KING ABDULLAH ECONOMIC CITY
RABIGH
Saudi Arabia
King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) is Saudi Arabia’s first privately developed economic city, launched in 2005 under King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. Located along the Red Sea coast north of Jeddah in Rabigh Governorate, it is a major economic and urban development project aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aiming to diversify the economy and create a modern urban hub.
Spanning approximately 185 square kilometres, KAEC integrates an industrial district, seaport, residential zones, commercial centres, and an educational district. The city is built around key sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, shipping, and light industries. Developed by Emaar Properties and facilitated by the Economic Cities Authority, KAEC combines advanced infrastructure with strategic connectivity to national and international markets, aiming to attract business, tourism, and residents in a sustainable and innovative environment.
Future Cities criteria compliance
Environmental & Nature
Sustainability efforts focus on environmentally friendly construction, waste reduction, energy efficiency, and renewable energy integration. KAEC promotes reduced ecological impact through water conservation, recycled materials usage, and minimising emissions aligned with Saudi Arabia’s environmental goals.
Smart City
KAEC prioritises smart city technologies with high-speed broadband, integrated operations centres, and partnerships with major tech companies like Cisco. Digital infrastructure supports logistics optimisation, urban management, and innovation-driven industries, creating a connected and efficient urban ecosystem.
Human-Centric
KAEC emphasises walkability, public spaces, and community integration to foster a high quality of life. The city’s pedestrian-friendly urban design includes wide sidewalks, green promenades, accessible facilities, and spaces designed to enhance social inclusion and interaction, creating a vibrant and engaging urban environment for residents and visitors.
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