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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Saudi Arabia is transforming its residential landscape through ROSHN, a national real estate developer backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF). With a mission to increase homeownership and improve quality of life, ROSHN is reshaping how communities are designed, built, and lived in — playing a vital role in achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

Project Overview

ROSHN focuses on developing integrated, large-scale residential communities across major cities in the Kingdom, including Riyadh, Jeddah, Makkah, Madinah, and the Eastern Province. Rather than building isolated housing units, ROSHN creates complete neighborhoods that combine homes, amenities, green spaces, and essential services.

The company’s developments are designed to reflect Saudi culture, modern lifestyles, and long-term urban sustainability.

Community-Centered Living

At the core of ROSHN’s vision is community living. Each development typically includes:

• A variety of housing options, including villas, townhouses, and apartments
• Schools, mosques, healthcare facilities, and retail centers
• Parks, walking trails, and recreational spaces
• Safe, pedestrian-friendly streets and public areas

This approach ensures residents enjoy convenience, connectivity, and a strong sense of belonging.

Design and Architectural Identity

ROSHN developments are inspired by traditional Saudi architectural elements, blended with contemporary design. The focus is on:

1. Human-scale neighborhoods
2. Climate-responsive layouts
3. Aesthetic consistency across communities

These principles create timeless environments that feel both modern and culturally rooted.

Sustainability and Smart Infrastructure

Sustainability is a key pillar of ROSHN’s strategy. Developments incorporate:

• Energy-efficient building standards
• Water-saving technologies
• Smart infrastructure and utilities
• Extensive green spaces to improve urban livability

By integrating sustainability from the planning stage, ROSHN supports healthier and more resilient cities.

Supporting Vision 2030 and Homeownership

ROSHN plays a critical role in Saudi Arabia’s goal to raise the homeownership rate to 70% by 2030. Through partnerships with government entities and private-sector stakeholders, the developer helps deliver affordable, high-quality housing while stimulating economic growth and job creation.

Nationwide Expansion

ROSHN continues to expand its footprint across the Kingdom, with multiple projects under development and more communities planned in the coming years. Each new project reflects lessons learned from earlier developments, ensuring continuous improvement in design, livability, and sustainability.

Conclusion

ROSHN is redefining residential development in Saudi Arabia by moving beyond traditional housing models to create vibrant, sustainable communities. As the Kingdom continues its urban transformation, ROSHN stands at the forefront — building neighborhoods that support modern lifestyles, cultural values, and long-term national growth.