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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
Nirmal Narayanan
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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
Updated 25 August 2024
Nirmal Narayanan

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.” 

Topics: Saudi Arabia Kuwait Financial Center main Kuwait UAE saudi real esate UAE real estate Housing saudi housing

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Closing Bell: Saudi main index slips to close at 11,849

Updated 22 December 2024
REEM WALID 
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Closing Bell: Saudi main index slips to close at 11,849

  • Parallel market Nomu lost 205.92 points, or 0.65%, to close at 31,238.29
  • MSCI Tadawul Index shed 4.86 points, or 0.33%, to close at 1,484.56
Updated 22 December 2024
REEM WALID 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index slipped on Sunday, losing 43.07 points, or 0.36 percent, to close at 11,849.37.

The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR4.14 billion ($1.1 million), as 84 of the stocks advanced and 137 retreated. 

The Kingdom’s parallel market Nomu lost 205.92 points, or 0.65 percent, to close at 31,238.29. This comes as 37 of the listed stocks advanced while 49 retreated. 

The MSCI Tadawul Index also lost 4.86 points, or 0.33 percent, to close at 1,484.56. 

The best-performing stock of the day was Saudi Vitrified Clay Pipes Co., whose share price surged 9.89 percent to SR38.90. 

Other top performers included SHL Finance Co., whose share price rose 6.43 percent to SR18.20, as well as Taiba Investments Co., whose share price surged 4.97 percent to SR39.05.

Riyadh Cables Group Co. recorded the biggest drop, falling 6.30 percent to SR136.80.

Al Hassan Ghazi Ibrahim Shaker Co. saw its stock prices fall 5.15 percent to SR26.70.

Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Services Group also saw its stock prices decline 4.02 percent to SR286.60.

Meanwhile, Al-Baha Investment and Development Co. has announced moving its headquarters to Riyadh.

The company’s shares will be suspended for two business days starting Dec. 22, following the board of directors’ recommendation to reduce capital by 26.5 percent from SR 297 million to SR 218.3 million during an extraordinary general meeting held on Dec. 19.

The National Agricultural Development Co. has announced the release of its Sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance report.

According to a Tadawul statement, it outlines the company’s approach to embedding sustainability criteria within its strategic direction and operations as well. It reflects the firm’s commitment to its ESG responsibilities along with its devotion to sustainable development objectives in line with the Global Reporting Initiative standards. 

NADEC’s strategy complements the requirements for economic growth, keeps pace with developments in the Kingdom, and aligns with Vision 2030, which emphasizes environmental sustainability and renewable energy as fundamental components of development.

The analysis further provides a comprehensive insight into NADEC’s sustainability initiatives and commitments for the year 2023. The statement also disclosed that NADEC will periodically issue reports to keep stakeholders informed of ongoing developments going forward.

NADEC ended the session at SR25.50, up 0.98 percent.

Alhasoob Co. has announced the termination of the non-binding memorandum of understanding to acquire all shares of Alkhorayef Printing Solutions Co. by issuing shares to its owner Alkhorayef Group Co. 

A bourse filing revealed that this comes without reaching an agreement between the two parties and without any obligation on either party.

Alhasoob Co. ended the session at SR64.20, down 3.07 percent.

Saudi Basic Industries Corporation has announced the board decision to distribute SR5.1 billion in interim cash dividends to shareholders for the second half of the year. 

According to a Tadawul statement, the total number of shares eligible for dividends amounted to 3 billion shares, with the dividend per share standing at SR1.70. The statement also revealed that the percentage of dividend to the share par value stood at 17 percent.

SABIC ended the session at SR67.00, up 0.30 percent.

Topics: Closing Bell Tadawul MSCI Tadawul Index TASI Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul) Saudi stock market Tadawul All Share Index (TASI)

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Saudi Arabia accelerates digital transformation with new transport initiatives

Updated 22 December 2024
Nour El-Shaeri
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Saudi Arabia accelerates digital transformation with new transport initiatives

  • Aim to increase the transport and logistics sector’s contribution to Kingdom’s GDP from 6% in 2021 to 10% by 2030
  • Strategy envisions increasing air freight capacity to over 4.5 million tonnes annually
Updated 22 December 2024
Nour El-Shaeri

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Transport and Logistics has taken a significant step forward in its digital transformation with the launch of a new Digitalization and Technical Processing Center, alongside the unveiling of the Unified Documents and Records Platform.

