Saudi buyers are prioritising cost-effective, amenity-rich communities that balance value with lifestyle, with quality-driven purchasing decisions increasingly across Riyadh, Jeddah, Mekkah, Madinah and the Dammam Metropolitan Area, said a report released ahead of Cityscape Global 2026 expo in Riyadh.
The world’s largest real estate exhibition, Cityscape Global, will run from November 16-19 at the Riyadh Exhibition & Convention Centre (Malham), Saudi Arabia.
Being organised by Tahaluf, a strategic joint venture between Informa PLC, the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP), and the Events Investment Fund (EIF), the event is a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
Its a premier platform for shaping the future of urban living and investment where leading architects, engineers and urban experts will get to network and also discuss key industry issues. This year, liveability takes a prominent place on the conference agenda, said the organisers.
At Cityscape Global 2026, that demand puts greater focus on how communities are designed, developed and financed, they stated.
Across Saudi Arabia, Roshn Group, Diriyah Company, RUA AlHaram AlMakki, New Murabba, Masar, Rua Al Madinah and KAFD are among the major developments combining multiple uses within connected districts.
New Murabba returns as a Foundation Partner for Cityscape Global 2026, continuing its presence at the event.
Eng. Sabah Barakat, the Acting Chief Executive Officer, New Murabba, said: "We’re at Cityscape Global to engage directly with the investors, developers and operators who will help shape the next chapter of Riyadh’s modern downtown. As the master developer, our role is to create the platform for that participation by bringing forward a growing pipeline of investment partnerships and joint ventures."
"Cityscape is an important event to showcase these opportunities, build new partnerships and demonstrate the central role private-sector investment will play in bringing Riyadh’s modern downtown to life. As expectations around how we live, move and connect continue to evolve, the focus is on creating more liveable, connected and people-centred communities," stated Barakat.
Placemaking, transit-oriented development, and human-centric infrastructure are at the core of the Future of Living Summit and DnA (Developers & Architects) Stage agendas.
Joining the speaker lineup are Shobi Khan, CEO of Canary Wharf Group; Pierre-Yves Guice, CEO of Paris La Défense; David Twohig, Co-Founder of MurrayTwohig and former Chief Development Officer of Battersea Power Station; and Anouk Kuitenbrouwer, Partner at KCAP, the renowned design firm behind the HafenCity masterplan.
Mauricio Rodas, former Mayor of Quito, known for delivering Ecuador’s first metro line, said: "Liveability is ultimately experienced at street level: in how easily people can move around, reach everyday amenities, use public spaces, and feel connected to their surroundings. The strongest places make those experiences part of the design from the outset, because the quality of everyday life is more important than the buildings themselves."
International Architecture firms exhibiting and sponsoring at Cityscape Global 2026 include Populous, Gerber Architekten International Projects, Bayrak + Partners, and Design International, alongside developers and decision-makers responsible for major projects across Saudi Arabia.
Rachel Sturgess, Executive Vice President, Tahaluf, said: "Saudi Arabia’s real estate opportunity is increasingly defined by the quality of the places being created, not only the scale of development."
"The calibre of speakers, developers, and architects joining Cityscape Global 2026 reflects that shift, bringing the expertise, ideas and investment needed to turn changing consumer priorities into places that deliver lasting value," he added.
