Similar to most GCC nations, the construction sector is a significant area in the overall economic diversification strategy. Within five years, roughly $400bn in investments has been earmarked by the Saudi Arabian authorities, with most of it going into construction and construction-related projects. With more than a dozen new cities planned, including the expansion of two massive industrial zones – Jubail Industrial City, probably attracting over $80bn and Yanbu Industrial City on the Red Sea, attracting $30bn in capital investments, the going is not only good, it’s about to get better.

The overall population is estimated at 25m, of which 40 percent is under 15 years old, with the majority under 30. Clearly these impressive demographics have impacted on growth and new housing demand. This is also fuelled by the gradual sociological process that’s sees more people moving towards nuclear families instead of the traditional joint family system, thereby adding to the number of units required.

A veritable long timer in the world of real estate in the Kingdom is Mahmoud Al-Saleh, founder and president of CEE Commercial Group. He has always focussed on leveraging his brand’s growth in line with this real estate expansion. Established in the Seventies, four decades later CEE still offers myriad services within the real estate and construction sector, guaranteeing a name that epitomizes trust.

“Our desire to help the customer is our first goal; and customer service is how we drive to become number one.” Mr. Mahmoud Al- Saleh says. “With a focus on the residential property management, we have built a reputable name and market share in the local Saudi market particularly in Riyadh. With its offices in the heart of the kingdom’s capital, CEE prides itself on understanding and valuing customer needs and responding to them accordingly. “Over the years, we have built a strong team to support this vision and to reinforce our belief in helping the customer in every way. This is the route to growth and sustainability”, Mr. Al Saleh feels.

High demand may have increased real estate prices in the recent past, making real estate one of the biggest contributors to overall inflation, but it has also protected the Kingdom from real estate bubbles seen elsewhere in the region.

Today, CEE Group provides its clients and investors with a one-stop-shop for all real estate needs. “We have developed services so that our clients and investors work with a single organization starting from the early stages of architectural planning and due diligence, through to financial planning and property management. This allows them to have more time to manage their other investments and interests, we take the burden away from them”, he explains.

Clients enjoy a range of properties in the kingdom either for rent or sale. By focusing on return clientele, CEE’s strategy continues to evolve successfully since inception. With an impressive track record and a combined experience of well over 100 years, customer satisfaction continues to be the priority of all agents. “Unlike other real estate offices, CEE’s real estate division is supported by all our other internal divisions, creating a synergy that is difficult for other realtors to imitate”, Mr. Al Saleh says.

With a focus on the residential market, CEE’s property management division is a leader in handling multi-family properties known as ‘compounds’ or ‘apartment complexes’. “As of 2009, we manage over 40 such properties across the three regions and offer residents a unique line of services for each property. Depending on the house size, our tenants enjoy options designed to improve their lifestyles. This ranges from maintenance, sport facilities, house-keeping, school busses, shopping busses, security, entertainment, day-care centres, restaurants and the list goes on. There is no limit to what we will undertake in order to enhance our client’s convenience” he explains.

The property management division is supported by a strong back-office and e-solutions for all services offered within. CEE’s website allows all compound tenants to access services and facilities in parallel compounds across the country. “This virtual connectivity, allows all tenants to be a part of a larger CEE community which is flourishing with over 2,500 inhabitants of all ages, nationalities and backgrounds that we look after.”

Because of its winning strategy, CEE’s market share is blossoming. “Soon, we are looking to double the number of properties under management by 2015, making CEE the leader in this industry across the kingdom and MENA region” Mr. Al Saleh he says.

Based on customer satisfaction, this division supports all CEE’s properties, as well as other properties outside CEE’s network. The maintenance team includes over 200 specialized personnel ranging, from technicians to foremen. With multiple maintenance teams knowledgeable in various disciplines (landscaping, operational maintenance, janitorial services, pest control, swimming pool…etc.), CEE has captured market share and continues to offer competitive rates to the landlords as well as its residents.

As a result of the property management’s goal over the next five years, the maintenance division also aims to grow its business by targeting third-party property maintenance contracts. The objective is to target 100 properties and contracts by the same time frame - 2015.

The construction division was established based on the demand by CEE’s valuable list of clients and investors in the early 1990’s. By working closely with other in-house teams are capable of delivering the highest qualities and finishing. With an impressive track record and list of private and public and government clients, CEE manages to work solely, as well as via joint ventures with other local and international construction companies on projects in the kingdom. “The opportunities for us are endless as is our desire to respond effectively to what our clients, investors and overall market needs requires”, he concludes.