Knowledge Economic City (KEC), the pioneering publicly listed master developer in Madinah, has achieved dual recognition at the Global Economics Awards 2025, winning awards for “Most Innovative Iconic Design – Madinah Gate” and “Best Real Estate Developer in Integrated Urban Destination Development – Saudi Arabia”. The awards ceremony, held on January 25, 2026, celebrated excellence across economic development, infrastructure, and real estate sectors globally.
Operating under the supervision of the Economic Cities and Special Zones Authority, Knowledge Economic City participated as an official sponsor of the event, showcasing its latest developments and progress in transforming Madinah’s urban landscape. This recognition underscores the company’s commitment to sustainable urban development and its role in supporting Saudi Vision 2030 objectives.
Madinah Gate: A Landmark Transit-Oriented Development
Madinah Gate stands as one of the cornerstone projects within Knowledge Economic City’s master plan, representing the Kingdom’s first retail destination directly connected to the Haramain High-Speed Rail Station. With total investments reaching SAR 620 million, this pioneering transit-oriented development (TOD) integrates mobility, hospitality, and retail within a single urban destination.
Phase One of the project offers more than 23,000 square metres of leasable space, complemented by the DoubleTree by Hilton Madinah Gate, featuring 325 hotel rooms. The strategic location connects residents and visitors to key landmarks across Madinah, making it an attractive option for investors and travelers alike.
Leadership Vision for Integrated Urban Development
“This dual recognition underscores our ambition to position Madinah as a global model for integrated urban development through the creation of vibrant destinations that place people at the heart of the experience, while blending innovation, culture, and spirituality within cohesive environments.”
Hazem Elbanna, Acting CEO of Knowledge Economic City
Elbanna emphasized that Madinah Gate exemplifies the company’s vision to deliver places that celebrate heritage, enhance quality of life, and generate sustainable economic value, aligning perfectly with Vision 2030 objectives.
Comprehensive Development Capabilities
The award for “Best Real Estate Developer in Integrated Urban Destination Development” highlights the comprehensive capabilities of Knowledge Economic City across multiple dimensions. These include robust governance frameworks, strategic partnerships, adherence to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards, and long-term asset management excellence.
The company’s human-centric approach integrates architectural excellence, advanced infrastructure, sustainable mobility, hospitality, and activated public realms to deliver long-term social and economic impact in Madinah. This methodology reinforces the city’s positioning as a sustainable, future-ready destination.
Strategic Role in Saudi Vision 2030
With a masterplan covering 6.8 million square meters within Madinah’s sacred boundaries, Knowledge Economic City is developing fully integrated modern destinations that combine residential, commercial, cultural, and leisure components. Strategically located near the Prophet’s Mosque, the Haramain High-Speed Rail station, and Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport, KEC plays a vital role in supporting multiple Vision 2030 programs.
These programs include the Pilgrim Experience Program, Quality of Life, Housing, and Human Capability Development initiatives. The dual awards further reaffirm the company’s contribution to positioning Madinah as a global destination that balances deep historical and cultural heritage with economic growth and innovative urban development.
