24
Kuwait Financial Centre S.A.K “Markaz” R E S E A R C H July 2007 Saudi Arabia: Real Estate Overview Executive Summary Saudi Arabian real estate market is poised for further growth driven by structural factors that are enduring in nature. Being the largest country in the GCC region enjoying high population growth and advantageous demographic structure (over 70% of the population is under age 30), the residential segment is expected to experience under supply situation for some time to come. Weak mortgage law has restricted the growth of this segment so far forcing individuals to fund housing purchase mostly through own means. Introduction of new mortgage law will see banks and financial institutions playing an increased role towards housing finance. Housing market will also see entry of new companies geared towards providing finance. An estimated 150,000 new housing units are expected to be in demand annually with 70% of that coming from Riyadh, Jeddah and Mecca alone. Only about 70% of that demand is being currently met. Increased life expectancy, reducing unemployment, decreasing family sizes, increasing personal disposable income, new avenues for funding with affordable interest rates can all come together as strong triggers for a structural growth in the residential segment. The unexpected increase in oil price and its re-rating to a higher level than what was budgeted is triggering an economic and liquidity boom leading to increased spending levels by government. Expenditure allocation for 2007 at over SAR 100 billion is the highest ever in the history of the Kingdom. This augurs well for commercial segments. The launch of “economic cities” with a targeted investment of more than SAR 280 billion will provide the stimulus for growth for this segment. Other segments like retail and hospitality are also experiencing strong demand triggers like changing consumer behavior and KSA as a destination for religious tourism. We believe that some of these positive drivers are already imbedded in the real estate Prices. Property prices are believed to have increased at the rate of 10% to 15% p.a. while land prices have increased by 17% to 20% p.a. during the last 3 years. Similarly rental rates have also increased by an estimated 20%-25% p.a in major cities. However, these price increases did not seep through the economy in the form of increased inflation as is the case with Qatar and UAE. While we believe that prices are increasing, when benchmarked with other cities in the region (like Dubai and Doha), KSA still offers potential for further growth backed by improving regulations. (Appendix 11) In the short to medium time horizon, only an unexpected economic contraction and/or geopolitical development may derail the positive outlook for the real estate market in KSA. Other potential risks to the sector would be a further stock market correction as we believe Saudi investors are equally exposed to these two major asset classes. July 2007 Research Highlights: Examining the trends and developments concerning the real estate sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia MENA Real Estate Team Kuwait Financial Centre S.A.K. “Markaz” P.O. Box 23444, Safat 13095, Tel Kuwait Tel: +965 224 8000 Fax: +965 242 5828 www.markaz.com

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Kuwait Financial Centre S.A.K “Markaz” R E S E A R C H

July 2007

Saudi Arabia: Real Estate

Overview Executive Summary

Saudi Arabian real estate market is poised for further growth driven by structural factors that are enduring in nature. Being the largest country in the GCC region enjoying high population growth and advantageous demographic structure (over 70% of the population is under age 30), the residential segment is expected to experience under supply situation for some time to come. Weak mortgage law has restricted the growth of this segment so far forcing individuals to fund housing purchase mostly through own means. Introduction of new mortgage law will see banks and financial institutions playing an increased role towards housing finance. Housing market will also see entry of new companies geared towards providing finance. An estimated 150,000 new housing units are expected to be in demand annually with 70% of that coming from Riyadh, Jeddah and Mecca alone. Only about 70% of that demand is being currently met. Increased life expectancy, reducing unemployment, decreasing family sizes, increasing personal disposable income, new avenues for funding with affordable interest rates can all come together as strong triggers for a structural growth in the residential segment. The unexpected increase in oil price and its re-rating to a higher level than what was budgeted is triggering an economic and liquidity boom leading to increased spending levels by government. Expenditure allocation for 2007 at over SAR 100 billion is the highest ever in the history of the Kingdom. This augurs well for commercial segments. The launch of “economic cities” with a targeted investment of more than SAR 280 billion will provide the stimulus for growth for this segment. Other segments like retail and hospitality are also experiencing strong demand triggers like changing consumer behavior and KSA as a destination for religious tourism. We believe that some of these positive drivers are already imbedded in the real estate Prices. Property prices are believed to have increased at the rate of 10% to 15% p.a. while land prices have increased by 17% to 20% p.a. during the last 3 years. Similarly rental rates have also increased by an estimated 20%-25% p.a in major cities. However, these price increases did not seep through the economy in the form of increased inflation as is the case with Qatar and UAE. While we believe that prices are increasing, when benchmarked with other cities in the region (like Dubai and Doha), KSA still offers potential for further growth backed by improving regulations. (Appendix 11) In the short to medium time horizon, only an unexpected economic contraction and/or geopolitical development may derail the positive outlook for the real estate market in KSA. Other potential risks to the sector would be a further stock market correction as we believe Saudi investors are equally exposed to these two major asset classes.

