Home ownership eyed by 77% of Saudi-based expats, reveals survey

According to the report, Riyadh has 131 residential compounds, with 38 categorized as Western and 93 as non-Western. Jeddah, on the other hand, has 98 gated compounds, including 19 Western and 79 non-Western. (Shutterstock)
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Updated 17 March 2024
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Home ownership eyed by 77% of Saudi-based expats, reveals survey

  • Primary motivation for property purchasing in KSA is its perceived status as a good investment

RIYADH: A new premium residency visa has spurred home-ownership demand among Saudi-based expats, with 77 percent now looking to buy a property, a survey has revealed.

Global property consultancy Knight Frank surveyed 241 expatriates in Saudi Arabia, and discovered the primary motivation for real estate purchasing in the Kingdom, especially among millennials, is its perceived status as a good investment.

The desire for a close proximity to work and cultural or religious factors followed closely behind.

The survey findings also indicated a preference among expats for completed apartments over villas, with a potential demand of $863 million from the white-collar workforce for giga-project properties, alongside notable interest in branded residences among higher-income brackets.

The newly introduced premium residency visa linked to property ownership aims to meet some of the demand, however, the survey indicates that only 9 percent of respondents are willing to spend over SR3.5 million ($930,000), while the visa threshold is set at SR4 million.

Challenges arise as most respondents are comfortable allocating up to SR1.5 million for property in Saudi Arabia, with a substantial portion unwilling to exceed SR750,000. 

Additionally, average property prices in Riyadh and Jeddah range between SR800,000 and SR2.7 million, posing further constraints for this group.

Survey findings also underscore a greater propensity for investment among millennials, with 22 percent allocating budgets exceeding SR2.5 million, while female expats show a higher-end budget allocation surpassing SR3.5 million. 

The total combined budget among the 241 surveyed expats amounts to SR318.3 million. 

The urgency of demand according to Knight Frank is not immediate, as survey results revealed that only 26 percent are looking to buy this year while 44 percent are aiming for a purchase within the next year to 24 months.

This cautious approach, as per the firm, could be attributed to the significant rise in house prices over the past three years, with Riyadh experiencing apartment prices at SR5,150 per sq. m. and villa prices at SR4,900 per sq. m.

This surge in demand is driven by the government’s goal of achieving a 70 percent home ownership rate by 2030, supported by mortgage programs. However, according to Knight Frank, the increased demand has also led to affordability challenges, resulting in a 16 percent decline in overall transactional activity last year.

The firm emphasizes the substantial influence of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 in making Riyadh the top choice for property purchases, particularly among millennials. This is attributed to the city’s appeal as an attractive destination for tourism and entertainment, thanks to the various entertainment seasons and a wide array of cultural, sporting, and arts events created by the authorities.

In the survey, Jeddah emerged as the second most desired city for property purchase, followed by Dammam and Madinah.

The survey revealed a notable shift in expat preferences, with 68 percent expressing a strong inclination towards owning an apartment rather than a villa. This preference is particularly strong among those aged 35-45 and 45-55, the firm added.

Additionally, the choice between apartments and villas seems to vary with income levels. For instance, 92 percent of expats earning more than SR40,000 per month prefer villas, while 60 percent of those earning between SR30,000 and SR40,000 per month lean towards townhouses.

The fact that high earners are prepared to spend more on giga-project homes will be welcome news for developers, but the key will be to offer distinctive community features and amenities that go above and beyond.

Mohamad Itani, Knight Frank partner and head of residential project sales and marketing

The shift from villas to apartments for the majority of respondents is likely influenced by factors such as the higher cost associated with villas, affordability considerations, and possibly differing cultural preferences compared to Saudi nationals, the firm said.

The appeal of apartments is further highlighted by the fact that 53 percent of surveyed expats expressed a preference for owning a two or three bedroom apartment. This inclination is likely due to the smaller family sizes typically found among expats compared to Saudi nationals.

Knight Frank showed that 63 percent of respondents prefer to buy completed properties, while 26 percent are interested in off-plan purchases. This preference may have implications for developers according to the firm as they navigate Saudi Arabia’s 660,000 residential unit pipeline in the next six years.

