Mapping the Future: Advancing
Geospatial Intelligence for
Smarter Cities and Infrastructure
- December 2026
- Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Event Partners
Event Overview
Building on the success of the 2025 edition, the 5th Geospatial and Space Technology Forum returns as the leading platform for advancing geospatial and space-enabled solutions across the Kingdom and the wider region.
Under the theme “Exploring New Frontiers: Driving Geospatial and Space Innovation for Smart and Resilient Cities,” this forum brings together government authorities, national agencies, municipalities, infrastructure leaders, and industry innovators to explore the latest technologies, trends, and applications transforming urban development, infrastructure planning, and national strategic initiatives.
The MENA geospatial analytics market is projected to grow significantly, with forecasts indicating a rise from USD 1.16 billion in 2024 to USD 1.71 billion by 2029, CAGR of approximately 8.15%
In Saudi Arabia, the geospatial analytics market is currently valued at US $0.40bn, with an expected CAGR of 9.22% in the next five years, reaching US$0.68bn
Currently, the UAE Geospatial Analytics Market size is estimated at USD 0.3 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 0.44 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 7.76%
The Africa Geospatial Analytics Market size is expected to reach USD 0.26 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 6.99% to reach USD 0.37 billion by 2029.
Market Drivers
Event In Numbers
2026 Event In Numbers
2025 Event In Numbers
2026 Advisory Board
Hatim Gazaz
Mohammed Shah
Kingdom Knowledge Economic City
Dr. Francesca Arici
Junaid Ahmed Khan
The Economic City
Alex Cresniov
SpaceTech in Gulf
2026 Speakers
Abduallh Alqahtani
Sulaiman Alsultan
Ministry of Municipalities and Housing
Moath Alawam
Geospatial Data Management Director
Aseer Province Municipality
Hatim Gazaz
Hazem Alzahrani
Eng. Amer Saeed Bamoneef
Hatim Gazaz
Amjed Al.Thuhli
Hassan Ahmed Aljohani
Ahmed ALjuaid
Omar Malik
Mohammed Shah
Declan Lynch
Privateer
Junaid Ahmed Khan
Will Tyler
Navdeep K Hanjra
Hesham Gamal Gaafar
Arsen Safaryan
SEVEN
Dr. Francesca Arici
Aseer Development Authority (ASDA)
Ahmed Salih
Abdelnasser Rashash
Dr. Fahad Almutlaq
Director of Remote Sensing & GIS Unit
Ghadah Alsakrani
Cem Cesur
Chuck Dostal
Ammar Saed
Anas Almassrahy
Abdulelah Habib
Founder & CEO
Mariam Shai
Omar Abdelghany
GIS & Master Planning Data Management Expert
Ahmed Ramadan
Mohammed Al Haji
Senior Transport and Mobility Consultant
Buro Happold
Mohamad Korek
Dani Daas
Oishi Lahiri
Agenda
08.30
Registration
09:00
Welcome Remarks from Great Minds Group
09:05
Welcome Note by Conference Chairperson
- Mariam Shai, Regional Coordinator, CBL Holding
09:10
Stakeholders Panel Session: Geospatial Insights in National Development – Supporting Saudi Vision 2030 and Beyond
- Enabling data-driven policymaking and strategic planning in national development initiatives
- Investing in spatial data infrastructure (SDI) to accelerate national transformation and support smart, data-driven development
- Exploring the role of GIS in government services to meet the demands of growing urban populations
- Discussing how to strengthen interagency collaboration and data sharing
Moderator:
- Mariam Shai, Regional Coordinator, CBL Holding
Panellists:
- Mamdooh Alshahrani, Executive Director General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information (GEOSA)
- Hatim Gazaz, VP-GIS & Analytics, Real Estate Registry (RER)
- Amjed Al. Thuhli, CEO, FutureTech & AI Expert
- Eng. Amer Saeed Bamoneef, General Director at the National Center for Environmental Compliance
10:15
Panel Session: Digital Twins and 3D/4D GIS: Powering the Cities of the Future
- Understanding the convergence of digital twins, 3D/4D GIS, and urban intelligence and their role in predictive planning and decision making
- Designing resilient and adaptive urban infrastructure with digital twins and 3D/4D models
- Examining how these models enhance stakeholder collaboration and urban governance
- Scaling digital twin adoption by addressing interoperability, standardization and deployment challenges across cities and municipalities
- Integrating GIS into urban master planning for smarter infrastructure and land use
Moderator:
- Hesham Gamal Gaafar, Digital Twin & Smart Cities Manager, Esri Saudi Arabia
Panellists :
- Dr. Francesca Arici, Chief of Planning and Development, Aseer Development Authority (ASDA)
- Mohammed Shah, Director of Smart City, Kingdom Economic City
- Ahmed ALjuaid, Director of Smart Geospatial Infrastructure Solutions, National Housing Company NHC Innovation
- Junaid Ahmed Khan, Director GIS, Emaar, The Economic City
11:00
Keynote Presentation: Smarter, Faster Decisions with Near Real-Time GEOINT
- Hassan Ahmed Aljohani, Vice President of Business Development, NSG Geospatial Services
11:20
VIP Exhibition Tour and Networking Coffee Break
12:00
Presentation by
- Chuck Dostal, Senior Director Global Solutions Engineering, blackshark.ai
12:15
Presentation: Know More, Know Better: Shaping the Next Era of Geospatial Intelligence
- Declan Lynch, Chief Revenue Officer & General Manager, Privateer
12:30
Panel Discussion: GIS in National Security, Emergency Response and Disaster Management
- Monitoring borders, tracking illicit activity, and managing surveillance through advanced spatial analytics
- Exploring the growing role of GIS to provide live mapping, threat tracking, and visual intelligence for rapid response
- Facilitating collaboration between defense, emergency services, and government agencies through shared geospatial platforms
