Top five mixed-use developments in Saudi Arabia

King Abdullah Economic City, Sagia's 'crown jewel'.

Saudi Arabia has an ambitious plan to place itself among the world’s top ten competitive investment destinations by next year.

The programme, devised by the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (Sagia), includes the development of a number of mega projects, including four economic cities.

These cities will “create a pro-business environment and a knowledge-based society while putting Saudi Arabia forth as a favorable investment destination in the region and throughout world.”

We take a look at the Kingdom’s five most impressive mixed-use developments, starting with the Sagia’s “crown jewel”, the King Abdullah Economic City.

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1. King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC)

Client: Emaar Properties

Estimated value: US $50 billion

Schedule: Construction started in 2006.The first phase of the project is expected to be completed by the end of 2009. The overall project will be completed in stages.

Scope: KAEC is a massive development located in Rabigh. The master plan shows the city will be divided into four areas: the Industrial Zone, the Residential Zone, the Sea Resort and the Sea Port.

The Industrial Zone covers an area of 63 million m2 and will include facilities to operate and build plants and factories.

The Residential Zone covers an area of 51 million m2 and will include low, mid- and high-rise structures.

The Sea Resort provides a built-up area exceeding 3.5 million m2 for hotels, residential apartments, golf resorts, spas and water sports facilities.

The Sea Port provides 14 million m2 to build a world-class port on Saudi Arabia’s west coast. The port will include 30 berths to serve global trade routes between Asia, Europe and Africa.

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