Shaimaa Ibrahim 

The global real estate industry is undergoing a profound digital transformation, redefining traditional methods of buying and selling property. This evolution has paved the way for property technology (PropTech) companies to become key catalysts for change—delivering innovative solutions that enhance user experience and streamline real estate transactions.

Among the standout players leading this shift is Huspy, a UAE-born company with a bold vision to revolutionize the home-buying journey through seamless, technology-driven experiences. Since its inception, Huspy has emerged as a prominent force in the Gulf region’s real estate innovation landscape, helping reshape the way people engage with the property market.

In this interview, we spoke with Jad Antoun, CEO and Co-founder of Huspy, to explore the company’s origins, its mission to digitize real estate, and the technology powering its growth. We also delve into Huspy’s expansion strategy—particularly its focus on the Saudi market—as well as its perspective on the future of PropTech in the region and the growing influence of artificial intelligence in shaping the next era of real estate.

How did Huspy’s journey in proptech begin in the UAE, and what are the company’s main markets today?

Huspy started in the UAE with a simple idea, to fix the inefficiencies in real estate transactions by building better infrastructure for mortgage brokers and real estate agents. In doing so, we also wanted to build a global technology brand from the region for the rest of the world.

Our early focus was on mortgages, helping brokers get approvals faster and serve their clients better. We then expanded into real estate to support agents and agencies. Today, our main markets are the UAE and Spain, with Saudi Arabia now becoming a major priority. We’re aim to be in over 10 cities by the end of the year and are working toward making Huspy the technology backbone of real estate professionals in all of our markets.

What are Huspy’s flagship tech solutions, and how do they differ from traditional offerings in the real estate industry?

We’ve built tools that give mortgage brokers and real estate agents a competitive edge and the ability to serve their clients better. On the mortgage side, brokers use Huspy’s platform to manage clients, access best-in-market interest rates, submit applications, and get fast approvals. On the real estate side, agents use our app to manage showings, negotiate offers, and coordinate with mortgage offers, all in one place. Traditionally, these processes are disconnected and manual. What makes Huspy different is that everything is integrated, built for professionals, and designed to help them close transactions faster, and earn industry-leading commissions.

What sets the real estate chatbot you recently launched apart from traditional advisory services, and what challenges did you encounter in its development and deployment?

Most chatbots in real estate have primarily been built to capture home buyer contact details. Ours is built to act more like a digital partner and accessible via WhatsApp, making it easy for customers to use. Huspy.Ai pulls from real-time market data and offering tailored answers based on user queries. We also made sure that the AI powered platform could handle the complexity of regulations and offer accurate responses in multiple languages, based on the latest information. 

What is Huspy’s current operational scale, what is the total value of real estate transactions it manages, and what are the company’s plans through the end of 2025?

Huspy currently facilitates over 7 billion dollars in real estate transactions annually. In the UAE, we’ve captured around 25 percent of the mortgage market, and 30 percent in Dubai alone. We’re live in multiple cities in Spain and entering Saudi Arabia very soon. By the end of 2025, we aim to operate in over 10 cities across Europe and the Middle East, while deepening our ecosystem of services for professionals.

Having recently raised 59 million dollars, how will this investment be utilized to support your expansion plans in European and Middle Eastern markets, particularly in Saudi Arabia?

The investment will help us scale both our product and our reach. In Europe, we’re focused on Spain and will expand into other high-volume real estate markets across the continent. In the Middle East, Saudi Arabia is a top priority. The funds will go toward hiring local teams, building country-specific features, and forming partnerships with local brokers and agencies. We’re also investing in our core technology to make our tools even more powerful for agents and brokers.

Saudi Arabia has been long on our horizon. We now believe that we are in a strong position to enter the market and succeed. The government’s recent updates on real estate rules is a positive sign, and we are excited to come to Riyadh very soon. 

Given the company’s plans to enter the Saudi market, how do you perceive the digitization of the Saudi real estate sector? What are your expansion plans in this market over the coming years?

