The Saudi real estate sector enters 2026 at a critical crossroads, where market variables, evolving regulations, accelerating digital transformation, and rising expectations of investors and consumers alike intersect, according to a survey conducted by Amlak real estate newspaper with a number of experts and specialists.
Hisham Al-Aifan: Our ambition goes beyond the implementation of projects to create a professional model
Hisham Al Aifan, General Manager of Ruwad Al Omran and Development Company, said that they see 2026 as a real maturity stage for the Saudi real estate marketHe pointed out that the preparations are based on three parallel tracks: strengthening internal governance, expanding qualitative real estate development, and raising the efficiency of real estate brokerage by relying on data and deep analysis of the market, ensuring the sustainability and quality of the investment decision.
On the expected changes, Al Aifan said: «In 2026, we expect the market to move from rapid growth to smart selection, where projects with real added value will advance and demand for integrated development that considers quality of life, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance will increase. We will also see a stronger presence of Real Estate Technologies (PropTech) in marketing, valuation, and asset management.
Hoped-for real estate system updates
Al-Aifan hopes that 2026 will see more integration between the development, brokerage, and real estate registration systems, which will shorten time, reduce procedural overlap, and increase transparency. We also aspire to expand the scope of empowering the professional real estate broker and linking the license to clear performance and quality indicators that preserve the rights of all parties and enhance confidence in the market.
Creating a career model
Hisham Al-Aifan explained that their ambition goes beyond the implementation of projects to create a professional model in real estate development and brokerage; a model that balances profitability and responsibility, and between the speed of achievement and the quality of outputs. In 2026, we seek to launch thoughtful development projects, expand our strategic partnerships, and build a work system that keeps pace with the Kingdom's vision for a sustainable and attractive real estate sector.
Asim Al-Jughaiman: We will witness a change and real estate awareness in consumer behavior
Asim Al-Jughaiman, business development manager at Avid Real Estate, said that their preparations are centered on:
Digital transformation: We live in an accelerating world where all the changes around us are related to digitization and technology, so we need to pay attention to using digital technologies to improve the way we run a business and increase efficiency, profitability, and customer experience, instead of relying on traditional or manual methods.
Reliance on data and analysis: In other words, actual numbers and information that are utilized to make correct business decisions instead of relying on randomness.
Data and analysis also help us to know the real performance of the business, analyze the reasons for profit and loss, predict future demand, improve planning, and thus make accurate decisions, lower costs, and higher profits.
Build an ambitious team: Where employees are organized and roles are distributed among them in a way that achieves the vision and goals of the organization; the right people are selected for each task according to their skills and abilities, and their development and improvement if needed. Motivation and continuous training also contribute to the development of team performance. The result, God willing, is a cooperative and integrated team that works efficiently and achieves business success.
Al-Jughaiman explained that positive changes are expected this year:
Automation and artificial intelligence: The use of modern technologies to automate repetitive tasks helps reduce effort, time, and human error in daily operations. It may contribute to improving customer service such as automated responses and smart recommendations and supports faster and more accurate decision-making, leading to a more efficient outcome and improved overall performance.
Changing consumer behavior So that he becomes more aware and understanding of products and services before making a purchase decision, so that the digital transformation helps in consumer behavior from comparing and reviewing evaluations. Awareness also contributes to reducing impulse buying and increasing value for money. The consumer becomes more concerned with the quality of the actual need. The result is a mature market and rational purchasing decisions.
High standards and transparency of governance means clarity of procedures and decisions within the organization, including the disclosure of financial and administrative information in an organized and accurate manner, as governance helps to regulate powers and minimize errors, and transparency enhances trust between the trader, customers and the company.
These standards contribute to the reputation of the organization and its uses so that there is a more controlled and credible work environment.
Regarding the updates of real estate regulations, Al-Jughaiman said: «There is no doubt that the regulations and their development take the market towards more justice and safety, as well as towards raising the level of trust and transparency between all parties to the process.
The more clear and up-to-date the regulations are, the less erroneous diligence, the fewer disputes, and the safer and more stable the investment in real estate becomes.» Asim Al-Jughaiman stated that this year they will move towards building a strong entity that does not depend on one individual, creating real and sustainable value that adds to the market and serves the community, focusing on quality performance, and thoughtful expansion. And building clear systems that help us achieve sustainability and growth.
