Jeddah Central Project
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Construction on world's tallest skyscraper "officially restarts" in Jeddah

The developer behind Jeddah Tower in Saudi Arabia has announced that the long-stalled project, designed by Chicago studio Adrian Smith + Gill Gordon Architecture, will complete in 2028.

Developer Kingdom Holding Company announced that the project, which will be the world's tallest building when completed, had restarted at a ceremony last week.

"Construction of the Jeddah Tower, a global symbol of ambition and progress, has officially restarted," said Kingdom Holding Company.

Source: https://www.dezeen.com/2025/01/29/jeddah-tower-construction-restarts/

Henning Larsen just released the images from the new Opera House design in Jeddah, inspired by the Rhythm of Al-Balad. Located on the Red Sea waterfront, the project is part of the wider Jeddah Central Masterplan. The building program consists of three performance spaces: the 150-seat Rehearsal Hall, the mid-scale 750-seat Playhouse Theatre, and the 1500-seat opera Red Sea Theatre. These flexible spaces will host world-class touring theaters and orchestras, as well as other commercial events, community education, and outreach programs.

The design’s material selection is driven by the local elements, such as coral stone and wood. The facade is made of solid stone with intricate window detailing in the form of multi-layered Mashrabiyas that create traditional Roshans and serve as a natural climate barrier. The Roshans provide a preview of the activities inside for visitors from the approach. These individual public spaces in each foyer present themselves on the external expression of the facade. Also, for the landscape, local plantations are included in the design to provide microclimate and improve biodiversity, water management, and air purification.

Source: https://parametric-architecture.com/henning-larsen-reveals-design-for-jeddah-opera-house/

A stadium, an opera house, and an oceanarium are a step closer to being build in Jeddah after four construction contracts valued at SR12 billion ($3.2 billion) were signed.

uring a ceremony held on Feb 5., CEO of the Jeddah Central Development Co. Ahmed Al-Saleem announced that the construction of these landmarks and the framework for the initial phase is scheduled to begin immediately.

Source: https://www.arabnews.com/node/2455056/business-economy

Central Jeddah Stadium, with a cubic design, to open in Saudi Arabia by 2030

This stadium, with a capacity of 45,000 seats and air conditioning, is designed to blend local architectural style with cutting-edge technology. The roof would be equipped with kinetic elements to control the sunlight and temperature. There are also entertainment arenas, like an e-sports center. With its open spaces, green parks, world-class pitch, and dynamic platform that brings together international events, the stadium will promote a healthier and more active lifestyle in the city’s community. The stadium is set to be one of four major landmarks of the Jeddah Central Project, the other three being a museum, an opera house, and an oceanarium.

Source: https://parametric-architecture.com/central-jeddah-stadium-with-a-cubic-design-to-open-in-saudi-arabia-by-2030/

Jeddah Oceanarium & Coral Farm
Inspired by the essence of Hejazi architecture, the design is a contemporary interpretation of local culture and style, reflecting the unique history of Jeddah. At a time of urgent need for better public understanding of our global impact on marine life, the oceanarium sparks compassionate action in re-balancing our impact on sea wildlife.








https://issuu.com/jingjing_xu/docs/portfolio_jingjing_xu_urban_design

Chapman Taylor has revealed its innovative design for the 150,000m2 GBA Porta Jeddah mixed-use development in Saudi Arabia.
Acting on behalf of Al Akaria, the project is set to become an iconic landmark in the city, featuring a wide variety of retail, F&B and leisure as well as a 150-key lifestyle hotel, branded residences and workplace amenities.

The design draws inspiration from the city’s rich cultural heritage and includes elements that evoke powerful memories of Jeddah, such as the Makkah gate, the old port, Al Balad and the palace gardens.

Source: https://www.constructionweekonline.com/projects-tenders/design-revealed-for-150000m2-porta-jeddah-development-in-ksa

Saudi-based developer Jeddah Central Development Company (JCDC) has signed an agreement with Malta-based International Hotel Investments to set up its Corinthia brand of hotels within its beachfront lifestyle project in the Saudi city.

A part of the Jeddah Central's 9.5-km waterfront on the Red Sea, the Marina District will feature a world-class marina equipped for local and international boats, yachts, and superyachts.

The marina will serve as a gateway to the city on the Red Sea coast, creating a thriving residential marine community, including recreational facilities, retail outlets, restaurants, and cafes.

Source: https://www.tradearabia.com/news/CONS_408031.html

Jeddah Historical District Program (JHD) of The Ministry of Culture has launched its Jeddah Historic district’s Waterfront Project, today. The project is part of the larger Jeddah Historical Rejuvenation Project, launched in September 2021 by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

During the project’s first phase, sections of the waterfront that had previously been filled decades prior to accommodate the city’s urban expansion would be carved out once more

The redeveloped waterfront, Prince Badr detailed, would be constructed in line with high and sustainable standards, and feature cultural, historical, and environmental themes from across Al Balad. The project is a concentrated effort to platform the Al Balad area as a world-class tourist and cultural destination, a goal that is part of Vision 2030’s objective of building a dynamic economy for an ambitious nation.

Source: https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/government-news/jeddah-historic-waterfront-development-project-kicks-off-x3qvwhqe

The Jeddah Central Development Co. announced that it is currently working on transforming the Jeddah desalination plant into a museum that will document the city’s industrial heritage from the time of King Abdulaziz to the present day.

The contract for engineering and architectural designs with the multi-award-winning British architecture company Heatherwick Studio includes establishing a large cultural center on the project’s waterfront.

The museum will open in 2028 and will include, among other features, studios dedicated to creative visual production and exhibitions representing industry and culture.

Source: https://www.arabnews.com/node/2242966/saudi-arabia

It's safe to assume that Saudi Arabia planning to stick to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 to maintain and develop its natural environment. This is reflected also in their aim to tackle sustainability while working on the Central Project.
In August 2022 they signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Waterise recognized globally as a leader in providing affordable, sustainable and fresh water to communities in need. It will help the Central Project achieve its sustainable development objectives and contribute to the success of the National Water Strategy.


Additionally, also following the Vision 2030, the JCP expressed their wish to diversify the Kingdom’s tourism and entertainment industries. To do that they announced the partnership with Cruise Saudi that specializes in cruise ecosystem development. Together they are to build the marina and International Luxury Cruise Terminal.



Credit: https://www.jeddahcentral.com/news-and-media/news/2022/09/20/jeddah-central-development-company-signs-mou-with-waterise-and-ajlan-bros-holding
https://www.jeddahcentral.com/news-and-media/news/2022/09/20/jcdc-and-cruise-saudi-sign-an-mou-to-develop-the-design-for-the-jeddah-central-project