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Participation Rules & Guidelines

Entry Criteria, Submission Instructions & Judging Framework

Welcome to the official participation guide for the Real Estate Excellence Award (REA).

 

The Real Estate Excellence Award recognizes outstanding achievements that shape the future of the built environment. The Award celebrates excellence across development, design, innovation, sustainability, and impact within the real estate sector.

 

This page outlines all essential information for submitting your project, including eligibility criteria, award categories, submission requirements, judging methodology, and key dates.

 

Applicants are strongly encouraged to review these guidelines carefully to ensure their submissions meet the highest standards of excellence.

 

Each project must be submitted using a separate and dedicated nomination form. Multiple projects require individual submissions to ensure proper evaluation and categorization.

 

Please note that the Judging Panel reserves the right to withhold awards in any category that does not meet the evaluation standards of the International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI). By submitting an entry, applicants agree to comply with these Participation Rules.

1. Submission Process:
 

  • Each project must be submitted through a separate nomination form to ensure accurate evaluation and proper categorization.

  • If submitting more than one project, a separate application must be completed for each project.

  • Submitting an application constitutes full acknowledgment and acceptance of all Award rules and conditions.

2. Award Categories

The Real Estate Excellence Award recognizes excellence across 20 categories representing key sectors of the real estate industry:
 

  • Affordable Housing

  • Environmental

  • Heritage

  • Hotel

  • Industrial

  • Master Plan

  • Office

  • Public Infrastructure

  • Purpose-Built

  • Resort

  • Residential High Rise (26+ Floors)

  • Residential Mid Rise (11–25 Floors)

  • Residential Low Rise (1–10 Floors)

  • Retail

  • Sustainability

  • Mixed-Use Development

  • Facilities Management

  • Financing & Funding

  • Real Estate Supply Chain

  • PropTech

  • Real Estate Brokerage

  • Real Estate Auctions

  • Real Estate Evaluation

  • Real Estate Marketing

  • Real Estate Contractors  

3. Recognition Levels
 
Two levels of recognition may be awarded in each category:
 
Gold Award
Representing the highest achievement in real estate excellence.
 
Silver Award
Recognizing distinguished merit, innovation, and industry impact.

4. Eligibility
 
The Award is open to organizations, companies, and professionals contributing to real estate projects and initiatives.
 
Eligible participants include:
 

  • Developers and property owners

  • Architecture, design, and planning firms

  • Real estate investment and asset management firms

  • PropTech and technology providers

  • Contractors and project managers

  • Consultants and advisory firms

 
Applicants must have a direct and verifiable role in the submitted project.
 
Submissions may be made by:
 
• Property owners or project developers
• Real estate professionals such as architects, consultants, or operators with written authorization from the project owner

5. Project Eligibility Criteria
 
To ensure fairness and relevance, submitted projects must meet the following conditions:
 

  • The project must be completed, operational, or in an advanced stage of delivery

  • The project must have been completed or significantly progressed within the last five (5) years

  • The project must comply with all applicable laws and regulations

  • The submission must demonstrate clear innovation, impact, and measurable outcomes

 
Projects may be located within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia or internationally, unless otherwise specified by category.

6. Submission Requirements
​
All entries must be submitted through the official REA platform within the announced submission period.
 
Each submission must include:
 

  • Project title and selected category

  • Executive project summary

  • Detailed project description including concept, execution, and outcomes

  • Key innovation highlights and differentiators

  • Measurable results and industry impact

  • Applicant and stakeholder information

 
Supporting materials must include:
 

  • Project brochure or official project profile

  • Copy of the Land Title Document or proof of project ownership/authorization

  • High-resolution logos of the project and company (JPEG or PNG format)

  • Ten (10) high-resolution photographs including interior and exterior views

  • A short promotional or overview video presenting the project

 
 
Special Requirements
 
 
Master Plan or Mixed-Use Developments
 
Projects must include master plan or layout drawings.
 
Mixed-use developments must contain at least three (3) distinct primary components, such as:
 

  • Residential

  • Commercial

  • Office

  • Hospitality

 
Auxiliary services or amenities do not qualify as primary components.
 
 
Residential Category Definitions (FIABCI Standards)
 
 
Residential buildings are classified according to the following international standards:
 

  • Low-Rise: 1–10 floors

  • Mid-Rise: 11–25 floors

  • High-Rise: 26 floors and above

 
Note: Submitted materials will become part of the Award archive and will not be returned.

7. Language of Submission
 
All submissions must be prepared and submitted in both English and Arabic.
 
This ensures accessibility for the international judging panel and global publication of award-winning projects.

8. Evaluation Framework
 
All submissions are evaluated by an independent panel of distinguished industry experts.
 
Projects are assessed based on the following core evaluation criteria:
 

  • Innovation & Originality – uniqueness of concept and approach

  • Design & Quality – architectural, technical, and execution excellenceSustainability & ESG Impact – environmental and social responsibility

  • Market Impact – contribution to the real estate industry

  • User Experience & Functionality – value delivered to end users

  • Scalability & Future Potential – long-term relevance and adaptability

 
Each submission is assessed using both qualitative and measurable indicators.

9. Judging Integrity & Governance
 
To ensure transparency and credibility:
 

  • Judges are selected based on expertise, independence, and professional reputation

  • Judges must declare any conflict of interest and abstain from evaluating related entries

  • All evaluations are conducted confidentially

  • The decision of the judging panel is final and binding

10. Nomination & Shortlisting

Following the initial review process:
 

  • Selected entries will be announced as Official Nominees

  • Nominees may be asked to provide additional documentation or clarificationFinal winners are selected from the shortlisted nominees

11. Recognition & Advancement
 
Award recipients will receive:
 

  • Official REA recognition and certification

  • Industry-wide visibility and promotional exposure

  • Inclusion in REA media communications and industry publications

 
Selected winners may also be nominated to represent Saudi Arabia at international platforms, including global real estate award programs where applicable.

12. Use of Submitted Materials
 
By submitting an entry, applicants grant the Award organizers a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to:
 

  • Publish and display submitted content

  • Use materials for promotional and marketing purposes

  • Feature projects across digital, print, and event platforms

 
Materials from winning projects may also be used in:
 

  • Official publications

  • Media coverage and global press releases

  • Awards Gala presentations

  • International promotional campaigns

  • Event videos and social media features

 
Applicants retain ownership of their intellectual property.

13. Accuracy & Verification
 
The organizers reserve the right to:
 

  • Verify all submitted information

  • Request supporting documentation

  • Conduct due diligence on nominated projects

 
Any false, misleading, or unverifiable information may result in immediate disqualification.

14. Disqualification
 
Entries may be disqualified if they:
 

  • Contain false or misleading information

  • Violate intellectual property rights

  • Fail to meet eligibility or submission criteria

  • Compromise the integrity or reputation of the Award

15. Awards Ceremony
 
Winners will be announced during the Real Estate Excellence Award Gala Ceremony held as part of the Real Estate Future Forum in Riyadh.
 
Award recipients are expected to attend the ceremony to receive official recognition.
 
Following the ceremony, winning projects will receive global media exposure and industry recognition.

16. Key Dates
 
Submission Deadline
May 31, 2026
 
Nominee Announcement
September 30, 2026
 
Awards Ceremony
January 26, 2027 — Real Estate Future Forum, Riyadh
 
FIABCI World Prix d’Excellence
May 27, 2027 – FIABCI World Real Estate Congress, Toronto

For questions regarding participation rules, submission requirements, or judging criteria, please contact the Real Estate Excellence Award organizing committee through info@realestateexcellenceaward.com

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