Cityscape Global Returns to Riyadh in November under the Theme 'The Future of Living'

Cityscape Global Returns to Riyadh in November under the Theme 'The Future of Living'
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Cityscape Global Returns to Riyadh in November under the Theme 'The Future of Living'

Cityscape Global Returns to Riyadh in November under the Theme 'The Future of Living'

Riyadh will host the second edition of Cityscape Global, the region’s leading real estate event, in November.

Organized by Saudi Arabia’s Tahaluf, the event is set to be the biggest in the international series’ history.

Taking place from November 11-14 at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center, Malham, Cityscape Global 2024 will be held under the theme "The Future of Living". It will be sponsored by the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing and supported by the General Real Estate Authority and Housing Program, said Tahaluf in a statement on Tuesday.

With a heightened B2B and investment focus for its second edition in Saudi Arabia, Cityscape Global 2024 is poised to retain its standing as the largest property showcase of its kind globally, with over 400 exhibitors, 500 speakers, and seven conferences.

This year, Tahaluf has added additional sector profiles to the Cityscape Global line-up. Joining the portfolio are Stadiums and Attractions, Sustainable Smart Buildings, Smart Hotels, and Developers, in addition to Smart Cities focus throughout the event with a dedicated conference and tech zone.

Cityscape Global will be a platform for international collaboration and knowledge exchange aimed at developing sustainable and future-proof cities within Saudi Arabia and beyond.

"Saudi Arabia's real estate landscape is undergoing an enormous transformation driven by Vision 2030. The comprehensive strategy for the real estate sector aims to achieve the goals of the vision by building a prosperous and solid economy and vibrant, integrated communities in an ambitious nation," said Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majed bin Abdullah Al-Hogail.

Cityscape Global is a major catalyst for this transformation in the real estate sector, as this huge event brings together investors, developers, and industry leaders to showcase and discover major real estate projects and enhance international cooperation between companies operating in the sector, in an effort to create a bright future where opportunities and prosperity are within everyone’s reach, said the statement.

Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP) Board of Directors Chairman Faisal bin Saud Al-Khamisi said: "Our goal at Cityscape Global 2024 is to align with the Vision 2030 set by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the housing sector."

"We aim to attract investors, developers, innovators, and stakeholders from around the world to showcase their projects, exchange knowledge, establish partnerships, and collaborate in building the cities of tomorrow at the international, regional, and local levels. Our objective is to create a significant advancement in the future of urban life," he added.

The largest Cityscape-branded event in history will incubate investment opportunities through a dedicated investors program and tailored networking opportunities, while also showcasing the intelligent infrastructure, technology-driven solutions, and data-driven planning needed to create efficient, sustainable, and livable urban environments.

Cityscape Global will also highlight Saudi Arabia's sports infrastructure development, emphasizing the eight newly announced stadiums, and will feature a special segment dedicated to stadiums and mega events.

Last year’s edition of the event, also held in the Kingdom, attracted over 300 exhibitors, 55% of which were international, in addition to 160,000 visitors from over 170 countries and more than 10,000 international investors.

The 2023 event hosted the unveiling of $18.3 billion in Saudi-based Real Estate projects - an outcome which earned plaudits from Lord Alan Sugar, the UK entrepreneur and host of the BBC’s The Apprentice, who was a conference speaker. "I was amazed by the vision, scale, and significance of the projects being undertaken in Saudi Arabia. It is inspiring," said Lord Sugar.

Cityscape Global is organized by Tahaluf, a strategic alliance between Informa PLC, SAFCSP, and the Events Investment Fund (EIF).



3 Key Ways AI Boosts Sustainability Efforts in Saudi Arabia

A miniature model of a robot holding a toy and the words ‘Artificial Intelligence’ appear in the background (Reuters)
A miniature model of a robot holding a toy and the words ‘Artificial Intelligence’ appear in the background (Reuters)
TT

3 Key Ways AI Boosts Sustainability Efforts in Saudi Arabia

A miniature model of a robot holding a toy and the words ‘Artificial Intelligence’ appear in the background (Reuters)
A miniature model of a robot holding a toy and the words ‘Artificial Intelligence’ appear in the background (Reuters)

Saudi Arabia’s Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute expects artificial intelligence (AI) to improve energy infrastructure and cut operational costs, supporting the goals of “Vision 2030.”
In collaboration with Arthur D. Little (ADL), the institute proudly presented a comprehensive White paper titled “The Role of AI in Sustainability: Boon or Bane?”
Arthur D. Little identified three primary ways AI can contribute to sustainability efforts.
Firstly, AI can significantly boost the sustainability of existing business models by optimizing operations and improving energy efficiency. Real-world examples include Google’s reduction of data center energy consumption by up to 40% and IBM Watson’s AI-based solutions that enhance agricultural productivity while conserving water.
Secondly, AI enables the creation of new, sustainable business models that reduce environmental footprints and enhance profitability. Examples include Babylon Health’s AI-driven healthcare services and Uber’s AI-optimized ride-sharing that minimizes traffic congestion and emissions.
Thirdly, AI helps organizations prepare for and mitigate the impacts of climate change and natural disasters. Innovations such as MIT’s AI-designed heat-resistant materials and Google’s Tree Canopy project for urban forestry planning are highlighted.
This White paper delves into the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in advancing sustainability across various sectors, while also addressing the inherent challenges.
“FII is dedicated to using innovation to address the world's critical challenges,” said Richard Attias, CEO of the Future Investment Initiative Institute.
“Our white paper with Arthur D. Little highlights how AI can transform sustainability, providing practical solutions for businesses and governments worldwide. By adopting these insights, we can make significant strides toward a more sustainable future,” he added.
"Our collaboration with the FII Institute underscores the critical role of AI in driving sustainable development," said Adnan Merhaba, Partner and Energy and Utilities practice Lead at Arthur D. Little Middle East.
“By leveraging AI’s capabilities, we can enhance existing business models, transform industries, and prepare for future challenges, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and resilient future,” added Merhaba.
For instance, Google's Tree Canopy project, which uses AI and aerial images to help cities plan urban forestry initiatives, can be adapted for Gulf cities to combat the urban heat island effect.
The IBM Watson system’s AI-based weather forecasting and crop monitoring could be pivotal for the region's agricultural sector, improving water efficiency and increasing crop yields in arid environments.