- Leveraging GIS to identify vulnerable zones, model disaster scenarios, and deploy early alerts
Moderator:
- Mariam Shai, Regional Coordinator, CBL Holding
Panellist :
- Omar Malik,Executive Advisor & National Security Expert
- Mohamad Korek, Head of Digital Services - Project & Development Services KSA, JLL
- Will Tyler, Senior Advisor & Geospatial Consultant
13:15
Presentation: Solving GIS Challenges with Data Integrity and Location Intelligence
Speaker:
- Oishi Lahiri, Product Marketing Leader, HERE Technologies
13:30
Panel Discussion: Accelerating Smart City Planning and Development through GIS
- Examining the role of geospatial technologies in planning and designing smart, sustainable, and resilient cities
- Driving smart city innovation through real-time data integration
- Exploring the integration of IoT, AI, and sensor networks with geospatial models to enable continuous monitoring, optimization, and automation of city systems
- Harnessing geospatial technologies to support real-time insights and enhance citizen-focused smart city solutions
Moderator:
- Mariam Shai, Regional Coordinator, CBL Holding
Panellists:
- Arsen Safaryan, Director Digital Project Delivery (BIM & GIS), SEVEN
- Ahmed Salih, GIS Associate Principal, ARDARA
- Anas Almassrahy, Senior Urban Planner, WSP
14:10
Chairperson Closing Remarks
14:15
Networking Lunch and End of Conference Day 1
09:25
Welcome remarks from Great Minds Group
09:30
Welcome note by Conference Chairperson
- Mariam Shai, Regional Coordinator, CBL Holding
09:35
Keynote Presentation GeoAI-Driven Embeddings Methodology: Revolutionizing Earth Observation with AlphaEarth Foundations Framework
Speaker:
- Abdelnasser Rashash, Remote Sensing & GIS Consultant, National Authority for Remote Sensing and Space Science
09:50
Panel Discussion: Smart Mobility and Transport Planning through GIS
- Leveraging GIS for public transport optimization and route planning in growing urban centers
- Discussing the use of GIS tools to simulate mobility behaviors, predict future demand, and test infrastructure developments
- Exploring the application of GIS to plan and manage transportation for large-scale events, emergencies, and disaster evacuations
- Utilizing spatial analysis of infrastructure gaps and user patterns to plan sustainable and active transport modes in big cities
Moderator :
- Ahmed Ramadan, Associate, WSP
Panellist :
- Mohammed Al Haji, Senior Transport and Mobility Consultant, BuroHappold
- Ammar Saed, GIS Manager, Egis
- Omar Abdelghany, GIS & Master Planning Data Management Expert
10:40
Presentation: Imagery to Insight - The Shift from Data Collection to Decision Intelligence
- Will Tyler, Senior Advisor & Geospatial Consultant
10:55
Presentation: Leveraging Geospatial Technology for Sustainable and Resilient Urban Development
Speaker:
- Ghadah Alsakrani, Geospatial Services Manager, Geospatial Information Center, Al Madinah Development Authority
11:10
VIP Exhibition Tour and Networking Coffee Break
11:40
Presentation: Digital Twin for Solar Rooftop Mapping in Riyadh: Enabling Smarter Deployment
Speaker:
- Abdulelah Habib, Founder & CEO of OptimalPV
11:55
Panel Discussion: GIS for Environmental Monitoring and Climate Resilience
- Examining how governments can use geospatial intelligence to develop data-driven sustainability and resilience roadmaps
- Deploying GIS for mapping flood zones, fire-prone areas, and climate-sensitive regions to enhance preparedness and mitigation planning
- Exploring how to utilize GIS tools to track progress on environmental goals, assess climate risks, and support conservation under the Kingdom’s sustainability agenda
- Applying GIS to map ecosystems, wildlife habitats, and land use changes to guide conservation strategies
Moderator :
- Ammar Saed, GIS Manager, Egis
Panelists :
- Navdeep K Hanjra, VP Planning and Development, The Royal Commission for AlUla
- Abdelnasser Rashash, Remote Sensing & GIS Consultant, National Authority for Remote Sensing and Space Science
- Dr. Fahad Almutlaq, Director of Remote Sensing & GIS Unit, King Saud University
- Dani Daas, Managing Partner, CBL Holding
12:40
Presentation: From Flood Risk to Resilience: Digital Twins & IoT for Smart Stormwater in Arid Cities
Speaker:
- Cem Cesur, Project Director, Dar Al Riyadh
13:00
Chairperson Closing Remarks
13:05
Networking Lunch and End of 3RD MENA Geospatial Forum 2025
2026 Event Key Themes
- Leveraging satellite data to support infrastructure, environment, and economic planning
- Enhancing city and urban resilience through advanced geospatial intelligence and analytics
- Using Earth observation for climate, environment, and resource monitoring
- Advancing satellite navigation for precision transportation and mobility solutions
- Developing local space infrastructure and commercial satellite capabilities
- Driving smart city innovation with connected infrastructure and real-time analytics
- Leveraging geospatial and space technologies for national emergencies, defense and national security
Testimonials
“With the new real estate registration law and royal decree, Saudi Arabia is entering a new era of unified and transparent property data management. The Real Estate Registry was established to bring together property information across the Kingdom through one smart, digital system. In collaboration with the Ministry of Justice and municipalities, we now cover most regions, from the Eastern Province to Qassim, Makkah, and Madinah. Backed by innovation, geospatial intelligence, and exceptional Saudi talent, we are laying the foundation for a trusted, data-driven ecosystem that will shape the cities of the future.”
