Housing Minister Majed Al-Hogail Concludes China Visit With NHC Signing Agreements For Housing Units

Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majed Al-Hogail recently wrapped up a two-day visit to China. During this trip, the National Housing Company (NHC) secured agreements with leading Chinese firms. These agreements are part of a plan to build 100,000 Saudi-Chinese housing units by 2030. The visit aimed to boost partnerships in housing, infrastructure, and smart-city development.

The minister engaged in discussions with PowerChina, MCC, and CMEC leaders. They explored cooperation in industrialized construction and modern building technologies. This collaboration aims to speed up project delivery and improve housing project efficiency. Progress on current projects was reviewed, including the completion of 1,184 units with MCC and 1,824 units with Power China and Sinohydro.

Al-Hogail encouraged both companies to join a partnership program for an additional 20,000 units. He also met with executives from China Construction Seventh Engineering Division Corp, CITIC Group, and CACC. Discussions focused on expanding partnerships in urban development and EPC+F models that integrate financing with implementation.

Two framework agreements were signed to deliver over 24,000 housing units. Strategic agreements were also made to support the supply chain and localize the construction industry ecosystem through NHC's SupplyPro digital platform. These efforts aim to strengthen industrial localization, secure supply chains, and reduce construction costs.

A notable agreement was made with the China Construction Seventh Engineering Division for 20,000 housing units worth SAR8.7 billion. This marks the fifth joint project between the two parties. Another project was awarded to CACC, which was invited to participate in the 20,000-unit program.

Further discussions were held with CMEC and CITIC Group to deepen their involvement in the program. These talks focused on advancing the localization of building materials and technologies supply chains. The minister emphasized that implementing over 24,000 units is a significant outcome of this visit.

Advancing Saudi Vision 2030 Goals

The minister described this initiative as a major step forward in Saudi-Chinese cooperation. It transitions from technical collaboration to actual construction and execution stages. This effort supports the Housing Program's objectives under Saudi Vision 2030: raising home ownership to 70 percent by 2030.

The initiative also aims to promote real-estate sustainability and generate new investment opportunities. It seeks to bolster local content and create quality jobs. Al-Hogail highlighted that with Saudi leadership's support, the ministry continues expanding international partnerships through NHC.

Future Prospects

This expansion aims to accelerate construction processes, enhance project quality, and connect development with advanced financing models and reliable supply chains. The visit marked a significant milestone in enhancing cooperation in housing and smart-city development.

This progress aligns with Saudi cities' rapid urban growth under Saudi Vision 2030. The minister concluded that these efforts are crucial for keeping pace with this growth while ensuring sustainable development practices are upheld.

With inputs from SPA