July 2007

Research Highlights:

Examining the trends and developments concerning the real estate sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

MENA Real Estate Team

Kuwait Financial Centre

S.A.K. “Markaz”

P.O. Box 23444, Safat 13095, Tel Kuwait Tel: +965 224 8000 Fax: +965 242 5828 www.markaz.com

R E S E A R C H July 2007

Kuwait Financial Centre S.A.K. “Markaz”

2

1. Discussion on components of the real estate

market

Exhibit 1: Segments of real estate market

Commercial

30%

Housing

70%

Office

Industrial

Hospitality/Leisure

Retail

Traditional Houses

Villas

Apartments

Duplex

Saudi real estate market structure

I. Housing segment

a) Structure

The size of the housing market in Saudi Arabia is estimated at SAR 67 – SAR 78 Bn, which is around 70% of the total real estate market. Occupancy in apartments represented the majority of the real estate market at 32.70% in 2004. Mecca dominates the segment primarily due to its religious tourism potential. It is interesting to note that traditional houses dominate the structure in Mecca along with apartments. Riyadh has more or less a balanced structure between apartments and villas. (Exhibit 2) Saudi British Bank (SAAB) estimates around 45% of the total population of Saudi Arabia occupying rented accommodation. Exhibit 2: Segments of residential markets & occupancy trends

Housing occupancy by type

29.80%

9.10%

20.20%

8.10%

32.70%

Apartments Traditional houses Duplex Villas Others

Source: SAMBA

The size of the housing market in Saudi Arabia is estimated at SAR 67 – SAR 78 Bn. Mecca dominates the residential segment due to religious tourism.

R E S E A R C H July 2007

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Housing occupancy by cities

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

450

500

Riy

adh

Mec

ca

Eas

tern

Pro

v.

Jaza

n

Asi

r

Al-Q

asee

m

Mad

inah

Al-Bah

a

Nor

ther

n B

ord

Tab

uk

Naj

ran

Al-Jo

wf

(00

0 u

nit

s)

Apartments Villas Duplex Traditional house

Source: SAMBA

b) Financing

I. State of the Real estate Financing market in Saudi Arabia

The majority of financing for the housing segment is by the private sector (75%) till 2004 (Exhibit 3). The government sponsored financing under the Real Estate Development Fund (REDF), which has a zero interest rate policy, accounted for a minority share. The low penetration of financing for housing can be mainly attributed to the unavailability of a mortgage law. This resulted in the absence of collateral for the banks to fund housing projects. However, reports indicate that the government is working on a draft mortgage law and is expected to be launched in the current year. Exhibit 3: Trends in Financing

Number of houses in "000" 's sponsored by various

agencies between 2000-2004

3990

61024.5 250

Private sector REDF Rush Public

Housing

Progaramme

(Government

Scheme)

Other

governmental

agencies

Source: Ministry of Economy and Planning

II. State of Government financing

The zero interest rate policy led to an upsurge in the number of applicants and resulted in high amount of wait list applicants. As at the end of 2004 (Seventh plan), the number of wait list applicants is estimated at 400,000 by the Ministry of Economy and Planning. This resulted in an increase in fund size by SAR 9 Bn in 2004 however, still low as a percentage of total credit offered to the sector. (Exhibit 4)

75% of the residential financing in Saudi Arabia is by way of private financing. REDF, the government funded, loan scheme forms a small part of the financing market in Saudi Arabia.

R E S E A R C H July 2007

Kuwait Financial Centre S.A.K. “Markaz”

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Exhibit 4: REDF Loan disbursement trend

2,261

1,773

2,516

3,965

1,8812,232 2,264

0.30% 0.35% 0.36% 0.33%0.25%

0.33%

0.50%

0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

3,000

3,500

4,000

4,500

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

0.00%

0.10%

0.20%

0.30%

0.40%

0.50%

0.60%

Loan disbursement by REDF (SAR mn) (LHS) Share of GDP (RHS)

Source: SAMA

III. Bank Credit

Bank financing to the real estate housing segment has been hampered by the unavailability of a mortgage law. This has resulted in low percentage of total credit issued to the building and construction segment at around 7% during the last 3-4 years. Banks and private finance companies tend to shy away from this segment as most of the financing is without securitization. However, taking into consideration the expected release of a mortgage law during the current year, many companies waiting on the sidelines to enter this lucrative segment. In April 2007, Dar Al Arkan, Kingdom Installment, Arab National Bank and International Finance Corporation (IFC) entered into a joint venture with capital of SR2 billion (US$533.2 million) to launch a mortgage financing company in Saudi Arabia. Apart from financing companies, corporate houses such as Saudi Aramco and SABIC also provide housing finance through its subsidiaries at discounted rates to its employees. Exhibit 5: Bank credit to building & construction segment