Expat property buyers are willing to pay an average annual service charge rate of 5.9 percent of the property value.

According to Knight Frank, the rising demand for residential communities is driven by an increasing number of Western expatriates seeking a lifestyle that matches their expectations. 

These gated communities, known for their amenities such as swimming pools, cafes, and fitness centers, offer a high standard of living, the firm noted.

Western compounds are characterized by their larger size, superior services, extensive amenities, and heightened security, typically catering to Western expats. 

In contrast, non-Western compounds are smaller, with fewer facilities, and primarily occupied by Arab and Asian expats. 

In Knight Frank’s survey of expats, a notable appeal was found for residential compounds, with 75 percent expressing interest, a figure that rises to 77 percent among millennials.

This interest, as per the firm, correlates closely with income, with the percentage climbing to 94 percent among those earning over SR40,000 monthly. Among expats under 35, this percentage rises further to 85 percent, with females showing particularly heightened interest compared to males.

According to the report, Riyadh has 131 residential compounds, with 38 categorized as Western and 93 as non-Western. Jeddah, on the other hand, has 98 gated compounds, including 19 Western and 79 non-Western.

The top three sought-after features in a residential community include onsite essentials such as supermarkets and clinics, management services including maintenance and security, and transportation facilities like bike storage and parking.

According to Knight Frank, NEOM emerged as the most sought-after giga-project among expats. However, discrepancies between their budgets and the project’s expected prices posed a limitation. Nonetheless, a considerable proportion of respondents, particularly millennials, expressed willingness to reconsider their budget to afford a residence in NEOM.

Mohamad Itani, Knight Frank partner and head of residential project sales and marketing, said: “High earning expats are eager to own property in the Kingdom’s giga-projects and the fact that high earners are prepared to spend more on giga-project homes will be welcome news for developers, but the key will be to offer distinctive community features and amenities that go above and beyond.”

The average budget for giga-projects among expats stands at SR2.7 million, surpassing the SR1.7 million average elsewhere in the Kingdom. This translates to a total spending power of approximately $152 million among Saudi surveyed expats. When projected to the Kingdom’s 1.2 million white-collar workforce, the potential dry powder capital is estimated to be $863 million.

The top pull factors for owning a home in any of the giga-projects, as indicated by respondents, were parks and green spaces and family entertainment. Following closely were investing in Saudi Arabia’s future Vision 2030, world-class entertainment and theme parks, and climate. These factors outline the key considerations expats have regarding giga-project homeownership.

However, expats emphasized that local bank financing options would significantly influence their decision, especially given the discrepancy revealed between expats’ budgets and the current market pricing for branded residences, which surpasses what they can afford.

According to Knight Frank, the rising popularity of branded residences in Saudi Arabia presents a lucrative opportunity for developers, considering the strong demand from both global high net worth individuals and expats.

With 55 percent of expats willing to spend up to SR1.5 million, there is potential for developers to introduce branded products into their residential portfolios.

Offering timeshare options and collaborating with local banks to provide mortgages could further stimulate demand, the firm concluded.


Saudi Arabia unveils 2nd phase of industrial incentives to attract high-value investment 

Updated 23 June 2025
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Saudi Arabia unveils 2nd phase of industrial incentives to attract high-value investment 

  • Initiative extends beyond traditional financing to include direct grants
  • Kingdom works to position itself as a regional and global industrial hub

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has launched the second phase of its standardized industrial incentives program, aimed at boosting competitiveness and strengthening the Kingdom’s trade balance, a senior official said. 

Speaking at the Saudi Industry Forum in Dhahran, Khalil Ibn Salamah, deputy minister of industry and mineral resources for industrial affairs, said the initiative supports the government’s efforts to drive high-value investments in priority sectors. 

This comes as Saudi Arabia works to position itself as a regional and global industrial hub. Since its initial launch, the program has drawn more than 1,000 investors. Of the 118 applications received, 12 have reached the final qualification stage. 

In his remarks, Ibn Salamah said: “It gives me great pleasure to announce the launch of the second batch of standardized incentives under this transformative program.” 