These initiatives were announced by Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh Al-Jasser during a ceremony attended by senior officials and industry leaders, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.

The new center and platform are part of the ministry’s broader strategy to accelerate digitalization in line with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and Vision 2030 goals.

A primary aim of these efforts is to increase the transport and logistics sector’s contribution to Saudi Arabia’s gross domestic product from 6 percent in 2021 to 10 percent by 2030. This would generate an additional SR45 billion ($11.9 billion) in non-oil revenues annually.

To achieve these goals, the NTLS prioritizes infrastructure development and operational improvements. Key plans include expanding the railway network by approximately 8,080 km, which features the 1,300 km “land bridge” project, and enhancing port infrastructure to accommodate over 40 million containers annually.

The strategy envisions increasing air freight capacity to over 4.5 million tonnes annually, as well as expanding international flight destinations to over 250.

Improving service quality and safety is another critical focus. The NTLS aims to position Saudi Arabia among the top 10 countries in the Logistics Performance Index and secure 6th place in the Road Infrastructure Quality Index. It also seeks to reduce road traffic accidents and fatalities by over 50 percent and cut fuel consumption in the transport sector by 25 percent.

In conjunction with the digitalization efforts, the ministry also inaugurated a historical exhibition that highlights key documents, photographs, and equipment used throughout the history of Saudi Arabia’s transport sector.

The exhibition also includes specialized laboratories for document restoration and sterilization, as well as a centralized destruction center to safeguard the security and confidentiality of information.

Bandar Al-Roqi, general supervisor of the ministry’s Document and Archive Center, emphasized the collaborative nature of the project, acknowledging the contributions of various ministry departments in its successful realization.

The project reflects the ministry’s commitment to integrating modern technologies to drive digital transformation while preserving the country’s transport history.

Topics: SaudiVision 2030

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Saudi flyadeal records lowest complaint in November, 99% resolution rate: GACA
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Saudi flyadeal records lowest complaint in November, 99% resolution rate: GACA

Updated 22 December 2024
REEM WALID 
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Saudi flyadeal records lowest complaint in November, 99% resolution rate: GACA

  • flynas was second, with 12 complaints per 100,000 travelers and a resolution rate of 100%
  • Saudia was third, with 13 complaints per 100,000 passengers and a resolution rate of 99%
Updated 22 December 2024
REEM WALID 

RIYADH: Saudi low-cost airline flyadeal recorded the fewest complaints among its competitors in November, with just 11 per 100,000 travelers, and achieved a 99 percent resolution rate, a recent report revealed.

Issued by the Kingdom’s General Authority of Civil Aviation, the classification index for air transport service providers and airports is designed to inform passengers about performance, helping them make more informed decisions.

Low-cost carrier flynas was second, with 12 complaints per 100,000 travelers and a resolution rate of 100 percent, and Saudia was third, with 13 complaints per 100,000 passengers and a resolution rate of 99 percent. 

Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector is rapidly growing as the nation aims to become a regional hub and major tourist destination. Through the Saudi Aviation Strategy, which opens the sector to global investors, streamlines licensing, and promotes competition, over $100 billion in aviation investment is being attracted to support the Kingdom’s Vision 2030’s goals.

The report is in line with GACA’s efforts to promote transparency, demonstrate its credibility and keenness to deal with travelers’ complaints, stimulate fair competition, and develop and improve services.

The figures from the analysis also align well with the National Aviation Strategy by the Kingdom, which aims to increase the air passenger throughput more than three-fold to 330 million by 2030.

The GACA data further revealed that despite serving over 6 million annual passengers, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh had 13 complaints, a low rate of 0.4 percent per 100,000 passengers, and a 100 percent resolution record.

Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Airport, with nearly 6 million annual passengers, also had a complaint rate of 0.4 percent per 100,000 passengers and a 100 percent resolution rate.

King Saud Airport had the lowest complaints among domestic airports, with a rate of 3 percent per 100,000 passengers and a 100 percent resolution rate.

The most common complaints in November were related to luggage, flights, and tickets.

