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CITYSCAPE TALKS AGENDA

DAY 2: THURSDAY, 26 NOVEMBER 2026

Commercial, Retail and Hospitality

2:00 PM
Opening

Opening and welcome remarks by Emcee

2:05 PM
Panel Discussion

Smart Cities: From vision to real world development

Speakers

Eng. Fawaz Jasim AlQasimi
Board Member, Bahrain Smart City Society,
Dr. Raweya Khalifa AlMannai
Bahrain Smart City Society
Ayman M. Buheji
Naseej
Eng. Mohamed Shabeer Dadabai
UN-Habitat

2:40 PM
Panel Discussion

Mixed-use development and managing the communities of tomorrow

As mixed-use and jointly owned developments become more prevalent, effective property and strata management are critical to long-term asset performance and resident satisfaction. This session will highlight both successes and ongoing challenges in areas such as service charge management, infrastructure upkeep, stakeholder coordination, and long-term governance structures.

Speakers

Kalyan Subramanian
KPMG
Manal AlBayat
Edamah
Noor A. AlRashedi
SAP Europe, Middle East and Africa
Mohamed Abdulaziz Ali
Digital City, Beyon

3:20 PM
Panel Discussion

Hospitality recovery and tourism-led growth

Bahrain’s hotel sector is seeing steady RevPAR and occupancy growth, supported by stronger tourism flows and regional travel demand. The discussion will also broaden beyond traditional hotel performance to examine how tourism is increasingly shaping real estate investment opportunities in Bahrain. It will highlight the growing relevance of timeshare models, branded residences, and tourism-linked mixed-use developments as part of the next phase of market evolution. Speakers will explore how the convergence of hospitality and real estate is creating new asset classes, new revenue streams, and new investment structures.

Speakers

Matthew Benett
Cushman and Wakefield
Ahmed Khalfan
Amwaj Beachfront

4:00 PM
Presentation/Fireside chat

The future of malls and destination experiences

Retail real estate in Bahrain is evolving beyond traditional shopping to become fully integrated lifestyle destinations. This session explores how malls and retail developments are being reimagined to combine retail, dining, entertainment, and leisure to drive footfall and long-term value. It will also examine how operators are adapting tenant mix and asset strategies to remain competitive in a changing consumer landscape.

4:20 PM
Panel Discussion

Developer finance & capital markets

Funding strategies for real estate developers, including bonds, sukuk, syndicated loans, private credit, project finance, and alternative capital sources. The session explores capital market trends, financing structures, refinancing strategies, and access to funding across different stages of the development cycle.

Speakers

Khaled Zowayed
Baker Mackenzie
Ahmed Kamel Al Sharaf
Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning

5:00 PM 

Bahrain national urban observatory: Strategic plan and its role in decision-making

An introduction to urban observatories, including the vision and mission of Bahrain’s National Urban Observatory, its alignment with Bahrain Economic Vision 2030, its operational mechanisms and its role in supporting evidence-based decision-making.

Speakers

Dr. Mohamed Tolba
AFM Consultant Group
Mohamed A. Ra’afat
Urban Planning and Development Authority

5:20 PM
Break

Networking Break

 

Consumer Topics: Focused on Visitors and Homebuyers

 

5:40 PM
Panel Discussion

Banking, finance & mortgages

Mortgage market trends, real estate financing, project funding, and housing affordability.

Speakers

Rushdi Kikhia
Deloitte & Touche - Middle East - Bahrain
Taha Alawadi
KFH Bahrain
Ebrahim Jasim
Eskan Bank
Mohammed Zainalabedin
Bahrain Bank of Kuwait

6:20 PM
Presentation/Fireside chat

Secondary real estate markets: Creating liquidity and exit options

This session explores how secondary transactions, asset repositioning, and district revitalization strategies are enabling more active market participation and creating value in older stock. It will also examine what this means for overall market depth, investor exits, and long-term confidence in Bahrain’s real estate sector.

6:40 PM
Presentation/Fireside chat

Investor confidence in a high-activity market

Despite ongoing uncertainty, real estate transactions remain strong, driven by sustained investor appetite and selective capital deployment. This session explores the private sector view on what is sustaining deal flow, including risk-adjusted returns, liquidity, IRR expectations, and relative asset class attractiveness. It will also examine how investors are allocating capital today and the key factors shaping confidence and decision-making in the current market.

7:00 PM

Powering AI: The real estate behind the digital revolution

Learn to layer climate-friendly textures, incorporate local heritage pieces, and select statement lighting that elevates your space. Discover the "rule of three" for styling surfaces, budget-friendly sourcing from local artisans, and seasonal refresh strategies that keep your home feeling current without renovation. Whether finishing a new property or updating your existing space, you'll gain practical techniques to create a thoughtfully curated home that truly reflects you. 

Speaker

Sarah Al Abbasi
Amlak Real Estate Company

7:45 PM

End of Cityscape Talks Day 2

See the day 3 agenda