Saudi Arabia’s Knowledge Economic City (KEC) Chief Development Officer Naif Al Saeed has praised Pakistani businessman and former caretaker federal minister Dr Gohar Ejaz for his vision, leadership and commitment to economic development, describing Lahore’s Lake City as an example of how “integrated urban planning” can improve living standards while creating opportunities for investment and employment.
In a detailed account of his recent visit to Pakistan, Al Saeed expressed admiration for the scale and planning of Lake City, where he participated in the Saudi-Pakistan Real Estate Exhibition (SPREX 2026).
The exhibition brought together leading Saudi developers, Pakistani business figures and investors to explore opportunities for cross-border investment, particularly in residential, commercial and mixed-use developments.
Al Saeed, who has since returned to Madinah, described his visit to Lake City and his interactions with Dr Gohar Ejaz as among the most memorable experiences of his trip.
Lake City Emerges As Model For Integrated Urban Development
According to Al Saeed, Lake City represents a development philosophy that extends beyond the conventional sale of residential plots, houses and commercial properties.
During a private tour hosted by Dr Gohar Ejaz, the Saudi executive visited residential neighbourhoods, landscaped gardens, recreational facilities and commercial areas to gain firsthand insight into the project’s planning and development.
In his account, Al Saeed described Lake City as covering approximately 2,500 acres, with around 16 residential communities supported by schools, parks, mosques, sporting facilities, a golf course, shopping destinations and restaurants.
He observed that the project’s emphasis on providing essential facilities within a planned residential environment distinguished it from conventional property developments.
“For Al Saeed, the experience demonstrated that successful real estate development should focus not merely on constructing buildings but on creating communities where residents can enjoy security, convenience and a better quality of life.”
Gohar Ejaz’s Leadership Draws Saudi Executive’s Praise
Al Saeed reserved particular praise for Dr Gohar Ejaz, describing him as an exceptional businessman with remarkable intelligence, determination and attention to detail.
He said his conversations with the Pakistani industrialist provided valuable insights into the importance of combining long-term vision with practical execution.
According to Al Saeed, Dr Gohar consistently emphasised that every challenge has a solution and that obstacles should encourage greater effort, innovation and collaboration rather than discourage progress.
The Saudi executive said this problem-solving approach was reflected in Lake City’s development and the broader ambitions of its leadership.
“He also highlighted Dr Gohar’s belief that business success should not be measured solely through financial returns but also through its contribution to employment generation, economic activity and improvements in people’s lives.”
Al Saeed said he was particularly impressed by the Pakistani businessman’s repeated focus on how investment partnerships could benefit ordinary citizens through additional jobs, higher incomes and improved living standards.
New Commercial And Hospitality Developments Planned
The Saudi executive also disclosed that he had been briefed on plans for further commercial expansion within Lake City.
According to his account, the proposed developments include hotel and office towers alongside additional commercial facilities designed to attract businesses, investors and international brands.
These developments could potentially strengthen Lahore’s commercial infrastructure and generate employment opportunities, although investment values, project timelines and construction schedules were not specified.
Al Saeed also expressed appreciation for the presence of international brands and the interest shown by investors in expanding their operations in Pakistan.
He viewed these developments as evidence of the wider economic opportunities that can emerge when urban planning is integrated with commercial investment and long-term economic objectives.
SPREX 2026 Strengthens Saudi-Pakistani Investment Relations
The Saudi-Pakistan Real Estate Exhibition provided a platform for developers and investors from both countries to explore partnerships.
The event brought together Saudi real estate companies, investment groups and Pakistani business leaders, reflecting growing interest in strengthening bilateral economic cooperation.
The “business-to-business initiative” was led on the Pakistani side by Dr Gohar Ejaz and on the Saudi side by Prince Mansour bin Saud, bringing together prominent developers and investors from both countries.
The exhibition showcased residential and commercial investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia, particularly in Makkah and Madinah, while providing Saudi investors with exposure to Pakistan’s developing property market.
The engagement highlighted the potential for “joint ventures”, cross-border investment and long-term partnerships between the two countries’ real estate and construction sectors.
Knowledge Economic City Eyes Greater Pakistani Investment
Knowledge Economic City’s participation in SPREX 2026 marked an important step in its efforts to introduce Pakistani investors to residential, commercial and lifestyle developments in Madinah.
Al Saeed said Dr Gohar Ejaz demonstrated a strong commitment to encouraging Pakistani investors to explore opportunities in Saudi Arabia, particularly in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.
He emphasised the importance of closer cooperation between businesses and relevant institutions in both countries to convert investment opportunities into commercially viable projects.
The growing engagement comes as Saudi Arabia continues to diversify its economy under “Vision 2030”, with real estate, tourism, hospitality and urban infrastructure emerging as important investment sectors.
Investment Must Translate Into Jobs And Economic Growth
Beyond the exhibition and property developments, Al Saeed highlighted what he described as Dr Gohar Ejaz’s commitment to Pakistan’s economic future.
He said the Pakistani businessman repeatedly raised questions about how bilateral partnerships could generate employment, increase incomes and deliver meaningful economic benefits.
The Saudi executive expressed optimism that Pakistan could achieve substantial progress if the public and private sectors worked together to encourage investment, strengthen infrastructure and create an enabling environment for entrepreneurship.
He said the ambition demonstrated by Pakistani business leaders reinforced his confidence in the country’s long-term economic potential.
Al Saeed also stressed that the success of major investment initiatives depended on cooperation between business leaders, investors and relevant government institutions rather than isolated efforts.
A Visit That Left A Lasting Impression
Reflecting on his visit, Al Saeed recalled offering Maghrib prayers at a mosque inside Lake City before joining Dr Gohar Ejaz for dinner at a restaurant in Lake City Mall.
He praised the hospitality extended to him and described the discussions on investment, development and Pakistan’s economic future as particularly meaningful.
The experience, he said, reinforced his belief that the real measure of a developer’s achievement lies not in the number of buildings constructed but in the quality of life created for residents and the lasting economic opportunities generated for society.
Al Saeed concluded his account by expressing gratitude to Dr Gohar Ejaz for his hospitality, time and insights, while extending his best wishes for Pakistan’s continued progress and prosperity.
His remarks underline the growing importance of “business-to-business engagement” between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, with projects such as Lake City increasingly serving as platforms for international investment dialogue and cooperation.
Follow the TaazaTaren channel for the latest updates.