According to the 2024 State of Aviation Report by GACA, a key measure of the aviation sector’s success is the 7 percent growth in air cargo, reaching 900,000 tonnes, alongside a record-breaking 112 million passengers in 2023.

This passenger volume was surpassed by a 17 percent increase in the first half of 2024, with the number of flights growing by 12 percent compared to the same period last year, reaching 815,000.

Topics: Saudi Arabia flyadeal Travel Saudi aviation Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA)

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Six initiatives unveiled to strengthen Saudi-Yemeni economic ties

Updated 22 December 2024
Miguel Hadchity
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Six initiatives unveiled to strengthen Saudi-Yemeni economic ties

  • Initiatives were unveiled during a joint council meeting held in Makkah
  • Council has proposed upgrading the infrastructure at border crossings between the two countries
Updated 22 December 2024
Miguel Hadchity

RIYADH: The Saudi-Yemeni Business Council has announced six key initiatives aimed at enhancing trade and investment ties between Saudi Arabia and Yemen, while also supporting Yemen’s ongoing economic development.

The initiatives were unveiled during a joint council meeting held in Makkah on Sunday, attended by over 300 Saudi and Yemeni investors, according to Al-Ekhbariya.

Abdullah bin Mahfouz, chairman of the Saudi-Yemeni Business Council, which is part of the Federation of Saudi Chambers, disclosed that agreements had been made to establish three new Saudi-Yemeni companies.

The first company will focus on renewable energy, with an initial capital investment of $100 million, to generate solar-powered electricity for Yemen.

The second venture will operate in telecommunications, utilizing Starlink satellite networks. The third company will organize exhibitions and conferences in Yemen to promote Saudi products and support the country’s reconstruction efforts, as reported by the Saudi state-owned channel.

In addition to these initiatives, the council has proposed upgrading the infrastructure at border crossings between the two countries, improving logistics services to facilitate smoother trade.

The trade volume between Saudi Arabia and Yemen currently stands at SR6.3 billion ($1.6 billion), with Yemeni imports from Saudi Arabia accounting for just SR655 million. However, sectors such as mining, agriculture, livestock, and fisheries in Yemen remain largely underdeveloped and present significant growth opportunities.

Among the key recommendations is the establishment of quarantine centers to inspect Yemeni livestock, agricultural products, and seafood, aimed at increasing Yemen’s exports to Saudi Arabia. There are also plans to create “smart food cities” in border regions to bolster food security and promote sustainable agricultural practices through advanced resource management and technology.

Addressing banking and credit challenges is another priority. The council has called for improvements to Yemen’s banking infrastructure, including better collaboration with Saudi banks and the development of Yemen’s exchange sector, to facilitate smoother financial transactions for traders from both countries.

A significant proposal also includes the creation of a Yemeni Investors Club in Saudi Arabia, designed to encourage joint investments and foster business partnerships between the two nations.

Abdulmajid Al-Saadi, co-chairman of the Yemeni Business Council, commended Saudi Arabia’s recent reforms in investment regulations, highlighting that Yemeni capital, estimated at SR18 billion, has increasingly been channeled into Saudi markets. This places Yemen third among foreign investors in the Kingdom.

For over 23 years, the Saudi-Yemeni Business Council has played a pivotal role in fostering economic relations between the two countries, organizing forums, identifying trade and investment opportunities, and promoting bilateral business exchanges. The targeted sectors for cooperation include renewable energy, agriculture, livestock, telecommunications, and trade development, in line with regional and global food security challenges.

In 2023, trade between Saudi Arabia and Yemen amounted to SR6.2 billion, with Saudi exports totaling SR5.6 billion, which included dairy products, fuels, and vegetables. Yemeni imports from Saudi Arabia reached SR661.9 million, consisting of fruits, seafood, and printed materials.

Saudi Arabia has provided significant financial support to Yemen over the past few decades, including over $50 billion in funding for central bank deposits, government budgets, and development projects.

Topics: Saudi Arabia Yemen

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Riyadh leads Saudi real estate surge with 20.8% rise in office rents

Updated 22 December 2024
Nirmal Narayanan
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Riyadh leads Saudi real estate surge with 20.8% rise in office rents

  • Report attributes rise in office rents to the Kingdom’s economic diversification efforts
  • Capital remains an attractive destination for businesses and investors
Updated 22 December 2024
Nirmal Narayanan

RIYADH: The real estate market in Riyadh is experiencing significant growth, with rents for Grade A office spaces rising 20.8 percent year on year in the third quarter of 2024, reaching SR2,131 ($567.31) per sq. meter.

This increase reflects the city’s expanding economic activity, driven by both a thriving private sector and ongoing government initiatives aimed at positioning the capital as a global business and investment hub.

According to JLL’s latest market analysis, this surge in demand for high-quality office spaces is contributing to a historic low in vacancy rates, which fell to just 1.6 percent in Q3 2024.

The report attributes the rise in office rents to the Kingdom’s economic diversification efforts, particularly the continued growth of the private sector in Riyadh.

The city remains an attractive destination for businesses and investors, with strong demand for Grade A office space in key districts.

JLL also highlighted that Northern Riyadh, with its superior accessibility and high-quality developments, is increasingly favored by occupiers, driven by the area's efficient workspaces and ample parking, which help mitigate rising traffic congestion.

In Jeddah, Grade A office rents rose by 11.6 percent year on year, reaching SR1,338 per sq. meter, with a low vacancy rate of 3.7 percent. These trends reflect broader market strength across Saudi Arabia’s key cities.

Hospitality sector thrives

Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector continues to see impressive growth, fueled by a combination of high-profile events and the Kingdom’s expanding tourism infrastructure. With events like Riyadh Season and AlUla Season drawing millions of visitors, coupled with the ongoing development of urban infrastructure, the Kingdom is solidifying its status as a leading global leisure and business destination.

According to the Ministry of Tourism, Saudi Arabia’s leisure tourism has skyrocketed by 656 percent since 2019, with 17.5 million international visitors arriving in the first seven months of 2024 alone.

This boom in tourism, supported by initiatives such as the streamlined tourist visa system and a growing entertainment sector, has boosted the Kingdom’s appeal as a global leisure destination.

Saudi Arabia has already surpassed its original Vision 2030 target of attracting 100 million visitors and is now aiming for 150 million by 2030.

“The hospitality sector is set for continued expansion, driven by a packed events calendar and a steady influx of religious tourists,” said Saud Al-Sulaimani, country head of JLL Saudi Arabia. “These factors will fuel demand for accommodations and enhance occupancy rates in key cities.”

In Riyadh, the average daily rate for hotels increased by 19 percent year on year in Q3 2024, reaching SR736.3, while revenue per available room saw a 17.1 percent rise to SR440.3.

Despite a minor dip in occupancy by 1.2 percentage points, these metrics reflect the growing strength of the hospitality sector. Jeddah, on the other hand, saw a 10.3 percent year-on-year decline in RevPAR, attributed to a 12.1 percent drop in ADR, although occupancy rates rose by 1.4 percentage points.

Makkah and Madinah presented mixed trends, with RevPAR declining by 2.9 percent in Makkah, while Madinah saw a slight increase of 1.6 percent.

“Performance metrics in the hospitality sector are expected to improve as we approach the year's end, fueled by key events like the Riyadh and AlUla Seasons, as well as continued religious tourism,” JLL added.

Residential market growth

The residential markets in Riyadh and Jeddah also saw strong performance in the third quarter of 2024, driven by strong demand and shifting buyer preferences.

In Riyadh, 4,000 new residential units were added in Q3, bringing the total stock to 1.46 million. Jeddah saw even greater growth, with 8,000 new units delivered, increasing its stock to 899,000 units.

Residential property prices in both cities also saw significant increases, with Riyadh experiencing a 12 percent year-on-year rise in sales prices, while Jeddah saw a 6 percent increase.

“This is an exciting time for Saudi Arabia, with unprecedented growth across multiple sectors,” said Al-Sulaimani. “The combination of soaring tourism numbers, rising hospitality revenues, and strong demand for residential properties is creating a dynamic environment that presents immense opportunities for investors and businesses alike.”

He added: “The Kingdom’s commitment to diversifying its economy is evident, and we are excited to see how these developments will shape our future.”

Topics: real estate Riyadh office tourism

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