He added: “Investors will be able to invest and apply for these new standardized incentives at the beginning of August.”

Khalil Ibn Salamah, deputy minister of industry and mineral resources for industrial affairs, speaking at the Saudi Industry Forum in Dhahran. X/@sif_2030

The initiative, described as one of the most important in the Kingdom’s industrial history, extends beyond traditional financing to include direct grants. 

These are designed to support factories producing critical goods that are currently imported and not manufactured locally. 

Eligible investors under the program may receive up to SR50 million, or 35 percent of the total investment value — whichever is higher. 

The deputy minister emphasized the growing role of the private sector in shaping and implementing the National Industrial Strategy, which aims to expand domestic production and promote economic diversification. 

“The partnership with the private sector has been a cornerstone in shaping the National Industrial Strategy, and it continues to grow steadily to ensure we meet the goals of our national industrial ambitions. The industrial investor remains an indispensable partner in our development efforts,” he said. 

Saudi Arabia currently oversees 61 industrial cities across the Kingdom. Of these, 37 are supervised by the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones, also known as MODON, while 18 are private and integrated industrial cities.

Another four are managed by the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, and several others fall under the Special Economic Zones Authority, including OXAGON in NEOM. 

These zones span more than 2 trillion sq. meters, with over 500 million sq. meters already developed or under development. Infrastructure investments across these sites have exceeded SR31 billion, with an expected return of eight to 12 times for every riyal spent. 

“This program has already had a significant positive impact this year and is expected to continue doing so in the years to come,” Ibn Salamah noted. 

The deputy minister said Saudi Arabia is currently overseeing over 1,900 industrial projects with investments totaling SR380 billion, nearly half of which are based in the Eastern Province. 

He noted that conversion industries are expected to account for between 30 and 40 percent of the National Industrial Strategy’s overall targets, underlining their central role in expanding the Kingdom’s industrial base. 

He further highlighted the role of the “Wafrah” program in boosting local consumption of polypropylene, reporting over 40 percent growth and 27 percent utilization of existing capacities. 

Ibn Salamah stated that they are working with the Ministry of Energy to include 20 new materials in the program by 2025, which will significantly impact downstream industries. 

The National Industrial Strategy is built around four core enablers supported by over 140 initiatives.

These include maximizing the value of natural resources, securing the availability of raw materials, enhancing the Kingdom’s exports, and developing specialized industrial clusters. 

It also seeks to empower small and medium-sized factories by encouraging the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies.

In parallel, the government aims to increase the industrial sector’s contribution to the gros domestic product while reinforcing the resilience and efficiency of local supply chains. 

Chemicals sector drives growth 

During a panel discussion, Fahad Al-Jubairy, assistant deputy minister for sectoral strategies and regulation at the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, said the chemicals sector represents one of the most vital components of the national economy and is expected to account for more than half of the total economic impact projected by the National Industrial Strategy by 2035. 

“The chemicals sector is a vital and strategic component of the national economy. It is one of the twelve key sectors targeted by the National Industrial Strategy — and indeed, it is considered the most critical due to its projected economic impact,” he said. 

The forum featured several key announcements aimed at accelerating industrial growth and localization. X/@sif_2030

According to Al-Jubairy, Saudi Arabia aims to multiply the output of specialty and downstream chemicals by four to five times, while boosting the production of basic and intermediate chemicals by over 12 million tons annually over the next decade. 

He also emphasized that the chemicals sector is foundational to the development of other industries such as automotive, aviation, construction, and advanced materials — all of which stand to benefit from the availability of locally produced value-added chemical products. 

“The growth of the chemicals sector will position the Kingdom where it truly belongs among the world’s leading economies — particularly within the G20 — by reinforcing its global leadership across various products and industries, especially petrochemicals,” Al-Jubairy said. 

He further noted that the sector’s growth will contribute significantly to job creation, increase industrial competitiveness, and open new investment opportunities for entrepreneurs, particularly in small and medium-sized enterprises. 

New industrial projects 

The forum featured several key announcements aimed at accelerating industrial growth and localization. 

