Saudi Arabia’s NHC launches USD 2.1B Al-Ruba urban project in Riyadh

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – August 25, 2025 - The National Housing Company (NHC), Saudi Arabia’s state-owned real estate developer, has officially launched Al-Ruba, a large-scale urban development project east of Riyadh with investments worth USD 2.1 billion (SAR 7.8 billion).

Scale and Features

Unveiled during a launch ceremony, the project will span 5.7 million square metres (sqm), delivering more than 9,000 residential units designed to accommodate Riyadh’s fast-growing population. According to NHC CEO, Mohammad Albuty, Al-Ruba will also dedicate 800,000 sqm to green space, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to creating livable, sustainable communities.

With the addition of Al-Ruba, Al-Batti confirmed that the total value of NHC’s Riyadh investment portfolio now exceeds USD 39 billion (SAR 146 billion), underlining the company’s role as a key driver of urban development in the capital.

Aligned with Vision 2030

The Al-Ruba project is a central part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 housing programme, which aims to increase homeownership rates, diversify housing supply, and enhance quality of life for Saudi citizens. NHC, established to spearhead residential development across the Kingdom, is tasked with creating large-scale, integrated communities that meet modern design and sustainability standards.

By combining residential units with green spaces, retail, and infrastructure, Al-Ruba represents the next generation of mixed-use developments envisioned under the Vision 2030 framework.

Urban Growth in Riyadh

The launch comes as Riyadh undergoes one of the most ambitious urban transformations globally. The city is expected to double its population to 15–20 million residents by 2030, supported by a wave of megaprojects, real estate investment, and infrastructure upgrades.

Al-Ruba’s scale and location position it as a critical part of this expansion, providing housing supply to meet demographic demand while embedding sustainability through green areas and modern amenities.

Driving Investment and Community Development

Al-Ruba will add to NHC’s growing portfolio of developments across the Kingdom, which includes projects in Jeddah, Dammam, and Mecca. These projects reflect NHC’s dual focus on attracting private investment partnerships and delivering high-quality housing that fosters vibrant communities.

According to the company, such developments are not only helping diversify Saudi Arabia’s real estate sector but also boosting job creation, stimulating related industries such as construction and infrastructure, and providing opportunities for international partners in architecture, design, and smart city solutions.

With USD 2.1 billion in investment and over 9,000 units planned, Al-Ruba is set to become one of Riyadh’s landmark urban communities. The project highlights how Saudi Arabia’s housing strategy is accelerating at scale, blending residential development with Vision 2030’s broader ambitions of sustainability, economic diversification, and social well-being.