Bank credit to building & construction sector

16,74620,982 21,955 23,057

31,72636,774 37,845

9%9%9%

7%

7% 8% 7%

0

10,000

20,000

30,000

40,000

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 1Q 07

SR

million

s

0.0%

2.0%

4.0%

6.0%

8.0%

10.0%

Bank credit to building & construction % of total bank credit

Source: Ministry of economy & Planning

Bank financing is expected to gain ground once the new mortgage law is released.

R E S E A R C H July 2007

Kuwait Financial Centre S.A.K. “Markaz”

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c) Demand & Supply

Demand outstrips supply in Saudi Arabia for housing units. The total number of houses required as per the eighth plan is 730,000 houses by end of 2009 (Table -1 ). This translates into an annual requirement of roughly 150,000 housing units. The current supply is roughly estimated at 100,000 units, thereby leaving a gap of 33%. The under supply situation as estimated by Ministry of Economy & Planning (MEP) in Riyadh alone is at 270,000 units. This under supply can be related to lack of adequate financing options. The scenario magnifies in value terms if we look at the expected shift in consumer preferences in demand. SAAB expects a decline in traditional rural houses and a shift in consumer preferences towards Duplex’s (Exhibit - 6).

This will mean an increase in number of houses of higher value and a need for an increase in financing options to acquire the same.

Table 1: Demand & Supply for housing (2005 - 2009) (Houses in

“000’s”)

New Demand Replacement

Demand Total Demand

Regio

n

Un-

satisf

ied

supply

as

at t

he

end o

f 2004

% o

f to

tal

supply

as

at e

nd

2004

No:

of

House

s

% o

f to

tal

No:

of

House

s

% o

f to

tal

No:

of

House

s

% o

f to

tal

Riyadh 40 14.8 160 25.5 20 19.5 180 24.7

Makkah 44 16.3 170 27 25 24.4 195 26.7

Madinah

20 7.4 34 5.4 5 4.9 39 5.3

Qassim 12 4.4 20 3.2 5 4.9 25 3.4

East Region

27 10 118 18.8 20 19.5 138 18.9

Assir 32 11.9 30 4.8 5 4.9 35 4.8

Tabuk 12 4.4 13.5 2.2 4 3.9 17.5 2.4

Hail 19 7 15 2.4 3 2.9 18 2.5

Northern Borders

8 3 7 1.1 1.5 1.5 8.5 1.2

Jazan 30 11.1 30 4.8 5 4.9 35 4.8

Najran 8 3 7 1.1 2 1.9 9 1.2

Baha 8 3 11 1.8 5 4.9 16 2.2

Jouf 10 3.7 12 1.9 2 1.9 14 1.9

Total 270 100 627.5 100 102.5 100 730 100

Source: Ministry of planning

Demand outstrips supply in the residential segment in Saudi Arabia.

R E S E A R C H July 2007

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Exhibit 6: Change in preferences - Demand

29.832.7

9.1

20.9

8.16

3532

22

5

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

Traditional

rural houses

Apartments Duplex Villas Others

2004 (%) 2027 (%)

Source: SABB

d) Prices

The scenario of demand outstripping supply has resulted in prices increasing significantly. In the absence of established statistics, providing accurate price points becomes challenging. However, recent research estimates point to an average annual price increase of 9% in Saudi Arabia between 2002 and 2005. (Exhibit 7) This we believe, leaves further room for an increase in both property prices and rental rates. The rental rates, even though have increased by 21% on an average between November 2004 – November 2006 in Riyadh, is still lower than most other cities in the GCC region. Rental levels for a two-bedroom apartment in Riyadh at $680 is the lowest in the GCC region and is only 35% of what prevails in Doha (Qatar).

Exhibit 7: Annual price increases – Residential segment

Annual price increase (2002-2005) (%)

7.79.1 9.1 9.1 9.36

11.8

Jeddah Riyadh Medinah Eastern

Province

Average

price

increase in

Saudi Arabia

Mecca

Recent research estimates point out to an average annual price increase of 9%. Rental rates have also increased by 21% in Riyadh between November 2004 and November 2005.

