 86.18 percent punctuality rate across 8,200 flights on 59 routes, according to Cirium.


Closing Bell: Saudi main index steady at 11,277; Nomu edges up

Updated 10 July 2025
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Closing Bell: Saudi main index steady at 11,277; Nomu edges up

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index was steady on Thursday, as it marginally declined by 0.01 percent, or 0.82 points, to close at 11,276.91. 

The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR4.96 billion ($1.32 billion), with 128 of the listed stocks advancing and 120 declining. 

The Kingdom’s parallel market Nomu gained 31.28 points to close at 27,479.50.

The MSCI Tadawul Index marginally shed 0.02 points to 1,445.23. 

The best-performing stock on the main market was SHL Finance Co. The firm’s share price increased by 9.95 percent to SR19.33. 

The share price of Fawaz Abdulaziz Alhokair Co., also known as Cenomi Retail, rose by 5.8 percent to SR31.38. 

Sustained Infrastructure Holding Co. also saw its stock price rise by 4.24 percent to SR35.44. 

Conversely, the share price of Umm Al Qura for Development and Construction Co. declined by 6.14 percent to SR25.06. 

On the announcements front, Anmat Technology for Trading Co. said that it received a contract valued at SR50 million from Etihad Etisalat, also known as Mobily, to supply and install power generator systems and a fuel monitoring system. 

In a press statement, Anmat said that the contract is effective from June 26 and will last until May 17, 2028. 

The company added that the impact of the deal will be reflected in the firm’s financials from the second half of this year and will continue until the end of the contract duration. 

The share price of Anmat, which is listed in Nomu, increased by 10.19 percent to SR12.33. 

International Human Resources Co. said that it signed a framework agreement with the Arab National Bank to provide human resources services. 

According to a Tadawul statement, the contract is valid for 12 months and will be renewed for a similar period unless either party notifies the other at least 30 days prior to the expiry date. 

International Human Resources Co.’s share price rose by 2.83 percent to SR6.17. 


Saudi Tourism Development Fund rolls out programs to boost startup growth 

Updated 10 July 2025
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Saudi Tourism Development Fund rolls out programs to boost startup growth 

RIYADH: Tourism startups and entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia stand to benefit from three newly launched support initiatives aimed at accelerating innovation, attracting investment, and strengthening the Kingdom’s growing travel economy. 

The Tourism Development Fund has introduced the Grow Tourism Incubator, Tourism Hackathons and Bootcamps, and the Grow Tourism Accelerator — a suite of initiatives designed to empower early-stage ventures through TDF Grow, its non-financial enablement arm, according to a press release. 

Developing a robust tourism landscape is a key pillar of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 agenda, as the Kingdom works to diversify its economy and reduce its reliance on oil revenues. 

The National Tourism Strategy targets 150 million annual visitors by 2030, after surpassing the 100 million milestone ahead of schedule, with official data showing the Kingdom welcomed 116 million tourists in 2024 — exceeding its annual target for the second year in a row. 

Qusai bin Abdullah Al-Fakhri, CEO of TDF, said: “We remain committed to empowering entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into promising, impactful projects. We strive to provide a comprehensive support ecosystem that addresses the needs of businesses at every stage, helping them overcome challenges and accelerate their growth.”  

He added: “These three programs embody our dedication to practical enablement, offering guidance, support, and connections with key stakeholders, to build a sustainable tourism sector full of opportunity and aligned with the aspirations of Saudi Vision 2030.” 

The Grow Tourism Incubator Program, now in its first edition, will target early-stage tourism startups. Registration opened on June 24 and will remain open until July 17. 

The incubator offers a 10-month immersive environment, providing participants with access to shared workspaces, as well as legal, marketing, and logistical support, along with technical and administrative services. 

The program will also include workshops, specialized training sessions, and mentorship by leading industry experts, delivered both virtually and in person at TDF headquarters — ensuring accessibility for entrepreneurs across the Kingdom. 

The Tourism Hackathons and Bootcamps program aims to support innovators and early-stage tourism projects, with a focus on three key regions: Asir, Al-Ahsa, and Madinah. 

Running for five months, the program will allow participants to take part in hackathons followed by training bootcamps, helping them develop their ideas into actionable prototypes. 

Registrations opened on July 1 and will remain open until July 22. 

The Grow Tourism Accelerator builds on the success of previous cohorts, which have graduated 99 participants to date. 

This three-month program is designed to support startups and help them scale within the tourism sector. 

“The accelerator also attracts international companies, enriching the diversity of the investment landscape and elevating service quality across the industry. The program provides integrated mentorship, culminating in graduation and connections with potential investors,” the TDF release stated. 

It added that the TDF Grow platform has supported 8,800 beneficiaries through its non-financial programs and initiatives, helping entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises accelerate their projects and enhance the competitiveness of Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector.


OPEC says no peak to oil demand before 2050

Updated 10 July 2025
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OPEC says no peak to oil demand before 2050

  • OPEC sees oil demand rising by 18.6% to around 123 mbd in 2050
  • It expects demand to grow for longer than other forecasters

PARIS: The OPEC oil cartel said Thursday that demand for crude will continue to expand through at least 2050, calling efforts to rapidly shift away from fossil fuels an unworkable fantasy.

In its latest annual report on the outlook for oil demand, OPEC sees global oil demand rising by 18.6 percent from 103.7 million barrels per day in 2024 to around 123 mbd in 2050.

That rising demand will be “driven by expanding economic growth, rising populations, increasing urbanization, new energy-intensive industries like artificial intelligence, and the need to bring energy to the billions without it,” said OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al-Ghais in his foreword to the report.

“There is no peak oil demand on the horizon,” he said.

That forecast puts OPEC, which gathers together a number of the world’s leading oil exporting nations, at odds with the International Energy Agency, whose member states include many oil-consuming nations.

The IEA said last month that it expects global oil demand to begin to decline in 2030, driven by the rise of electric cars and the shift away from crude to produce power.

The IEA even sees oil demand dropping in Saudi Arabia as it replaces crude with gas and renewable energy to produce power.

Ghais said that OPEC sees growth in oil demand being primarily driven by developing nations, and that fossil fuels still account for around 80 percent of the global fuel mix, little changed from when the cartel was founded in 1960.

.”..it has become increasingly clear to many policymakers in recent years that the narrative of swiftly phasing out oil and gas has been seen for what it is: unworkable, and a fantasy,” he said.

The OPEC chief blasted many timelines to reach net-zero carbon emissions as having “little regard for energy security, affordability or feasibility.”

Experts say a rapid phase-out of fossil fuels is necessary if global warming is be kept to 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels.