Saudi Arabia

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is undergoing one of the world’s most ambitious real estate transformations. Anchored by the government’s Vision 2030, Saudi is diversifying its economy beyond oil and driving massive investment in sustainable infrastructure, hospitality, healthcare, and technology. At the heart of the market are two forces: government-backed “giga projects” such as NEOM, The Red Sea Project, and The Cube, and private developers responding to local demand for housing, mixed-use districts, and Grade A office space. Global events such as Expo 2030, the Asian Games 2027, and the 2034 FIFA World Cup are generating requirements for 11 new stadiums as well as many additional hotels, offices, and entertainment venues. Ongoing development is powering the growth of a CRE market already valued at $132 billion USD and projected to surpass $140 billion USD by 2030. For design and development professionals, Saudi Arabia offers opportunity at an unprecedented scale.
What’s Next

Multinationals battle for premium desks in Riyadh.

The government’s Regional Headquarters (RHQ) initiative continues to attract global companies to the capital, creating new demand for underdeveloped Class A office space.

A stadium building boom sparks investments in new entertainment districts.

The 2034 World Cup, the 2027 Asian Games, and Expo 2030 in Riyadh mean billions for venues, but the real play is in the mixed-use, sports-anchored entertainment districts rising around them.

Data centers become the Kingdom’s breakout real estate play of the decade.

Hyperscalers and government-backed organizations race to lock in land deals and secure power sources, making AI infrastructure one of the hottest CRE investments in the near term.

New legislation on undeveloped land unlocks urban development.

Amendments to the White Land Tax (a reference to undeveloped land) incentivize owners of idle plots to develop or sell, triggering a surge of mixed-use and residential projects.
Notable Projects
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1364ah Lifestyle Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Bayfront, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
A large building with a courtyard and trees in the front.
Abraj Omar Hotel + Residences, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
A room with a large display of clothing.
Kayanee, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Insights from the Gensler Research Institute

Riyadh Residents Report Exceptional Satisfaction Across Daily Life

Riyadh stands out for the consistency of its high scores, with residents voicing strong satisfaction across living, working, and recreation. From well-designed office environments and career advancement opportunities to a thriving social and cultural scene, the city reflects a rapidly maturing urban environment.
How satisfied are you with the following aspects of your city?
  • Great place to live
  • Great place to work
  • Opportunities for socializing and having fun
  • Availability of neighborhood amenities
Source: Gensler City Pulse 2025
Notable Areas of Expertise
Offices
Thought Leadership
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Blog

The New Economics of Sports Venue Design

From NIL-driven college athletics to multi-tiered VIP lounges and mixed-use districts, sports venues are evolving into dynamic business ecosystems.
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Blog

Mixed-Use Developments: A Sustainable Blueprint for Urban Growth

High-density mixed-use developments can be a powerful engine for economic growth, resilience, and cultural and socioeconomic cohesion.
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Blog

The Future of Real Estate Metrics: Human Connection

The places that thrive in the years ahead will be designed to build relationships, inspire belonging, and foster togetherness.
A group of tall buildings.
Blog

Design as Storytelling: How AI Is Transforming the Way We Imagine, Create, and Connect

AI isn’t here to replace creativity. It’s here to amplify it — helping us move from inspiration to iteration with greater speed and substance.
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Blog

Unlocking Value in Class A High-Rises: The Strategic Advantage of Spec Suites

In Class A commercial towers, spec suites are becoming a go-to strategy for converting vacancy into value.
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Blog

Reenvisioning Retail Centres: Lessons From China for the Middle East

We explore how key lessons from China’s retail evolution can reshape the future of retail centres in the Middle East.
People walking in a building.
Blog

The Power of Clean Air in Sports-Centered Design

In arenas, training centers, and stadiums, air quality is not just a comfort factor — it’s a competitive edge, affecting athletes’ ability to train, compete, and recover.
A group of people sitting in a room with a large glass ceiling.
Blog

Debunking 3 Myths About Generational Differences in the Workplace

As generational differences narrow, organizations should focus their workplace strategies across the entire talent spectrum.
A large building with many windows.
Blog

The Evolving Role of Hotels in Retail-Driven Mixed-Use Environments

Hotels within mixed-use developments are becoming curated retail destinations and dynamic contributors to a vibrant urban experience.
A city skyline at night.
Blog

How the Nighttime Economy Is Rewriting Urban Design

Cities around the world are beginning to take the nighttime economy seriously — not as a separate or secondary system, but as a vital counterpart to daytime urban life.
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Research

City Pulse 2025

Gensler surveyed 33,000 people across 65 cities to uncover what makes a city magnetic — how it attracts new residents and keeps them wanting to stay.
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Blog

The New Workplace Experiences That People Crave

Employees want to move past the corporate workplace experience to more creative, natural, and residential environments.
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Blog

The Value of Time in Retail Environments

Time is a precious commodity, and brands that understand its value and choreograph both fast and slow retail experiences will thrive.
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Blog

How the AI Gold Rush Is Influencing Data Center Design Trends

Gensler’s Critical Facilities leaders discuss how the AI boom is influencing the shape, speed, and operations of data center design.
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Research

Global Workplace Survey 2025

Gensler’s Global Workplace Survey 2025 reveals the importance of in-person work and insights on how workplaces can be better designed to support all forms of work for individuals and teams.
A group of people sitting at a table overlooking a city.
Blog

Designing a New Future of Cities Through Wellness and Experience Design

How cities can take an active role in fostering healthier, more fulfilling urban lives for residents and visitors.
People sitting at tables outside.
Blog

Why Quality in Commercial Office Space Hinges on Workplace Experience

Demand is surging for premium office environments that deliver an effective workplace and a great work experience.
A group of people in a room with tables and chairs.
Blog

How Immersive Food and Beverage Experiences Are Redefining Hospitality

Food and beverage spaces have unique potential as experiential destinations that authentically convene community in a way that is familiar, universal, and transformative.
Africa
United Arab Emirates
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