Saudi Arabia is reshaping its urban identity along the Red Sea coast, and the Jeddah Central Project—formerly known as New Jeddah Downtown—stands as one of the Kingdom’s most ambitious urban regeneration initiatives. Launched in December 2021 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and funded by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), this transformative project represents a $20 billion (SAR 75 billion) investment in Jeddah’s future.

Spanning 5.7 million square meters in the heart of the city, the development aims to position Jeddah as a year-round, world-class destination that seamlessly harmonizes cultural heritage with modern, sustainable urban living.

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Bridging Heritage and Modernity: Design and Cultural Significance

At its core, the Jeddah Central Project is designed to bridge the gap between traditional Hijazi culture and futuristic architecture.

1. Cultural Preservation

The architectural language draws inspiration from Al-Balad, Jeddah’s UNESCO World Heritage district. Traditional design elements—such as shaded streets, historic proportions, and heritage-inspired façades—are reinterpreted in contemporary forms, ensuring that Jeddah’s identity remains deeply embedded in its evolution.

2. Re-purposing History

A standout cultural feature is the conversion of an old sea desalination plant into a dedicated museum. This adaptive reuse preserves an important piece of Jeddah’s industrial past while transforming it into a space that documents the city’s role in regional development and modernization.

3. Iconic Modern Landmarks

The project introduces four globally significant landmarks that define its modern identity:

• A world-class Opera House
• A Museum
• A 45,000-seat Sports Stadium
• An Oceanarium with Coral Farms, emphasizing marine conservation and education

Together, these landmarks establish Jeddah Central as a cultural, entertainment, and lifestyle hub.

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Reconnecting the City with the Red Sea

Environmental integration plays a central role in the project’s master plan. The development features a 9.5-kilometer waterfront, including a 2.1-kilometer sandy beach, designed to reconnect the city with the Red Sea.

A 100-meter-wide pedestrian-friendly promenade runs along the coast, prioritizing walkability, open spaces, and environmentally sustainable design—creating one of the most accessible and scenic waterfronts in the region.

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Key Project Components and Development Phases

The Jeddah Central Project is being delivered across three phases, with Phase One scheduled for completion by the end of 2027.

1. Residential and Hospitality Offerings

• 17,000 residential units
• 2,700 hotel rooms

These developments cater to residents, tourists, and long-term visitors, supporting a vibrant, mixed-use urban community.

2. Six Distinct Districts

The master plan is divided into six integrated zones:

1. Central District
2. Marina District
3. Beach District
4. Sports Park
5. Cultural and Creativity District
6. Wellness District

Each district is designed to offer a unique lifestyle experience while remaining seamlessly connected.

3. Sustainability and Smart Infrastructure

• 40% of the total area dedicated to green spaces and open areas
• Smart city technologies integrated into transport, utilities, and public services
• Pedestrian-oriented planning to enhance quality of life and reduce environmental impact
• Phase One Focus

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Economic Impact and Vision 2030 Alignment

The Jeddah Central Project is a cornerstone of Saudi Vision 2030, supporting economic diversification beyond oil.

1. Expected to contribute SAR 47 billion ($12.5 billion) to Saudi Arabia’s GDP by 2030
2. Estimated to create 25,000 jobs
3. Strengthens tourism, culture, retail, and entertainment sectors

The project aims to foster a vibrant urban community while attracting both local and international visitors.

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Recent Developments and Construction Progress

• In February 2024, contracts worth $3.2 billion were awarded for initial construction works
• Collaboration with leading global design firms such as Heatherwick Studio and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) continues to shape the project’s iconic landmarks
• Construction has begun on major components, including the stadium, with Phase One completion targeted for 2027

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A New Urban Era for Jeddah

The Jeddah Central Project represents a bold reimagining of coastal urban life—where heritage is preserved, sustainability is prioritized, and modern design elevates everyday living.

As Jeddah evolves into a global coastal destination, this landmark development ensures the city’s history, culture, and future grow together—side by side.