RIYADH: The Saudi Industrial Property Authority (MODON) has inked more than 6,000 industrial, logistic and services contracts for investments that exceed SR600 billion ($160 billion) and provide job opportunities for more than 520,000 employees.
Sami Al-Hussaini, official spokesperson of MODON, told Asharq Al-Awsat that factories in the industrial zones have registered a remarkable rise during 2015, in addition to the completed and under-construction industrial projects, noting that MODON has enhanced the attraction of industrial investment.
Al-Hussaini noted that the authority has managed 35 industrial cities by the end of 2015 after it joined the development and operation of the industrial zone in Waad Al-Shamal Region.
These industrial cities are characterized by their geographical spread across the Kingdom, which is one of MODON’s main goals, he added.
According to the official spokesman, the manufacturing industries’ contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP) reached 12.2 percent compared to 10.8 percent in 2014. He continued that these industries’ values reached around SR299 billion by the end of 2015.
Al-Hussaini asserted that the visit of Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the United States and France marked a remarkable step toward the implementation of Saudi Vision 2030 through the inauguration of strategic partnerships with leading companies aiming at importing knowledge and technique, Saudization of expertise in the fields of manufacturing, maintenance, research, development, and the promotion of digital transformation.
The prince has inked an agreement with Cisco Systems International, one of the biggest technology companies in the world of information industry, and launched negotiations with Dow Chemicals and industries working in retail and modern commerce, he stated.
The spokesman of MODON said that the national infrastructure is ready to embrace these major projects through their planning and executing expertise.
Al-Hussaini also revealed that developed industrial lands have registered a growth that jumped from 40.5 sqm in 2007 to 182.5 sqm in 2015.
MODON adopts a flexible strategy in providing manufacturers with lands according to a specific mechanism and special services, and spreading more industrial cities in different regions in the Kingdom, which decreased pending demands in 2015 to 11, compared to 1,525 in 2012, he added.
Al-Hussaini stated that the authority manages the development and operation of private industrial cities and technological zones based on its role in regulating and encouraging the establishment of such projects in industrial lands owned by the public and private sector and to encourage the private sector on participating in different activities related to those cities.
As part of enhancing this vital role, MODON works on recruiting the developers who aim at establishing private industrial cities by providing significant incentives and facilitations.
In this concern, Al-Hussaini revealed that MODON has succeeded over the past years in attracting manufacturers and in authorizing the establishment of new private industrial cities that comprise around 86 manufactures.
MODON signs 6,000 contracts worth SR600bn
MODON signs 6,000 contracts worth SR600bn
Qatar residential property sales jump 44% in 2025 as prices ease: Knight Frank
RIYADH: Qatar’s residential property sales surged 43.5 percent in 2025 to 26.6 billion Qatari riyals ($7.30 billion), driven by rising transaction volumes even as home prices softened, according to Knight Frank.
The number of residential deals climbed 50 percent in 2025 from a year earlier to 6,831 transactions, signaling sustained liquidity in the market despite a more competitive pricing environment, the property consultancy said in its Qatar Real Estate Market Review.
In line with broader trends across the Gulf Cooperation Council, Qatar is seeking to strengthen its real estate sector as part of its economic diversification efforts.
Faisal Durrani, head of research at Knight Frank for the Middle East and North Africa region, said: “Although residential prices are softening, strong growth in transaction volumes highlights continued liquidity and demand in Qatar’s core residential markets and indicating stabilization, rather than a market in retreat.”
In the fourth quarter of 2025, residential sales activity remained concentrated in key locations, led by Doha, which recorded 564 transactions with a combined value of 2.4 billion riyals. Al Wakrah followed with 387 transactions worth 895 million riyals.
“Average villa prices fell by 1 percent during the 12 months to the fourth quarter of 2025, reflecting a more competitive pricing environment as supply expands and buyers become increasingly value-led. Despite this moderation, prime locations remain resilient, supported by steady demand for premium schemes,” said Durrani.
Rental rates also eased, with average villa rents down 2.4 percent year on year in the fourth quarter to 12,985 riyals per month. Prime locations continued to outperform, with West Bay Lagoon averaging 18,656 riyals a month for three-bedroom villas and up to 25,696 riyals for five-bedroom units. Overall villa rents declined 3 percent in 2025.
“Qatar’s residential rental market continues to be shaped by tenant demand for well-located, lifestyle-led communities, with pricing remaining strong for larger villas in established neighborhoods,” said Knight Frank’s Adam Stewart.
Qatar’s office market showed similar trends, with grade-A rents falling 1.4 percent year on year to 90 riyals per sq. meter per month. Demand remained focused on prime districts, led by West Bay and the Marina District, as occupiers shifted away from older buildings.
“Economic diversification in line with Qatar’s National Vision 2030 is supporting job growth and office demand, especially in the tech, green energy, and services sectors,” said Stewart.
He added: “These occupiers are increasingly seeking high-specification, modern buildings with advanced facilities, and we are seeing a clear shift toward prime locations in Doha and Lusail, pulling tenants away from older stock.”
