Page 44 - 197

projects
groundbreaking
hese
SPECIAL FEATURE - SAUDI ARABIA MEGAPROJECTS Texemplify Saudi Arabia’s commitment
to progressive urbanization, cutting-edge
infrastructure, and sustainable growth.
Launched by Crown Prince Mohammed
bin Salman in April 2016, Saudi Vision
Landmark 2030 is not just about economic
diversification—it is a bold reimagining
of the Kingdom’s future, fostering next-
Developments generation cities, green energy initiatives,
and world-class investment opportunities.

MEGAPROJECTS
Shaping the ACROSS SAUDI ARABIA
A place of extraordinary human and
natural heritage, AIUIA invites visitors to
come on a journey through a living museum
Kingdom’s Future of preserved tombs, sandstone outcrops, 1
historic dwellings and monuments, both
natural and human-made, holding 200,000
years of largely unexplored human history.
Home to boundless cultural treasures,
including Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO
Saudi Arabia’s landmark megaprojects are driven by an ambitious vision to World Heritage site, AlUla is transforming
transform the nation’s economic, social and environmental landscape. As into a once-in-a-lifetime experience for
part of Saudi Vision 2030, these developments aim to diversify the economy, visitors from around the world. Being
reduce reliance on oil and foster new industries such as tourism, technology developed by the French Agency for AIUIa
Development (Afalula) and the Royal
and entertainment. In the following pages, RLI explores the high-profile Commission for AIUIa (RCU), AIUIa is
projects reshaping the future and positioning Saudi Arabia as a global leader at the forefront of the Vision 2030 plan
in innovation and development. initiated by the Saudi government to
modernise the country, with the project
part of a series of major schemes to
Desert Rock Resort, Red Sea, Developer: Red Sea Global diversify its economy and raise its profile
from an international perspective. AlUla
is set to be a flagship project in terms of
sustainable development, focused on the
absolute preservation of the environment,
respectful of history and inclusive of local
populations.
Diriyah, the birthplace of the Saudi
state, is being transformed by Diriyah
Company, a PIF-backed developer,
into a $63 billion cultural, lifestyle and 2
entertainment hub under the Diriyah 1. AlUla, Developer: French Agency for AIUIa Development (Afalula)
and the Royal Commission for AIUIa (RCU)
Gate masterplan. Anchored by At-Turaif, 2. Diriyah Square, Developer: Diriyah Company elevate the quality of life for its residents.
a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the The first phase is slated for completion by
project seamlessly blends heritage with 2027, with the entire project expected to
modernity, featuring Bujairi Terrace’s fine million sq m of Jeddah’s waterfront into be finalised by 2030.
dining, Diriyah Square’s luxury retail and a world-class destination. Launched in The Jeddah Tower, poised to become
leisure and Diriyah Boulevard’s immersive December 2021, this ambitious $20 the world’s tallest building, is a landmark
hospitality and entertainment offerings. It billion initiative seeks to enhance the development in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
also includes a state-of-the-art stadium/ city’s urban landscape by introducing Designed by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill
arena for major events and Wadi Safar, an key landmarks such as an opera house, Architecture, the tower is set to soar over
ultra-luxury retreat. These developments stadium, museum and oceanarium. The 1,000 meters (3,281 feet), surpassing
position Diriyah as a global destination development will also feature 17,000 Dubai’s Burj Khalifa by approximately 172
while preserving its rich history, aligning residential units, 2,700 hotel rooms meters. Envisioned as the centrepiece
with Vision 2030. and a vibrant mix of commercial and of the Jeddah Economic City project,
The Jeddah Central Project, entertainment venues. Designed to reflect the tower will encompass a luxury hotel,
spearheaded by the Jeddah Central Jeddah’s rich cultural heritage, the project serviced apartments, office spaces, and
Development Company (JCDC), a emphasises sustainability and modernity, the world’s highest observation deck.
subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 Being developed by Jeddah Economic
Investment Fund aims to transform 5.7 objectives to diversify the economy and Company (JEC), with anticipated

MARCH 2025 RETAIL & LEISURE INTERNATIONAL 45