logo
Naif Alrajhi Investment, Aljazira Capital launch $453mln real estate investment fund

Naif Alrajhi Investment, Aljazira Capital launch $453mln real estate investment fund

Zawya28-05-2025
Saudi investment firms Naif Alrajhi Investment and Aljazira Capital have partnered to launch a 1.7 Saudi billion riyal ($453 million) closed private real estate investment fund for the development of two high-impact real estate projects in Riyadh and Jeddah.
In Riyadh, the fund will support the development of a luxury residential project in Al Khuzama district, and in Jeddah, it will support a mixed-use development along King Abdulaziz Road, a joint press statement said. The North Jeddah project will feature residential and commercial towers, a luxury hotel, office spaces, retail outlets, and dining destinations.
Last week, Naif Alrajhi Investment had announced a partnership deal with the Saudi subsidiary of Morocco-based contractor TGCC (Travaux Généraux de Construction de Casablanca) to collaborate on the construction of projects developed by the Saudi company within the Kingdom.
(Writing by SA Kader; Editing by Anoop Menon)
(anoop.menon@lseg.com)
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Dubai real estate: Property market sales surge 46% as market value hits $41.3bn in Q2 2025
Dubai real estate: Property market sales surge 46% as market value hits $41.3bn in Q2 2025

Arabian Business

time6 hours ago

  • Arabian Business

Dubai real estate: Property market sales surge 46% as market value hits $41.3bn in Q2 2025