R E S E A R C H July 2007

Kuwait Financial Centre S.A.K. “Markaz”

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e) Drivers of residential market

Demand Driver Signal Justification

Population Positive Annual population growth of 2.4% during the last 14 years expected to sustain till 2025. (Appendix - 5 )

Demographics Positive Proportion of young population of age below 15 years at 38.2%

Personal disposable incomes

Positive Per capita GDP nearly doubled to USD 15,210 in 2007 from a modest USD 8553 (2002).

Low cost government financing

Positive Thrust on amount of low-cost credit issued by REDF is expected to be enhanced going forward.

Interest rates Neutral The interest rates in Saudi Arabia are closely track US interest rates. Current prognosis on interest rates is an expectation of either remaining flat or even decreasing.

II. Commercial segment

A. Office

Demand for office space is outstripping supply in Saudi Arabia. According to Colliers International, the vacancy rates of the commercial offices in prime locations such as Riyadh and Jeddah stood at 2% and 5%, respectively at the end of second quarter of 2006. This undersupply and low vacancy rates have triggered a price increase in the office segment too. On an average, the annual price increases in the office segment have been higher than that in the residential segment (Exhibit 8). Another estimate points out to supply of new office space to come on stream only in 2008. This is expected to keep the rental rates firm.

Average rent increase,% rise

(Nov-2004-Nov2006)

21%

24%

27%

29%

66%

83%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Riyadh

Kuwait

Manama

Muscat

Dubai

Doha

Rent for Two-bedroom Apartment

in 2006 (US$ permonth)

680

700

710

860

1,850

1,930

0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500

Riyadh

Muscat

Manama

Kuwait

Dubai

Doha

Source: Gulf talent.com, SAMBA

All the demand drivers for the residential segment are indicating towards a positive environment ahead. Low vacancy rates pushing the prices in the commercial segment.

R E S E A R C H July 2007

Kuwait Financial Centre S.A.K. “Markaz”

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Exhibit 8: Annual price increases – Office segment

Annual price increase (2002-2005) (%)

9.110.5 10.5 10.74 11.8 11.8

02468

101214

Eastern

province

Jeddah Medinah Average

price

increase in

Saudi

Arabia

Riyadh Mecca

Demand Driver Signal Justification

Business environment Positive High fiscal surplus backed by private sector growth provides a strong business backdrop. Budge surplus for year 2006 is estimated at SAR 266 billion of which nearly 15% is estimated to have been channeled to development projects. We expect to see a substantial increase in the future. Strong private sector growth along with accession to WTO also provides strength to this segment.

Economic Cities Positive The creation of economic cities is a major effort towards positioning Saudi Arabia competitively vis-à-vis other players in the region as well as globally. The concept of economic cities is intended to trigger opportunities for many anciliary industries as well apart from real estate.

B. Retail

There is a build up of retail space in Saudi Arabia. This is due to the lower retail space available in Saudi Arabia as percentage to its GDP as compared to its peers in the GCC region like UAE (Exhibit 9). At present, approximately 14.7 Mn Sq.ft is under construction in Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar. According to the Middle East Council of Shopping Centre, an additional 16 million square feet of retail space will be added to the existing retail space in the two main cities, Jeddah and Riyadh, over the next five years.

Saudi Arabia has witnessed a 10.74% annual average increase in prices of commercial property between 2002 and 2005. There is a significant build up of retail space.

R E S E A R C H July 2007

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Exhibit 9: Retail space distribution in Gross Leasable Area (GLA)

43%

30%

10%

8%

7% 2%

UAE Saudi Arabia Kuwait Qatar Bahrain Oman

Source: Retail International

Drivers of retail segment

Demand Driver Signal Justification

Regulations Positive Entry into WTO has led to a relaxation of regulations. Foreign retailers are now permitted to hold up to 51% of local companies. This has led to a number of multi nationals setting shop. Carrefour is planning to open 18 new hypermarkets.

Increase in GDP/capita Positive The high oil prices have resulted in an increase in GDP per capita figures in Saudi Arabia. This has also resulted in an increase in personal disposable incomes. This is a strong driver for entry of retail chains.

Change in consumer behavior

Positive The aspiration levels of consumers have increased providing opportunities for retailers to meet this aspiration through provision of enhanced choices..

C. Hospitality & Tourism

The increasing amount of tourists is expected to keep the investments into this segment on a rise. According to the Ministry of Tourism, the current capacity of hotels cannot handle the number of tourists expected to visit the Kingdom. Consequently, there has been a major push to increase the number of hotel rooms in Saudi Arabia. According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of Saudi Arabia, the number of hotels operating in the Kingdom stood at 1,049 toward the end of 2005, with total room capacity estimated at 104,000. Furthermore, during the 1Q07, occupancy rates for Kingdom’s hotels averaged 84.4%. To accommodate the large number of tourists, the government and the private sector would have to provide 50,000 additional hotel rooms and 74,000 newly furnished apartments.

