RIYADH: Banks in Saudi Arabia granted SR60.92 billion ($16.24 billion) in residential mortgages in the first nine months of 2024, an annual rise of 4.88 percent.

The data was released by the Saudi Central Bank, also known as SAMA, and it showed the bulk of the loans — constituting 64 percent or SR38.85 billion — was allocated for house purchases.

This segment did witness a 3.38 percent dip year on year, with its proportion of total loans shrinking from the 69 percent seen during the same period of 2023.

Demand for apartments surged, capturing 31 percent of total mortgages, up from 25 percent a year ago, as this category of lending reached SR18.6 billion.

This shift represents a 26.8 percent growth, underscoring the increasing preference for apartment ownership amid urbanization and demographic changes.

Additionally, loans for land purchases showed a promising trajectory, achieving an annual growth rate of 8.26 percent and amounting to SR3.5 billion, which signals a sustained interest in land investment across the Kingdom.

The rise in new residential bank loans across Saudi Arabia is being driven by a blend of population growth, evolving mortgage policies, and increasing interest in apartment living.

According to a recent report from online real estate platform Sakan, the Kingdom’s population surged by four million over the past five years, with demand for housing climbing in response.

While this trend fuels the broader housing market, apartments have become a prominent focus, reflecting changing demographics and affordability needs.

The growth of the expatriate population, which expanded from 9.9 million in 2010 to 13.4 million in 2022 and now makes up over 40 percent of the population, also adds pressure on the rental market, particularly in major cities.

The government’s push for greater home ownership through buyer-friendly mortgage policies is helping fuel this apartment demand. 

Favorable mortgage options and the recent introduction of the Premium Residency Visa, often dubbed the “Saudi Green Card,” allow foreign investors to enter the market with purchases over SR4 million, fostering interest in upscale residential investments.

Additionally, the value proposition of apartments is clear, as with SR1 million, buyers can access apartment sizes that vary by city — for instance, around 131 sq. meters in North Riyadh to a more spacious 333 sq. meters in Dammam, according to the report.

Saudi Arabia’s liberalized foreign ownership policies and affordable mortgage terms further boost demand, particularly for apartments in desirable areas.

The high rental yields offered by apartments in Saudi Arabia also attract investors, with two- and three-bedroom apartments in Riyadh delivering yields of 9 to 10 percent, and even higher returns in Jeddah, where a two-bedroom unit yields 11.7 percent.

These returns are notably higher than apartment yields in neighboring Gulf cities, where they average between 5 to 6 percent in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha.

High rental yields not only make apartments attractive as long-term investments but also help offset rising property costs, driving both end-users and investors to favor this category in a market characterized by shifting residential preferences.

According to the report, the surge is also driven by the rapid evolution of real estate technology.

Platforms like Sakan are reshaping the real estate landscape by enhancing transparency, streamlining property transactions, and providing data-driven insights for buyers and investors alike.

Leveraging local knowledge and international expertise, these platforms are supporting the sector’s growth by simplifying access to property listings, improving market transparency, and facilitating faster transaction times.

As property technology continues to integrate into the Saudi market, it is poised to play a pivotal role in sustaining the momentum of residential lending and meeting the needs of a tech-savvy, expanding population.

BAKU: As COP29 progresses in Baku, attention is turning to the ways in which clean energy can transform post-conflict recovery efforts, bringing both environmental resilience and social stability to regions affected by war.

This year’s discussions have highlighted how renewable energy offers more than environmental benefits, having the potential to catalyze economic recovery, improve living standards and build long-term resilience in areas most vulnerable to conflict.

Renewable energy in conflict recovery: A new dimension of aid

Experts have highlighted how sustainable infrastructure can reduce dependence on foreign energy imports and fuel local economies in war-torn areas.

Hafed Al-Ghwell, a North African geopolitics expert, said in an interview with Arab News that “clean energy isn’t just about generating power; it’s about autonomy and resilience.” For regions dependent on volatile foreign fuel supplies, renewables offer a more stable power source that strengthens local autonomy.

Gilles Carbonnier, vice president of the International Committee of the Red Cross, highlighted the critical role of renewable energy in supporting communities severely affected by both conflict and climate change.

“The people who are most affected by climate change risks are those who live in zones of armed conflict and have the least capability to adapt and face these risks,” Carbonnier said.

He described how the ICRC is using solar power to help protect communities from droughts, floods and extreme weather across the Sahel, the Horn of Africa and the Middle East.

“What we need is to scale these efforts, which means directing much more climate funding to conflict zones,” Carbonnier added.

This local approach provides immediate aid while laying the foundation for sustainable recovery in areas struggling with limited resources and infrastructure damage.

Gaza: The intersection of war and environmental crisis

The war and occupation in Gaza represents a severe environmental and humanitarian crisis.

Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan addressed COP29. In calling for global solidarity with Gaza, he said: “Saving our planet must start from the premise that all lives are worth saving.” He described how the war is “compounding environmental challenges for Gaza and beyond.”

A recent UN Environment Program report highlighted severe contamination of Gaza’s land, water and air due to the destruction of critical infrastructure, including sewage and waste systems, leaving communities surrounded by hazardous debris.

Carbonnier said that Gaza is emblematic of the dual crisis faced by many conflict zones, where war intensifies environmental damage and deepens humanitarian challenges.

“In Gaza, conflict has degraded critical infrastructure to the point where basic resources like clean water and electricity are scarce,” he said.

“Renewable energy solutions, such as solar micro-grids, could offer essential relief by providing stable power to hospitals, schools and homes,” he added.

In Gaza, solar micro-grids deployed by NGOs are already providing essential power for hospitals and emergency shelters, offering a sustainable alternative to fuel imports which have been blockaded by Israeli forces since the conflict began.

Resilience through clean energy infrastructure

Renewable energy infrastructure, particularly solar and wind power, is highly adaptable to conflict and post-conflict settings due to its low maintenance requirements and modular design.

Solar panels and wind turbines require minimal upkeep and their modular nature allows for incremental infrastructure development as security improves.

This approach has proved effective in Syria, where solar-powered micro-grids are supplying power to refugee camps, providing consistent electricity for vital services like sanitation and healthcare.

According to Carbonnier, these micro-grids “reduce dependence on often costly and dangerous fuel deliveries and stabilize power supplies for communities under stress.”

Renewable energy micro-grids are now recognized as a cornerstone of humanitarian aid, offering stability to populations affected by protracted crises.

Policy implications and international support

For renewable energy to become a reliable tool in post-conflict recovery, coordinated international support and robust policy frameworks are essential.

Azerbaijan’s lead COP29 negotiator, Yalchin Rafiyev, highlighted the need for financial support specifically directed at conflict zones. “Bridging the gaps between climate finance and peace-building efforts can unlock substantial benefits for communities emerging from conflict,” Rafiyev said.

Rumen Radev, president of Bulgaria, highlighted the link between climate resilience and global stability, telling Arab News: “Extreme meteorological events threaten not just people and economies, but also the security and stability of the world.”

His remarks highlight the importance of COP29’s goals in fostering peace through enhanced climate resilience.