Elias Bou Habib on CBRE's consulting business in KSA

Now eight months in his role as Head of Consulting for KSA at CBRE, we spoke with Elias Bou Habib on his early experiences and how CBRE’s consulting business sets itself apart.

How do you look back at your first period at CBRE?

Reflecting on my first eight months at CBRE, it has been a period of rapid growth and exciting transformation. The market’s dynamism and CBRE’s strong foundation have created a fertile ground for our consulting business to flourish.

A key focus has been on understanding the unique needs of our Saudi clients. By aligning our services with their strategic objectives, we’ve been able to deliver tangible value.

We’ve also invested in building a high-performing team equipped with the latest market insights and analytical tools. This combination has enabled us to differentiate CBRE’s consulting services by providing tailored solutions that address our clients’ most pressing challenges.

Looking ahead, I’m optimistic about the continued growth of our consulting business in Saudi Arabia. We are well-positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities and strengthen our market leadership.

You’ve previously worked at several other tier-one consultancies. What differentiates CBRE’s approach to consulting?

CBRE stands out with a unique combination of global reach and local expertise. Our presence in over 100 countries allows us to offer a comprehensive suite of commercial real estate services internationally.

Simultaneously, our team boasts a deep understanding of the Saudi Arabian market, enabling us to tailor consulting solutions that address specific client needs. Armed with a deep understanding of local regulations, cultural nuances, and economic trends, we are equipped to deliver tailored solutions.

Additionally, our dedicated research team provides valuable market intelligence and actionable insights crucial to informed business decisions. By leveraging advanced analytics, AI, and digital platforms, we generate actionable insights that empower our clients to make informed decisions and achieve their project goals.

Related: CBRE was recently named the Middle East’s leading real estate consulting firm.

What is CBRE’s approach to consulting projects and solving clients’ unique challenges?

Prior to commencing any project, our consulting team engages in detailed discussions to thoroughly understand a client’s unique goals and any potential challenges. Leveraging data and market analysis, combined with exploring current trends, grants us a comprehensive understanding of each client’s situation.

Based on these insights, we then develop customized solutions strategically aligned with the client’s objectives.

Saudi Arabia is seeing a surge in construction activity, driven by mega and giga projects. What growth opportunities do you see for CBRE?

We see growth opportunities in several key areas: master planning and urban design, project feasibility and financial advisory, and sustainability and ESG consulting. By leveraging our global expertise and local market knowledge, we can provide end-to-end solutions that drive value for our clients and contribute to the success of these transformative projects.

Furthermore, we are focused on building strong partnerships with key stakeholders, including government entities, developers, and investors, to position CBRE as the preferred consulting partner for these mega projects.