The Essential Guide to the FIFA World Cup 2026

Your go-to guide for the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted by Canada, Mexico, & USA. Explore host cities, new format, and see who lifts the trophy!

Canada, Mexico and the United States: for the first time in the history of the FIFA World Cup, three nations will share the honour of hosting football's ultimate competition. It is an arrangement born of geography and ambition in equal measure, and it produces a tournament of genuinely continental scope played in 16 cities spanning Pacific coastline to Atlantic seaboard, from the mountains of Canada to the heat of the Mexican plateau.
The 23rd World Cup runs from 11 June to 19 July 2026, with 48 nations competing across 104 matches. It is the first time the tournament has been held in North America since the United States hosted in 1994, and the first edition to feature an expanded field of 48 teams, up from the 32 that have competed at every tournament since 1998.
<img src="https://146414713.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/146414713/Fifa.jpg" width="1000" height="628" loading="lazy" alt="Fifa" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 1000px;">
<h2 id="h.4rehr63lnb9a" class="c3">Understanding the Format</h2>
The expansion from 32 to 48 teams has required a structural rethink. Rather than the familiar eight groups, the 2026 edition organises its field into twelve groups of four. The top two sides from each group advance, joined by the eight best-performing third-placed teams from across the tournament, bringing 32 nations into the knockout rounds. From there, the competition proceeds through a round of 32, round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final on 19 July.
For those accustomed to previous editions, the key practical difference is this: a single defeat in the group stage does not end a team's tournament. The path to qualification is slightly wider, the jeopardy of each match slightly reduced. For those who enjoy the group stage as a period of narrative accumulation rather than pure elimination, it is a welcome change.
&nbsp;
<h2 id="h.uaftluz4yagy" class="c3">The Host Cities</h2>
The sixteen venues are distributed across three geographic clusters. The Western&nbsp;group includes Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, Vancouver, and Guadalajara — cities strung along the Pacific coast from Mexico to Canada. The Central&nbsp;cluster takes in Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Monterrey, and Mexico City. The&nbsp;Eastern&nbsp;group comprises Atlanta, Boston, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Toronto.
Each city brings its own character to the occasion. Los Angeles will be among the most sought-after destinations for supporters, while New York, which hosts the final at MetLife Stadium on 19 July, represents the tournament's climax in a city that understands spectacle. Miami's Hard Rock Stadium hosts the third-place match on 18 July. And Mexico City's Estadio Azteca, which opens proceedings on 11 June against South Africa, adds a layer of history that no other venue can match: it becomes the only stadium in the world to have hosted three World Cup opening fixtures, with a capacity of at least 87,000.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has confirmed that the final at MetLife Stadium will feature a half-time entertainment show modelled on the American Super Bowl tradition. Coldplay are among the confirmed performers, which is an indication of the cultural scale the organisers are aiming for.
&nbsp;
<h2 id="h.g54ed9fnntkx" class="c3">The Teams, the Stars, the Stakes</h2>
Spain enter as the early favourites to lift the trophy on 19 July, followed by France, England, Brazil, and Argentina. It is a ranking the defending champions will note with quiet determination: Argentina, led by Lionel Messi&nbsp;in what is expected to be his sixth and final World Cup, are targeting back-to-back titles for the first time since Brazil achieved the feat in 1958 and 1962. The odds are against them, as three of the last four defending champions departed in the group stage, but Messi has rarely performed according to expectation.
France, captained by Kylian Mbappé&nbsp;and possessed of considerable depth at every position, are the team Messi himself has identified as the most formidable threat to his own ambitions. Spain's generational transformation has drawn admiration from across the game, and England arrive in perhaps their most settled and tactically coherent state in decades. Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, like Messi, is widely expected to be competing at a World Cup for the last time. Norway's Erling Haaland&nbsp;brings one of the tournament's most explosive attacking profiles.
The last six World Cups have, between them, crowned six different nations: Brazil, Italy, Spain, Germany, France, and Argentina, in that order. It is a run of variety that represents the longest such sequence in the competition's history, and 2026 will either extend it or begin a new chapter entirely.
Four nations make their World Cup debuts this summer: Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan. Their stories will be among the many running beneath the surface of the main event throughout June and July.
&nbsp;
<h2 id="h.2hfzslusu5nw" class="c3">Your Dates for the Summer</h2>
<ul class="c7 lst-kix_ischfa3inzjh-0 start">
<li class="c2 li-bullet-0">11 June&nbsp;— Opening match: Mexico vs. South Africa, Estadio Azteca, Mexico City</li>
<li class="c2 li-bullet-0">11–30 June&nbsp;— Group stage across all 16 host cities</li>
<li class="c2 li-bullet-0">4–7 July&nbsp;— Round of 32</li>
<li class="c2 li-bullet-0">8–11 July&nbsp;— Round of 16</li>
<li class="c2 li-bullet-0">12–15 July&nbsp;— Quarter-finals</li>
<li class="c2 li-bullet-0">16–17 July&nbsp;— Semi-finals</li>
<li class="c2 li-bullet-0">18 July&nbsp;— Third-place match, Hard Rock Stadium, Miami</li>
<li class="c2 li-bullet-0">19 July&nbsp;— The Final, MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey</li>
</ul>
Three nations, three time zones, one prize. The 2026 World Cup has been designed to be the most inclusive, the most widely felt, and the most expansive football tournament ever held. Whether you follow it from a living room or a stadium seat in New York, the next seven weeks will be difficult to ignore.
&nbsp;
{% module_block module "widget_51cadcb2-fd5b-41af-be7a-d1f193bbdba3" %}{% module_attribute "child_css" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}{}{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "css" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}{}{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "definition_id" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "field_group" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}[{"Line_1":"Saudi Arabia’s Stadiums for the 2034 World Cup","link_field":{"no_follow":false,"open_in_new_tab":false,"rel":"","sponsored":false,"url":{"content_id":null,"href":"https://sothebysrealty.sa/en/the-journal/saudi-arabias-stadiums-for-the-2034-world-cup","href_with_scheme":"https://sothebysrealty.sa/en/the-journal/saudi-arabias-stadiums-for-the-2034-world-cup","type":"EXTERNAL"},"user_generated_content":false}},{"Line_1":"Riyadh Season","link_field":{"no_follow":false,"open_in_new_tab":false,"rel":"","sponsored":false,"url":{"content_id":null,"href":"https://sothebysrealty.sa/en/the-journal/riyadh-season","href_with_scheme":"https://sothebysrealty.sa/en/the-journal/riyadh-season","type":"EXTERNAL"},"user_generated_content":false}},{"Line_1":"Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale","link_field":{"no_follow":false,"open_in_new_tab":false,"rel":"","sponsored":false,"url":{"content_id":null,"href":"https://sothebysrealty.sa/en/the-journal/diriyah-contemporary-art-biennale","href_with_scheme":"https://sothebysrealty.sa/en/the-journal/diriyah-contemporary-art-biennale","type":"EXTERNAL"},"user_generated_content":false}},{"Line_1":"Riyadh Racing Season","link_field":{"no_follow":false,"open_in_new_tab":false,"rel":"","sponsored":false,"url":{"content_id":null,"href":"https://sothebysrealty.sa/en/the-journal/riyadh-racing-season","type":"EXTERNAL"},"user_generated_content":false}}]{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "field_types" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}{"Heading":"text","field_group":"group","styles":"group"}{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "label" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "module_id" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}112029994949{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "path" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"/Common_modules/Modules/AMAL - Internal Link Posts"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "schema_version" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}2{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "smart_objects" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}[]{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "smart_type" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"NOT_SMART"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "tag" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"module"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "type" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"module"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "wrap_field_tag" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"div"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% end_module_block %}{{ include_custom_fonts({"__BentonSans_2d01b9":["Light","Regular"],"FreightBig":["Regular"]}) }}

Canada, Mexico and the United States: for the first time in the history of the FIFA World Cup, three nations will share the honour of hosting football's ultimate competition. It is an arrangement born of geography and ambition in equal measure, and it produces a tournament of genuinely continental scope played in 16 cities spanning Pacific coastline to Atlantic seaboard, from the mountains of Canada to the heat of the Mexican plateau.

soudah-peaks-a-luxury-mountain-destination

Soudah Peaks: Saudi Arabia's Premier Mountain Destination

Explore Soudah Peaks, Saudi Arabia's luxury mountain retreat. Discover stunning landscapes, rich culture, and year-round adventure.

