Cityscape Global 2026 aims at Saudi homebuyers as ownership rises

Cityscape Global 2026 will bring Saudi homebuyers, investors, developers, banks and policymakers together in Riyadh as the kingdom’s homeownership rate climbs and new rules open the market to more international buyers. The event is positioned as a transaction-focused marketplace where qualified demand, financing and property options meet.

Why it matters: - Saudi Arabia’s homeownership rate reached 66.24% in 2025, beating the annual target and moving closer to Vision 2030’s 70% goal. - Cityscape Global is being positioned as a place where that demand can turn into actual property purchases, not just interest. - New ownership regulations for non-Saudis could expand the buyer pool for developers by making international participation clearer.

What happened: - Cityscape Global 2026 said it will connect homebuyers and property investors with developers, banks and policymakers in one marketplace in Riyadh. - The event is set for November 16-19, 2026, at the Riyadh Exhibition & Convention Center in Malham. - Saudi Arabia provided 107,000 housing units and developed land plots during 2025. - At Cityscape Global 2025, 62% of visitors were active home seekers. - At the 2025 event, 42% of buyers secured properties valued between US$300,000 and US$2.6 million. - NHC won a Guinness World Records title in 2025 for the most homes sold at a real estate exhibition.

The details: - The Implementing Regulations to the Law of Real Estate Ownership by Non-Saudis spell out how foreign individuals, companies and other entities can acquire real estate and property rights in Saudi Arabia. - The regulations provide greater clarity on eligibility, registration and ownership requirements. - Cityscape Global 2026 says buyers will be able to compare residential developments, explore financing options and access expertise in one place. - The event is also designed to help buyers discuss affordability and, where available, purchase on site. - H.E. Majed Al-Hogail said Saudi Arabia is expanding access to homeownership and creating new opportunities for citizens, residents and international buyers. - Al-Hogail said Cityscape Global gives homebuyers, investors and developers a platform to turn opportunity into ownership. - Mohammad Albuty said NHC’s real estate portfolio reached SAR 250 billion by the end of 2025. - Albuty said NHC aims to exceed SAR 500 billion and develop more than 600,000 residential units by 2030. - NHC said its technology arm, NHC Innovation, operates more than 15 digital platforms serving 20 million users. - Rachel Sturgess said the combination of stronger homeownership growth and clearer routes for international participation is creating a broader and more diverse buyer market.

Between the lines: - The event is moving beyond a traditional exhibition model and leaning into transaction support, financing access and decision-making tools. - That shift reflects a market where buyer intent is already measurable, especially among visitors to Cityscape Global 2025. - The policy changes on foreign ownership suggest Saudi Arabia is trying to widen demand without slowing the domestic homeownership push. - NHC’s scale and portfolio targets show how central large developers are to meeting Vision 2030 housing goals.

What’s next: - Cityscape Global 2026 will use its Riyadh platform to showcase residential projects and connect buyers directly with market participants. - Organizers expect the event to help more visitors move from property comparison to purchase decisions. - Continued expansion of financing options and residential supply should remain a key theme as the sector advances toward Vision 2030 targets.

The bottom line: - Saudi Arabia’s housing market is getting more mature, more open and more transaction-ready, and Cityscape Global 2026 is built to capture that momentum.