JEDDAH WATERFRONT REGENERATION

The Jeddah Waterfront Regeneration, officially centred around the Jeddah Central Project, was launched in 2021 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, with a total investment of SAR 75 billion (USD 20 billion). The core goal is to establish Jeddah as a world-class destination for tourism, culture, and sports on the Red Sea coast, aligning with Vision 2030’s objectives to diversify the economy and enhance the quality of life.

The Jeddah Waterfront Regeneration revitalises the city’s Red Sea coastline through two key projects: the Historic Jeddah Waterfront, which restores the UNESCO-listed Al-Bunt port with green spaces and cultural sites, and MARAFY, a new canal city featuring an 11 km waterway for mixed-use living. Both initiatives align with Saudi Vision 2030, blending heritage preservation with modern urban development to enhance public access and community life.

Future Cities criteria compliance

Environmental & Nature

Sustainability aligns with the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI), allocating 40% of the area to green spaces and public facilities. The design emphasises energy-efficient smart buildings, the use of solar power, and extensive systems for recycled water and rainwater harvesting. Crucially, the Oceanarium and Coral Farm are dedicated to marine environment conservation, including creating artificial reefs to foster biodiversity along the Red Sea coast.

Smart City

The Jeddah Central Project incorporates cutting-edge smart-city technologies and high-speed digital infrastructure, including IoT-enabled public services. Mobility plans involve new tram lines, expanded bus routes, and smart traffic management to enhance connectivity. Furthermore, the Oceanarium and Coral Farm serve as a technological platform using advanced techniques for the conservation and study of the Red Sea’s marine ecosystem.

Human-Centric

The project is designed to enhance the quality of life by providing world-class cultural, sports, and entertainment opportunities via its four major landmarks (Opera House, Museum, Stadium, Oceanarium). It promotes liveability and wellness through a dedicated Wellness District, expansive green spaces, and walkable promenades. Economically, the project is projected to generate 25,000 new jobs and contribute significantly (SAR 47 billion) to Saudi Arabia’s non-oil economy by 2030.

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