Dubai 's property market recorded total sales value of AED151.8 billion in the second quarter of 2025, representing a 46 per cent increase year-on-year, a new report finds. Transaction volumes rose 25 per cent to reach 50,485 units during the same period, Betterhomes Shaping Skylines | Q2 2025 Dubai Residential Real Estate Market The figures build on growth from the first quarter, with quarter-on-quarter increases of 33 per cent in value and 19 per cent in volume. The performance reinforces Dubai's position as a key property hub in the region. Dubai real estate transactions rise 25% year-on-year with 50,485 units sold 'Dubai's real estate market maintained its momentum in Q2, with transactions up 25 per cent year-on-year and total value rising 46 per cent. Apartments and off-plan led activity, while the luxury segment hit record highs. Even during June's regional unrest, the market remained resilient; reinforcing Dubai's position as a safe, stable destination for capital and lifestyle buyers alike,' Louis Harding, Chief Executive Officer at Betterhomes said. Apartments accounted for 80 per cent of total transactions, contributing over 40,000 units sold and generating AED81 billion in sales value. The segment showed growth of 21 per cent year-on-year across both secondary and off-plan transactions. Off-plan apartment sales increased 30 per cent quarter-on-quarter, with secondary apartments rising 23 per cent in value to reach AED21.17 billion. Off-plan transactions totalled AED60.15 billion, representing 37 per cent growth compared to Q2 2024. Jumeirah Village Circle emerged as the top performer for off-plan apartments, accounting for 12.2 per cent of total off-plan transactions. Business Bay followed with 6.4 per cent, while Dubai Residence Complex contributed 5.3 per cent. Two-bedroom apartments represented the highest contribution to off-plan transaction value at 33 per cent, with one-bedroom apartments at 30 per cent and studios at 10 per cent. The average price per square foot for off-plan transactions stood at AED2,023. In the secondary apartment market, JVC led with 11.2 per cent of transactions, followed by Business Bay at 7.5 per cent and Dubai Marina at 5.8 per cent. Two-bedroom apartments again dominated value contribution at 36 per cent, with the average price per square foot at AED1,600. Dubai villa sales jump 80% as secondary market outperforms off-plan developments Secondary villa and townhouse sales recorded 80 per cent year-on-year growth, reaching AED62.4 billion. Quarter-on-quarter growth reached 49 per cent compared to Q1 2025. Off-plan villa and townhouse sales declined 2 per cent year-on-year to AED8.06 billion and fell 32 per cent quarter-on-quarter from AED11.8 billion in Q1 2025. 'With approximately 20,000 new units delivered in the first half of 2025 and a further 70,000 expected by year-end, Q3 is shaping up to be an exciting phase for Dubai's property market. This upcoming supply is well-aligned with the city's growing population and strong investor appetite. Demand remains robust particularly for apartments and ready villas with healthy absorption of new launches. Both Q3 and the second half of 2025 are expected to reflect positive market sentiment, supported by a resilient economy, sustained end-user demand, and attractive rental yields,' Christopher Cina, Director of Sales at Betterhomes added. The Valley accounted for 29.7 per cent of off-plan villa and townhouse transactions, followed by EMAAR South with 15.5 per cent and Athlon by Aldar at 8 per cent. Townhouses drove 75 per cent of off-plan value in this segment. For secondary sales, Damac Islands led with 30 per cent of transactions, followed by Grand Polo Club and Resort at 9.4 per cent. Villas accounted for 77 per cent of secondary transaction value, while townhouses contributed 23 per cent. The citywide average price reached AED1,582 per square foot, representing a 6 per cent increase compared to the second half of 2024 and an 18 per cent rise from Q1 2024. Prices now stand 90 per cent above pandemic-era lows of AED833. Off-plan apartment prices reached AED2,023 per square foot, marking a 12.5 per cent increase since early 2023. Secondary apartment prices climbed 23 per cent over the same period to AED1,599 per square foot. Secondary villa and townhouse prices reached AED1,557 per square foot, reflecting 9 per cent quarterly growth and 6 per cent annual growth. Off-plan prices in this segment reached AED1,368 per square foot, with 4 per cent quarterly and 19 per cent annual growth. Approximately 20,000 units were delivered in the first half of 2025, with 70,000 additional units expected in the second half. The delivery pipeline extending to 2027 includes over 200,000 units. Jumeirah Village Circle led community handovers in H1 2025, accounting for 20 per cent of completions with over 4,130 units. Sobha Hartland followed with 2,200 units (11 per cent), while Mohammed Bin Rashid City ranked third with 1,600 units (8 per cent). Over 1,300 villas and approximately 3,000 townhouses were delivered in H1 2025. An additional 3,800 villas and 9,000 townhouses are expected in the second half of 2025. 'At the top end, the prime market remains extremely active. AED 15m+ transactions more than doubled compared to last year, as global buyers continue to view Dubai as a long-term investment and not a short-term play, for a variety of domestic and international reasons,' Harding added. The launch of PRIME by Betterhomes addresses the ultra-premium segment, focusing on luxury residences that offer exclusive properties. Total rental contracts reached 107,830 in Q2 2025, reflecting a 2 per cent year-on-year increase. New rental contracts declined 2 per cent annually and 13 per cent quarterly, while renewed contracts increased 4 per cent year-on-year. 'Leasing activity at Betterhomes grew by 33 per cent quarter-on-quarter, highlighting the sustained demand across Dubai's rental market. Villa and townhouse demand rose significantly by 30 per cent and 98 per cent respectively reflecting a growing preference for spacious, family-oriented living. As we move into Q3 2025, we expect this momentum to continue, particularly in established and emerging suburban communities. With tenant enquiries holding strong and rental prices remaining stable, the leasing market is well-positioned to see healthy absorption of new stock, supported by a maturing tenant base and lifestyle-driven relocations,' Rupert Simmonds, Director of Leasing at Betterhomes explained. Betterhomes recorded 111 per cent year-on-year growth in total leasing transactions, with apartments up 104 per cent, villas up 97 per cent, and townhouses rising 237 per cent. The UAE's GDP growth reached 3.8 per cent in 2024, with forecasts projecting increases to 4.2 per cent in 2025 and 5 per cent in 2026. UK buyers top Dubai property investments as international demand grows 56% Dubai's population has grown from 3.8 million to 4.1 million residents, now housing one-third of the UAE's population. Dubai's tourism sector demonstrated growth of 7 per cent year-on-year until April 2025, with hotel occupancy levels reaching 84 per cent in the first four months. Western Europe remains the largest source market, contributing 23 per cent of total arrivals. At Betterhomes, investors accounted for 58 per cent of all transactions in Q2, up from 50 per cent in Q1. Cash transactions rose to 52 per cent in Q2 2025, up from 42 per cent in Q1. The United Kingdom claimed the top position among buyer nationalities at Betterhomes, with UK buyer activity growing 56 per cent quarter-on-quarter. India and Pakistan maintained second and third positions respectively. 'As we move into Q3, the fundamentals remain strong. Population growth is steady, infrastructure continues to expand, and while more supply is coming online, demand is still outpacing it in most areas. We expect to see more negotiation, more realistic pricing, and a little more competition, which, frankly, is no bad thing,' Harding concluded.