Occupancy rates in hotels in Saudi Arabia are averaging at around 85%. .

SAR 300 Bn worth of new licenses are being issued in

R E S E A R C H July 2007

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Table:2 Projected tourism trips in Mn 2010 2015 2020

Domestic tourism trips 76.7 97.9 128

Inbound tourism trips 9.4 11.0 13.1

Total Inbound and domestic trips 86.2 109.0 141.1

Source: Ministry of Tourism

D. Industrial segment

The industrial segment of Saudi Arabia is a benefactor of the government due to the latter’s focus is in diversifying the economy. The Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) provided licenses to 3,608 projects worth SR292.7 billion until March 2006. SAGIA plans to provide licenses to new investment projects worth more than SR300 billion in 2007. The industrial sector in the Kingdom is expected to witness accelerated growth as the Saudi government has relaxed restrictions on foreign investments and private investors. The government is encouraging the establishment of small and medium scale industries. Within the industrial sector, foreign investments in infrastructural areas such as transport, logistics and telecommunications are expected to increase substantially. The transportation sector in Saudi Arabia holds great potential for development and growth. Industry sources estimate that approximately US$50 billion will be invested in several expansion programs at various airports and seaports. The Saudi Railway Organization (SRO) is planning to establish two more railway lines linking Jeddah and Jizan as well as Taif and Khamis Mushayt. SRO has already signed a SR3.3mn contract with an engineering consultancy firm to conduct a feasibility study on the two railway lines. Furthermore, the Saudi Seaports Authority is building a new passenger terminal at King Abdul Aziz Port in Dammam. The terminal will service passengers between Dammam and Dubai. The proposed berth will initially serve passenger liners between Dammam and Dubai and will later extend to other Arabian Gulf countries.

III. Economic Cities The basic foundation for the creation of economic cities in Saudi Arabia is to position Saudi Arabia competitively in terms of global ranking. The country has embarked on a “10x10” program which aims to improve Saudi Arabia’s ranking to be within the top 10 investment destination by the year 2010. A fundamental trigger to such an ambition is the creation of “economic cities”. (Appendix 9). So far, there were four economic cities launched across the Kingdom with an investment value of SAR 268 Bn.

R E S E A R C H July 2007

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Exhibit 10: Distribution of investments across economic cities

IV. Stock market performance

The market cap of real estate stocks in Saudi Arabia form 13% of the total market cap of all the real estate stocks in the GCC region. (Appendix – 8). This is a lower representation of the segment in the equity market as compared to Kuwait, where the share is 22%%. On the performance front, real estate stocks in Saudi have underperformed the benchmark during the last one year. The real estate stocks in the last one year proved to be more riskier than the benchmark itself. Emaar economic city generated the lowest return and Red sea housing generated the highest risk. (Exhibit 11) In spite of the decline, the real estate stocks continue to trade at a wide premium to the benchmark in terms of price to earnings ratio. The real estate stocks also are generating lower dividend yield as compared to the benchmark. Exhibit 11: Risk & Return chart for Saudi Arabia real estate stock

Emmar Economic City

Makkah Construction

Saudi Real Estate

Red Sea Housing

SASI

-3.50

-3.00

-2.50

-2.00

-1.50

5.00 7.00 9.00 11.00 13.00 15.00 17.00

An

nu

alised

Retu

rn 1

Year

%

Annualised Risk % 1 Year

Real Estate Stocks and Benchmark Performance (23-July-2006 to 24-June-2007)

The real estate stocks proved to be more riskier than the benchmark in the last one year.

Economic cities Investments

SAR268 Bn

King Abdullah

Economic City

(Jeddah)

SAR100 Bn

Knowledge

Economic City. (Al-

Madhinah)

Investments

SAR26 Bn

Prince Abdulaziz

Bin Mousaed

Economic City

(Hail)

Investments

SAR30 Bn

Jazan Economic

City (Jizan)

Investments

SAR113 Bn

R E S E A R C H July 2007

Kuwait Financial Centre S.A.K. “Markaz”

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Exhibit: 11 Valuation landscape

% Price change 1 year

-44.42-50.75

-63.95

N.AN.ASaudi In

dex

Red s

ea

housi

ng

Saudi Real

Est

Makkah

Const

ruct

ion

Em

aar

the

Eco

nom

ic

City

% Price change 1 year

13 16.07

31.84 30.86

-50.75

-63.95

N.A as

earnigs are

negative

-44.42

N.A N.ASaudi In

dex

Red s

ea

housi

ng

Saudi Real

Est

Makk

ah

Const

ruct

ion

Em

aar

the

Eco

nom

ic

City

R E S E A R C H July 2007

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13

Dividend yield (%)

