LAHORE: Leading real estate developers and investors from Saudi Arabia and Pakistan explored new avenues for cross-border investment and commercial partnerships during the Saudi-Pakistan Real Estate Exhibition (SPREX 2026) in Lahore, as a high-level business-to-business initiative brought together prominent property developers from both countries.
The Saudi delegation, led by Prince Mansour bin Mohammed bin Saad Al Saud, Chairman of the Saudi side of the Saudi-Pakistan Business Council, interacted with leading Pakistani developers and business figures led by Dr Gohar Ejaz, former caretaker federal minister and prominent industrialist.
The engagement formed part of a Pakistan-Saudi Arabia business-to-business initiative spearheaded by Dr Gohar Ejaz on the Pakistani side and Prince Mansour on the Saudi side, aimed at strengthening direct commercial relationships, identifying investment opportunities and encouraging joint ventures between the two countries.
The initiative sought to move beyond traditional diplomatic engagements by facilitating direct interaction between leading developers, investors and entrepreneurs, with particular emphasis on real estate, infrastructure development and long-term investment partnerships.
KEC Chief Praises Pakistan’s Investment Potential
Eng. Naif Abdulrahman Alsaaid, Chief Development Officer of Saudi Arabia’s Knowledge Economic City (KEC) in Madinah, praised Pakistan’s exceptional hospitality, expanding real estate sector and growing investment potential following his participation in SPREX 2026.
In a detailed message written while awaiting his return flight to Madinah from Islamabad, Alsaaid described his visit as an unforgettable experience that reinforced his appreciation for the deep-rooted relationship between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
Representing Knowledge Economic City at the exhibition, the Saudi executive engaged with Pakistani business leaders, investors and government officials to promote real estate and investment opportunities in Madinah and explore potential partnerships.
However, he emphasised that beyond the commercial opportunities and business engagements, it was the warmth, generosity and genuine affection of the Pakistani people that had left the deepest impression.
“From the moment I arrived at the airport until this very moment, I never felt like a stranger in this country. Instead, I found myself among family and brothers who surrounded me with love, generosity and a warm welcome,” Alsaaid wrote.
Gohar Ejaz, Prince Mansour Drive Saudi-Pakistan B2B Engagement
The interaction between leading Saudi and Pakistani developers represented an important component of the broader effort to deepen private-sector cooperation between the two countries.
Prince Mansour led the Saudi business delegation, while Dr Gohar Ejaz brought together prominent Pakistani developers and investors to explore potential commercial partnerships.
The business-to-business initiative provided an opportunity for developers from both countries to discuss investment prospects, exchange expertise and identify areas where their respective markets could complement one another.
The engagement also highlighted the growing role of private-sector leadership in advancing economic cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
The initiative, led by Dr Gohar Ejaz on the Pakistani side and Prince Mansour on the Saudi side, focused on creating direct connections between businesses rather than limiting discussions to official meetings.
The interaction between major developers also opened possibilities for future collaboration in residential development, commercial real estate, urban infrastructure and investment-led projects.
While specific investment commitments and joint ventures have yet to be publicly detailed, the meetings provided a platform for further negotiations and potential partnerships.
Pakistani Investors Show Strong Interest In Madinah Projects
Alsaaid said Pakistani investors demonstrated considerable interest in residential and commercial developments in Saudi Arabia, particularly properties located near the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.
Knowledge Economic City, a major real estate and economic development initiative in Madinah, was among the Saudi projects presented to prospective Pakistani investors.
According to Alsaaid, the visit enabled the Saudi delegation to introduce Knowledge Economic City’s projects, highlight investment opportunities in Madinah and establish connections with potential Pakistani partners.
He noted that Pakistani investors’ interest extended beyond conventional commercial considerations.
“It was clear to me that Madinah holds a special place in their hearts, and that the interest of many goes beyond investment to a sincere desire to remain connected with this blessed city,” he observed.
Alsaaid expressed optimism that discussions initiated during the exhibition would eventually translate into meaningful business partnerships.
Pakistan’s Real Estate Sector Offers Promising Opportunities
Reflecting on his visits to Lahore and Islamabad, Alsaaid expressed admiration for Pakistan’s urban development, modern residential communities and the ambitions of its property developers.
He said he had witnessed substantial progress in real estate development and met entrepreneurs committed to creating modern residential projects and improving living standards.
“I believe Pakistan has promising opportunities in the real estate development sector, especially given the genuine desire I observed among investors for development, growth and improving the standards of urban projects and quality of life,” he stated.
The KEC executive also highlighted the competitive spirit among Pakistani developers, noting their ambition to establish modern communities and undertake increasingly sophisticated construction projects.
His observations underscored the potential for stronger collaboration between Saudi and Pakistani companies in property development, urban planning and investment-led infrastructure.
Prince Mansour’s Leadership Earns Appreciation
Alsaaid paid special tribute to Prince Mansour bin Mohammed bin Saad Al Saud, Chairman of the Saudi side of the Saudi-Pakistan Business Council and head of the visiting Saudi delegation.
He described Prince Mansour’s commitment to strengthening bilateral economic relations as one of the defining features of the visit.
According to Alsaaid, Prince Mansour remained actively involved in meetings, discussions and exhibition activities throughout the visit, frequently working from early morning until late evening.
He also praised the prince’s personal attention to delegation members, ensuring their comfort, readiness and effective participation in business engagements.
“What impressed me about His Highness was that he did not treat the visit as merely participation in an exhibition or a series of meetings. Rather, he worked with great seriousness and determination to activate trade and investment relations between the Kingdom and Pakistan and open new areas of cooperation between businesspeople in both countries,” Alsaaid wrote.