Saudi Arabia is undergoing a major transformation in real estate. The government is supporting digitization, but many agents and brokers still rely on offline processes. That’s where we see opportunity to fix the fragmentation. Our goal is to partner with local professionals and give them tools that help them close deals faster and serve clients better. Over the next few years, we plan to onboard leading agencies, localize our tech stack, and establish Huspy as the preferred partner for real estate professionals in the Kingdom.

In your opinion, what are the most significant technological trends that will impact the future of real estate in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the Gulf region?

The biggest shift is happening in professional enablement. Instead of replacing agents or brokers, technology is giving them new capabilities. We’re seeing trends like automated mortgage approvals, smart agent workflows, and fully digital closing processes. There’s also growing interest in data-driven pricing tools and AI-powered property search. Markets like Saudi Arabia and the UAE are moving fast, and we believe the winners will be platforms that help professionals work more efficiently, not just faster.

How do you foresee the role of AI in reshaping the real estate markets in the UAE and Saudi Arabia in the coming years?

Real estate is the world’s largest asset class and the high-value nature of transactions means that humans will remain a crucial part of transactions. AI will become a behind-the-scenes engine for real estate professionals. It won’t replace the agent or broker, but it will support them in decision-making, personalization, and lead qualification. In markets like the UAE and Saudi Arabia, where customer expectations are rising and deal cycles can be complex, AI can help streamline everything from property recommendations to document verification. At Huspy, we’re using AI to improve agent workflows and make customer interactions smarter without losing the human connection.

What are the most prominent opportunities for entrepreneurs in the proptech sector?

The biggest opportunities lie in solving pain points for real estate professionals. That could be building tools for pricing, analytics, financing, or transaction management. There’s also room to innovate in underserved segments like rentals, cross-border deals, and agent training. Additionally, entrepreneurs need to think beyond real estate, and look at related areas such as property maintenance, interior design, rentals, etc. In fast-growing markets like the GCC, founders who can combine deep local knowledge with scalable tech have a real chance to build category-defining companies. 

Noha Gad

The transformative agenda of the Saudi Vision 2030 placed increasing real estate ownership at the core of its economic diversification and social development goals. It targets raising the homeownership rate among Saudis to more than 70% by 2030. Beyond domestic ownership, this ambitious initiative introduced pioneering reforms to open the real estate market to foreign investors, notably the Real Estate Owner Residency, which allows foreigners to own or usufruct residential real estate assets with a minimum of SAR 4 million within the Kingdom.

The Saudi cabinet recently approved the foreign property ownership law, permitting non-Saudis to own property in Riyadh and Jeddah, while ownership in Mecca and Medina will be subject to additional regulatory conditions due to their religious status. The Real Estate General Authority (REGA) is expected to define the geographical boundaries and publish the implementing regulations within 180 days.

Scheduled to enter into effect early 2026, the new law is expected to pave the way for new investment opportunities and anticipated deals within the real estate and property technology (proptech) sectors.

According to the Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs, Majed Al-Hogail, the new law is designed to enhance the real estate sector and attract foreign direct investments (FDI) to bolster housing supply across the Kingdom.

Aligned perfectly with the Premium Residency Program (Iqama) and the existing regulations governing real estate ownership by GCC citizens, the new law is anticipated to create a coherent and integrated framework for foreign investment in the Saudi real estate sector, facilitating cross-border property ownership and residency benefits.

Experts predict the new law to allow non-resident foreigners to purchase property outright with lower investment thresholds and without the need for local sponsors, ultimately attracting different investors and buyer segments to the market and stimulating demand in the residential sector.

Alaa Aljarousha, Senior Manager for Research in Saudi Arabia at CBRE MENA, the world’s leading full-service real estate services and investment organization, stated in an interview with Alarabiya Business that the new law will contribute to increasing FDIs and enhancing supply in the real estate market in general.

She affirmed that enabling foreign residents and non-residents to own property in major cities like Jeddah and Riyadh will lead to an upward growth in property value.

Implications of the new foreign real estate ownership law on key sectors  

This new law is projected to have significant implications on key Saudi sectors, including tourism, proptech, construction and urban development, financial services, and investment, as well as legal and professional services.

Allowing foreigners to own property in major Saudi cities will attract global developers and investors to build hotels, resorts, and mixed-use development projects, thereby enhancing the tourism infrastructure in the Kingdom. Also, the clear ownership rights for foreigners can increase confidence among global tourists and investors, encouraging longer stays and investment in tourism-related real estate.

