Riyadh to Host the 5th Edition of the Future of Real Estate Forum 2026
Riyadh will host the fifth edition of the Future of Real Estate Forum (FREF) from 26 to 28 January 2026, under the patronage of H.E. Majed bin Abdullah Al-Hogail, Minister of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing. The forum will bring together more than 300 local and international speakers from over 140 countries, under the theme:
“Expanding Horizons, Thriving Real Estate.”
A Transformational Phase for Saudi Real Estate
The forum takes place as the Saudi real estate sector undergoes rapid transformation, driven by regulatory reforms, large-scale urban development programs, and growing local and international investment, reinforcing the sector’s strategic role within the national economy.
KAFD as a Central Urban Partner
The event is supported by prominent partners, notably the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), participating as a Platinum Sponsor, highlighting its role as a mixed-use business destination and a key urban hub in the heart of Riyadh.
Advanced Architectural and Urban Themes
Through panel discussions and specialized workshops, the forum will explore the role of real estate in urban development, addressing market trends, smart development models, sustainable urban growth, and the impact of artificial intelligence and advanced technologies on architectural design and construction.
New Regulations and Investment Opportunities
The agenda includes discussions on the new foreign property ownership law, approved in July 2025 and set to take effect alongside the forum, expected to unlock new high-quality real estate investments and reshape demand for residential and commercial developments.
Platform for Partnerships and Future Projects
The forum also serves as a platform for signing agreements and memoranda of understanding, fostering strategic partnerships and long-term real estate and urban development initiatives.
KAFD as an Integrated Urban Model
KAFD represents a benchmark for integrated urban development, spanning 1.6 million square meters and comprising 95 buildings, including Grade-A offices, luxury residences, retail and hospitality assets, and headquarters for key national institutions such as the Capital Market Authority and Saudi Tadawul Group.
Architectural Outlook
From an architectural perspective, the forum highlights a growing focus on integrated cities, mixed-use developments, and sustainable design aligned with quality-of-life objectives. The outcomes are expected to influence future architectural language and urban planning models in Saudi Arabia, positioning Riyadh as a regional laboratory for architectural and urban innovation in the coming years.
✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight
The Future of Real Estate Forum 2026 positions Riyadh within a framework of Contemporary Urbanism, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s transition from sectoral real estate growth toward integrated city-making. Anchored by themes of mixed-use development, smart systems, and regulatory reform, the forum situates real estate as a spatial instrument shaping the Urban Fabric, rather than a purely financial asset class. The prominence of KAFD reinforces a model of dense, multifunctional urban cores driven by infrastructure, governance, and architectural coordination. However, as foreign ownership regulations expand and investment accelerates, critical questions emerge around Contextual Relevance: how imported capital and global models will adapt to local climate, culture, and social patterns. Ultimately, the forum signals a clear Architectural Ambition, positioning Riyadh as a testing ground for sustainable, technology-driven, and institutionally mature urban environments.
★ ArchUp: Technical Analysis of the Future of Real Estate Forum and its Role in Riyadh’s Urban Development 2026
Analysis of the Forum’s Strategic Role:
This article provides a technical analysis of the role of the fifth edition of the Future of Real Estate Forum in shaping urban policies and directions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
1. Strategic Scope and Legislative Catalyst: Held under the patronage of the Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing, the Forum gathers over 300 speakers from 140 countries. Its key legislative alignment is the new system for non-Saudi real estate ownership (effective July 2025), designed to reshape market demand and unlock premium investments.
2. Thematic Focus and Integrated Urban Modeling: Discussions center on smart development, AI integration in construction, and sustainable growth. The King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), as platinum sponsor, serves as a live model: a 1.6 million m² district with 95 mixed-use buildings integrating office, residential, commercial, and hospitality functions.
3. Projected Urban Impact and Future Trajectories: The Forum’s outcomes are expected to directly influence the Kingdom’s architectural and planning standards. The focus on integrated cities, mixed-use projects, and sustainable design aims to solidify Riyadh’s position as a regional laboratory for urban innovation, with the Forum acting as a launchpad for partnerships and investments.
For an analysis of another foundational project shaping Riyadh’s future urban fabric, review the article on the New Murabba development:
‘The New Square’ Reinforces the Infrastructure Foundations of Future Riyadh Downtown
✅ Official ArchUp Technical Review completed for this article.