Cityscape Global 2025 took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 17–20 November 2025, positioning itself as the world’s most attended real estate and urban development event. With 550+ exhibitors, 470+ speakers, and participants from over 120 countries, the summit was a pivotal platform for showcasing giga projects, forging partnerships, and aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 ambitions.
Among the diverse stages and sessions, Juliette Foster played a central role as moderator, chairing two high-profile panels that bridged hospitality, entertainment, and fan engagement with the broader real estate narrative.
Purpose & Themes
Cityscape Global’s purpose was to shape the future of urban living by convening leaders across real estate, hospitality, entertainment, and investment. The event spotlighted:
- Mega projects such as NEOM, Qiddiya, and New Murabba, redefining Saudi Arabia’s urban landscape.
- Cross-sector collaboration, linking real estate with sports, entertainment, and hospitality.
- Global perspectives, with speakers and participants from Europe, Asia, and beyond.
Panels Moderated by Juliette Foster
1. Mega Events, Mega Stays – Hospitality’s Role in Fan Journeys
- Focus: How mega events transform hospitality into an economic driver and cultural connector.
- Themes: Custom accommodations, premium stays, integrated entertainment districts.
- Speakers:
- Briana Swift, VP of Development for Saudi Arabia, Hyatt
- Samuel Lim, VP of Investment & Asset Management, Shangri-La Group
- Impact: The discussion explored how hospitality portfolios adapt to mega events, balancing legacy and innovation, and ensuring fans leave with meaningful experiences.
2. What Do Fans Really Want? The Future of Happiness in Entertainment
- Focus: Understanding evolving audience expectations and building joy through immersive experiences.
- Themes: Brand identity, belonging, and the emotional drivers of fan loyalty.
- Speakers:
- Simon Wright, Founder & CEO, TGP
- Angela Selkirk, Executive Director, Visitor Experience & Attraction, King Salman Park Foundation
- Impact: The session examined how entertainment brands can sustain relevance by creating authentic connections and diverse offerings that resonate with fans.
Audience & Significance
Cityscape Global attracted 170,000+ professionals, investors, and government leaders, making it a hub for decision-making and trend-spotting. Juliette’s panels added a human-centred dimension to the event, connecting real estate development with hospitality and entertainment - sectors that directly shape how people experience cities and mega events.
Why It Matters
- Hospitality & entertainment are not peripheral but central to the success of giga projects and mega events.
- Strong moderation ensured the discussions moved beyond generic commentary to actionable insights.
- For attendees, these panels offered a lens into how fan journeys and happiness intersect with real estate investment, urban planning, and cultural identity.
Key Takeaways
- Mega events demand integrated hospitality strategies that go beyond accommodation to create emotional resonance.
- Fan happiness is increasingly tied to immersive, identity-driven experiences.
- Cross-sector collaboration - between real estate, hospitality, and entertainment - is vital for sustaining momentum after mega events.
- Moderation that bridges visionary projects with human experience ensures conversations remain grounded and impactful.