The new law is also anticipated to drive adoption of proptech solutions such as blockchain-based title registries, digital platforms for property listings, and virtual tours. According to the National Technology Development Program (NTDP), leveraging advanced tech solutions in the building and construction sector could reduce mistakes by 35%, eliminate travel costs by up to 75%, and increase data transparency and accuracy by 80%. For instance, Saudi proptech platforms, such as WakeCap, WhiteHelmet, and Rize, play an instrumental role in bolstering the real estate and construction sectors in Saudi Arabia by offering smart construction site management technologies. 

Additionally, the construction and urban development sector is expected to witness a surge in demand for new residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects in Riyadh and Jeddah, driving growth in construction activity and infrastructure development to support expanding urban areas.

The new foreign real estate ownership law is also expected to contribute to maximizing FDIs and stimulating banking, mortgage financing, insurance, and investment management sectors.

Overall, the new foreign real estate ownership law is not an isolated change but a key component of a comprehensive policy framework. It harmonizes with existing residency regulations and GCC ownership initiatives to promote foreign investment, improve market accessibility, and advance Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification and urban growth goals. This coordinated approach ensures regulatory consistency, amplifying the law’s effectiveness in drawing a broad range of foreign investors while protecting the nation’s interests. 

Sabine El Najjar, Chief Commercial Officer and KSA Managing Director - Silkhaus 

Saudi Arabia is currently experiencing a transformative shift in its tourism and real estate sectors, driven by the ambitious Vision 2030. As the Kingdom positions itself as a global tourism and business hub, the short-term rental market is emerging as a key enabler for growth in the hospitality industry.  

At the heart of Saudi Arabia’s short-term rental growth is Vision 2030, the country’s long-term economic diversification strategy. With the goal of attracting 150 million annual visitors by 2030, the government is heavily investing in infrastructure, hospitality, and tourism experiences. Mega projects such as NEOM, The Red Sea Project, Qiddiya, and Diriyah Gate are creating new destinations, increasing the need for expansive accommodation options beyond traditional hotels. A number of major trends in the market are indicative of the demand from guests.  

Rising Demand from Business Travelers 

The Saudi government is recognising the importance of short-term rentals in meeting this demand and has been working on regulatory frameworks that ensure a structured and professional rental market while encouraging investment. By facilitating licensing processes, improving property management standards, and supporting professional operators, the government is making it easier for both local and international players to enter and thrive in this space. 

Saudi Arabia’s rapidly expanding business hubs, particularly in Riyadh, Jeddah, and NEOM, are fueling a surge in demand for accommodations from corporate travelers. Riyadh, the capital and financial center, is home to multinational corporations, government institutions, and major industry events. Meanwhile, NEOM is attracting global talent, with business executives, project managers, and expatriates needing flexible, high-quality accommodation. 

Unlike traditional hotels, short-term rental properties offer business travelers more space, privacy, and home-like amenities, making them a preferred choice for extended stays. 

Regulatory Evolution & Licensing Compliance 

As the offer for short-term rental options matures, the Saudi government is taking steps to ensure that operators comply with hospitality standards, taxation policies, and safety regulations. In the past, short-term rentals were dominated by individual hosts, but now, new regulations are favoring structured property management companies that can provide a professional and consistent experience. 

Authorities are implementing clearer licensing requirements, which will help establish trust and reliability in the sector. These regulations will likely set minimum quality standards, pricing guidelines, and guest verification procedures, ensuring that short-term rentals align with Saudi Arabia’s vision for a high-quality tourism and business environment. 

Those who align with regulations early on will gain a competitive advantage, ensuring for themselves a stable position in a market set to grow relentlessly in the next few years. 

Growth of Branded & Serviced Apartments Create Trust with Guests 

One of the most noticeable trends in Saudi Arabia’s short-term rental market is the growing preference for branded and serviced apartments. Unlike traditional vacation rentals, serviced apartments offer hotel-like services such as housekeeping, concierge support, and premium amenities, making them particularly attractive to high-net-worth individuals, corporate travelers, and families. 

