Pakistan, Saudi Arabia Eye New Era of Real Estate Investment as Saudi-Pak Expo Opens in Lahore

LAHORE: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are seeking to expand bilateral investment and strengthen economic cooperation in the real estate and construction sectors as the Saudi-Pak Real Estate Expo was held at Lake City Golf and Country Club in Lahore.

The event brought together prominent business leaders, investors, developers and representatives of the construction industry from both countries, providing a platform to explore joint ventures, commercial partnerships and emerging investment opportunities.

Pakistani investors invited Saudi business leaders to explore Pakistan’s expanding real estate market, while expressing interest in investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia, particularly in residential and commercial property developments.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, Chairman of the Saudi-Pak Business Council Prince Mansour bin Mohammed Al Saud, former caretaker federal minister Dr Gohar Ejaz, leading businessman Arif Habib and other prominent figures from the business community.

Governor Punjab Calls for Stronger Economic Partnership

Addressing the ceremony, Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan underscored the longstanding fraternal relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, describing economic cooperation and investment as essential pillars of their expanding partnership.

He appreciated Dr Gohar Ejaz’s efforts to attract investment into Pakistan and highlighted the considerable growth potential of the country’s real estate and construction industries.

Referring to presentations by the Central Business District (CBD) and Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA), the governor praised the scale and vision of their urban development projects.

He expressed confidence that the expo would create new business opportunities and strengthen commercial engagement between Pakistani and Saudi investors.

The governor also highlighted the importance of Pakistan-Saudi defence cooperation, commending Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir for their contributions to strengthening bilateral relations.

He reaffirmed the importance Pakistan attaches to Saudi Arabia’s security and stability.

Five-Billion Investment Fund Announced, Says Dr Gohar Ejaz

Former caretaker federal minister Dr Gohar Ejaz said the expo was aimed at strengthening commercial ties, encouraging cross-border investment and opening new avenues for cooperation in real estate and construction.

He noted that Pakistan’s large population and growing housing requirements offered substantial opportunities for investors, developers and construction companies.

Dr Ejaz announced that an investment fund of five billion had been earmarked under the Saudi-Pak Business Council to facilitate investment between the two countries. The currency denomination and operational details of the proposed fund were not specified in the information provided.

He invited Saudi investors to explore Pakistan’s market and take advantage of opportunities in housing, urban development and related industries.

Emphasising the importance of entrepreneurship and trade, he said business activity remained a key driver of employment, economic growth and prosperity.

Dr Ejaz also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s role as a major employment destination for Pakistani workers and encouraged business communities from both countries to develop sustainable, long-term partnerships.

Arif Habib Sees Major Opportunities in Saudi Property Market

Prominent businessman Arif Habib said the real estate sectors of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia offered significant potential for mutual investment.

He noted that a large number of Pakistanis travel to Saudi Arabia for employment, business, Hajj and Umrah, creating strong cultural, economic and people-to-people connections between the two countries.

Habib said many Pakistanis aspired to own residential properties in Makkah and Madinah and suggested that Saudi authorities explore ways to facilitate eligible Pakistani investors under the Kingdom’s applicable property ownership and investment regulations.

He also highlighted the possibility of Saudi Arabia emerging as an attractive investment destination for Pakistani investors amid changing regional market conditions.

Habib stressed that investment decisions should be guided by commercial viability, potential returns and the long-term interests of investors.

Calling for reciprocal investment, he urged Saudi businesses to explore opportunities in Pakistan’s real estate, housing and construction sectors.

He said the combination of Pakistan’s skilled human resources and Saudi Arabia’s financial strength could help generate employment, expand business activity and support sustainable economic development.

Prince Mansour Pledges Practical Investment Opportunities

Chairman of the Saudi-Pak Business Council Prince Mansour bin Mohammed Al Saud expressed appreciation for the hospitality extended to the Saudi delegation in Lahore.

He said the council’s mission went beyond promoting business transactions and was aimed at strengthening long-term economic cooperation and bilateral relations.

Highlighting Pakistan’s investment potential, Prince Mansour said the country offered substantial opportunities for Saudi businesses seeking to expand their commercial activities.

He announced plans to facilitate investment opportunities for Pakistani investors in Makkah and Madinah through the Saudi-Pak Business Council.

The council would also work to connect Pakistani entrepreneurs with business companies, commercial ventures and real estate investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia, he said.

Prince Mansour emphasised that the initiative would focus on practical outcomes rather than discussions alone.

“Our objective is not merely to hold discussions but to translate cooperation into practical initiatives that contribute to the prosperity of both countries,” he said.

He expressed confidence that the expo would help Pakistani companies explore new opportunities in the Saudi market while encouraging Saudi investors to establish commercial partnerships in Pakistan.

Expo Expected to Strengthen Bilateral Investment Links

The Saudi-Pak Real Estate Expo showcased opportunities in Pakistan’s property market, construction industry and urban development sector.

Participants expressed optimism that the event would facilitate direct engagement between investors, developers and business organisations from both countries.

The discussions highlighted growing interest in moving beyond traditional trade relations towards deeper economic integration through real estate investment, joint ventures and long-term commercial partnerships.

Business representatives said sustained engagement, transparent investment frameworks and commercially viable projects would be important to translating the opportunities identified at the expo into concrete investments.