Two industrial complexes were inaugurated in the Eastern Province. The first, in Dammam Third Industrial City, will enhance service availability and integration with neighboring industrial zones and export outlets. The second, in Jubail Second Industrial City, targets high-value investments in the chemicals sector and strengthens links with upstream and intermediate feedstock sources. 

Both fall under the Specialized Industrial Complexes Initiative, which supports economic diversification, local content, and job creation by attracting advanced manufacturing investments. 

A strategic partnership was also announced to establish Saudi Arabia’s first tinplate manufacturing plant, in collaboration between the National Industrial Co. and China’s Shanghai Donghexin Group. 

Additionally, MODON signed major industrial agreements, including a SR40 million contract with Abdullah Al-Shuwayer Sons Heavy Metal Industries, a SR35 million lease with Al-Sharq Polystyrene Factory, and a SR20 billion investment deal with Al Marje Al Hayawi Co. Ltd. 


Saudi crude output inches up to 9m bpd: JODI

Updated 23 June 2025
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Saudi crude output inches up to 9m bpd: JODI

  • Direct domestic use of crude for power and industry slipped to 377,000 bpd, a decline of 1.6%
  • Crude intake fell 17.22% to 1.84 million bpd

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia pumped 9 million barrels per day of crude in April, a 0.54 percent month-on-month increase, according to the latest data from the Joint Organizations Data Initiative.

Crude exports rose to 6.17 million bpd, up 7.16 percent from March, the data showed.

Direct domestic use of crude for power and industry slipped to 377,000 bpd, a decline of 1.6 percent versus the previous month and 6 percent below the April 2024 tally.

Demand from local refineries also eased. Crude intake fell 17.22 percent to 1.84 million bpd.

JODI, a platform overseen by the International Energy Forum, compiles monthly oil statistics supplied voluntarily by national governments. The Kingdom’s figures are published with a roughly two-month lag, providing one of the few publicly available windows into Saudi production, exports, and domestic consumption patterns.

For much of the period between 2020 and 2024, the wider OPEC+ alliance had been restraining supplies to shore up prices, beginning with the record 9.7 million-bpd collective cut agreed in April 2020 at the height of the pandemic and tapering only gradually through April 2022.

Additional curbs followed, with the group instituting a 2 million bpd reduction in October 2022 and layered on a series of voluntary cuts totaling 1.6 to 2.2 million bpd from May 2023, moves that remained in force into early 2025.

In a shift of strategy, OPEC+ members agreed in early May to bring back barrels in stages, scheduling incremental increases for May, June, and July and signaling room for a further 2.2 million bpd to return by November if market conditions allow.

A separate market context came from the June Monthly Oil Market Report issued by OPEC on June 16, in which the producer group said the global economy “has outperformed expectations” in the first half of 2025 and should remain resilient in the second half.

OPEC kept its forecasts for oil demand growth in 2025 and 2026 unchanged but trimmed its projection for non-OPEC+ supply growth in 2026 to 730,000 bpd, 70,000 bpd lower than the previous month, citing plateauing US shale output.

Geopolitical risk also featured prominently in late-June trading. Iran’s parliament approved a bill to shut the Strait of Hormuz, the 33-km wide passageway that carries close to one-fifth of the world’s crude exports.

Tanker-tracking data compiled by Reuters shows supertankers making U-turns, idling near the Gulf, or zigzagging to avoid the choke point as companies rush to limit their exposure. In response, freight rates for the largest vessels more than doubled, and Brent crude hit a five-month high.

A full closure — still subject to sign-off by Iran’s higher supervisory bodies — would force Gulf exporters to divert cargoes around Africa or rely on overland pipelines, moves that analysts say could squeeze near-term supply and push oil prices sharply higher. The Strait routinely handles about 20 percent of globally traded oil, underlining why even the threat of disruption can jolt energy markets.


Closing Bell: TASI rises 1.3% as market breadth remains positive 

Updated 23 June 2025
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Closing Bell: TASI rises 1.3% as market breadth remains positive 

  • MSCI Tadawul 30 Index climbed 1.16% to close at 1,377.63
  • Parallel market Nomu ended 0.80% higher at 26,358.07

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index rose 1.29 percent to close at 10,710.24 on Monday, supported by broad-based gains across sectors. 