Nestled amongst some of the most breathtaking highland scenery in the Arabian Peninsula, Soudah Peaks is shaping up to be one of Saudi Arabia's most exciting and ambitious tourism developments. Conceived as a world-class luxury destination that marries stunning mountain landscapes with authentic cultural heritage, the project is transforming the Al-Soudah region and parts of Rijal Alma into a year-round retreat unlike anything else in the Kingdom and, arguably, the wider region.
The development sits firmly within the broader ambitions of Vision 2030, reflecting Saudi Arabia's commitment to diversifying its economy and building a sustainable tourism sector that celebrates, rather than compromises, its extraordinary natural environment.
<img src="https://146414713.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/146414713/soudah-image3-jpg.webp" width="900" height="700" loading="lazy" alt="soudah-image3-jpg" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 900px;">
<h2>A Project in Harmony with Nature</h2>
The numbers alone convey the scale of the undertaking. Soudah Peaks spans more than 627 square kilometres of forests, mountains, and valleys, yet the built footprint accounts for just 3.6% of that total area. It is a deliberate and telling statistic, one that speaks to the project's founding philosophy: that development, at its finest, should be guided by restraint and a deep respect for the environment it inhabits.
The region itself is a genuine rarity in Saudi Arabia. At its highest point, the terrain reaches 3,015 metres above sea level, producing a climate quite unlike anywhere else in the Kingdom. Winters are cool and reliably wet, spring brings mild and pleasant conditions, autumn offers gentle warmth, and summer is characterised by light seasonal rains rather than the fierce heat that defines much of the peninsula. The result is a destination with compelling all-year appeal, which is no small advantage in a region where extreme summer temperatures typically curtail outdoor activity for months at a time.
Beyond its climate, the area is distinguished by remarkable biodiversity, diverse wildlife, and a cultural heritage that has evolved in close and intimate relationship with the land across many centuries. It is this layered identity that gives Soudah Peaks its distinctive character and makes it so well suited to the kind of thoughtful, experience-driven tourism the Kingdom is increasingly seeking to attract.
&nbsp;
<h2>Six Districts, One Vision</h2>
The masterplan is organised around six development districts: Sabrah, Sahab, Tahalal, Al-Sakhra Al-Hamra, Green, and Rijal; each is designed to offer its own distinct atmosphere and character whilst contributing to a harmonious and cohesive whole. Together, they create a destination with genuine variety: from serene retreats suited to relaxation and wellness, to more active, adventure-oriented quarters that make full use of the surrounding terrain.
By 2033, the completed project will deliver 2,700 hotel rooms, more than 1,300 residential units, and upwards of 30 retail and entertainment zones. Development is structured across three phases, with the first phase due for completion in 2027, introducing 940 hotel rooms, 391 residential units, and 32,000 square metres of commercial space. This initial phase will effectively establish the destination's identity and set the tone for everything that follows.
&nbsp;
<h2>Living, Staying, and Exploring</h2>
Soudah Peaks is being positioned as far more than a conventional hotel resort. The project weaves together luxury hospitality, international dining, and high-end retail with wellness and spa facilities, cultural venues, and an impressively broad range of sporting and outdoor pursuits. Visitors can look forward to hiking trails winding through dramatic mountain terrain, paragliding over sweeping valley vistas, zip-lining, horse riding, golf, and a host of adventure experiences that draw directly from the landscape's natural drama and scale.
The architectural vision is equally considered. Rather than imposing a generic luxury aesthetic onto the environment, the design draws thoughtful inspiration from the region's vernacular traditions: terraced hillsides, stone pathways, and mountain dwellings that speak to centuries of human ingenuity in learning to live with, and within, the land. The result is a built environment that feels rooted in its surroundings, one that enhances the sense of place rather than diluting it.
&nbsp;
<h2>Key Targets and Ambitions</h2>
The project's goals are ambitious, but grounded in a clear and credible long-term strategy:
<ul>
<li>To develop a sustainable destination that actively promotes Saudi Arabia's natural landscapes, cultural identity, and heritage</li>
<li>To support the Public Investment Fund's mission to energise key economic sectors and attract meaningful private investment</li>
<li>To generate thousands of new jobs across the region by 2033</li>
<li>To welcome 2 million visitors annually by 2033</li>
<li>To contribute more than 29 billion Saudi riyals to cumulative GDP by 2033</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<h2>A Destination Built to Last</h2>
At its heart, Soudah Peaks represents something that transcends balance sheets and visitor targets. It is a demonstration that luxury and sustainability are not competing priorities but deeply complementary ones, and that it is entirely possible to create a world-class destination whilst honouring and protecting the environment that makes it worth visiting in the first place.
For adventure seekers, those in search of a distinguished mountain retreat, prospective homeowners, or investors looking for opportunities with genuine long-term substance, Qimam Al-Soudah makes a compelling case on every front. It is, in many respects, <a href="https://sothebysrealty.sa/en/the-journal/vision-2030-the-saudi-arabia-of-tomorrow" rel="noopener">Vision 2030</a> at its most eloquent: a project that looks outward to the world whilst remaining firmly, proudly rooted in the soul of Saudi Arabia.
&nbsp;
{% module_block module "widget_573c0713-196c-4301-8f40-8953836701f5" %}{% module_attribute "child_css" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}{}{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "css" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}{}{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "definition_id" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "field_group" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}[{"Line_1":"How Vision 2030 Reflect's on the Saudi Arabia’s Real Estate Market","link_field":{"no_follow":false,"open_in_new_tab":false,"rel":"","sponsored":false,"url":{"content_id":null,"href":"https://sothebysrealty.sa/en/the-journal/how-vision-2030-is-reflected-on-the-reality-of-saudi-arabias-real-estate-market","type":"EXTERNAL"},"user_generated_content":false}},{"Line_1":"Saudi Vision 2030 Decade of Transformation","link_field":{"no_follow":false,"open_in_new_tab":false,"rel":"","sponsored":false,"url":{"content_id":null,"href":"https://sothebysrealty.sa/en/the-journal/saudi-vision-2030-at-ten-a-decade-of-transformation","type":"EXTERNAL"},"user_generated_content":false}},{"Line_1":"Aquarabia Qiddiya City","link_field":{"no_follow":false,"open_in_new_tab":false,"rel":"","sponsored":false,"url":{"content_id":null,"href":"https://sothebysrealty.sa/en/the-journal/aquarabia-qiddiya-city","type":"EXTERNAL"},"user_generated_content":false}},{"Line_1":"Saudi Arabia's New Logistics Corridors","link_field":{"no_follow":false,"open_in_new_tab":false,"rel":"","sponsored":false,"url":{"content_id":null,"href":"https://sothebysrealty.sa/en/the-journal/saudi-arabia-launches-5-new-logistics-routes","type":"EXTERNAL"},"user_generated_content":false}}]{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "field_types" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}{"Heading":"text","field_group":"group","styles":"group"}{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "label" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "module_id" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}112029994949{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "path" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"/Common_modules/Modules/AMAL - Internal Link Posts"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "schema_version" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}2{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "smart_objects" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}[]{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "smart_type" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"NOT_SMART"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "tag" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"module"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "type" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"module"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "wrap_field_tag" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"div"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% end_module_block %}{{ include_custom_fonts({"__BentonSans_2d01b9":["Light","Regular"],"FreightBig":["Regular"]}) }}

Nestled amongst some of the most breathtaking highland scenery in the Arabian Peninsula, Soudah Peaks is shaping up to be one of Saudi Arabia's most exciting and ambitious tourism developments. Conceived as a world-class luxury destination that marries stunning mountain landscapes with authentic cultural heritage, the project is transforming the Al-Soudah region and parts of Rijal Alma into a year-round retreat unlike anything else in the Kingdom and, arguably, the wider region.

Saudi Vision 2030 at Ten: A Decade of Transformation

Discover how Saudi Vision 2030 has transformed the Kingdom over the past decade through giga projects, economic diversification, tourism growth, and real estate development.

