The 17th Real Estate Development (RED) Summit – Saudi Arabia | Europe Edition, hosted by GBB Venture, turned the spotlight on Lisbon as it welcomed some of the most influential names from Saudi Arabia’s evolving real estate sector for two days of purpose-driven exchange, global synergy, and fresh perspectives. Held at the iconic Lisbon Congress Centre’s RIO Pavilion, the summit brought together key decision-makers from Saudi Arabia’s rapidly evolving real estate sector and Europe’s leading minds in design, construction, and hospitality, all aligned with the bold ambitions of Vision 2030.
Curious how the summit sparked real impact? Here’s the breakdown:158 Buying Companies joined the conversation108 Solution Providers from across 25+ Countries showcased innovations1,575+ Pre-scheduled one-on-one meetings filled the agenda21 International Speakers led impactful sessions1,800+ Minutes of formal networking unfolded23 Global Media and Association Partners amplified its reach
The 17th RED Summit opened with energy and purpose. Ravi Kumar Chandran, Founder & Managing Director – GBB Venture, welcomed the gathering with gratitude and pride, celebrating GBB’s 25th event milestone amidst a time of global uncertainty. Rui Lourenço Pereira, Deputy Director – Commercial Department – AICEP, followed with a message of cross-continental partnership, setting the tone for a summit rooted in collaboration. Click here for full video
What followed was a fast-paced series of spotlight sessions that wasted no time getting bold ideas on the table:
Ron Bakker, Founding Partner – PLP Architecture, shared insights from “The Edge,” a smart, sustainable office redefining workspaces. Click here for full video
Pablo Vidare, CEO – BIOO, literally lit up the room with ideas, from soil-powered batteries to bioluminescent plants. Click here for full video
Tetyana Kovalenko, CEO – Elite Stone Group, introduced green luxury through sustainable marble. Click here for the full video
Dr. Andreas Wieser, Senior Physician, Working Group Leader, Deputy Head of Laboratory Diagnostics of Smart United GmbH brought attention to indoor air quality in real estate. Click here for the full video
Ali Al Ghamdi, Transformation Consultant – OSUS, shared insights into Saudi Arabia’s evolving hospitality landscape. Click here for the full video
Elias Abou Samra, CEO – Rafal Real Estate, explored shifts in development models, shaping the Kingdom. Click here for the full video
After a coffee break and a group photo that brought everyone together (smiles, espresso, and plenty of networking), the spotlight turned to Christos Passas, Director – Zaha Hadid Architects, who shared innovations in sustainable high-rise design. Click here for the full video
Then came what RED Summits do best, pre-scheduled one-on-one meetings that transformed interest into introductions and conversations into commercial potential.
Post-lunch, with tummies full and ideas flowing… Attendees gathered for a quick wellness boost with Technogym’s energiser session, led by Amâncio Santos, proving that a five-minute fitness fix can do wonders
This led into one of the day’s highlights, “Simplifying Agility,” a panel on building for adaptability in a fast-changing world. Moderated by Daniel O’Brien, Director – Development at Qiddiya, the session brought together Sanjay Tanwani, Regional Director – AECOM, Paul Fraser, Director of Cities and Communities for KSA – AtkinsRéalis, James Passmore – PIF, and Al. Motasem B. Attiyah, CEO – CLEAR Holding Co. Click here for the full video
The conversation centered on how flexibility, responsiveness, and strategic design are becoming must-haves in the Kingdom’s future-ready developments. The day wrapped with more focused B2B meetings and a sunset drive to Arriba, for a coastal cocktail dinner, where conversations flowed as effortlessly as the sea breeze.
Day 2 – Insight, Impact, and Interaction Day 2 opened with a deep dive into Saudi Arabia’s evolving real estate landscape. Harmen De Jong, Regional Partner & Head of Consulting – Knight Frank, unpacked key market trends and demand-supply insights shaping the Kingdom’s future. Click here for full video.
The momentum continued with “Designing the Iconic,” a presentation series where Maximilian Zielinski, Senior Partner – Foster + Partners, Viggo Haremst, Partner & Design Director – Henning Larsen, and Mark Kennedy, Head of Design – MAGNA – NEOM, shared bold visions behind structures designed to last for generations.
This was followed by a high-level panel: “Market Dynamics & Mega Events Reshaping the Industry,” moderated by Tala Michel Issa, Chief Reporter – Arabian Business, featuring Dr. Bassam Boodai, Board Member & Investment Committee Chairman – AL MOZAINI Real Estate and Eng. Abdulaziz Al Zamil, CBDO – Tatweer. Their discussion spotlighted the economic and cultural shifts influencing Saudi Arabia’s real estate evolution. Click here for the full video.
Post-lunch, delegates returned for the final curated experience, GBB’s Delegates-Only Bash, a speed networking session. In just under 100 minutes, over 100 developers, designers, consultants, and operators rotated through high-energy meetings, ending the summit on a strong note of connection and momentum.
From Dialogue to DirectionAs Lisbon drew the curtain on this vibrant edition, the 17th Real Estate Development Summit – Saudi Arabia | Europe Edition left behind more than connections; it built momentum. Conversations have begun, strategies are taking shape, and the next chapter of real estate is already being written.
From Dialogue to DirectionAs Lisbon drew the curtain on this vibrant edition, the 17th Real Estate Development Summit – Saudi Arabia | Europe Edition left behind more than connections; it built momentum. Conversations have begun, strategies are taking shape, and the next chapter of real estate is already being written.
Throughout the Lisbon edition, GBB’s tech-forward tools, from the AI-powered GBB Connect chatbot to real-time photo delivery, kept the experience seamless and memorable. Connecting Beyond Boundaries was more than a theme, it came to life. This wasn’t just a summit, it was a movement. Where Europe met Saudi Arabia to co-author the future of real estate. As attendees head home with fresh ideas and future plans, one truth stands tall: The future of real estate is collaborative, sustainable, and without borders.