Trading activity remained healthy, with turnover hitting SR4 billion ($1 billion) and the market recording 225 advancers versus 20 decliners.

The MSCI Tadawul 30 Index also climbed 1.16 percent to close at 1,377.63. The parallel market Nomu ended 0.80 percent higher at 26,358.07.

Red Sea International Co. led the main market gainers with a 9.97 percent jump to SR38.60. Al-Rajhi Co. for Cooperative Insurance followed with an 8.86 percent gain to close at SR113. 

Other top performers included National Gypsum Co., which rose 7.61 percent to SR19.52; Americana Restaurants International, up 6.86 percent at SR2.18; and Naseej International Trading Co., which added 6.53 percent to reach SR78.30. 

On the downside, Sustained Infrastructure Holding Co. was the biggest decliner, falling 3.07 percent to SR25.30. 

Alistithmar AREIC Diversified REIT Fund dropped 1.58 percent to SR8.12, while Eastern Province Cement Co. slipped 1.17 percent to SR29.50. 

Other notable fallers included Knowledge Economic City, down 0.92 percent at SR12.86, and Saudi Industrial Investment Group, which closed 0.71 percent lower at SR16.70. 

On the announcement front, Etihad Atheeb Telecommunications Co., known as GO Telecom, confirmed the completion of its acquisition of a 51 percent stake in Ejad Tech for Information Technology.

The deal, valued at SR86.7 million, was finalized using internal company resources. The group stated that SR40 million was paid upon signing, with the remaining SR46.7 million to be disbursed in two instalments contingent upon target achievements — SR23.7 million by the end of 2025 and SR23 million by the end of 2026. 

GO Telecom said the acquisition is part of a strategic initiative to broaden its business base and enter new sectors. Ejad Tech is recognized as one of the top five digital transformation service providers in the Middle East. 

GO Telecom shares closed up 0.98 percent at SR93.10. 


Digital transformation to boost Saudi industrial productivity by up to 25%, says Aramco CEO 

Updated 23 June 2025
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Digital transformation to boost Saudi industrial productivity by up to 25%, says Aramco CEO 

  • Amin Nasser said effective integration of digital technologies could increase Kingdom’s industrial productivity by 15%
  • He was speaking during the Saudi Industry Forum in Dhahran

RIYADH: Integrating digital technologies is set to increase Saudi Arabia’s industrial productivity by 15 to 25 percent, according to Aramco President and CEO Amin Nasser. 

Speaking during the Saudi Industry Forum in Dhahran, Nasser stated that the Kingdom’s shift into a new industrial era calls for an increased focus on digital transformation and the need to align it with proactive cybersecurity strategies. 

This comes as Saudi Arabia works to solidify its position as a regional and global digital powerhouse, backed by major advances in artificial intelligence, data centers, e-government, and human capital development.  

The Kingdom has emerged as the Middle East and North Africa’s largest digital economy, with a market value exceeding SR495 billion ($131.9 billion) in 2024 — equivalent to 15 percent of its gross domestic product, according to figures from the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology.  

In his remarks, Nasser said: “Preliminary estimates suggest that effective integration of digital technologies could increase Saudi Arabia’s industrial productivity by 15 percent to 25 percent.”  

The Saudi Industry Forum 2025 is sponsored by Eastern Province Governor Prince Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz. X/@sif_2030

He added: “Thanks to successive technological developments, industries will emerge over the next 10 years dominated by advanced technologies to a degree we have never seen before.” 

Nasser noted that the world is undergoing profound geopolitical shifts and intensifying competition across technological, industrial, and economic domains — trends that are accelerating the transformation of Saudi Arabia’s industrial landscape. 

He emphasized the need to prepare for this future, particularly as the Kingdom continues to invest in artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, robotics, and automation. 

These technologies, he explained, are aimed at more than just optimizing factory operations; they are vital for enhancing industrial productivity and ensuring operational reliability. 