This trend is especially evident among Saudi families traveling for major events, such as Riyadh Season and Jeddah Season. These large-scale cultural and entertainment festivals attract millions of visitors, creating demand for luxurious, spacious, and well-managed accommodations. Instead of booking hotel rooms, families prefer short-term rental apartments that offer more flexibility and privacy, particularly when traveling in groups. 

Religious tourism in Makkah and Madinah is further driving demand for short-term rentals. Pilgrims visiting these cities for Hajj and Umrah often seek accommodation that combines comfort, convenience, and affordability, making professionally managed rental properties a desirable alternative to hotels. 

Increase in Market Players & Investment Opportunities 

With demand on the rise, both local and international operators are expanding their footprint in Saudi Arabia. Since 2020-2021, local players have been actively scaling their businesses across multiple cities, capitalizing on the surge in demand. At the same time, global short-term rental companies like Silkhaus have entered the market, recognizing Saudi Arabia’s potential as a major hospitality hub. 

This influx of experienced operators, technology-driven platforms, and professional management firms is reshaping the industry: guests can expect standardized service, seamless booking experiences, and premium quality—factors that were previously inconsistent in the Saudi short-term rental market. 

For investors, Saudi Arabia presents a lucrative opportunity in short-term rentals. The combination of rising tourism, strong government backing, and increasing professionalization of the sector makes it an attractive space for real estate developers, hospitality brands, and property owners looking to maximize returns. 

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Saudi’s Short-Term Rental Market? 

Saudi Arabia’s short-term rental market is entering a pivotal phase, driven by the country’s ambitious event calendar of the next few years and increasing global visibility. Major international events like the FIFA World Cup and Expo are on the horizon, and demand for high-quality, well-located accommodations will surge. Operators, to keep pace, must scale rapidly: portfolio expansion, distribution channels optimization, and technology leverage for higher guest volumes are the next must-have. These years will also push the industry toward greater standardization, as travellers expect seamless, hotel-like experiences. 

At the same time, we expect the competitive landscape to shift. As the market matures and regulatory frameworks stabilize, we can expect a wave of consolidation. Larger players will likely absorb smaller operators who struggle to meet evolving guest expectations and compliance requirements. Institutional investors, hotel brands, and real estate funds may also enter the space, bringing greater professionalism and capital to accelerate growth. The industry will transition from fragmented growth to a more structured and competitive ecosystem, where scale, operational efficiency, and brand reputation will define long-term success. 

Saudi Arabia’s short-term rental market is definitely entering an exciting phase of growth and transformation. With strong government backing, evolving regulations, and increasing demand from business and leisure travelers, the sector is rapidly becoming a key pillar of the Kingdom’s tourism strategy. 

As local and international players continue to scale operations, and improve service quality, Saudi Arabia is well-positioned to become a leading market for short-term rentals in the Middle East. For investors, property owners, and hospitality operators, the time to enter this dynamic market is now. 

Ghada Ismail

Saudi Arabia’s real estate sector is in the midst of a profound transformation, driven by the rapid adoption of Property Technology (PropTech). No longer confined to the fringes of the industry, PropTech has become a game-changer, reshaping property transactions, management, and investment with cutting-edge digital solutions. 

The range of PropTech capabilities broadens to include significant instruments starting from AI-powered property matchmaking to blockchain-secured contracts, virtual property tours, or AI-driven property management, rewriting the rules of real estate. With Vision 2030 fueling a national shift toward innovation and sustainability, Saudi Arabia is emerging as a powerhouse in the global PropTech revolution. As investors, startups, and policymakers rally behind this digital shift, the Kingdom is setting a new standard for how real estate is bought, sold, and managed in the 21st century.

Understanding the PropTech Ecosystem

PropTech encompasses a wide range of technologies designed to improve real estate processes. These innovations include AI-driven property valuations, blockchain-based transactions, smart building solutions, and IoT-integrated urban planning. The integration of these technologies into Saudi Arabia’s real estate sector is fostering transparency, efficiency, and smarter decision-making across the board. 