3.60

1.42

2.48

3.50

N.A. as

earnigs are

negative

Saudi In

dex

Red s

ea

housi

ng

Saudi Real

Est

Makkah

Const

ruct

ion

Em

aar

the

Eco

nom

ic

City

Price to Book ratio (x)

3.00

4.75

3.242.59

3.53

Saudi Index Red sea

housing

Saudi Real

Est

Makkah

Construction

Emaar the

Economic

City

R E S E A R C H July 2007

Appendix: 1 - Projects plan time line

R E S E A R C H July 2007

Appendix 2: Contribution of real estate & construction to GDP

Contribution Of Real Estate and Construction Sector to GDP

13.2%

14.0%

13.2%13.4%

13.3%

12.5%

13.0%

13.5%

14.0%

14.5%

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

%

Contribution to GDP (%)

Source: SAMA

Appendix 3: Contribution of real estate & construction to GDP

Source: SAMA

Bank credit to building & construction sector

0

10,000

20,000

30,000

40,000

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 1Q 07

SR millions

0.0%

2.0%

4.0%

6.0%

8.0%

10.0%

Bank credit to building & construction % of total bank credit

R E S E A R C H

July 2007

Kuwait Financial Centre S.A.K. “Markaz”

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Appendix 4: Cost of Living Index

Year

Renovation,

rent,fuel & water General

2000 100.1 97.8

2002 100.0 98.0

2003 100.0 98.6

2004 100.3 98.92005 100.0 99.6

2006 101.0 101.8

2007Q1 104.9 104.2

Economic activity

Source: SAMA

Appendix 5: Interest rates on 1 year Saudi Riyal deposit

Interest rate on one year Saudi Riyal deposit

4.066

2.810

1.9472.318

4.170

5.284 5.053

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 1Q 07

Interest rate on one year Saudi Riyal deposit

Source: SAMA

R E S E A R C H

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Kuwait Financial Centre S.A.K. “Markaz”

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Appendix 6: Saudi population

Kingdom population in million

16.95 18.13 19.520.97 22.02

23.7

37.2

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

1992 1995 1998 2001 2003 2006 2025E

mil

lio

ns

CAGR (1992-2006): 2.4%

s

Source: CDS

Appendix 7: Money supply in the Saudi economy

Money Supply in Saudi economy

340395 410

500560

680 678

-

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 1Q 07

SR

bil

lio

ns

Money Supply in SR billion Source: SAMA

R E S E A R C H

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Appendix 8: Comparative matrix of real estate companies

Large Real Estate Companies in GCC

Name Country

Market Cap

(Mn Dollars)

Close (Lc)

% Price

Chg 1Y PE (x) P/B (X)

Price to

sales (x)

Dividend yield (%)