“The real challenge today isn’t about collecting more data, it’s about how fast, securely, and responsibly we can act on that data to deliver real value to users, industries, and communities. Near-real-time geospatial intelligence empowers us to see what’s happening, understand change as it unfolds, and make informed decisions that protect our environment, resources, and future development aspirations.”
“The 3rd MENA Geospatial Forum has been an incredible platform to exchange knowledge and ideas, shaping the future of digital transformation. Our discussions on GIS, digital twins, and 3D platforms reflected how collaboration and innovation are driving smarter, more connected cities. It was a truly engaging and insightful experience bringing together brilliant minds, practical insights, and shared aspirations for advancing geospatial intelligence across the Kingdom.”
“It was a privilege to lead the discussion on Digital Twins at the 3rd MENA Geospatial Forum alongside senior leaders from across the Kingdom. The conversation highlighted how Digital Twin technologies are becoming a vital enabler of Vision 2030, bridging data, people, and infrastructure to create smarter, more resilient cities. We at Esri Saudi Arabia play a key role in supporting the Kingdom’s geospatial ecosystem, and we are proud to be part of this forum that brings together innovators shaping the digital future of Saudi Arabia.”
“The geospatial industry is expanding rapidly set to reach $680 billion globally by 2030. Yet, beyond the technology and innovation, it’s the people who truly drive progress. At the 3rd MENA Geospatial Forum, I was inspired by the incredible talent and passion across the Kingdom. The future of sustainability and digital transformation lies in empowering people to harness these tools to build the Saudi Arabia of tomorrow.”
“Geospatial intelligence is at the heart of Vision 2030, driving smart cities, enabling data-driven growth, and strengthening Saudi Arabia’s global leadership. HERE Technologies and Esri Saudi Arabia are shaping the future of geospatial intelligence for enterprises, helping solve GIS challenges with robust data integrity and advanced location intelligence. It’s been a pleasure for us to be part of this forum and contribute to the conversation.”
“As a provider of fast and reliable AsBuilt data for underground pipelines, delivering information in a single day instead of the weeks it usually takes. Our service supports anyone managing or owning underground infrastructure, including municipalities. This is our first time in Saudi Arabia, and it’s been fantastic meeting potential partners and customers. We highly recommend future MENA Geospatial Forums, including the next one in Dubai. Well done to the organizers, and feel free to contact us for your underground data needs. Thank you.”
“Hello, I’m the Director of Geosoft. We are a SUR company specializing in advanced mapping solutions, including geospatial, GIS, and both above- and below-ground mapping. Our expertise and technologies help convert acquired data into AI-based digital twins through our patented platform, Virtual I. This platform supports infrastructure, urban development, oil and gas, and industrial projects. We’re proud to be part of the GEOspecial MENA Forum, and we invite you to contact us or visit our website to explore our case studies and technologies. Thank you”
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Accommodation
We’re pleased to offer our attendees special group rates at the JW Marriott Riyadh , the official venue for the event.
To book your stay and secure the exclusive rate, please use the link below:
Book Your Group Rate for GM Group Book your group rate for GM Group
Special Rate Details:
Stay Dates: From Sunday, October 26, 2025 to Friday, October 31, 2025
Rate: 2,656.50 SAR per night for single room occupancy
Includes: Daily breakfast
Hotel: JW Marriott Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Availability is limited, so we recommend booking early to guarantee your room at the preferred rate on or before August 20th.
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Primary Delegates
- Governments
- End-User Organizations
- Academia
Vendor Delegates
- Technology Suppliers
- Solution Providers
Venue
- Riyadh, KSA