“At Aramco, we are working to establish a digital infrastructure that becomes an integral part of empowering the industrial sector,” Nasser said, adding: “This includes the launch of Aramco Digital Company, as well as a 450 MHz private wireless network dedicated to industrial use by the private sector.” 

He continued: “Aramco Digital has also introduced an edge artificial intelligence service — AI on the Edge — designed for critical industrial facilities and complex applications, such as crowd management during Hajj.” 

In the cybersecurity sphere, Aramco established Cyberani in 2021, a company focused on delivering industrial-grade solutions and software protection technologies. 

“Aramco is working on projects to develop artificial intelligence platforms, data centers, and smart industrial complexes,” Nasser said. 

He warned of the risks accompanying digital advancement, stating: “A technical malfunction or external interference through digital systems or control platforms could impact operations and disrupt the performance of industrial and economic facilities — especially those that do not invest sufficiently in digital protection.” 

Highlighting the human element in digital security, he stated: “The most critical aspect of proactive protection systems is the development of human capabilities and deep expertise.” 

Nasser concluded by stressing the importance of localizing digital supply chains and enhancing technological resilience. 

“Building future Saudi industries supported by flexible supply chains, competitive costs, and excellence in artificial intelligence is essential and highly important — but it is not enough unless it is accompanied by proactive investment in digital protection,” he said. 

The Saudi Industry Forum 2025, held from June 23–25 at the Dhahran International Exhibition Center, is sponsored by Eastern Province Governor Prince Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz. 

The event aims to elevate the Kingdom’s industrial sector in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify income sources and increase the sector’s contribution to the gross domestic product. 


Egypt records 77% rise in remittances over 10 months

Updated 23 June 2025
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Egypt records 77% rise in remittances over 10 months

  • Between January and April, remittance inflows rose 72.3% year on year to $12.4 billion
  • Annual urban headline inflation rate accelerated to 16.8% in May, up from 13.9% in April

RIYADH: Remittances from Egyptians working abroad rose by more than 77 percent in the first 10 months of the 2024-25 fiscal year, reaching a record $29.4 billion.

Between January and April alone, remittance inflows rose 72.3 percent year on year to $12.4 billion, official data from Egypt’s central bank showed.

The sharp increase underscores growing confidence among expatriates in the country’s financial system and reflects a broader improvement in Egypt’s external financial position.

The Central Bank of Egypt attributed the surge to recent measures aimed at stabilizing the exchange rate and encouraging the use of formal remittance channels.

The impact of these policies is also evident in the rise of Egypt’s net international reserves, which climbed to $48.5 billion at the end of May, up from $47.8 billion in March.

In a statement, the central bank noted: “On a monthly basis, remittances in April 2025 increased by 39 percent year on year, reaching approximately $3 billion, compared to $2.2 billion in the same month last year.”

The Central Bank of Egypt attributed the surge to recent measures aimed at stabilizing the exchange. File/Reuters

The rebound in remittance flows comes amid broader economic reforms pursued under an International Monetary Fund-backed stabilization program. These reforms have bolstered Egypt’s foreign currency position and helped attract more international capital.

In May, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly announced that Egypt recorded real gross domestic product growth of 3.9 percent during the first half of the fiscal year. Private sector investment surged by 80 percent, while foreign direct investment rose by around 17 percent.

Inflation, however, remains a key challenge. The annual urban headline inflation rate accelerated to 16.8 percent in May, up from 13.9 percent in April, driven largely by continued pressure on non-food prices.

These inflation trends come as Egypt’s broader economic landscape continues to be shaped by both domestic and global pressures. The government is navigating a delicate recovery amid external shocks, ongoing structural reforms, and efforts to manage public debt.  

In February, Moody’s affirmed Egypt’s “Caa1” long-term foreign and local currency ratings with a positive outlook, citing improved debt servicing capacity, higher reserves, and falling borrowing costs.  

The ratings agency noted that recent currency devaluation and flotation helped boost foreign exchange reserves and reduce debt vulnerabilities. While a “Caa1” rating denotes high credit risk, the positive outlook reflects the government’s efforts to control inflation and stabilize interest rates.