EMAAR PROPERTIES UAE 20169 12.15 2.53 11.52 2.47 5.29 1.65

EMAAR ECON CITY Saudi 3456 15.25 N.A N.A 1.53 N.A N.A

ALDAR PROPERTIES UAE 3283 7.01 12.74 8.74 3.69 77.63 1.14

SOROUH REAL EST UAE 2784 4.11 7.92 17.40 N.A N.A 2.44

UNION PROP UAE 2531 3.34 22.79 15.29 2.04 3.68 0.00

NATL REAL EST Kuwait 1516 0.59 11.23 11.96 2.06 7.93 5.15

MAKKAH CONSTRUCT Saudi 1505 34.25 -63.95 30.86 2.59 22.58 3.50

MABANEE CO Kuwait 1487 1.18 123.79 42.24 6.25 35.34

COMMERCIAL R.E. Kuwait 1441 0.29 2.60 11.31 2.09 15.56 3.90

Small Real Estate Companies in GCC

ARAB TECH CONST UAE 975 5.99 92.42 15.84 4.57 1.27 2.17

SAUDI REAL EST Saudi 968 30.25 -50.75 31.84 1.24 22.48 2.48

RAK PROPERTIES UAE 948 1.74 -7.45 7.50 1.36 14.99 N.A

TAMDEEN REAL EST Kuwait 695 0.59 43.90 44.03 1.30 11.04 1.92

QA REAL EST CO Qatar 681 34.50 5.85 20.64 1.47 8.03 N.A

SALHIAH REAL EST Kuwait 616 0.49 -14.62 3.45 1.32 4.86 7.72

KWT REAL EST Kuwait 544 0.19 -12.84 N.A 1.13 20.68 0.00

THEMAR Kuwait 471 0.13 -2.90 17.70 1.30 116.66 5.97

RED SEA HOUSING Saudi 464 58 N.A 16.07 4.75 4.20 1.42

GRAND REAL EST Kuwait 461 0.37 -24.48 8.73 1.65 6.46 2.28

UNITED REAL EST Kuwait 447 0.19 -12.90 8.23 1.26 11.03 7.12

INTL INVEST PROJ Kuwait 378 0.18 -32.59 N.A 2.39 N.A 0.00

INJAZZAT RE EST Kuwait 287 0.28 4.31 7.96 1.54 6.20 4.96

ARAB REAL EST CO Kuwait 276 0.17 10.26 21.77 1.12 9.79 0.00

AL ENMAA REA EST Kuwait 244 0.18 -11.64 1.88 1.27 2.34 5.56

AJIAL REAL EST Kuwait 236 0.41 28.86 16.66 0.85 49.30 4.69

TIJARA& REAL EST Kuwait 235 0.18 -24.79 8.70 1.25 31.55 6.82

AAYAN REAL EST Kuwait 187 0.30 -14.29 11.00 1.93 9.99 3.03

KWT R.E.HOLDING Kuwait 160 0.15 -28.70 21.18 1.16 9.80 0.00

JEEZAN REAL EST Kuwait 157 0.20 -29.82 N.A 1.35 N.A 0.00

GRND RE TOUR DEV Kuwait 145 0.14 -10.58 166.27 1.91 46.65 0.00

UNION REAL EST Kuwait 138 0.21 9.20 12.65 1.10 11.51 4.81

PEARL REAL EST Kuwait 137 0.17 4.88 286.67 1.48 29.41 0.00

AL-MASSALEH R.E. Kuwait 135 0.18 -8.08 N.A 0.89 9.36 2.75

ARKAN ALKWT R.E. Kuwait 129 0.18 N.A N.A 1.57 121.93 2.63

AL KHALEEJ DEV Kuwait 128 0.28 15.45 5.20 1.21 3.23 8.38

UNITED PROJ CO Kuwait 120 0.42 18.46 13.38 1.53 5.69 2.16

TAMEER R.E. INV Kuwait 110 0.13 -5.71 N.A 0.87 25.51 3.79

AQAR REAL EST Kuwait 102 0.14 1.49 38.42 1.22 86.25 0.00

SANAM REAL EST Kuwait 67 0.29 13.93 4.26 1.99 34.48 N.A

AL MOWASAT HLDG Kuwait 62 0.22 N.A 16.68 1.29 1.46 N.A

GULF HORIZON Kuwait 49 0.47 N.A N.A 3.73 57.09 N.A

Source: Reuters

R E S E A R C H

July 2007

Kuwait Financial Centre S.A.K. “Markaz”

19

Appendix 9: Economic cities

Table: 3 - The Economic Cities - Snapshot

Economic

City Project Details

Size

(Mn Sq.Mtrs)

Estimated

Cost (SAR Bn) Ownership

Sea Port 14.0

Industrial Zone 63.0

Central Business District (mixed use zone including commercial, hotel, retail and Financial Island)

3.8

Resort District 3.5

Educational Zone and Residential Communities

51.0

Others 32.7

King Abdullah

Economic City (Jeddah)

Total 168.0

100.16

Emmar properties

thru five subsidiaries (44.70%),

Emmar middle

east (5.88%), other

corporates (19.42%) and

Public (30%)

Taiba Complex for Technology

and Knowledge-based Economy. NA

Technological and Administrative Colleges.

NA

Theme Park "Seera Land". NA

Islamic Civilization Studies Centre.

NA

Complex for Medical Studies,

Biological Sciences and Health Services.

NA

Complete Business Centre. NA

Residential Areas that include

towers, villas and hotel apartments.

NA

Passengers station. NA

Commercial complexes with

state-of-the-art marketing facilities.

NA

King Abdul Aziz Mosque.

Knowledge

Economic City. (Al-Madhinah)

Total 4.8

25.51

Savola Group

(40%), Taiba Holding

(20%), rest by government.