MENA's moment: A region becoming a core pillar across asset classes
MENA's moment: A region becoming a core pillar across asset classes

Gulf Business

time11 hours ago

  • Gulf Business

MENA's moment: A region becoming a core pillar across asset classes

Image: Supplied 'The greatest danger in times of turbulence is not the turbulence – it is to act with yesterday's logic.' – Peter Drucker The global investment playbook is being quietly, yet decisively, redrawn. No longer relegated to the margins or regarded merely as a 'must-visit' stop for capital raising, the Middle East is asserting its place on the global stage. What was once viewed as a subset of emerging markets is now standing firmly on its own: a region of rising strategic significance across public and private markets, infrastructure, real assets, and venture capital. Structural reforms driving real economic power The numbers tell a compelling story. Gulf sovereign wealth funds now manage approximately $12tn globally as of 2024, with forecasts pointing to $18tn by 2030 (Deloitte). To put this in perspective, that represents nearly two-thirds of China's entire GDP and over 40 per cent of US GDP. These funds are no longer passive pools of petrodollars; they have become strategic investment vehicles actively shaping global market dynamics. At the heart of MENA's transformation is economic diversification. Nations such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE are pushing well beyond oil dependency, guided by forward-looking visions like These comprehensive strategies emphasise industrial expansion, digital transformation, clean energy, tourism, logistics, financial services, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, education, and knowledge-based sectors. This diversification is supported by institutional reforms, improved regulatory frameworks, and financial infrastructure modernisation that together are driving investor confidence. Market activity and institutional depth MENA's capital markets are gaining in both scale and sophistication. In 2024, the region saw 54 IPOs raise $12.6bn (EY). Meanwhile, the GCC bond market surged, with a 71 per cent year-on-year increase in issuances. The total GCC market capitalisation reached $4.2tn. Momentum continued into 2025. According to EY's These developments are backed by improved institutional infrastructure. Exchanges have adopted global standards, regulatory regimes have become more transparent, and financial free zones offer globally competitive environments. Governance and oversight now match international benchmarks, creating conditions that are attracting long-term institutional capital. Sectoral evolution and strategic growth Diversification is not only occurring at the macro level. MENA's sectoral landscape is expanding rapidly. Fintech is one of the standout sectors, with more than 1,000 firms now active and four unicorns already in existence (McKinsey). Between 2023 and 2024, $1.9bn was invested in 237 fintech deals, driven by progressive regulation and digital penetration. The energy transition is another defining theme. The region is leveraging its natural advantages in solar and wind to become a global leader in renewable energy. Saudi Arabia's renewable capacity is projected to surpass that of many European nations within the decade. Egypt, Morocco, and the UAE are also developing large-scale solar and wind assets, with support from both public and private investment. Technology and innovation remain central to MENA's strategy. The UAE expects artificial intelligence to contribute 14 per cent of its GDP by 2030. It is launching the Stargate AI campus in partnership with OpenAI, Oracle, Nvidia, and Cisco – part of over $2tn in committed regional investments including those from Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Demographics, fiscal discipline, and domestic capital formation The region's young, increasingly educated population is a key growth driver. This demographic dividend is translating into rising demand for housing, healthcare, infrastructure, and digital services. Governments are also fostering retail investor participation through financial literacy programs and accessible investment platforms, which is helping to deepen domestic capital pools and support market liquidity. Underpinning this progress is a remarkably resilient fiscal foundation. Most Gulf economies are currently operating with positive fiscal balances, buoyed by strong commodity prices, particularly in oil, metals, and petrochemicals. Importantly, the commodities supercycle has not triggered a return to past complacency. Austerity measures introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, including subsidy rationalization and VAT implementation, remain largely in place, demonstrating a discipline that strengthens long-term investment credibility. At the heart of this evolving landscape, asset management firms like ASB Capital are stepping into a pivotal role – bridging investor needs with on-the-ground insights to help unlock value on both sides of the equation: channelling regional growth to the world and directing global capital into the region's most transformative opportunities. MENA as an integral force across asset classes: No longer a theory The next great investment opportunity is rarely found where everyone is looking – it emerges where fundamentals quietly shift before the world catches on. The case for MENA as a core component of global asset class allocations is no longer speculative. Its economic cycles are increasingly uncorrelated with the West. Its reform trajectory is aligned with global capital priorities. And its return profile is no longer just competitive – it is indispensable. The writer is the senior executive officer of ASB Capital.

