In the dynamic landscape of international business, few figures embody the spirit of innovation and cross-cultural collaboration as profoundly as Dr. Abílio Alagôa da Silva. A seasoned economist, entrepreneur, and international business strategist, Dr. Alagôa da Silva has built a distinguished career spanning Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa. As President & CEO of the Portuguese-Saudi Business Council (PSBC), he has played a pivotal role in strengthening economic ties between Portugal and Saudi Arabia, aligning closely with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives.

Under his leadership, the PSBC has championed numerous bilateral initiatives, fostering strategic partnerships in energy, mobility, and technology. His advocacy for projects like the collaboration between Saudi Aramco Technologies and BYD exemplifies his commitment to sustainable innovation and environmental leadership. Beyond his leadership at PSBC, Dr. Alagôa da Silva’s influence extends further: he serves as the Grand Master of the Grande Loja Soberana de Portugal and leads HubVolt, a sustainable mobility company, reflecting his dedication to ethical leadership and technological advancement.

In this exclusive interview, we delve into Dr. Alagôa da Silva’s perspectives on fostering international partnerships, navigating the evolving economic landscape, and driving Portugal’s presence on the global stage through strategic initiatives.

How many Portuguese nationals currently live and work in Saudi Arabia, and what sectors are they primarily involved in?

Although the Portuguese community in Saudi Arabia remains relatively small, it is steadily growing. Most Portuguese professionals in the Kingdom are engaged in technical and strategic areas — such as engineering, construction, infrastructure, energy, and consultancy. As bilateral ties strengthen, we anticipate increased presence, particularly in sectors aligned with Vision 2030, including smart mobility, green energy, and technology.

Do you see Portuguese living in Saudi Arabia as potential investors in Portugal’s real estate market?

Absolutely. Portuguese nationals abroad — particularly those who have developed business or professional success in Saudi Arabia — are increasingly looking to reinvest in Portugal, especially in stable assets like real estate. Their international perspective, combined with a strong emotional connection to their home country, makes them ideal investors in residential and commercial developments.

Are there any active Portuguese business or real estate communities in Saudi Arabia promoting investment back home?

Through the Portuguese-Saudi Business Council (PSBC), we are working to formalize and strengthen precisely these types of bridges. While there is not yet a formal real estate-focused Portuguese network in the Kingdom, our council serves as a platform to promote investment opportunities in Portugal — and we are actively engaging with both Portuguese expatriates and Saudi investors to foster dialogue and concrete partnerships.

What types of Portuguese properties are most appealing to Saudi investors—coastal villas, resort-style residences, farmland, or city penthouses?

From our experience, Saudi investors tend to be drawn to high-end coastal villas, resort-style residences with privacy and space, and increasingly, to urban luxury properties in Lisbon and Porto. There is also growing interest in agricultural land and estates with tourism potential, especially in the Alentejo and Douro regions. The combination of lifestyle, climate, safety, and access to Europe is a key factor.

What lifestyle or investment aspects of Portugal do you find are particularly attractive to people from Saudi Arabia?

Portugal offers an exceptional quality of life — security, natural beauty, good healthcare and education systems, and a welcoming culture. From an investment perspective, Portugal is part of the EU, has a stable property market, and offers attractive incentives for foreign investors, including the D7 and digital nomad visas. Saudis increasingly view Portugal as a safe and strategic base in Europe.

Have you noticed any generational differences in investment behavior—e.g., younger Saudi investors vs. more traditional family offices?

Yes, there is a clear distinction. Younger Saudi investors — often educated abroad and more tech-driven — are interested in innovation, ESG-aligned projects, and urban investments that combine lifestyle with returns. More traditional family offices, on the other hand, still prioritize legacy assets, such as premium real estate, farmland, and long-term holdings. Portugal has the flexibility to offer both.

Do you see any cultural or market similarities between the Portuguese and Saudi Arabian real estate sectors?

While the two markets are different in maturity and scale, there are interesting parallels. Both societies value family-oriented living, privacy, and multigenerational real estate use. There’s also a shared appreciation for heritage and architectural authenticity — particularly visible in the preservation of historical buildings and interest in blending modern design with cultural roots.

What lessons can Portugal learn from Saudi Arabia in terms of real estate development, urban planning, or attracting foreign investment?

Saudi Arabia’s approach to large-scale, visionary urban planning — particularly with projects like NEOM — showcases what can be achieved with bold ambition, long-term vision, and integrated planning. Portuguese municipalities and developers could certainly draw inspiration from Saudi Arabia’s focus on smart cities, sustainability, and innovation-led investment zones.

Are there best practices from Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 or mega-projects like NEOM that Portuguese developers or municipalities could be inspired by?

Definitely. NEOM and Vision 2030 offer valuable case studies in aligning public and private stakeholders around transformative goals. Concepts like “The Line” in NEOM challenge traditional urban models and push the boundaries of what cities can be. Portuguese developers could benefit from studying Saudi Arabia’s boldness in vision, its integration of technology, and its commitment to building globally relevant destinations.

Do you think there is enough awareness in Saudi Arabia of the investment and lifestyle opportunities that Portugal offers? If not, how can that be improved?

There is growing awareness — but it is still not proportional to the true potential. Portugal remains underexposed compared to other European destinations. What’s needed is a coordinated communication effort that involves government, chambers of commerce, real estate players, and cultural diplomacy. That’s part of what we are building through the PSBC: a structured, credible platform to promote Portugal in Saudi Arabia at the highest level.

Beyond investment, do Saudis and Gulf nationals view Portugal as a desirable place to live, vacation, or educate their children?

Yes — and this interest is increasing. Portugal is seen as a safe, hospitable, and peaceful country. Many Saudis appreciate its natural landscapes, proximity to the rest of Europe, and the relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle. Some families are already sending their children to study in Portugal or buying vacation properties in Lisbon, Cascais, and the Algarve. It’s a market with tremendous lifestyle appeal for the Gulf.

Author

Paulo Lopes is a multi-talent Portuguese citizen who made his Master of Economics in Switzerland and studied law at Lusófona in Lisbon - CEO of Casaiberia in Lisbon and Algarve.

Paulo Lopes