In the world of real estate, luxury is traditionally linked to opulent homes and lavish design. But luxury in the Saudi market is something deeper and more meaningful than any individual property. It is about a holistic approach that transcends physical spaces. Luxu
Such a vision, therefore, aligns perfectly with the Saudi Vision 2030, which acknowledges homeownership as a profound and invaluable luxury for a young and ambitious nation. In this pursuit, the Kingdom has set a higher 70 percent homeownership target by 2030, after exceeding the initial target of 57 percent in 2023 itself, achieving an impressive 63.74 percent.
The demand for housing is expected to rise to 153,000 homes per year by 2030, calling for increased private sector participation. At the same time, the Kingdom’s revolutionary Housing Program has helped to increase the real estate sector’s contribution to the GDP by approximately US$31.7 billion, making it the second-largest non-oil sector.
As the development of housing infrastructure emerges as a critical economic and social driver, transformational community developers must respond — like ROSHN — by creating neighborhoods that are fully integrated, connected, pedestrian-friendly, safe, open, and welcoming.
The demand for housing is expected to rise to 153,000 homes per year by 2030, calling for increased private sector participation.
They must build spaces that foster meaningful connections between residents, where neighbors become friends, families spend quality time together in green open spaces, and children play freely in parks. The sense of belonging and togetherness the developers cultivate is truly priceless, creating a lasting legacy in the communities.
The focus on community living should be embedded in every aspect of master plans. At ROSHN’s communities, for example, everything is within reach—mosques, playgrounds, clinics, schools, community centers, groceries, restaurants, and daily retail outlets—all just a short walk or drive away.
While we build for today, we must also look to the future. Our communities should be designed to be future-proof, with strategically placed electric vehicle charging stations and a commitment to sustainability that spans both the community level and individual homes. We also need to implement sustainability measures, choosing those that balance ecological benefits without imposing undue cost on homeowners.
This vision of community living is new to Saudi Arabia, setting the stage for a more refined and luxurious lifestyle.
For example, ROSHN’s concept of “living street” promotes an active lifestyle with pathways shaded by native trees, while designated spaces for public art foster a sense of culture and well-being. Each home is thoughtfully designed with energy efficiency in mind, including thermal insulation, solar water heating, and sustainable building materials.
This vision of community living is new to Saudi Arabia, setting the stage for a more refined and luxurious lifestyle. As our mission evolves, so must our offerings. Our future plans include more expansive outdoor spaces, golf courses, wellness spas, private schools, and exclusive luxury properties.
By combining large-scale residential developments with bespoke luxury homes, we create an inclusive environment where a sense of belonging thrives, transcending economic divides. Our designs are inspired by the global trend of “fifteen-minute communities,” where all life’s essentials are conveniently close, reshaping how we live, work, and play.
For instance, in Sedra, this vision is already taking shape, with phase one fully inhabited and future phases set to enhance the experience. For ROSHN, luxury goes far beyond aesthetics or amenities. It lies in crafting a lifestyle where integrated, serviced, and inclusive communities are rooted in the local culture and values of Saudi Arabia. Luxury is not just about living better—it’s about living together.
(Oussama Kabbani is Group Chief Development Officer at ROSHN Group. He has 33 years of development management experience in large-scale master planning and mixed use/residential development projects. He has played a role in shaping cities, including Beirut, Boston, Amman, Muscat, Dubai, Jeddah, and Riyadh, as well as projects in Kazakhstan and Malaysia.)
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this Op-Ed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of TRENDS.