Thakher CEO says real estate sector 'very promising', expects stronger demand in Makkah

Abdulaziz Al-Aboudi, CEO of Thakher Development Co.

Saudi Arabia's real estate sector is very promising, particularly in Makkah, Abdulaziz Al-Aboudi, CEO of Thakher Development Co. told Argaam.

He expects the sector to see stronger demand during the coming period under Vision 2030.

On the sidelines of the Cityscape Global exhibition held in Riyadh, the top executive said the launch of the SAR 200 million Radisson Blu Residence project coincided with the opening of Cityscape. He noted that the company obtained a marketing license, which helps it sell units as soon as possible.

The project features hotel apartments to be sold soon, Al-Aboudi said, noting the firm sought to obtain a marketing license for the residential units, and the sales licenses will be issued in the next two weeks.

The company offered apartments such as Novotel, with 75% of the apartments and units being sold currently, the CEO said, indicating that the building is about to close on strong turnout.

Thakher launched some hotels but still has others under operation, such as Novotel Thakher, which consists of 1,500 rooms and is classified as the largest hotel for the company, the CEO said.

He indicated that the hotel was operated during the last Hajj season with an occupancy rate of 100%, expecting a number of hotels to be operated in the coming period.

The company's investments in infrastructure are estimated at approximately SAR 5 billion and would reach nearly SAR 26 billion after the project’s closure.

Thakher focuses on how to create added value and provide a qualitative product in Makkah, as the region has several advantages, including the existence of the Grand Mosque and holy sites. Thus, the region needs housing units of different types for visitors or residents, thereby attracting investors.

This equation, which Thakher worked on to provide a specific product, aims to make it an attractive residence destination, Al-Aboudi said.

The company plans to create an integrated and diverse environment for visitors and residents to encourage their stay in the region, the CEO said. He noted that the firm aims to achieve diversity in the project through developing large green areas, streets, and corridors, as the spaces represent more than 40% of the project.

The project also consists of pedestrian areas, restaurants, large parking lots, and a modern enclosed mall, in addition to a group of hotels and hotel apartments operated by international companies.

Touching on offering the company in the Saudi market, Al-Aboudi said it is considering floating its shares to transform from a joint-stock company to a closed joint-stock company in the coming period.

He added that inflation is affected by internal and external economic factors, indicating that the real estate sector is witnessing a significant rise in value and size, especially in Makkah.