Jeddah Central Project 2025: Complete Guide to Saudi Arabia's Largest $20 Billion Waterfront Destination

In the heart of Jeddah, along the stunning shores of the Red Sea, one of the largest development projects in Saudi Arabia's history is being built. Jeddah Central is not just a real estate project; it's an ambitious vision to transform the Bride of the Red Sea into a world-class destination competing with the most famous coastal cities globally.

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Prime Minister, launched this mega-project in December 2021 as one of the flagship projects of Saudi Vision 2030, funded by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) with total investments reaching 75 billion SAR ($20 billion).

What is Jeddah Central Project?

Jeddah Central is a world-class waterfront destination developed by Jeddah Central Development Company (JCDC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund. The project aims to reshape Jeddah's heart and reconnect it with the Red Sea through an integrated development combining residential, entertainment, cultural, and sports facilities.

The project's identity draws architectural inspiration from historic Jeddah Al-Balad, while applying contemporary methods using sustainable and environmentally friendly materials, achieving a balance between authenticity and modernity.

Location and Area

Jeddah Central is located in the heart of Jeddah city on the Kingdom's western coast, extending from north of Al-Salam Palace to the desalination plant. The strategic location near Makkah and Madinah makes it an attraction point for Umrah pilgrims and visitors from inside and outside the Kingdom.

Key Location Features:

The total project area spans 5.7 million square meters, featuring a waterfront with a 9.5 km coastline and an exceptional sandy beach stretching 2.1 km with an average width of 100 meters. Green spaces and open areas represent 40% of the total project area.

The Four Main Landmarks

Jeddah Central includes four world-class landmarks that will become architectural icons of the city:

1. The Stadium

A world-class sports stadium with a capacity of 45,000 spectators, designed according to FIFA standards. The stadium features unique architecture inspired by local heritage, equipped with advanced cooling systems for both stands and pitch.

The construction contract was awarded to a consortium of China Railway Construction Corporation Saudi Branch and Sama Construction Company. The stadium is expected to host FIFA World Cup 2034 matches and AFC Asian Cup 2027.

2. The Opera House

Jeddah's first opera house will be a platform for creativity and inspiration, positioning the city as a cultural hub connecting civilizations. The Opera House includes three theaters with international specifications: Main Theater (1,500 seats), Medium Theater (700 seats), and Training Hall (200 seats), totaling 2,400 seats.

3. The Oceanarium

A stunning window into the depths of the Red Sea and its unique marine life. The Oceanarium will offer visitors an exceptional experience and establish Jeddah as a regional and global leader in marine environment preservation and biodiversity.

4. The Industrial Museum

The historic desalination plant that served Jeddah for over 40 years will be repurposed into an industrial heritage museum and creative arts center, celebrating Jeddah's cultural legacy and historical connection to the Red Sea.

Key Numbers and Statistics

Project Highlights:

Total Investment: 75 billion SAR ($20 billion). Total Area: 5.7 million square meters. Residential Units: 17,000 modern units. Hotel Rooms: 2,700 rooms in world-class hotels and resorts. Job Opportunities: Over 25,000 jobs. Economic Value Added: 47 billion SAR by 2030. GDP Contribution: $12.5 billion annually.

Ten Attraction Zones

The project includes 10 major attraction zones:

These zones include: Entertainment pier, World-class yacht marina, Luxury cruise terminal, Beach resorts, Bazaars and modern shopping centers, Central park, Linear park, Public beach open to all, Coral bay, and Coral farms for marine preservation.

Development Phases and Opening Date

The project is being executed in three main phases:

Phase One (45% of project): Completion by end of 2027, including 179 land plots, public beach, world-class marina, central park, pier, central plaza, initial hotels, and cruise terminal.

Phase Two: Completion of main landmarks, residential and commercial areas.

Phase Three: Final completion of the project with all facilities.

Opening Date: End of 2027 for Phase One, when the project begins welcoming Jeddah residents and visitors from inside and outside the Kingdom.

Major Construction Contracts

In February 2024, Jeddah Central Development Company signed four construction contracts worth 12 billion SAR ($3.2 billion) for:

The contracts include: Phase One infrastructure (China Harbour Engineering), Stadium (Chinese-Saudi consortium), Opera House (Modern Building Leaders Company), and Oceanarium (Modern Building Leaders Company).

Investment and Real Estate Opportunities

Jeddah Central offers diverse investment opportunities across multiple sectors:

Residential Sector: 17,000 luxury residential units including apartments, villas, and townhouses with Red Sea views.

Hospitality Sector: 2,700 rooms in world-class hotels and resorts to meet growing tourism demand.

Commercial Sector: Extensive commercial spaces including shopping centers, upscale retail, and international offices.

Entertainment Sector: Restaurants, cafes, and diverse entertainment facilities along the waterfront.

Project Area Distribution

The project is distributed across several zones: Residential area comprises 42% of total space, Retail and entertainment areas comprise 35%, Administrative and office areas comprise 12%, and Hospitality zone comprises 11% of total area.

Achievements and Awards

Jeddah Central Development Company received a 4-star Institutional Excellence Certificate from the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM), becoming the first real estate development company to achieve this recognition under the new model.

Importance for Vision 2030

Jeddah Central directly contributes to achieving Saudi Vision 2030 goals through:

Diversifying national income away from oil, Enhancing tourism and entertainment sectors, Providing thousands of jobs for citizens, Improving quality of life in Saudi cities, Attracting local and foreign investments, and Transforming Jeddah into a competitive global tourist destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will Jeddah Central open?

Phase One will be completed by the end of 2027, when visitors and residents will be welcomed.

What is the total project cost?

Total investments are 75 billion SAR (approximately $20 billion).

Who funds Jeddah Central?

The Public Investment Fund (PIF) in collaboration with investors from inside and outside the Kingdom.

Can I invest in the project?

Yes, the project offers diverse investment opportunities in residential, commercial, hospitality, and entertainment sectors.

Will the stadium host World Cup 2034 matches?

Yes, the stadium is designed to FIFA standards and is expected to host Saudi Arabia's World Cup 2034 matches.

Where exactly is Jeddah Central located?

In the heart of Jeddah on the Red Sea Corniche, from north of Al-Salam Palace to the desalination plant.

Conclusion

Jeddah Central represents a quantum leap in urban development in Saudi Arabia, embodying the ambitious aspirations of Vision 2030 to transform Saudi cities into global destinations. As the Phase One opening approaches in 2027, Jeddah looks forward to welcoming the world to one of the largest waterfront destinations in the region.

For more information, visit the official Jeddah Central Development Company website: jeddahcentral.com