Supply, Transportation and Logistical Services Center

NA

Dry port, airport and land freight sector

NA

Agro-industrial zone NA

Mining and processing industrial sectors

NA

Prince Abdulaziz Bin Mousaed Economic City (Hail)

Total 156.0

30.01

30% Institutional

Funding, 70% Government

Funding

Seaport NA

Industrial zone NA

Commercial business district NA

Residential areas NA

Public amenities NA

Jazan Economic City (Jizan)

Total 100.0

112.54 N.A

R E S E A R C H July 2007

Appendix 10

1. Macro Economy

Economic parameter Units 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

Gross domestic product, constant price Million SR 636,417 637,230 686,037 722,173 765,951 798,850

Gross domestic product, constant price % change 0.5% 0.1% 7.7% 5.3% 6.1% 4.3%

Gross domestic product, current price Million SR 686,296 707,067 804,648 938,771 1,182,514 1,307,522

Gross domestic product, constant price % change -2.9% 3.0% 13.8% 16.7% 26.0% 10.6%

Money supply Billion SR 340 395 410 500 560 680

Interest rate on 1 year Riyal deposit % 4.07 2.81 1.95 2.32 4.17 5.28

Population million 21 21.5 22 22.5 23.1 23.7

Source: SAMA, Population Reference Bureau

2. Bank Credit by economic activity (SR Million)

Economic activity 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007Q1

Agriculture and Fishing 2,138 2,530 2,549 3,785 6,716 6,802 7,380

Manufacturing & Processing 24,659 24,324 26,604 26,519 34,460 37,566 38,605Mining & Quarrying 1,206 715 650 1,252 2,275 1,802 2,289

Electricity water & other Utilities 1,220 1,094 1,837 3,273 3,226 3,598 3,756

Building and Construction 16,746 20,982 21,955 23,057 31,726 37,845 36,774

Commerce 40,167 42,194 51,886 62,808 83,054 111,511 115,059

Transport & Communication 9,917 13,555 12,803 13,406 14,382 6,875 9,177

Finance 6,703 8,862 11,877 33,839 56,747 61,828 58,327

Services 9,514 9,718 8,839 12,337 15,097 16,735 16,777

Miscellaneous 64,534 74,724 82,124 122,722 173,146 177,539 180,549

Services

Source: SAMA

R E S E A R C H July 2007

Appendix 11: Regulatory Developments

The new real estate law enacted by the Royal Decree No. M/15 dated July 19, 2000 has the following salient features:

• It allows non-Saudi residents to own real estate for their private residence with the permission of the Interior Ministry.

• It also allows ownership of real estate by foreign investors to conduct their business activities and own properties needed for their accommodation and that of their employees.

• The law entitles investors to rent out the property. • Non-residents are also allowed to purchase real estate to conduct real estate business in all cities,

except for the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, provided investment in the real estate business is not less than SR30 million.

• While non-Saudis may not own land in Mecca or Medina, they can lease property in either city for a two-year renewable period.

R E S E A R C H July 2007

Kuwait Financial Centre S.A.K. “Markaz”

22

Disclaimer This report has been prepared and issued by Kuwait Financial Centre S.A.K (Markaz), which is regulated by the Central Bank of Kuwait. The report is intended to be circulated for general information only and should not to be construed as an offer to buy or sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any financial instruments or to participate in any particular trading strategy in any jurisdiction. The information and statistical data herein have been obtained from sources we believe to be reliable but in no way are warranted by us as to its accuracy or completeness. Opinions, estimates and projections in this report constitute the current judgment of the author as of the date of this report. They do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Markaz and are subject to change without notice. Markaz has no obligation to update, modify or amend this report or to otherwise notify a reader thereof in the event that any matter stated herein, or any opinion, projection, forecast or estimate set forth herein, changes or subsequently becomes inaccurate, or if research on the subject company is withdrawn. This report does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and the particular needs of any specific person who may receive this report. Investors should seek financial advice regarding the appropriateness of investing in any securities or investment strategies discussed or recommended in this report and should understand that statements regarding future prospects may not be realized. Investors should note that income from such securities, if any, may fluctuate and that each security’s price or value may rise or fall. Accordingly, investors may receive back less than originally invested. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance. Kuwait Financial Centre S.A.K (Markaz) does and seeks to do business, including investment banking deals, with companies covered in its research reports. As a result, investors should be aware that the firm may have a conflict of interest that could affect the objectivity of this report.

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Markaz Published Researches

Sl No Title Release Date Research HighlightsGCC Equity Funds: The AssetAllocation Challenge

GCC Leverage Risk: How real it is?

GCC for fundamentalists: A top-down framework

Managing GCC Volatility: Strategiesand Tactics

Derivatives Market in GCC: Cuttinga (very) long market short

To Leap or To Lag: Choices beforeGCC Regulators

Real Estate Report - Syria

GCC Asset Allocation

A Gulf Emerging Portfolio: And WhyNot?Markaz Volatility Indices (MVX)

To obtain a copy, contact:Kuwait Financial Centre “Markaz” - Client Relations & Marketing DepartmentTel: +965 224 8000 Ext. 1804Fax: +965 2414499Postal Address: P.O. Box 23444, Safat, 13095, State of KuwaitEmail: [email protected]