Speaking the language of numbers, Saudi Arabia’s PropTech sector saw a 35% annual increase in venture capital investments in 2023, reaching $9 million, according to a report issued by the leading startup directory MAGNiTT.

The Kingdom is said to be leading the Middle East, Africa, Pakistan, Turkiye, and Southeast Asia in deal count, closing six PropTech transactions last year. In total funding, Saudi Arabia ranked fifth among these markets, further cementing its position as a growing hub for real estate innovation.

Despite a broader global slowdown in PropTech funding, the Saudi market demonstrated resilience, aligning with the country’s Vision 2030 initiatives that promote real estate digitalization and smart technology adoption.

The report also highlighted that key PropTech subsectors, including property marketplaces, co-working spaces, tenancy management, and facility management, continue to attract investor interest in the Kingdom. 

Saudi Arabia’s Real Estate Market: A Breeding Ground for PropTech

In October last year, the Real Estate General Authority (REGA) announced the launch of a Saudi PropTech Hub (sph) at the opening of the Global PropTech Summit, with an ambition to serve entities interested in real estate technology, both domestically and internationally.
 

The hub’s main aim is to provide services designed to strengthen stakeholders in the sector, acting as a primary channel for innovation in real estate technologies in the Kingdom with several key initiatives included in sph: the regulatory sandbox, the real estate technology accelerator, the Global PropTech Summit itself, and the PropTech Council.
as a natural result of such comprehensive efforts, the Kingdom planted every possible seed to become a fertile ground for the PropTech revolution with several key factors driving this transformation.

What’s Driving PropTech Growth in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative is a key factor in propelling the growth of the PropTech market. The Kingdom is working hard to reduce its reliance on oil and diversify its economy, with real estate being one of the focal points. With large investments flowing into infrastructure, urban development, and smart city projects, the stage is set for PropTech to thrive and reshape the real estate landscape.

The country’s real estate market is also booming, fueled by rapid urbanization, a growing population, and a rising demand for both residential and commercial properties. This surge in growth is creating a need for PropTech solutions that can make property management smoother, improve the user experience, and increase efficiency across the board.

On top of this, technological advancements play a huge role in the sector’s evolution. The rise of smartphones, internet connectivity, and cloud computing are all creating the perfect environment for PropTech solutions to flourish. Plus, the government is actively supporting the digital transformation of industries, accelerating PropTech adoption in real estate.

Finally, the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in Saudi Arabia. With a young, tech-savvy population, the Kingdom is seeing a wave of startups bringing fresh, innovative ideas to the PropTech space. These startups are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, offering solutions that address the changing needs of property owners, investors, and tenants alike.

Breaking Down the Saudi PropTech Market

The PropTech market in Saudi Arabia can be divided into several areas, with different solutions and applications catering to diverse needs.

• Business Intelligence: These tools focus on data analytics, offering insights into market trends, property performance, and investment opportunities.
• Facility Management: Solutions designed to streamline the management of building operations, maintenance, and services.
• Portfolio Management: Tools that help manage and optimize property portfolios, including risk management and asset allocation.
• Real Estate Search: Platforms making it easier to search for residential and commercial properties, with the integration of virtual and 3D touring options.
• Asset Management: Solutions for handling property assets, from leasing to sales and maintenance.
• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP): These systems integrate all aspects of real estate operations, from finances to human resources.
• Others:  Niche solutions such as legal tech, property financing, and tenant management systems are also making their mark.

Key Players and Emerging Startups

Saudi Arabia’s PropTech landscape is home to a mix of established players, disruptive startups, and government-backed initiatives. Here are some of the most influential entities reshaping the sector:

Leading Startups Driving PropTech Innovation

• Sakan: Sakan property technology platform is a leading full-stack real estate marketplace, founded to provide a unique and integrated property experience for various stakeholders in the real estate sector. Sakan comes with a mission to offer innovative and creative PropTech solutions in the MENA region and digitize various aspects of the property journey. Sakan sets its key objective to facilitate and enhance real estate transactions and effectively cater to the growing demand by real estate agents, property management companies, landlords, and tenants. A cutting-edge PropTech platform, Sakan offers AI-driven property matching and digital rental agreements.
• Musanada : Specializing in smart property management solutions that leverage automation for maintenance, tenant interactions, and real-time analytics, Musanda is an award-winning facilities service in Saudi Arabia offering a full range of integrated facilities management solutions tailored to meet client needs.
• Bayut and Dubizzle (Emerging in Saudi Market):  Dubai-based listings sites expanding their presence in Saudi Arabia to introduce a comprehensive property search and transaction platform.

