Jeddah Central Development Company is transforming the western coast of Saudi Arabia with the Jeddah Central project, a massive development aimed at diversifying the Kingdom’s economy and boosting tourism. The project, owned by the Public Investment Fund, spans 5.7 million square meters along the Red Sea.
Mardi Almansour, Chief Projects Officer at Jeddah Central Development Company, outlined the project’s scale and ambition during the TOURISE Summit 2025. According to Almansour, the development will become an integrated urban, cultural, and tourism destination, featuring residential, commercial, entertainment, and sports districts.
Jeddah Central: A City Within a City
The Jeddah Central project is designed to be a self-contained city, with beaches, hotels, cultural assets, and leisure areas within walking distance. This integrated design aims to provide visitors with a seamless and memorable experience. The development’s four major landmarks include an opera house, a next-generation stadium, an oceanarium, and a desalination museum.
The new stadium, set to host matches during the FIFA World Cup 2034, will accommodate 45,000 spectators and feature advanced climate-control systems and a retractable roof. The surrounding district will include restaurants, hotels, family areas, and recreational spaces, linking directly to other parts of the destination. The 9.5-kilometer waterfront will feature 2.1 kilometers of beach, further enhancing the project’s tourism appeal.
Tourism and Sustainability at the Forefront
The Jeddah Central project is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to expand its global tourism reach under Vision 2030. The development is designed with sustainability and architectural innovation in mind, aligning with the principles of Vision 2030. The project’s focus on connecting with the natural environment is evident in its design, which incorporates the Red Sea coastline.
Almansour highlighted the project’s focus on showcasing Saudi Arabia’s technological progress and cultural heritage. The desalination museum, for example, will serve as a landmark reflecting the nation’s history and its relationship with water. According to Almansour, the museum will celebrate the legacy of the Kingdom’s first water desalination plant.
International Positioning and Future Plans
The Jeddah Central Development Company is working to introduce the project to new global markets, including Latin America and North America. This effort reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing interest in attracting visitors from diverse regions. As the project progresses, the next expected step will be the commencement of construction on key landmarks such as the opera house and the next-generation stadium.
With a focus on sustainability, tourism, and cultural heritage, the Jeddah Central project is poised to become a significant destination in the region. The project’s success will depend on various factors, including its ability to attract international visitors and its overall impact on the local economy. As the development continues to take shape, stakeholders will be watching closely for updates on its progress and potential implications for the Kingdom’s tourism sector.
