Introduction
Majed bin Abdullah Al-Hogail stands as a central figure in Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030, steering the nation’s housing and urban development sectors towards modernization and sustainability. As the Minister of Municipal, Rural Affairs, and Housing, his leadership has been instrumental in addressing housing shortages, promoting affordable living, and integrating technological advancements into urban planning.
Early Life and Education
Born in Saudi Arabia, Al-Hogail pursued a bachelor’s degree in accounting from King Saud University in 1985. His quest for knowledge led him to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where he earned an MBA in 1998. Further enhancing his expertise, he obtained the American Accounting Association Fellowship Certificate in New Mexico in 1999 and participated in the Program of Executive Development at the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Lausanne, Switzerland, in 2007.
Early Career
Al-Hogail’s professional journey commenced at the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA), where he served as Vice Chief Financial Officer from 1990 to 1998. He then transitioned to Al Safi Danone, holding positions such as Director of Financial Affairs, Executive Director of Financial Affairs, and General Manager of Export between 2003 and 2007.
Leadership in Real Estate Development
In 2007, Al-Hogail became the Managing Director and CEO of Rafal Real Estate Development Company. Under his leadership, the company launched the Rafal Residential Tower (Burj Rafal), a 300-meter-high structure in Riyadh that received seven architectural awards in 2015.
Ministerial Roles and Contributions
Minister of Housing
Appointed as the Minister of Housing in July 2015, Al-Hogail focused on increasing homeownership among Saudi citizens, aligning with Vision 2030’s objectives. He introduced initiatives to provide affordable housing solutions and collaborated with various stakeholders to enhance the housing sector’s efficiency.
Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing
In January 2021, following a royal decree, the Ministry of Housing merged with the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs, and Al-Hogail was appointed to lead the consolidated ministry. In this expanded role, he has been instrumental in implementing policies to enhance urban planning, infrastructure development, and municipal services.
Vision 2030 and Housing Initiatives
Al-Hogail’s efforts are closely aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, focusing on increasing homeownership, enhancing the quality of life, and diversifying the economy. As Chairman of the Housing Program, he has overseen initiatives aimed at transforming the housing sector, ensuring that all citizens can enjoy better lives in their own homes.
Notably, he announced plans to introduce 70,000 new residential units in Riyadh, with prices starting from SAR 250,000 ($66,000), aiming to increase homeownership and provide affordable housing options across the Kingdom.
Board Memberships and Affiliations
Al-Hogail holds several key positions in various organizations:
- Chairman of the Real Estate Development Fund (REDF)
- Chairman of the Saudi Real Estate Refinance Company (SRC)
- Chairman of the Real Estate General Authority (REGA)
- Board member of NEOM, Qiddiya Investment Company, the Red Sea Development Company, Amaala, and ROSHN
Innovations and Technological Integration
Under Al-Hogail’s leadership, the ministry has embraced technological advancements to modernize the housing sector. He inaugurated the first Saudi Proptech Summit in November 2023, emphasizing the role of technology in real estate and infrastructure projects.
Additionally, he played a pivotal role in establishing the National Center for Inspection and Oversight (NCIO) to unify inspection activities among government entities, aiming to improve the business environment in the Kingdom.
International Engagements
Al-Hogail has been proactive in promoting sustainable urban development and technological integration in real estate. During an official visit to China in September 2023, he met with leaders of Chinese companies to explore cooperation opportunities in housing infrastructure and urban development.
Commitment to Vision 2030
Al-Hogail’s efforts are closely aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, focusing on increasing homeownership, enhancing the quality of life, and diversifying the economy. His leadership in various housing and urban development initiatives contributes significantly to achieving the strategic goals set forth in the Vision.
A Legacy in Motion
Majed bin Abdullah Al-Hogail’s tenure as Minister of Municipal, Rural Affairs, and Housing stands as a testament to the power of strategic reform backed by visionary leadership. In a Kingdom once facing persistent housing challenges—from supply-demand imbalances to inefficiencies in urban planning—Al-Hogail introduced a new chapter of proactive governance and private sector collaboration that not only reshaped real estate but also elevated public confidence in governmental delivery. His ability to turn complex macroeconomic housing issues into implementable, measurable programs underscores his strength as both a strategist and a reformer.
Among the most transformative shifts under Al-Hogail’s leadership is the prioritization of homeownership as a pillar of national stability and economic well-being. Through the Sakani program and various public-private partnerships, the Ministry has enabled hundreds of thousands of Saudis to own homes. These achievements are not merely statistical gains; they reflect a deeper socio-economic transformation in which Saudi families are now able to access quality housing that meets international standards—at prices that reflect government-subsidized affordability. Such interventions not only alleviate financial burdens on households but also stimulate broader economic activity through real estate, construction, and service sectors.
Equally noteworthy is Al-Hogail’s role in aligning urban development with technological innovation. His support for Proptech platforms and smart city infrastructure marks a pivotal departure from traditional bureaucratic processes toward data-driven decision-making. The introduction of digital platforms for home applications, permits, land development, and project tracking has brought unprecedented transparency to the housing sector. By streamlining regulatory processes, he has effectively cut down on development cycles, giving rise to a more agile and responsive real estate market.
Al-Hogail’s strategic governance extends beyond the ministry into boardrooms of entities that are shaping the very fabric of Saudi Arabia’s future. As a board member of NEOM, Qiddiya, Red Sea Global, and ROSHN, he is directly involved in some of the Kingdom’s most ambitious giga-projects—each a bold embodiment of Vision 2030’s mission to diversify the economy and enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. His presence in these organizations underscores a crucial aspect of his leadership: integration. Rather than working in silos, he has ensured that housing, municipal development, tourism, and entertainment evolve in tandem, creating cohesive and future-ready urban ecosystems.
His international outreach, including bilateral engagements with global construction leaders, reflects another important dimension: Saudi Arabia under Al-Hogail is not just transforming internally—it is positioning itself as a competitive global hub for urban innovation. His emphasis on sustainability, architectural excellence, and cutting-edge infrastructure has resonated with international investors and developers, bringing global credibility to Saudi Arabia’s urban renaissance.
In a region where rapid development often runs the risk of outpacing planning, Al-Hogail’s stewardship offers a model of balanced growth—where ambition is tempered by pragmatism, and tradition is honored alongside innovation. His legacy, still in the making, is poised to leave a profound imprint not only on buildings and infrastructure but on the social fabric of a nation redefining itself for the 21st century.
Conclusion
Majed Al-Hogail’s extensive experience in both the public and private sectors, coupled with his academic background and leadership roles, positions him as a key figure in Saudi Arabia’s ongoing transformation. His contributions to housing, urban development, and economic diversification continue to shape the Kingdom’s future in line with Vision 2030.