Ten years ago, Saudi Arabia launched one of the most ambitious national transformation programmes in modern history. Vision 2030 was conceived not merely as an economic reform plan, but as a wholesale reimagining of the Kingdom's identity and a bold declaration that Saudi Arabia's future would be defined by far more than its oil reserves.
A decade on, the numbers tell a compelling story.
<img src="https://146414713.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/146414713/shutterstock_2743517523-jpg.jpeg" width="1000" height="667" loading="lazy" alt="shutterstock_2743517523-jpg" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 1000px;">
<h2>The Vision and Its Foundations</h2>
When Vision 2030 was unveiled in 2016, its architects set their sights on transforming Saudi cities into world-class destinations for culture, arts, entertainment, industry, and technology. Several landmark megaprojects were announced to anchor this ambition: NEOM, the futuristic city that has come to symbolise the Vision's most audacious aspirations; The New Murabba, which is reimagining central Riyadh entirely; Qiddiya, destined to become a global capital of entertainment, sport, and culture; and the Red Sea Project, setting an extraordinary new benchmark for luxury hospitality. These large-scale endeavours, or ‘giga projects’ as they have come to be known, represent a fundamental rethinking of what Saudi Arabia is and what it can become.
To underpin these projects, the Kingdom developed a suite of national strategies across the years, covering everything from mining and manufacturing (2018) to real estate and labour markets (2020), logistics and regional development (2021), gaming and e-sports (2022), biotechnology (2024), and privatisation (2025).
&nbsp;
<h2>A Phased Approach</h2>
The Vision unfolds across three five-year phases, each building on the last.
The first phase (2016–2020) was one of construction and foundation-setting: introducing sweeping economic, financial, and social reforms, establishing new institutions, and restructuring the Public Investment Fund (PIF) to serve as the engine of the Kingdom's economic ambitions.
The second phase (2021–2025) shifted focus towards accelerating delivery, launching national strategies across key sectors and continuing to build the institutional frameworks put in place during the first phase.
The third and final phase (2026–2030) will concentrate on consolidating the gains achieved, with a firm eye on long-term sustainability and securing Saudi Arabia's place among the world's leading nations.
&nbsp;
<h2>The Economic Picture</h2>
The headline figures are striking. Saudi Arabia's GDP reached $1.31 trillion by the end of 2025, supported by annual growth of 4.5%, the highest rate recorded in three years. This was driven overwhelmingly by the expansion of non-oil activities. Unemployment among Saudi nationals has fallen sharply, from 12.3% in 2016 to 7.2% by the close of 2025, reflecting the success of labour market reforms and the growing role of the private sector. Inflation, meanwhile, has remained reassuringly stable at 2.0%, a sign of sound and balanced economic stewardship.
The private sector now contributes 51% of GDP, and non-oil exports have reached a record 622.87 billion Saudi riyals, compared with just 242.56 billion riyals when the Vision was launched. Foreign direct investment has risen to $35.5 billion, and the PIF's assets have quadrupled to a remarkable $909 billion. Women's participation in the workforce has climbed to 35%, and some 8.88 million people are now employed within small and medium-sized enterprises, which themselves contribute nearly 23% of GDP.
Renewable energy capacity has undergone perhaps the most dramatic transformation of all, rising from essentially nothing in 2016 to 64 gigawatts by the end of 2025.
&nbsp;
<h2>Society and Culture</h2>
Vision 2030 has always understood that economic transformation without social renewal is incomplete. On that front, progress has been equally noteworthy.
66.24% of Saudi families now own their own home. Healthcare services reach 97.5% of populated areas. Umrah arrivals from abroad reached 18.03 million in 2025, and tourism now contributes 5% of GDP. Eight Saudi heritage sites have been inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List - meeting the 2030 target ahead of schedule - and three Saudi universities have broken into the global top 200. The Kingdom has also established itself as a serious force in e-sports, having hosted the inaugural World Esports Cup.
&nbsp;
<h2>Governance and Global Standing</h2>
Under the "Ambitious Nation" pillar of the Vision, Saudi Arabia has made particularly eye-catching advances in digital governance. The Kingdom has risen from 46th to 1st place in the Global Cybersecurity Index, and climbed 25 places in the United Nations' E-Government Development Index to reach 6th globally, a remarkable achievement by any measure.
Looking ahead, the Kingdom is preparing to host the AFC Asian Cup in 2027, Expo 2030, and the 2034 FIFA World Cup: a trio of global events that will further cement its standing on the world stage.
&nbsp;
<h2>Hospitality and Real Estate</h2>
The Vision has also reshaped Saudi Arabia's property and hospitality landscape. From the luxury resorts of the Red Sea coastline to the ambitious King Salman Park in Riyadh, which is one of the most ambitious urban projects anywhere in the world, and the sweeping Jeddah Waterfront development, international standards of design, sustainability, and refinement are now being applied across the Kingdom.
&nbsp;
<h2>Looking Forward</h2>
Of 1,290 active Vision initiatives, 935 have been completed since launch, with a further 225 progressing precisely on schedule. Overall, Vision performance indicators have met their annual targets at a rate of 93%, with many either surpassing those targets or approaching them at between 85% and 99% completion.
What these figures ultimately reflect is an ability to deliver on grand ambitions. Vision 2030 was always about more than a ten-year plan; it forms the foundation upon which Saudi Arabia intends to build every policy and national strategy that follows. When 2030 arrives, the Vision will not so much conclude as transform, becoming the bedrock of a society and economy that is more open, more diverse, and more resilient than the one it set out to change.
&nbsp;
{% module_block module "widget_6148c3e6-0ef0-48be-bc06-16ced5627ad9" %}{% module_attribute "child_css" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "css" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "field_group" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}[{"Line_1":"Vision 2030 of Saudi Arabia","link_field":{"url":{"content_id":null,"href":"https://sothebysrealty.sa/en/the-journal/vision-2030-the-saudi-arabia-of-tomorrow","type":"EXTERNAL"},"open_in_new_tab":false,"no_follow":false}},{"Line_1":"Vision 2030 Reflection on Saudi Arabia’s Real Estate Market","link_field":{"url":{"content_id":null,"href":"https://sothebysrealty.sa/en/the-journal/how-vision-2030-is-reflected-on-the-reality-of-saudi-arabias-real-estate-market","type":"EXTERNAL"},"open_in_new_tab":false,"no_follow":false}},{"Line_1":"Rise of Branded Residences in Saudi Arabia","link_field":{"url":{"content_id":null,"href":"https://sothebysrealty.sa/en/the-journal/branded-residences","type":"EXTERNAL"},"open_in_new_tab":false,"no_follow":false}},{"Line_1":"Jeddah Reimagined","link_field":{"url":{"content_id":null,"href":"https://sothebysrealty.sa/en/the-journal/jeddah-reimagined-city-of-investment-opportunity","type":"EXTERNAL"},"open_in_new_tab":false,"no_follow":false}}]{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "label" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "module_id" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}112029994949{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "schema_version" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}2{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "tag" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"module"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% end_module_block %}{{ include_custom_fonts({"__BentonSans_2d01b9":["Light","Regular"],"FreightBig":["Regular"]}) }}

Ten years ago, Saudi Arabia launched one of the most ambitious national transformation programmes in modern history. Vision 2030 was conceived not merely as an economic reform plan, but as a wholesale reimagining of the Kingdom's identity and a bold declaration that Saudi Arabia's future would be defined by far more than its oil reserves.

Jeddah Reimagined: A City of Substance Enters Its Next Chapter

Explore Jeddah’s real estate market, from waterfront megaprojects and branded residences to strong investment potential under Vision 2030.

Some cities do not need to announce themselves, with reputations that have been built across centuries and are woven into the fabric of history. Jeddah is precisely that kind of city. It has long been established as Saudi Arabia’s main port and coastal gateway, serving as a centre for trade, commerce and culture. From the outside, it may seem as if Jeddah is experiencing a renaissance with the scope and scale of developments that are taking place across the city and its surrounding province, but this is more of a refinement than a reinvention. And for investors with a long-term perspective, this historic city is fast becoming one of the most compelling real estate propositions in the Middle East.