Institutional and Government-Backed Initiatives

• Public Investment Fund (PIF): Spearheading investments in real estate tech startups as part of its broader economic diversification strategy.
• Saudi Venture Capital Company (SVC): Supporting early-stage PropTech startups through funding, mentorship, and growth acceleration programs.
• Ejar System: A government-backed digital rental platform that aims to regulate and streamline the leasing process across the Kingdom. Ejar is a comprehensive rental service e-network established with the aim of regulating the real estate rental sector in Saudi Arabia and preserving the rights of all parties involved in the leasing process —tenant, lessor, and broker. To foster growth in the real estate rental sector and promote its reliability, Ejar offers a large set of e-solutions. Real estate investment is also encouraged by the Program.

The Challenges Facing Saudi Arabia’s PropTech Boom

Despite its rapid ascent, the PropTech sector in Saudi Arabia faces several challenges that could slow its momentum:

• Regulatory Complexity: Navigating the evolving legal landscape for digital property transactions can be daunting for startups and investors alike.
• Data Security and Privacy Concerns: As PropTech platforms digitize sensitive real estate data, cybersecurity threats become a major concern.
• Adoption Resistance from Traditional Players: Many established real estate firms remain hesitant to embrace new technology, slowing down sector-wide transformation.
• Infrastructure and Connectivity Issues: Although Saudi Arabia is rapidly expanding its digital infrastructure, certain regions still face challenges in seamless PropTech adoption.

How Startups Are Overcoming These Barriers

Forward-thinking PropTech startups are addressing these obstacles through strategic initiatives:

• Collaboration with Regulators: Companies are working closely with the Saudi government to shape policies that encourage digital transformation while ensuring compliance.
• Embracing Blockchain and AI for Transparency: Technologies like smart contracts and AI-powered risk assessments are being deployed to enhance trust and security in property transactions.
• Developing Market Education Strategies: Through partnerships with real estate developers and consumer awareness campaigns, PropTech firms are fostering greater acceptance of digital solutions.

Future Trends: Where is Saudi PropTech Headed?

Saudi Arabia’s PropTech scene is poised for further disruption, with several emerging trends set to shape its future:

• Smart City Expansion: As giga-projects like NEOM continue to evolve, PropTech solutions will play a critical role in enabling AI-driven urban planning and sustainable living.
• AI-Enhanced Marketplaces: Property platforms will increasingly leverage AI and big data to offer predictive insights, personalized recommendations, and automated pricing models.
• Blockchain-Powered Real Estate Transactions: Expect to see wider adoption of decentralized ledgers to facilitate transparent and secure real estate dealings.
• FinTech-PropTech Convergence: The integration of digital mortgage platforms, tokenized property investments, and AI-driven lending solutions will redefine real estate financing.
• Sustainability and Green PropTech: With a growing emphasis on sustainability, real estate developers are incorporating energy-efficient smart buildings, IoT-powered utility management, and AI-driven carbon footprint tracking.

Conclusion: The Future is Digital

Saudi Arabia's PropTech sector is no longer just emerging, it’s leading a quiet revolution in how the Kingdom builds, buys, and interacts with real estate. By seamlessly integrating cutting-edge technologies with the nation’s ambitious urban visions, PropTech startups are playing a key role in shaping smarter, more sustainable communities.

The momentum is undeniable. As the kingdom steps further towards advanced proptech practices varying from digitized property transactions to AI-powered analytics and eco-friendly construction innovations.  The sector’s potential stretches far beyond convenience, it rather promises to redefine the very fabric of real estate in Saudi Arabia.

As the country balances rapid growth with long-term sustainability goals, PropTech stands at the crossroads of opportunity and transformation. For anyone watching closely, this is more than an industry shift—it’s a glimpse into the future of urban living, where innovation becomes a cornerstone of progress.