We caught up with the co-head of MRG Middle East, Matt Donovan, as he looks forward to attending Cityscape Global 2025, Riyadh, November 17th–20th 2025. Cityscape Global is the largest and most influential real estate event in the Middle East, drawing thousands of investors, developers, and government representatives to explore the future of property and urban development.
What excites you most about attending Cityscape Global 2025 in Riyadh?
Cityscape is the real estate world’s biggest stage. This year’s theme, “The Future of Urban Living,” speaks directly to what my team does every day, recruiting the best talent for new cities to destination-led mixed-use development. Riyadh is where ambition meets delivery, and I get energised by the pace, the vision, and the people.
How is your team helping shape the future of urban living in the region?
We partner with visionary developers to build high-performing teams that deliver transformative projects, from hospitality and resort developments to entire master-planned cities.
What’s your approach to sourcing talent for giga-projects?
Two things. First, we open doors to global talent pools that are often overlooked but highly relevant in scale and complexity. Second, we champion outstanding local professionals who understand the market and can accelerate execution.
What makes recruitment in the Middle East’s real estate sector unique?
The velocity. Vision 2030 has created a window where innovation is expected and scale is the norm. You need people who are comfortable leading at pace without compromising governance, quality, or guest experience.
How do you support clients in building leadership teams from scratch?
We act as a true partner. We align on the business case, define success profiles, and then run a targeted search that balances capability, culture, and delivery track record. The goal is not just to fill roles but to help the organisation achieve its ambitions.
What advice would you give to international candidates considering relocation to the Middle East?
Be open to the scale of opportunity. The region offers career-defining roles in projects that are reshaping global urbanism.
What are you most looking forward to at Cityscape this year?
Meeting operators and developers who are scaling from concept to opening, comparing notes on what is working on the ground, and sharing a few success stories from recent searches.
What’s the best way for attendees to connect with you at Cityscape Global?
I’ll be attending all four days at the Riyadh Exhibition & Convention Centre. Reach out to me on LinkedIn to lock in a meeting.
Learn more about Matt Donovan.