&nbsp;
<img src="https://146414713.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/146414713/jeddah%20feature.jpg" width="1000" height="667" loading="lazy" alt="jeddah feature" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 1000px;">
&nbsp;
<h2>A Foundation Built on More Than Ambition</h2>
To understand Jeddah, one must first understand its character. Unlike many of the Gulf's newer urban projects, which are being constructed from the ground up with an identity still to be earned, Jeddah's credentials are organic. For centuries, the city served as the primary sea gateway to Makkah, positioning it as a meeting point for peoples, cultures and commerce from across the Islamic world and beyond. That heritage informs how the city moves, how it feels and, more critically, how it holds value.
Today, Jeddah is Saudi Arabia's second-largest city and its principal western gateway, home to a population of over four million and anchored by a commercial ecosystem that spans aviation, banking, healthcare and retail. The Islamic Development Bank, Savola Group, Bupa Arabia and the expansive Saudia and Saudia Technic operations centred around King Abdulaziz International Airport all contribute to a city with genuine economic weight. For investors who require more than a lifestyle story to justify a long-term commitment, this balance-sheet substance matters considerably.
&nbsp;
<h2>The Transformation Now Under Way</h2>
What elevates Jeddah's current proposition from interesting to exceptional is the scale of structured transformation now reshaping the city's urban fabric. The headline development is <a href="https://sothebysrealty.sa/en/the-journal/a-milestone-mission-the-jeddah-central-project" rel="noopener">Jeddah Central</a>, a landmark waterfront district backed by the Public Investment Fund through Jeddah Central Development Company. Spanning approximately 5.7 million square metres, the project features a 9.5-kilometre waterfront, a 2.1-kilometre sandy beach, around 17,000 residential units and 2,700 hotel rooms, alongside an opera house, museum, sports stadium and oceanarium. The first phase is targeted for completion by the end of 2027.
To frame this as simply a large-scale project would be to miss its significance. Jeddah Central is a repositioning of the city's identity and a deliberate act of urban authorship that will reshape how Jeddah is perceived domestically and internationally for decades to come. For investors, that translates directly into long-term capital appreciation in the surrounding residential and mixed-use market.
Alongside this is <a href="https://sothebysrealty.sa/en/the-journal/the-skys-the-limit-the-jeddah-tower" rel="noopener">Jeddah Tower</a>, which is expected to take the crown from Dubai’s iconic Burj Khalifa as the world's tallest building when complete, and the wider Jeddah Economic City development. All of these projects reinforce the city's skyline ambition and its capacity to attract significant institutional capital.
&nbsp;
<h2>A Coastal City in Full Expression</h2>
For the international buyer considering a second home, a legacy holding or a lifestyle-led primary residence, the quality of daily life matters as much as the yield projection. And on that measure, Jeddah delivers with considerable ease.
The Corniche is the city's defining public gesture. This sweeping coastal promenade stretches more than 30 kilometres along the Red Sea, lined with gardens, sculptures, waterfront restaurants and open sea views. In the early mornings and long golden evenings for which the city is best experienced, it is animated in a way that few urban waterfronts in the region can match. The Red Sea itself, one of the world's most celebrated diving destinations, offers extraordinary marine access almost entirely on Jeddah's doorstep and draw enthusiasts from across the globe.
Beaches, both public and private, extend along the northern coastline and within resort developments expanding rapidly as tourism infrastructure matures. Jeddah Central's planned 2.1-kilometre sandy beach will add a significant new focal point to this coastal offer, integrating beach access directly with a world-class residential and hospitality district in a manner more typically associated with Miami or the French Riviera than the Arabian Gulf.
&nbsp;
<h2>A Cultural Capital’s Coming of Age</h2>
Alongside its coastal character, Jeddah has assembled a cultural identity of genuine international standing, and it is this combination that makes the city truly distinctive within the region.
Hayy Jameel, Saudi Arabia's dedicated arts complex and creative hub, has become the city's cultural anchor, drawing artists, curators and audiences into a programme of visual arts, film, design and creative exchange that feels neither performative nor provisional. It is a serious institution in a city that has earned the right to one.
The Red Sea International Film Festival has added a further dimension of global visibility. Launched in 2019 and growing in stature with each annual edition, the festival has positioned Jeddah on the international cinematic map, attracting filmmakers, producers and industry figures from across the world to a city that embraces rather than merely observes contemporary creative culture. For the internationally minded buyer, an event of this calibre signals something important: this is a city with the cultural metabolism to sustain the lifestyle expectations of a global resident.
Jeddah's music scene is evolving at a comparable pace. Major international concerts and live events were once absent from Saudi Arabia's cultural calendar entirely, but are now a regular feature of the city's social life. They draw both regional and international artists, consolidating Jeddah's reputation as the Kingdom's most outward-facing and culturally permissive urban environment. The energy this generates is felt not only at the events themselves, but in the restaurants, galleries and gathering places that surround them which form the connective tissue of a city coming fully into its own.
The revitalisation of Al Balad, the city's UNESCO-listed historic district, grounds all of this in something irreplaceable. Where many cities must manufacture heritage, Jeddah's is architectural, inscribed in the coral-stone facades and carved wooden mashrabiya screens of its old trading quarter. As Al Balad continues its careful evolution into a destination for culture, dining and heritage hospitality, it reinforces the city's long-term appeal as a place with enduring identity.
&nbsp;
<h2>The Rise of Branded Residential Living</h2>
For the international buyer seeking premium exposure to Jeddah's trajectory, the branded residential market offers one of the most compelling entry points. The <a href="https://sothebysrealty.sa/en/project/four-seasons-private-residences-jeddah" rel="noopener">Four Seasons Private Residences on the Corniche</a> and Raffles Jeddah on the waterfront already provide globally recognisable anchors for luxury living in the city. Within Jeddah Central, the future Mandarin Oriental will extend this ecosystem further, embedding five-star service standards and an internationally legible management proposition into the heart of the new waterfront district.
These developments do more than lend prestige to individual addresses. They shift the entire conversation, from simply acquiring property to entering a managed luxury ecosystem with clear standards of quality, service and international marketability. This builds immense value for investors who are seeking long-term appreciation, and also provides a secure residential option for end-users who may want to settle into the Kingdom for a while.
&nbsp;
<h2>Connectivity as a Multiplier</h2>
No analysis of Jeddah would be complete without addressing connectivity. King Abdulaziz International Airport serves as the primary entry point for millions of pilgrims travelling to Makkah annually, alongside a fast-growing leisure and business travel base. The city's historic role as a port, and its continued function as one, reinforces its position at the intersection of regional and international movement.
In real estate terms, this translates directly into demand. Cities through which people pass, and to which people return, sustain residential markets with a resilience that more isolated locations cannot match. Jeddah's combination of pilgrimage proximity, business relevance and growing tourism infrastructure creates a multiplier effect that underpins long-term capital performance.
&nbsp;
<h2>Why the Long-Term Case Is Strong</h2>
Jeddah is an established city that is commercially substantive, culturally layered and geographically irreplaceable. And now, it is entering a more deliberately curated phase of residential and lifestyle evolution. Regulatory reform under <a href="https://sothebysrealty.sa/en/the-journal/vision-2030-the-saudi-arabia-of-tomorrow" rel="noopener">Vision 2030</a>, sovereign capital deployment at scale, and a maturing branded residential market are sharpening a proposition that was already credible.
For investors seeking exposure to Saudi Arabia's longer arc of urban and economic development, the entry through a city of Jeddah's character carries a different quality of conviction than a greenfield bet. It already has an established identity and is bolstering the infrastructure to support it. In a region where many locations are still finding their voice, Jeddah already knows who it is. That is, in the end, the strongest investment thesis of all.
To get a a better understanding of Jeddah’s evolving landscape and its most notable <a href="https://sothebysrealty.sa/en/buy/jeddah/property-for-sale" rel="noopener">residential developments</a>, reach out to the team at <a href="https://sothebysrealty.sa/en/contact-us" rel="noopener">Saudi Arabia Sotheby’s International Realty</a>: the Kingdom’s foremost authority on prime and super prime real estate.
&nbsp;
{% module_block module "widget_35785f63-7a91-4ff6-a8b5-a25e175b7bcc" %}{% module_attribute "button" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}[{"button_link":{"no_follow":false,"open_in_new_tab":false,"rel":"","sponsored":false,"url":{"content_id":null,"href":"https://sothebysrealty.sa/en/buy/jeddah/property-for-sale","href_with_scheme":"https://sothebysrealty.sa/en/buy/jeddah/property-for-sale","type":"EXTERNAL"},"user_generated_content":false},"button_text":"View All","select_button_type":"str","style":{"background_color":{"color":"#FFFFFF","css":"rgba(255, 255, 255, 0%)","hex":"#FFFFFF","opacity":0,"rgb":"rgb(255, 255, 255)","rgba":"rgba(255, 255, 255, 0)"},"background_hover_color":{"color":"#111111","css":"#111111","hex":"#111111","opacity":100,"rgb":"rgb(17, 17, 17)","rgba":"rgba(17, 17, 17, 1)"},"border_color":{"color":"#111111","css":"#111111","hex":"#111111","opacity":100,"rgb":"rgb(17, 17, 17)","rgba":"rgba(17, 17, 17, 1)"},"border_corner":0,"border_hover_color":{"color":"#111111","css":"#111111","hex":"#111111","opacity":100,"rgb":"rgb(17, 17, 17)","rgba":"rgba(17, 17, 17, 1)"},"border_width":1,"text_color":{"color":"#111111","css":"#111111","hex":"#111111","opacity":100,"rgb":"rgb(17, 17, 17)","rgba":"rgba(17, 17, 17, 1)"},"text_hover_color":{"color":"#fff","css":"#ffffff","hex":"#fff","opacity":100,"rgb":"rgb(255, 255, 255)","rgba":"rgba(255, 255, 255, 1)"}}}]{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "child_css" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}{}{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "city" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"Jeddah"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "community" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"Al Shate"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "content" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"Explore: <a href=\"https://sothebysrealty.sa/en/buy/jeddah/property-for-sale\" rel=\"noopener\">Properties in Jeddah</a>"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "country" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "css" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}{}{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "definition_id" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "field_types" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}{"number_of_posts":"number","styles":"group","alignment":"choice","property_type":"choice","default_logo":"image","community":"text","sub_community":"text","city":"text","button":"group","listing_type":"choice","property":"text","country":"text","content":"richtext"}{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "label" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "listing_type" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}""{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "module_id" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}107575200761{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "path" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"/Common_modules/Modules/Common - CRM Cards"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "schema_version" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}2{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "smart_objects" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}[]{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "smart_type" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"NOT_SMART"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "tag" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"module"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "type" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"module"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "wrap_field_tag" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"div"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% end_module_block %}
{% module_block module "widget_ad9c6599-745d-4dce-b242-65accb28adba" %}{% module_attribute "child_css" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}{}{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "css" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}{}{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "definition_id" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "field_group" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}[{"Line_1":"Residential Living in Jeddah","link_field":{"no_follow":false,"open_in_new_tab":false,"rel":"","sponsored":false,"url":{"content_id":null,"href":"https://sothebysrealty.sa/en/the-journal/residential-living-in-jeddah-top-things-to-know","href_with_scheme":"https://sothebysrealty.sa/en/the-journal/residential-living-in-jeddah-top-things-to-know","type":"EXTERNAL"},"user_generated_content":false}},{"Line_1":"Jeddah South Corniche Project","link_field":{"no_follow":false,"open_in_new_tab":false,"rel":"","sponsored":false,"url":{"content_id":null,"href":"https://sothebysrealty.sa/en/the-journal/jeddah-south-corniche-project","href_with_scheme":"https://sothebysrealty.sa/en/the-journal/jeddah-south-corniche-project","type":"EXTERNAL"},"user_generated_content":false}},{"Line_1":"Jeddah Real Estate Market Analysis and Trends","link_field":{"no_follow":false,"open_in_new_tab":false,"rel":"","sponsored":false,"url":{"content_id":null,"href":"https://sothebysrealty.sa/en/the-journal/real-estate-market-analysis-in-jeddah","href_with_scheme":"https://sothebysrealty.sa/en/the-journal/real-estate-market-analysis-in-jeddah","type":"EXTERNAL"},"user_generated_content":false}}]{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "field_types" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}{"Heading":"text","field_group":"group","styles":"group"}{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "label" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "module_id" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}112029994949{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "path" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"/Common_modules/Modules/AMAL - Internal Link Posts"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "schema_version" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}2{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "smart_objects" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}[]{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "smart_type" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"NOT_SMART"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "tag" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"module"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "type" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"module"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "wrap_field_tag" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"div"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% end_module_block %}{{ include_custom_fonts({"__BentonSans_2d01b9":["Light","Regular"],"FreightBig":["Regular"]}) }}

Some cities do not need to announce themselves, with reputations that have been built across centuries and are woven into the fabric of history. Jeddah is precisely that kind of city. It has long been established as Saudi Arabia’s main port and coastal gateway, serving as a centre for trade, commerce and culture. From the outside, it may seem as if Jeddah is experiencing a renaissance with the scope and scale of developments that are taking place across the city and its surrounding province, but this is more of a refinement than a reinvention. And for investors with a long-term perspective, this historic city is fast becoming one of the most compelling real estate propositions in the Middle East.

King Salman Park: The World's Largest Urban Park

Discover King Salman Park in Riyadh, the world’s largest urban park, transforming city life with green spaces, culture, and sustainable design.

