Unveiling the Success of the 42nd FIABCI Global Leadership Summit in Riyadh

Dec 20, 2023 Latest News

The 42nd FIABCI Global Leadership Summit in Riyadh achieved remarkable success. Held from December 4 to 7 and hosted by FIABCI-Saudi Arabia in collaboration with Eyes of Cities, the local partner and organizer of the Real Estate Future Forum, the summit brought together industry pioneers, leadership experts, and visionaries to explore the path to "Resilience for Growth" in Saudi Arabia's dynamic landscape.

In 2023, the summit entered a thrilling new chapter. Home to a fast-changing property industry marked by Vision 2030’s ambitious projects and massive investments, Saudi Arabia added a new dimension to the event's impact. Under the patronage of HE Mr. Majed Al Hogail, Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing of Saudi Arabia, approximately 50 world-class speakers enriched the summit with their expertise. It was an extraordinary journey shaping the future of real estate, through endless opportunities, collaborations, and valuable insights, from PropTech to sustainability. Going beyond conventional conferences, it offered a deep dive into the intricate facets of the industry, in addition to topics related to leadership, resilience and adaptability.

The summit's theme, "Resilience for Growth," encapsulated the spirit of overcoming challenges, embracing change, and thriving amidst adversity. In the face of unprecedented disruptions in the global real estate community, the summit aimed to facilitate discussions on building resilient strategies for growth and sustainability.

A highlight of the event was a conversation with Sir Tony Blair, Former UK Prime Minister and Founder of Tony Blair Institute for Global Change. He commended Saudi Arabia’s leadership for unlocking the Kingdom's development potential: "Saudi Arabia can become a demonstration of what strong leadership with a clear sense of direction can achieve. The developments here show the potential for real change," Sir Tony Blair said.

On this note, the event showcased notable developments in the country, including the groundbreaking urban project, the Line, setting a global precedent for future (and greener) cities. It also spotlighted Nusantara, Indonesia's new capital city, blending smart city innovation with sustainability principles.

Local authorities emphasized Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, presenting radical solutions, massive digital transformation in real estate regulation, and giga-projects like Neom, Jeddah Cultural Urban Revival, Qiddiya, AlUla, and Diriyah Gate.

Renowned thought leaders like visionary architect Sir Peter Cook and Chris Gardner, who inspired the story behind the movie "The Pursuit of Happyness," provided insights into the future of urban development and the power of resilience, respectively. High-level athlete Axel Alletru shared determination, motivation, and adaptability.

Internal sessions and procedures also occurred, as it is traditional, ranging from the FIABCI Board of Directors Meeting to the General Assembly. During the latter, various councils and committees provided updates on their activities and presented reports on current affairs. The FIABCI Governing Bodies Elections were also conducted as part of the proceedings and the full list of the newly elected officers is available here.

Overall, the resounding success of the 42nd FIABCI Global Leadership Summit would not have been possible without the support of local authorities, global partners, event partners, sponsors, and the warm hospitality of the people of Saudi Arabia, to whom we extend our deepest gratitude. A special appreciation is due to the Organizing Committee led by President Mr. Abdullah Alharbi for their commitment, meticulous preparation, and execution of this world-class event. Together, we set new standards, forging impactful collaborations, and redefining possibilities in the real estate sector.

About the FIABCI Global Leadership Summit

Each year, FIABCI organizes the FIABCI Global Leadership Summit, bringing together professionals from the international real estate industry for insightful discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities. Held in a different country each year, following a rotation system, this summit underscores FIABCI's global reach and commitment to celebrating diversity in real estate.