He said Prince Mansour consistently encouraged investors from Saudi Arabia and Pakistan to build direct relationships and transform discussions into practical commercial partnerships.
Alsaaid particularly appreciated the prince’s leadership style, describing him as someone who worked closely with delegation members and remained personally involved in addressing their needs.
“He was present in every detail, close to everyone, working sincerely, following matters attentively and ensuring the success of every member of the delegation, not merely the success of the exhibition,” he said.
The KEC executive expressed gratitude for the prince’s efforts and hoped that his initiatives would contribute to increased investment and stronger economic partnerships between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
Meetings With President Zardari, Mohsin Naqvi And Business Leaders
During the visit, Alsaaid also met several prominent Pakistani political and business figures.
He referred to meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari, Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan and Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi.
The Saudi executive also highlighted interactions with leading Pakistani entrepreneurs and industrialists, including Dr Gohar Ejaz.
According to Alsaaid, these engagements provided valuable opportunities to understand Pakistan’s economic aspirations, investment environment and interest in expanding cooperation with Saudi Arabia.
The discussions focused on strengthening commercial relationships and identifying opportunities across different sectors, particularly real estate and investment.
Pakistani Hospitality Leaves Lasting Impression
While highlighting the economic significance of the visit, Alsaaid devoted considerable attention to the hospitality and affection extended by the Pakistani people.
He said the warmth of the reception was evident not only during official meetings but also in markets, streets and other public places.
According to him, Pakistanis from all walks of life expressed profound affection for Saudi Arabia, its leadership and its people, alongside their deep reverence for Makkah, Madinah and the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
“I heard this love in their conversations and felt it in the way they treated us. I did not feel that it was merely a courtesy extended to a Saudi guest, but genuine emotions expressed naturally and sincerely,” Alsaaid wrote.
The Saudi executive recalled several occasions when Pakistanis voluntarily offered assistance and went out of their way to ensure the comfort of the visiting delegation.
He particularly appreciated the generosity of Pakistani businessmen who invited delegation members into their homes.
According to Alsaaid, these private gatherings provided opportunities to interact with Pakistani families, understand their culture and learn about their aspirations outside formal business settings.
“Perhaps these meetings were among the most beautiful experiences of my journey because they allowed me to know them away from the atmosphere of official meetings and work, and I witnessed the authenticity of this people and their eagerness to honour their guests,” he stated.
He described the experience as a reminder that the relationship between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan extends far beyond economic interests and diplomatic cooperation.
Faisal Mosque Reflects Historic Saudi-Pakistan Friendship
Alsaaid also recalled his visit to Islamabad’s iconic Faisal Mosque, describing it as one of the most memorable moments of his journey.
The mosque, named after the late Saudi King Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, was built with Saudi support and remains one of Pakistan’s most prominent architectural and religious landmarks.
The Saudi executive said visiting the mosque and meeting its imam had been a particularly meaningful experience.
He described the landmark as a symbol of the historical friendship between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
According to Alsaaid, the mosque’s history and significance reflect the longstanding religious, cultural and diplomatic ties connecting the two countries.
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B2B Initiative Could Strengthen Long-Term Economic Cooperation
The interaction between Saudi and Pakistani property developers highlighted the importance of direct private-sector engagement in strengthening bilateral economic relations.
The initiative led by Prince Mansour and Dr Gohar Ejaz created an opportunity for business leaders to explore potential partnerships, exchange market knowledge and establish relationships that could support future investment.
Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification and urban development programmes, combined with Pakistan’s expanding real estate and infrastructure requirements, provide potential areas for collaboration.
However, the commercial impact of the meetings will ultimately depend on whether discussions lead to formal investment agreements, joint ventures and projects.
Alsaaid thanked the organisers of SPREX 2026, supporting institutions and participating Saudi and Pakistani companies for their efforts in making the exhibition successful.
He also acknowledged the contributions of his colleagues at Knowledge Economic City, praising their commitment to presenting Madinah’s development projects and engaging with prospective investors.
‘I Came Representing Knowledge Economic City, I Leave With Love For Pakistan’
Concluding his reflections, Alsaaid said the visit had transformed what began as a professional assignment into a deeply personal and memorable experience.
He recalled the people he had met, the gatherings he had attended and the generosity he had encountered throughout his stay.
“I found among these people such love, loyalty and generosity that deserve to be told. I realised that what we hear about the Pakistani people’s love for the Kingdom and its people represents only a part of what they carry in their hearts,” he wrote.
Alsaaid said what touched him most was that the affection extended to Saudi visitors was not dependent on official status, social position or commercial interests.
He said he experienced the same warmth from senior officials and business leaders as he did from ordinary citizens who knew nothing about him beyond the fact that he had arrived from Saudi Arabia.
“This, in my view, is one of the most beautiful expressions of brotherhood between nations,” he observed.
Reflecting on the journey, Alsaaid wrote:
“I came to Pakistan representing Knowledge Economic City, and today I leave carrying great love for its people, gratitude towards everyone I met, and memories that I will always cherish.”
He thanked the Pakistani people for their generosity and expressed hope that the friendship between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan would continue to strengthen.
“You honoured us, made us happy and left a beautiful impression on our hearts that we will never forget,” he wrote.
Ending his message with prayers for peace, stability and prosperity in both countries, Alsaaid expressed hope that the relationship between their leaderships and peoples would continue to flourish.
“We loved you as you loved us. I leave your country today feeling that I have family, brothers and friends here whom I will miss,” he said.
The Saudi executive concluded his message with the words:
“Pakistan Zindabad, Saudi-Pak Dosti Zindabad.”
Long live Pakistan, and long live Saudi-Pakistan friendship.