At the heart of the Saudi capital, Riyadh, one of the world's most ambitious urban projects is taking shape: King Salman Park. Far more than a public green space, it represents a comprehensive vision for profound environmental and urban transformation in one of the world's fastest-growing cities, and is part of a broader commitment to improving quality of life and advancing sustainability.
From the outset, it has been clear that the objective extends well beyond creating a green area. The project aims to fundamentally reshape the relationship between people and their city, positioning Riyadh as a global model for balancing urban development with environmental responsibility.
<img src="https://146414713.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/146414713/Untitled-2-1-jpg.jpeg" width="1000" height="385" loading="lazy" alt="Untitled-2-1-jpg" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 1000px;">
<h2>Project Overview</h2>
King Salman Park was announced in 2019 as one of Riyadh's most significant large-scale developments. Built on the site of the former airport, its strategic location connects disparate parts of the city, giving it a pivotal role in redistributing urban activity and establishing a new civic centre for the capital.
The project's concept centres on creating an integrated environment that brings together nature, leisure, culture, and services within a single, expansive site. The scope of the park reflects a broader shift in urban planning philosophy, away from hard infrastructure and towards quality of life and open public space.
&nbsp;
<h2>Scale and Key Facts</h2>
The figures alone convey the exceptional scale of King Salman Park:
<ul>
<li>Total area exceeding 16 km²</li>
<li>Over 11 km² of green space</li>
<li>Approximately one million trees to be planted</li>
<li>More than 160 diverse facilities</li>
<li>The Royal Golf Course spanning 850,000 m², and a circular walking trail of 7.2 kilometres</li>
<li>Around 12,000 residential units, 16 hotels with 2,300 keys, and a range of commercial and office facilities</li>
<li>Tens of thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities</li>
</ul>
These figures make it the largest urban park in the world, both in area and in the breadth and integration of its uses.
More significant than the numbers, however, is what they represent: the conversion of a vast city-centre site into a thriving green environment, rather than a dense, inward-facing urban block.
&nbsp;
<h2>Project Structure: More Than a Park</h2>
Although classified as an urban park, King Salman Park's components far exceed the conventional definition. It is, in effect, a city within a city, encompassing elements that serve a wide range of lifestyles.
Cultural facilities include the Royal Arts and Museums Complex, alongside theatres and event spaces. Sports and recreational areas feature walking and running trails, a range of sporting facilities, and open spaces for family activities.
The project also incorporates natural features such as a central wadi and lakes that add both environmental and aesthetic value whilst improving the local microclimate. Residential, hotel, and commercial units complete the offer, creating a fully integrated urban environment in which people can live, work, and socialise within a single precinct, significantly reducing the need for long cross-city commutes.
&nbsp;
<h2>Environmental Impact</h2>
If the project's scale is striking, its environmental impact is the element of greatest long-term significance, particularly for a city with a desert climate such as Riyadh.
&nbsp;
<h3>Expanding Green Cover</h3>
Planting approximately one million trees represents a fundamental change to the urban environment. This density of vegetation will improve air quality by absorbing pollutants, reduce airborne dust, and deliver a measurable reduction in temperatures. In a desert city, green cover of this scale is a critical factor in improving the daily climatic conditions experienced by residents.
&nbsp;
<h3>Mitigating the Urban Heat Island Effect</h3>
Modern cities frequently suffer from the urban heat island effect, whereby dense concentrations of buildings and asphalt drive up local temperatures. King Salman Park addresses this directly by expanding green space, introducing water features, and reducing hard surfaces that create a more temperate environment, particularly during summer months.
&nbsp;
<h3>Sustainable Water Management</h3>
In a region where water resources are limited, the project employs advanced water management techniques, including treated water recycling, smart irrigation systems to minimise waste, and the selection of plant species suited to the local climate. This approach ensures long-term sustainability without placing undue pressure on existing resources.
&nbsp;
<h3>Supporting Biodiversity</h3>
The project reintroduces natural elements into the urban fabric through a bird and butterfly reserve, diverse planting schemes, and the creation of varied natural habitats — enhancing ecological balance within Riyadh and making the city a more vibrant living environment.
&nbsp;
<h2>Impact on Daily Life</h2>
The influence of King Salman Park extends to how residents live. Open spaces, dedicated walking routes, and sporting facilities actively encourage physical activity and healthier lifestyles. The park also provides venues for social gathering and community interaction, both of which are valuable benefits in large cities where the pressures of daily life can erode social cohesion and mental wellbeing.
Integration with the city's public transport network, including the Riyadh Metro and key bus stations, further reduces dependence on private vehicles and supports the broader goal of sustainable mobility.
&nbsp;
<h2>A Model for the Future</h2>
At its core, King Salman Park represents a new paradigm for the modern Arab city that moves away from rapid urban expansion towards balanced urban environments where people and the natural world are at the centre of planning decisions.
The project is one of the most significant urban developments in the world today, combining genuine scale with measurable impact: extensive green space, tangible environmental improvements, and a more balanced way of urban life. It will, in all likelihood, fundamentally alter Riyadh's character towards a city that is greener, healthier, and more sustainable.
&nbsp;
{% module_block module "widget_5e9a99c5-108e-45ee-96e5-c32e75a26133" %}{% module_attribute "child_css" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "css" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "field_group" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}[{"Line_1":"King Salman Energy Park","link_field":{"url":{"content_id":null,"href":"https://sothebysrealty.sa/en/the-journal/the-king-salman-energy-park","type":"EXTERNAL"},"open_in_new_tab":false,"no_follow":false}},{"Line_1":"King Salman Medical City","link_field":{"url":{"content_id":null,"href":"https://sothebysrealty.sa/en/the-journal/king-salman-medical-city","type":"EXTERNAL"},"open_in_new_tab":false,"no_follow":false}},{"Line_1":"Best Residential Districts in Riyadh","link_field":{"url":{"content_id":null,"href":"https://sothebysrealty.sa/en/the-journal/the-best-neighborhoods-in-riyadh","type":"EXTERNAL"},"open_in_new_tab":false,"no_follow":false}},{"Line_1":"The Jabal Omar Project","link_field":{"url":{"content_id":null,"href":"https://sothebysrealty.sa/en/the-journal/the-jabal-omar-project ","type":"EXTERNAL"},"open_in_new_tab":false,"no_follow":false}}]{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "label" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "module_id" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}112029994949{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "schema_version" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}2{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "tag" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"module"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% end_module_block %}{{ include_custom_fonts({"__BentonSans_2d01b9":["Light","Regular"],"FreightBig":["Regular"]}) }}

At the heart of the Saudi capital, Riyadh, one of the world's most ambitious urban projects is taking shape: King Salman Park. Far more than a public green space, it represents a comprehensive vision for profound environmental and urban transformation in one of the world's fastest-growing cities, and is part of a broader commitment to improving quality of life and advancing sustainability.

AlUla Skies Festival 2026: A Destination for Stargazers and Astronomy Enthusiasts

Explore AlUla Skies Festival 2026! Experience incredible stargazing, meteor showers, and hot air balloons in Saudi Arabia's clearest skies.

Further cementing its reputation as one of Saudi Arabia's most captivating destinations, the governorate of AlUla is preparing to host the latest edition of the AlUla Skies Festival, an extraordinary event that brings together astronomy, culture, and the raw grandeur of the desert landscape against the backdrop of some of the region's most celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Running from the 6th to the 15th of November, the festival is timed to coincide with moonless skies and the peak of the Lyrids meteor shower, offering what promises to be one of the most remarkable astronomical experiences in the Middle East. For several consecutive years, it has drawn visitors from across the globe, and this edition looks set to be the most ambitious yet.
<img src="https://146414713.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/146414713/alula-skies-festival.jpg" width="1000" height="578" loading="lazy" alt="alula-skies-festival" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 1000px;">
<h2 id="h.litsben9s2f0" class="c4">A Vision Written in the Stars</h2>
Aligned with the ambitions of <a href="https://sothebysrealty.sa/en/the-journal/vision-2030-the-saudi-arabia-of-tomorrow" rel="noopener">Saudi Vision 2030</a>, the festival is part of a broader drive to position AlUla as a world-class tourism destination that offers visitors genuinely singular encounters with history, nature, and the cosmos. This year's programme includes vivid displays of hot air balloons drifting above AlUla's ancient ruins and dramatic rock formations at dawn, painting a living canvas across the morning sky. Come nightfall, the festival turns its gaze upward, offering exceptional stargazing and meteor-watching experiences made possible by what is widely regarded as the clearest, least light-polluted sky in the entire region. A rich programme of cultural and artistic activities rounds out the offering.
The Royal Commission for AlUla has placed environmental responsibility at the heart of the festival's operations, introducing measures to minimise light pollution, deploying eco-friendly transport, and activating green waste management initiatives throughout the event. These aren't merely gestures, but a reflection of a long-term commitment to preserving the very qualities that make AlUla so extraordinary in the first place.
&nbsp;
<h2 id="h.y4499p6iee9o" class="c4">What to Expect: Highlights of the Festival</h2>
The AlUla Skies Festival promises an array of exclusive activities suited to visitors of all ages, each a reflection of AlUla's singular character.
AlUla Sky Rise&nbsp;invites guests aboard shared morning flights, with 30 hot air balloons ascending simultaneously above the archaeological landmarks and sculpted desert terrain. The views are unobstructed and sweeping: a photographer's dream suspended in the early morning light, with the sandstone formations glowing amber and gold beneath the rising sun.
The Tethered Balloon Experience&nbsp;offers panoramic views from a height of 50 metres, designed especially for families and first-time flyers looking for a more accessible introduction to the skies above AlUla. It is a gentler encounter with the extraordinary, though no less memorable for it.
The Hot Air Balloon Glow Show&nbsp;sees up to 12 tethered balloons rise into the night sky in perfect synchrony, accompanied by acrobatic performances, light projections, and immersive soundscapes. This quietly spectacular sight against the darkness of the desert forms one of the festival's most photographed moments.
Live Concerts Under the Stars&nbsp;bring together a curated selection of artists for evening performances where musical rhythms meld with starlight and the natural contours of the landscape around them. Among the highlights of this year's programme is a performance by Arabic pop icon Nancy Ajram, who takes to the open-air stage for an unforgettable concert set against the vast desert night. There are few settings in the world more naturally theatrical, and the festival makes full use of it.
Astronomical Observation Sessions, led by specialist astronomers and equipped with state-of-the-art telescopes, offer guided explorations of planets, stars, and the wider cosmos. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast or simply curious, these sessions have a way of reframing one's sense of scale entirely.
The programme is further enriched by workshops on the history of astronomy in the Arab world, a rich and often underappreciated tradition that shaped modern science, alongside guided tours of AlUla's celebrated archaeological sites, including Hegra (Madain Salih) and the Old Town, and a host of additional experiences that deepen one's understanding of this remarkable place.
&nbsp;
<h2 id="h.6aj5bi5v6ks" class="c4">Why AlUla Is a Natural Home for Stargazers</h2>
AlUla holds the distinction of being the first certified dark sky reserve in the Arabian Gulf region. Its geographical remoteness from major urban centres shields it almost entirely from the light pollution that obscures the night sky elsewhere, lending its heavens a clarity and depth that few places on earth can match. On a clear November night, the Milky Way is not a suggestion but a vivid, vast, and humbling presence.
The ancient rock formations that define its landscape — some dating back millions of years — take on an otherworldly quality beneath a canopy of stars, creating a setting that feels as much primordial as it does cosmic. It is the kind of place that reminds you the sky has always been there; we have simply forgotten how to look at it.
&nbsp;
<h2 id="h.nf8wiu6ddbht" class="c4">Where to Stay</h2>
AlUla offers a thoughtfully curated range of accommodation options to complete the experience: eco-conscious luxury resorts, contemporary hotels designed in the spirit of traditional local architecture, and desert camps that allow guests to sleep beneath an open sky with the stars their only ceiling. Each option has been developed with the landscape in mind, ensuring that the surrounding environment remains as much a part of the experience as the festival itself.
Together, they make the AlUla Skies Festival 2026 one of the most fully realised events of its kind in the region. It is, in every sense, an open invitation to astronomy enthusiasts, curious travellers, and anyone who has ever looked up at the night sky and felt the pull of something larger than themselves.
&nbsp;
{% module_block module "widget_be7766b3-8b0d-4a54-a1ea-ef0e5c898957" %}{% module_attribute "child_css" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}{}{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "css" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}{}{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "definition_id" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "field_group" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}[{"Line_1":"Saudi National Team and the World Cup","link_field":{"no_follow":false,"open_in_new_tab":false,"rel":"","sponsored":false,"url":{"content_id":null,"href":"https://sothebysrealty.sa/en/the-journal/saudi-national-team-and-world-cup","type":"EXTERNAL"},"user_generated_content":false}},{"Line_1":"Top Destinations to Visit in Saudi Arabia","link_field":{"no_follow":false,"open_in_new_tab":false,"rel":"","sponsored":false,"url":{"content_id":null,"href":"https://sothebysrealty.sa/en/the-journal/the-most-beautiful-areas-of-saudi-arabia","href_with_scheme":"https://sothebysrealty.sa/en/the-journal/the-most-beautiful-areas-of-saudi-arabia","type":"EXTERNAL"},"user_generated_content":false}},{"Line_1":"Soudah Peaks Mountain Destination","link_field":{"no_follow":false,"open_in_new_tab":false,"rel":"","sponsored":false,"url":{"content_id":null,"href":"https://sothebysrealty.sa/en/the-journal/soudah-peaks-a-luxury-mountain-destination","type":"EXTERNAL"},"user_generated_content":false}},{"Line_1":"Aquarabia Qiddiya City","link_field":{"no_follow":false,"open_in_new_tab":false,"rel":"","sponsored":false,"url":{"content_id":null,"href":"https://sothebysrealty.sa/en/the-journal/aquarabia-qiddiya-city","type":"EXTERNAL"},"user_generated_content":false}}]{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "field_types" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}{"Heading":"text","field_group":"group","styles":"group"}{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "label" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "module_id" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}112029994949{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "path" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"/Common_modules/Modules/AMAL - Internal Link Posts"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "schema_version" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}2{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "smart_objects" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}[]{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "smart_type" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"NOT_SMART"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "tag" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"module"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "type" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"module"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "wrap_field_tag" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"div"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% end_module_block %}{{ include_custom_fonts({"__BentonSans_2d01b9":["Light","Regular"],"FreightBig":["Regular"]}) }}