Diriyah awards $1.53bn contract to build landmark arena and office district
Diriyah awards $1.53bn contract to build landmark arena and office district

Arabian Business

timea day ago

  • Arabian Business

Diriyah awards $1.53bn contract to build landmark arena and office district

Diriyah Company has awarded a $1.53bn (SR5.75bn) contract to China Harbour Engineering Company for the construction of the Arena Block, a landmark district that will feature the 20,000-seat Diriyah Arena, three mixed-use office buildings, and a multi-level parking facility. Set within Saudi Arabia's fast-growing cultural capital, the Diriyah Arena will span approximately 74,000sq m of gross floor area, offering a versatile venue for global concerts, sporting events, esports tournaments, exhibitions, and large-scale live shows. Designed by international architecture firm HKS Inc., the arena blends Najdi heritage architecture with modern design, drawing inspiration from the natural rock formations surrounding Diriyah. Diriyah construction contract With a seating capacity to match the world's top venues, the space aims to enhance community well-being and attract both residents and tourists. Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company, said: 'The iconic Diriyah Arena will be a landmark entertainment complex in Diriyah that reinforces the City of Earth's growing global role in shaping Saudi Arabia's artistic and cultural future, in alignment with Vision 2030. 'By attracting both residents and global visitors to experience world-class sports and performances, the Diriyah Arena firmly demonstrates our commitment to creating a world-leading gathering place. 'It also highlights the rapid progress we are making in developing a diverse range of assets across the Diriyah project.' What's Included in the $1.53bn arena block: Diriyah Arena: A 20,000-seat multi-purpose indoor venue Three office buildings: Mixed-use spaces covering 114,000sq m, designed by John McAslan + Partners Parking facility: More than 4,000 spaces to support arena and office access Smart infrastructure: Cutting-edge design and sustainability integration This latest contract award highlights Diriyah Company's rapid development momentum in 2025. It follows a $202.2m (SR758.5m) excavation contract also awarded to China Harbour Engineering in December 2024, further reinforcing the Kingdom's partnership with leading international firms. 'We are deeply proud to be part of this visionary development,' said Yang Zhiyuan, CEO of China Harbour Engineering Company (Middle East). 'We're bringing global expertise to ensure timely delivery of this world-class venue.' Yang Zhiyuan, CEO of China Harbour Engineering Company, said: 'This award marks a significant milestone for CHEC in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. CHEC will bring to the project a wealth of global experience, technical expertise, and a proven track record in delivering the complex. 'We will mobilise the best resources and talents from across our international network and strive for excellence to ensure the successful and timely delivery of this world-class Arena. 'We remain committed to delivering excellence in support of Vision 2030. We are deeply proud to be part of it.' The Arena will complement a growing portfolio of iconic cultural assets in the city, including: The Royal Opera House Nine museums and academies Architecture inspired by the UNESCO-listed At-Turaif site Backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the 14sq km development will eventually house 100,000 residents, generate 178,000 jobs, and contribute an estimated $18.6bn (SR70bn) to Saudi Arabia's GDP annually.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store