Knowledge Economic City (KEC), the premier master developer, actively spearheads Madinah’s modern urban evolution. The publicly listed company recently secured its role as Strategic Partner for the upcoming Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Saudi Arabia 2026 in Riyadh.
Industry sources added that operating under the theme “Where Opportunity Meets Capital,” this premium event unites global investors, institutional allocators, and hospitality operators. The timing aligns perfectly with major regulatory shifts designed to expand global asset ownership across the Kingdom. KEC plans to utilize this prominent stage to aggressively position its extensive mixed-use real estate portfolio.
Unlocking a Crisis-Proof Real Estate Asset Class
The developer manages an expansive 6.8 million square meters of premium land within Madinah’s sacred boundaries. This massive masterplan commands over SAR 24 billion in committed investment capital. Four flagship destinations drive this growth: Madinah Gate, Multaqa AlMadinah, Islamic World District, and Al Alyaa. These megaprojects support the aggressive acceleration of Saudi Vision 2030’s third phase. Investors gain rare access to a highly resilient real estate market shielded from standard economic volatility.
Institutional Readiness Meets Vision 2030 Ambitions
Structural reforms across Saudi Arabia continue to lower entry barriers for international capital markets. Madinah rapidly expands its capacity to accommodate surging Hajj and Umrah visitation alongside new tourism targets. KEC operates efficiently under the strict regulation of the Economic Cities and Special Zones Authority. This corporate governance ensures absolute readiness for large-scale foreign direct investment.
Hazem Elbanna, Chief Operating Officer and Acting Chief Executive Officer of Knowledge Economic City, commented on the participation: “FHS Saudi Arabia 2026 comes at a pivotal moment for both Madinah and the Kingdom. The introduction of the new real estate ownership framework, the growth Saudi Arabia’s tourism ambitious to 150 million visitors, and the continued growth of Hajj and Umrah demand are creating significant opportunities for investment. As a leading master developer listed on the Saudi Exchange and operating under the regulation of the Economic Cities and Special Zones Authority, KEC is institutionally prepared to receive the capital entering this market. Our participation as Strategic Partner reflects the seriousness with which we view this moment, and the responsibility we hold to deliver an offering worthy of the capital it will attract.”
Capitalizing on Faith-Driven Market Stability

Marko Vucinic, Executive Director of Investment and Asset Management, will champion KEC’s corporate panel presentation. He brings extensive expertise from previous leadership roles at PIF, the Tourism Development Fund, JLL, and Colliers. Vucinic will address key operational strategies during the panel titled “Building Through Uncertainty.” He highlights Madinah’s unique position as a stable market backed by permanent, long-term religious visitation.
Marko Vucinic, Executive Director of Investment and Asset Management at KEC, added: “Madinah is one of the few real estate markets globally whose demand base is anchored in deep-rooted faith rather than volatile economic cycles, and whose institutional infrastructure is now mature enough to absorb international capital at scale.
While much of the conversation at this year’s Summit will focus on how developers are navigating uncertainty, Madinah’s distinction is that its demand base is underpinned by long-term faith-driven visitation rather than traditional economic cycles. What we are presenting at FHS is a fully integrated city with global construction partners and leading hospitality operators, active infrastructure delivery and a clear mandate aligned with the third phase of Saudi Vision 2030.”
Accelerating From Blueprint to High-Yield Construction
- Advanced Construction Phase: Projects quickly advance beyond initial design phases into active infrastructure build-out.
- Tier-One Partnerships: KEC collaborates closely with global construction firms and premier international hotel operators.
- Value Creation Focus: Infrastructure expansion directly boosts long-term shareholder equity and local economic growth.
Marko Vucinic, Executive Director of Investment and Asset Management at KEC, further adds that “The progression of our projects from planning into advanced construction, together with the parallel build-out of infrastructure and supporting facilities, reflects KEC’s strategy of expanding the capacity of Madinah’s hospitality sector in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030 and in service of the value we create for our shareholders and the wider community.”
Shaping the Future of Islamic Living
Knowledge Economic City commands a definitive path toward hyper-growth. By merging advanced infrastructure with deep cultural heritage, the firm establishes a new benchmark for global real estate.
KEC actively accelerates its construction pipeline to secure long-term capital yields. Strategic collaborations with tier-one international operators ensure elite project delivery. Consequently, the master developer steadily transforms Madinah into a world-class lifestyle hub.
The company remains uniquely positioned to capture massive institutional inflows. Every milestone directly supports the ambitious targets of Saudi Vision 2030. KEC builds more than premium spaces; it engineers a resilient, faith-backed economic ecosystem. Global allocators gain a sophisticated gateway into the Kingdom’s most stable asset class.
Market Leadership: Listed on the Saudi Exchange under rigorous corporate governance.
Strategic Access: Positioned near the Haramain High-Speed Rail and the Prophet’s Mosque.
Future Mandate: Driving the future of hospitality, luxury tourism, and smart city living.