Further cementing its reputation as one of Saudi Arabia's most captivating destinations, the governorate of AlUla is preparing to host the latest edition of the AlUla Skies Festival, an extraordinary event that brings together astronomy, culture, and the raw grandeur of the desert landscape against the backdrop of some of the region's most celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Eid al-Fitr in Saudi Arabia: Preparations and Atmosphere

Celebrate Eid al-Fitr in Saudi Arabia with prayers, family gatherings, Eidiya, markets, and festive events across Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and beyond.

With the arrival of the blessed month of Ramadan, signs of joy and celebration begin to spread across the regions of Saudi Arabia. People then turn their attention to Eid al-Fitr: a social and cultural occasion deeply woven into the Saudi consciousness, where spirituality meets tradition, and cities transform into spaces of collective celebration.
This year, Eid preparations unfold against a backdrop of remarkable momentum across the Kingdom's economic, social, and entertainment spheres, reflected clearly in the bustle of markets, the abundance of events, and the ever-expanding range of choices available to families.
<img src="https://146414713.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/146414713/shutterstock_2586782833-jpg.jpeg" width="1000" height="563" loading="lazy" alt="shutterstock_2586782833-jpg" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 1000px;">
<h2>Religious Preparations and Rituals</h2>
Preparations for Eid begin in earnest with the anticipation of the Shawwal crescent moon sighting. In Saudi Arabia, the Supreme Court issues a call for moon sighting, after which the first day of Eid al-Fitr is officially announced, and the final night of Ramadan becomes one of eager anticipation and preparation.
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs prepares thousands of mosques and prayer grounds across the Kingdom - Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Abha, and Madinah - ensuring they are ready to receive worshippers at dawn. Preparations include cleaning and maintenance, organising open-air prayer areas, and providing all necessary services to ensure that Eid prayers are performed in an orderly and comfortable setting.
Citizens and residents alike are keen to pay Zakat al-Fitr before the Eid prayer, in accordance with the Prophetic tradition. This is increasingly done through charitable organisations or digital platforms, which now allow for swift and convenient electronic payment in a clear reflection of the Kingdom's broader digital transformation.
&nbsp;
<h2>Markets in Full Swing: The Season's Greatest Shopping Rush</h2>
The final days of Ramadan become a shopping season like no other. Major malls in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Khobar are especially busy in the evenings and well into the late hours of the night.
Eid clothing takes center stage for children and adults alike. Many Saudi families make a point of wearing new outfits on the morning of Eid, a social tradition that reflects both a sense of occasion and pride in appearance. Perfume and incense shops draw large crowds, as no Eid celebration feels complete without the scent of oud and musk filling the home.
Sweets, too, hold a special place. Ma'amoul in its various forms, kleicha, basbousa, and an array of modern chocolate confections dominate the scene. Some families still prepare sweets at home, while others prefer to purchase them from specialty shops, which often see long queues in the days leading up to Eid.
&nbsp;
<h2>Eidiya: A Joy That Renews Itself Every Year</h2>
No account of Eid al-Fitr in Saudi Arabia would be complete without mentioning the Eidiya: a cherished tradition of gifting money to children, who await it with great excitement. Typically given by elders to the young, the Eidiya has evolved in recent years to include digital transfers via banking apps and e-wallets, reflecting the seamless way in which modernity has woven itself into longstanding tradition. At its heart, however, the Eidiya remains a symbol of generosity and connection, strengthening family bonds in an atmosphere of warmth and happiness.
&nbsp;
<h2>Eid Morning: Rituals That Never Change</h2>
Eid morning in Saudi Arabia carries its own distinct character. People rise early, dress in their finest, and make their way to the Eid prayer amid the resonant sound of takbeer filling the air.
After prayers, family visits begin. In some regions, the tradition of al-mu'ayada (a collective greeting gathering) remains very much alive, with the men of a neighbourhood assembling at the home of the family patriarch or in a designated guesthouse to exchange congratulations in an organised and convivial fashion. Women, meanwhile, gather at a family member's home, where a generous morning spread is laid out.
Traditional dishes that grace the Eid table include kabsa, jareesh, and qursan, alongside Arabic coffee and dates. In the western regions, dishes such as dabiaza and saleeg often make an appearance, while the Eastern Province is known for its distinctive seafood offerings.
&nbsp;
<h2>Entertainment and Festivities: Eid in the Major Cities</h2>
Recent years have seen a significant expansion in Eid festivities organized by entertainment and tourism authorities. In Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, fireworks displays light up key locations, alongside musical performances and theatrical shows designed for families.
Public parks and waterfront promenades draw large crowds, particularly in coastal cities such as Jeddah and Khobar, where families head to the corniche to spend Eid evenings in the open air. Shopping malls also host dedicated children's events, making them a comprehensive destination for both shopping and fun.
&nbsp;
<h2>Travel: Near and Far</h2>
The Eid holiday provides a welcome opportunity for travel. Some families choose to spend the occasion in scenic destinations within the Kingdom, such as AlUla, Abha, or Taif, taking advantage of the relatively mild weather in some mountain regions.
Others opt for nearby international destinations, particularly within the Gulf, or further afield to Turkey and Eastern Europe.
&nbsp;
<h2>The Social Dimension: Eid as a Time for Reconciliation</h2>
In Saudi culture, Eid al-Fitr is an occasion for mending relationships. Many use these days to renew ties, visit those they have grown distant from, or put old disagreements to rest. This social dimension speaks to the essence of Eid as a unifying event that reorders priorities and reaffirms the value of family and solidarity.
&nbsp;
<h2>A Strong Presence of Cultural Identity</h2>
Despite modernisation and rapid change, expressions of local identity remain prominently visible. Traditional dress — the thobe and shemagh for men, and the embroidered abaya for women — is worn with pride on Eid morning. Timeless greetings such as "Assakum min awwadeh" and "Min al-'ayideen wal-fa'izeen" are exchanged warmly, keeping a rich oral heritage alive in the collective memory.
&nbsp;
<h2>Eid: A Balance Between Spirit and Society</h2>
In Saudi Arabia, Eid al-Fitr is a complete spiritual and social experience. It begins with the announcement of the crescent moon and unfolds through prayer, family visits, festivities, and travel, creating a shared national moment of collective joy.
This year, the spirit of Eid feels more vibrant and varied than ever, without having lost any of its deeper roots. It is a delicate balance between heritage and renewal; between the first takbeeraat at dawn and the laughter of children counting their Eidiya.
Eid al-Fitr in Saudi Arabia remains, year after year, an occasion that redefines joy and offers society a rare collective moment in which everyone gathers under a single banner of happiness and shared security.
&nbsp;
{% module_block module "widget_edef7503-9377-47d3-addf-723e11175009" %}{% module_attribute "child_css" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "css" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "field_group" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}[{"Line_1":"Ramadan in Saudi Arabia","link_field":{"url":{"content_id":null,"href":"https://sothebysrealty.sa/en/the-journal/ramadan-in-saudi-arabia","type":"EXTERNAL"},"open_in_new_tab":false,"no_follow":false}},{"Line_1":"Life in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia","link_field":{"url":{"content_id":null,"href":"https://sothebysrealty.sa/en/the-journal/aspects-of-life-in-the-kingdom-of-saudi-arabia","type":"EXTERNAL"},"open_in_new_tab":false,"no_follow":false}},{"Line_1":"Top Winter Activities in Saudi Arabia","link_field":{"url":{"content_id":null,"href":"https://sothebysrealty.sa/en/the-journal/top-activities-in-saudi-winter","type":"EXTERNAL"},"open_in_new_tab":false,"no_follow":false}},{"Line_1":"Autumn Entertainment in Riyadh","link_field":{"url":{"content_id":null,"href":"https://sothebysrealty.sa/en/the-journal/autumn-entertainment-in-riyadh","type":"EXTERNAL"},"open_in_new_tab":false,"no_follow":false}}]{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "label" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "module_id" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}112029994949{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "schema_version" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}2{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "tag" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"module"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% end_module_block %}{{ include_custom_fonts({"__BentonSans_2d01b9":["Light","Regular"],"FreightBig":["Regular"]}) }}

