Jeddah Economic City
Interactive map of Jeddah Economic City | |
| Location | Jeddah, Mecca Province, Saudi Arabia |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 21°44′N 39°05′E / 21.73°N 39.08°E |
| Status | Under construction |
| Constructed | 1 April 2013 |
| Use | Mixed-use |
| Website | Jeddah Economic Company |
| Companies | |
| Architect | HOK Group |
| Owner | Kingdom Holding Company |
| Technical details | |
| Cost | US$30 billion (estimated) |
| Buildings | Jeddah Tower |
Jeddah Economic City[a] is a large-scale urban development currently under construction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The project spans an area of approximately 5,202,570 m2 (56,000,000 ft2) and is being developed by the Jeddah Economic Company, a subsidiary of Kingdom Holding Company.[1][2]
History
Jeddah Economic City (JEC), originally planned as "Kingdom City," is a large-scale urban development in North Obhur, Jeddah. The project was first proposed by businessman Al-Waleed bin Talal in 2008 as a new economic and residential hub. Initial plans included a "Mile-High Tower" (later Jeddah Tower) although later engineering studies reduced the height to approximately 1,000 meters. The Jeddah Economic Company (JEC) was established in October 7, 2009 to oversee the development, which was designed to include residential, commercial, and retail areas alongside the tower.[3]
Construction began in 2013, starting with the Jeddah Tower as the first component of the city. The Saudi Binladin Group (SBG) was contracted as the main builder, and the Jeddah Municipality issued the final construction license in February 2012. In 2015, the project was officially renamed from "Kingdom City" to Jeddah Economic City and the "Kingdom Tower" to Jeddah Tower to reflect its broader urban and economic focus.[4]
Construction of the city has been closely tied to the progress of the Jeddah Tower, which was halted in January 2018 after reaching the 63rd floor. Delays were caused by management changes following the 2017–2019 anti-corruption purge, technical challenges associated with the tower's unprecedented height, and the COVID-19 pandemic.[5]
The development was revived in late 2024. A SAR 7.2 billion ($1.9 billion) contract was signed with SBG in October 2024 to complete the Jeddah Tower, which remains the central element of the city.[6]
Skyscrapers and towers
Tower |
Usage |
Height |
Floors |
Year started |
Construction status |
Year completed |
Total area
|
Developer
|
| Jeddah Tower | Mixed-use | 1,000 m (3,281 ft) | 167 | 2013 | Under construction | 2028 | 243,866 sqm | Jeddah Economic Company (JEC) |
See also
Notes
References
- ^ Argaam (2 October 2024). "Kingdom Holding's JEC seals deal with Binladin Group to finalize Jeddah Tower". Argaam. Retrieved 17 January 2026.
- ^ "Jeddah Economic City: A Vision of Future Urban Living in the Heart of Saudi Arabia". Wasalt Blog. 24 October 2024. Retrieved 17 January 2026.
- ^ "Saudi tower to dwarf Burj Dubai: report". Al Arabiya. AFP. 13 March 2008. Retrieved 17 January 2026.
- ^ "Jeddah Tower (Kingdom Tower) Facts and Information". The Tower Info. Retrieved 17 January 2026.
- ^ Coughlin, Daniel (9 October 2024). "The troubled tale of the tallest skyscraper in the world". LoveMoney. Retrieved 17 January 2026.
- ^ Holland, Oscar (3 October 2024). "Construction of world's tallest skyscraper resumes after years‑long hiatus". CNN. Retrieved 17 January 2026.