Athens Riviera Summit 2024 | Outlook into Emerging Trends and Investment Synergies:

Summary

The discussion features key insights from Minister Al Hashim of Saudi Arabia and Mr. Manuel Mustakas of IRC on global infrastructure and real estate trends. They explore the impact of AI, smart cities, and green energy initiatives. Emphasis is placed on the importance of technology, collaboration, and human-centric approaches in shaping future infrastructure. They also highlight the evolving investment models in hospitality and the benefits of expertise in large projects. The conversation underscores the significance of international partnerships, particularly between Saudi Arabia and Greece, to drive sustainable growth and innovation.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The discussion features Minister Al Hashim from Saudi Arabia and Mr. Manuel Mustakas from IRC, highlighting their roles in global infrastructure and real estate development.
• 📊 Key trends shaping the future of infrastructure and real estate include climate change, Net Zero targets, demographic shifts, and post-pandemic impacts.
• 💡 Technology, particularly AI and smart city concepts, is crucial for the development and efficiency of infrastructure and real estate.
• 🔒 Cybersecurity is a significant concern as the adoption of smart technologies increases, requiring robust measures to protect critical infrastructure.
• ♻️ Circular economies and sustainability practices, such as recycling wastewater for irrigation, are becoming more prevalent in urban planning.
• 🌳 Saudi Arabia's Neom project is a major example of a green, smart city powered entirely by renewable energy, highlighting the kingdom's commitment to sustainability.
• 🤝 Collaboration between operators, developers, and investors is essential for optimizing risks and leveraging expertise in real estate projects.
• 🏗️ There is a shift in the real estate industry towards separating the roles of investor, developer, and operator to manage risks more effectively.
• 🧠 Advanced skills and expertise are necessary to integrate new technologies and optimize the operation of large infrastructure projects.
• 🇸🇦🇬🇷 Saudi Arabia and Greece have a strong historical and cultural relationship, with significant opportunities for collaboration in tourism, energy, and digital infrastructure.

Q & A

Who are the two gentlemen being introduced at the beginning of the discussion?

Minister Al Hashim, Assistant Deputy Minister of Investment and Development from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Mr. Manuel Mustakas, Chairman of the IRC.

What is Minister Al Hashim's vision for the global infrastructure and real estate sector in the coming years?

Minister Al Hashim envisions that global challenges like climate change, net zero targets, shifts in demographics, and new consumption methods will drive the future of real estate and infrastructure. He highlights the importance of adopting new technologies, particularly AI, and emphasizes the need for smart cities and green economies.

What are some key trends mentioned by Minister Al Hashim that will shape the future of infrastructure and real estate?

Key trends include the adoption of AI and technology, the shift towards smart cities, green energy and economies, and the importance of cybersecurity in protecting critical infrastructure.

How does Minister Al Hashim describe the role of smart technologies in future infrastructure?

Smart technologies, including smart meters and sensors, will help optimize resource usage, improve efficiency, and enhance the quality of life. These technologies enable better data collection and analytics, which guide more efficient infrastructure management.

What challenges does Minister Al Hashim highlight regarding the integration of smart technologies?

He mentions the challenges of cybersecurity and the need to secure infrastructure and grids from cyber attacks, which could impact critical services like hospitals and schools.

How does Minister Al Hashim propose to make infrastructure more sustainable?

By adopting technologies that support green energy, implementing circular economies, reusing wastewater for irrigation, and creating projects like Neom, which will be powered entirely by renewable energy.

What is Mr. Manuel Mustakas's view on the changing models of investment in the hospitality industry?

Mr. Mustakas observes a shift where companies are now collaborating in development and operation, optimizing risk allocation and leveraging each other's expertise to create more robust and resilient investments.

How does the collaboration model benefit the integrated Casino Resort project according to Mr. Mustakas?

By having different parties handle different aspects—such as an experienced operator like Hardrock and a developer/investor—risks are better managed, leading to a more successful and resilient project.

What are the key benefits of having specialized partners in large infrastructure and real estate projects?

Specialized partners bring expertise in their respective fields, leading to better integration of advanced technologies, optimized operations, and improved overall project outcomes.

How can Greece and Saudi Arabia build on their renewed bilateral relations to create shared opportunities?

Minister Al Hashim suggests leveraging their long-standing historical and cultural ties, collaborating in tourism, energy, digital infrastructure, and by investing in human capital to ensure sustainable and mutually beneficial growth.