With the arrival of the blessed month of Ramadan, signs of joy and celebration begin to spread across the regions of Saudi Arabia. People then turn their attention to Eid al-Fitr: a social and cultural occasion deeply woven into the Saudi consciousness, where spirituality meets tradition, and cities transform into spaces of collective celebration.

foreign-investment-in-the-saudi-financial-market

Saudi Capital Market Opens Direct Access to Non-Resident Foreign Investors

Saudi Arabia opens its equity market to non-resident foreign investors from 2026, marking a major step in capital market reform and global integration.

Saudi Arabia has announced a landmark regulatory change allowing non-resident foreign investors to access its equity market directly, representing one of the most consequential shifts in the history of the Kingdom’s capital markets. The move forms part of a broader regulatory modernisation programme led by the Capital Market Authority, aimed at enhancing market efficiency, broadening the investor base, and reinforcing the global positioning of Tadawul as a major international exchange.
This development represents a decisive step towards deeper integration of Saudi Arabia’s financial system with global capital markets and aligns with long-term economic diversification objectives.
<img src="https://146414713.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/146414713/shutterstock_2718176123-jpg.jpg" width="1000" height="563" loading="lazy" alt="shutterstock_2718176123-jpg" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 1000px;">
<h2>Regulatory Change and Market Access</h2>
Effective from February 2026, foreign investors of all categories, including those without residency in Saudi Arabia, are permitted to invest directly in equities listed on the main market (Tadawul). The policy change removes the long-standing requirement for foreign investors to qualify as Qualified Foreign Investors (QFIs), a designation that previously imposed minimum asset thresholds and extensive eligibility assessments.
In effect, the Saudi equity market is now open to:
<ul>
<li>Foreign individuals and institutions investing from outside the Kingdom. </li>
<li>Direct ownership of listed shares, without reliance on indirect instruments or swap-based structures. </li>
<li>A significantly expanded global investor base, strengthening cross-border capital flows. </li>
</ul>
<h2>Institutional and Regulatory Framework</h2>
The measures are underpinned by formal amendments to capital market regulations approved by the Capital Market Authority. Key elements include:
<ul>
<li>The elimination of QFI classification and associated eligibility criteria. </li>
<li>Authorisation of direct share ownership without the use of derivative-based access mechanisms. </li>
<li>Harmonisation of foreign and domestic investor onboarding procedures, including account opening and trading. </li>
</ul>
Regulatory safeguards remain in place, including:
<ul>
<li>Foreign ownership caps in selected strategic sectors.</li>
<li>Continued enforcement of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing regulations. </li>
<li>Disclosure and corporate governance standards aligned with international norms. </li>
</ul>
<h2>Definition of a Non-Resident Foreign Investor</h2>
A non-resident foreign investor is defined as an individual or legal entity that does not hold residency in Saudi Arabia and participates in the Saudi capital market from outside the Kingdom through a locally licensed financial intermediary.
Under the revised framework, such investors may:
<ul>
<li>Buy and sell shares listed on the main market. </li>
<li>Pursue long-term investment strategies or engage in short-term trading activity. </li>
<li>Repatriate capital and investment returns in accordance with applicable regulations. </li>
</ul>
<h2>Market Scale and Context of the Change</h2>
To fully appreciate the significance of the change, it is necessary to consider the scale of the Saudi equity market itself.
Tadawul’s market capitalisation has surpassed SAR 10 trillion, making it the largest exchange in the Middle East and one of the ten largest globally by value. Foreign investor holdings had already exceeded USD 100 billion prior to full market opening, while foreign ownership represented approximately 4.5%–5% of total market capitalisation by the end of 2025.
The Saudi market includes more than 220 listed companies across a broad range of sectors, including energy, banking, telecommunications, insurance, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology and services.
These figures demonstrate that the market was already attracting substantial foreign interest before the policy change, reinforcing expectations of increased capital inflows following full liberalisation.
&nbsp;
<h2>Policy Rationale and Strategic Objectives</h2>
The decision reflects a clearly articulated policy direction aligned with a set of national strategic priorities.
Support for Vision 2030 objectives Opening the equity market strengthens the role of the financial sector as a catalyst for economic diversification and reduces structural dependence on hydrocarbons as a primary driver of growth.
Enhancement of market liquidity and depth An expanded investor base is expected to increase market liquidity, support more efficient price discovery, and contribute to the moderation of excessive volatility.
Reinforcement of Saudi Arabia’s position in global capital markets Full foreign market access strengthens Tadawul’s standing within global emerging market frameworks commonly referenced by major index providers and enhances its accessibility to international institutional asset managers.
Attracting long-term capital Non-resident foreign investors typically adopt longer-term, institutionally driven investment strategies, supporting market stability and the development of a more resilient shareholder base.
&nbsp;
<h2>Investor Entry Process and Market Participation</h2>
Market access for non-resident foreign investors has been simplified to its most straightforward form.
Investors may now select a Saudi-licensed financial intermediary, open an investment account in line with standard know-your-customer (KYC) requirements, transfer funds through authorised banking channels, and begin trading directly on the main market.
The process no longer requires:
<ul>
<li>Special regulatory approvals. </li>
<li>Complex investor classifications. </li>
<li>Indirect investment structures or intermediary vehicles. </li>
</ul>
<h2>Sectors Attracting Foreign Investment</h2>
Based on recent market dynamics, several sectors continue to attract foreign interest:
<ul>
<li>Banking, due to its resilience and strong profitability. </li>
<li>Energy and petrochemicals, given their linkage to global economic cycles. </li>
<li>Telecommunications and technology, supported by digital transformation initiatives. </li>
<li>Healthcare, driven by demographic growth and sustained public spending. </li>
<li>Sectors linked to major national projects, including tourism, entertainment, and infrastructure. </li>
</ul>
<h2>Risk Considerations</h2>
Despite the positive outlook, the Saudi equity market remains subject to a range of external and structural risks, including global market volatility, movements in interest rates and energy prices, and broader geopolitical factors.
Regulatory authorities continue to emphasise prudent investment practices, portfolio diversification, and thorough review of financial disclosures before investment decisions are made.
&nbsp;
<h2>A New Phase for the Saudi Capital Market</h2>
Today marks a meaningful milestone in the development of the Saudi capital market, with the opening of direct access to non-resident foreign investors. The change reflects a clear vote of confidence in the resilience of the Saudi economy, the credibility of its regulatory framework, and the increasing sophistication of its investment environment.
By broadening access and removing long-standing barriers to participation, the market is positioned to deepen liquidity, support more efficient capital allocation, and strengthen its role within global capital flows. The revised framework is expected to encourage wider international participation while reinforcing the foundations of a transparent and well-regulated market.
With a clear framework now in place, significant market scale, and a diverse universe of listed companies, the Saudi capital market is entering a new phase of development. This phase is defined by greater openness, growing institutional maturity, and an enhanced international profile, underlining Saudi Arabia’s long-term commitment to building a resilient, globally connected financial ecosystem.
&nbsp;
{% module_block module "widget_23c0adea-fff0-4e6e-9fc0-e79d27a09a68" %}{% module_attribute "child_css" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "css" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "field_group" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}[{"Line_1":"Real Estate Ownership Law in Saudi Arabia","link_field":{"url":{"content_id":null,"href":"https://sothebysrealty.sa/en/the-journal/saudi-arabia-introduction-of-foreign-real-estate-ownership-law","type":"EXTERNAL"},"open_in_new_tab":false,"no_follow":false}},{"Line_1":"Public Investment Fund And Private Sector Forum","link_field":{"url":{"content_id":null,"href":"https://sothebysrealty.sa/en/the-journal/public-investment-fund-and-private-sector-forum","type":"EXTERNAL"},"open_in_new_tab":false,"no_follow":false}},{"Line_1":"Real Estate Market Analysis In Jeddah","link_field":{"url":{"content_id":null,"href":"https://sothebysrealty.sa/en/the-journal/real-estate-market-analysis-in-jeddah","type":"EXTERNAL"},"open_in_new_tab":false,"no_follow":false}},{"Line_1":"How Vision 2030 Is Reflected On Saudi Arabia's Real Estate Market","link_field":{"url":{"content_id":null,"href":"https://sothebysrealty.sa/en/the-journal/how-vision-2030-is-reflected-on-the-reality-of-saudi-arabias-real-estate-market","type":"EXTERNAL"},"open_in_new_tab":false,"no_follow":false}}]{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "label" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "module_id" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}112029994949{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "schema_version" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}2{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "tag" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"module"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% end_module_block %}{{ include_custom_fonts({"__BentonSans_2d01b9":["Light","Regular"],"FreightBig":["Regular"]}) }}

Saudi Arabia has announced a landmark regulatory change allowing non-resident foreign investors to access its equity market directly, representing one of the most consequential shifts in the history of the Kingdom’s capital markets. The move forms part of a broader regulatory modernisation programme led by the Capital Market Authority, aimed at enhancing market efficiency, broadening the investor base, and reinforcing the global positioning of Tadawul as a major international exchange.

Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale 2026

Explore the 2026 Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale in Saudi Arabia, showcasing 65+ artists, immersive installations, and international creative dialogue.

Saudi Arabia’s artistic landscape has begun to shift in recent years. New museums, cultural districts and creative initiatives are emerging across the Kingdom, signalling a period in which contemporary art is gaining both visibility and confidence. Within this evolving environment, the historic city of Diriyah has become one of the most important meeting points for artists, curators and audiences interested in the region’s creative future.
From 30 January to 2 May 2026, Diriyah hosts the third edition of the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale, an exhibition that has established a reputation as one of the Kingdom’s most significant platforms for contemporary artistic practice. Bringing together artists from across the Middle East and the wider international art world, the Biennale unfolds through installations, performances and newly commissioned projects that explore the many ways artistic ideas travel, evolve and intersect.
In only a few editions, the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale has become something of a red-letter event in the region’s art calendar. As Saudi Arabia continues to expand its creative infrastructure, the Biennale reflects the country’s growing engagement with global contemporary art while remaining deeply rooted in the histories, landscapes and cultural traditions that shape Saudi Arabia’s identity.
<img src="https://146414713.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/146414713/diriyah-contemporary-art-biennale.jpg" width="1000" height="667" loading="lazy" alt="diriyah-contemporary-art-biennale" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 1000px;">
<h2>The Third Edition: A Theme with Lasting Resonance</h2>
This year’s edition unfolds under the theme “In Interludes and Transitions”, a title inspired by long traditions of movement and the cycles of journeys and encampments that have shaped the lives of many communities, particularly the Bedouin societies of the region. 
The choice is far from symbolic decoration. Instead, it provides the conceptual backbone of the exhibition, inviting visitors to ponder ideas of memory, landscape and societal transformation. In its Saudi’s version, the Art Biennale explores how people, ideas and artistic expressions move across time and geography, linking regional histories with the wider world of contemporary art.
The Biennale extends far beyond the format of a traditional exhibition. It becomes a space where artworks tell layered stories tracing connections between past and present while imagining possible futures. Many of the installations combine historical references with elements of imagination, offering reflections on human experience in its many forms.
&nbsp;
<h2>A Setting Shaped by History</h2>
The Biennale unfolds within JAX District, Diriyah’s emerging creative quarter, located near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif. Here, the setting becomes an integral part of the experience, creating a compelling dialogue between heritage and contemporary artistic expression.
Industrial galleries and open courtyards set the stage for installations that respond to the surrounding architecture and landscape. From the moment visitors arrive, the sense of movement that shapes the exhibition becomes apparent. Rather than a sequence of static displays, the Biennale unfolds gradually, encouraging visitors to wander through rooms, courtyards and performance spaces where artworks reveal themselves along the way.
As visitors wander through the district, installations, performances and visual pieces appear in succession, encouraging exploration and discovery at every turn. The experience feels less like a conventional gallery visit and more like a journey through an evolving artistic landscape.
&nbsp;
<h2>Artists and Notable Contributions</h2>
The third edition brings together more than 65 artists from 37 countries, presenting over 20 newly commissioned works created specifically for the Biennale.
Bringing together artists from across the world, the Biennale becomes a meeting point between the Middle East and the wider contemporary art scene. The exhibition reveals how artists from different regions respond to shared questions of identity, memory and transformation.
The exhibition spans a wide range of disciplines, from photography and sculpture to performance, video, music and sound art. Across these mediums, artists draw on traditional references while experimenting with new techniques, creating pieces that remain rooted in local heritage while engaging with the wider international art scene.
&nbsp;
<h2>Themes Explored Across the Exhibition</h2>
Several key ideas run through the exhibition, shaping its curatorial direction and the works presented throughout the Biennale.
<h3>Hybrid Artistic Forms</h3>
Many works bring together visual art, sound, music and performance, creating immersive experiences that move beyond the boundaries of traditional media. Through these cross-disciplinary approaches, artists explore new ways of presenting and experiencing contemporary art.
&nbsp;
<h3>Movement and Transformation</h3>
Across many installations, a sense of motion appears as a recurring thread. Whether expressed through migration, travel or symbolic transitions, these works reflect the shifting social and historical landscapes that shape contemporary life.
&nbsp;
<h3>Local Identity Within a Global Dialogue</h3>
While deeply rooted in the cultural context of the region, many works engage with themes that resonate far beyond it. Together, they highlight how artists draw on local histories and traditions while participating in wider global conversations within contemporary art.
Together, these themes give the exhibition both depth and texture, inviting visitors to take part in the experience rather than stand apart from it.
&nbsp;
<h2>An Opening that Set the Scene</h2>
The Biennale opened with a procession moving through JAX District. Drummers led the way alongside performance artists, guiding visitors between the district’s galleries and courtyards as the evening unfolded.
Music and live performances followed, blending traditional and contemporary influences. The atmosphere shifted easily between stage and audience. Sound travelled across the courtyards, movement carried through the galleries, and visual works anchored the experience.
That same spirit appears throughout the exhibition. Many installations are conceived as immersive environments, encouraging visitors to drift between spaces and engage directly with the artworks.
&nbsp;
<h2>Cultural Significance</h2>
The Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale has quickly become one of the region’s most notable cultural events. Since its first editions, it has begun to draw artists, curators and visitors from across the Middle East and beyond, placing Saudi Arabia more firmly within the international art world.
The event reflects a wider shift taking place across the Kingdom. New cultural institutions are emerging, artists are finding new platforms, and audiences are becoming part of a growing creative conversation. The Biennale sits at the centre of that change.
It also contributes to Diriyah’s rise as a cultural destination. Visitors arrive for the exhibition but remain for the setting itself, where heritage, contemporary creativity and economic ambition increasingly move together.
&nbsp;
<h2>Highlights and Accompanying Events</h2>
Among the highlights of the third edition are pieces by Saudi and international artists who reinterpret traditional visual references through contemporary mediums, including video art and large-scale interactive installations. Throughout the exhibition, familiar cultural motifs appear reimagined through new materials and formats, revealing how artists reshape inherited visual traditions.
Several installations weave together sound, movement and spatial design to create immersive environments that unfold gradually as visitors traverse the galleries. Instead of standing apart from the art, audiences are invited to experience the exhibition physically as they drift through its spaces.
Beyond the main exhibition programme, the Biennale also hosts workshops, talks and artist discussions, offering audiences a unique window into the Kingdom’s creative evolution and the processes behind the artworks on display.
&nbsp;
<h2>The Future of The Diriyah Biennale</h2>
As the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale continues to evolve, its ambitions are becoming clearer. The exhibition brings international artists to a historic setting while remaining closely tied to the identity of Diriyah itself.
The 2026 edition reflects a wider transformation taking place across Saudi Arabia, where contemporary art is gaining new platforms and audiences.
More than a conventional exhibition, the Biennale offers a cultural encounter shaped by place, history and artistic experimentation. Visitors arrive for the artworks, but they also experience a landscape where heritage and contemporary creativity now exist side by side.
&nbsp;
{% module_block module "widget_6a508b43-98f5-4d00-a310-59558d1289f6" %}{% module_attribute "child_css" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "css" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "field_group" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}[{"Line_1":"Ramadan in Saudi Arabia","link_field":{"url":{"content_id":null,"href":"https://sothebysrealty.sa/en/the-journal/ramadan-in-saudi-arabia","type":"EXTERNAL"},"open_in_new_tab":false,"no_follow":false}},{"Line_1":"Top Winter Activities in Saudi Arabia","link_field":{"url":{"content_id":null,"href":"https://sothebysrealty.sa/en/the-journal/top-activities-in-saudi-winter","type":"EXTERNAL"},"open_in_new_tab":false,"no_follow":false}},{"Line_1":"Best Amusement Parks in Riyadh","link_field":{"url":{"content_id":null,"href":"https://sothebysrealty.sa/en/the-journal/best-amusement-parks-in-riyadh-for-kids-and-adults","type":"EXTERNAL"},"open_in_new_tab":false,"no_follow":false}},{"Line_1":"Tourism in Saudi Arabia","link_field":{"url":{"content_id":null,"href":"https://sothebysrealty.sa/en/the-journal/tourism-in-saudi-arabia-offers-a-wider-range-of-exciting-and-unique-destinations","type":"EXTERNAL"},"open_in_new_tab":false,"no_follow":false}}]{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "label" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "module_id" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}112029994949{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "schema_version" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}2{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "tag" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"module"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% end_module_block %}{{ include_custom_fonts({"__BentonSans_2d01b9":["Light","Regular"],"FreightBig":["Regular"]}) }}

Saudi Arabia’s artistic landscape has begun to shift in recent years. New museums, cultural districts and creative initiatives are emerging across the Kingdom, signalling a period in which contemporary art is gaining both visibility and confidence. Within this evolving environment, the historic city of Diriyah has become one of the most important meeting points for artists, curators and audiences interested in the region’s creative future.

Guides | Discover expert insights on luxury properties, design, lifestyle, market trends, and the latest company updates from Sotheby's. (2)

The Journal

Company

Journal

Cities