New Jeddah mayor calls for update on city projects

The city has launched many initiatives to improve its infrastructure.

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The new mayor of Jeddah has asked for reports on the progress of several civic projects in the city following reports that some work in the city has been delayed.

“I requested daily reports on hurdles facing the execution of projects. I also plan to make weekly visits to the projects, especially in east Jeddah, to assess their progress,” Hani Abu Ras told Saudi newspapers from his new office at the municipality building. “We will work together to develop Jeddah and make it among the most beautiful and most advanced cities in the world.”

In June, Cityscape Jeddah 2010 showcased the projects and services of close to 100 local and regional property investors, developers and services providers at the Jeddah Center for Forums and Events, an event inaugurated by HRH Prince Misha'al bin Majed Abdulaziz, the Governor of Jeddah Province.

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The planned projects in the Kingdom’s second largest city total almost SR1 trillion and include the SR99.75 billion mixed-use King Abdullah Economic City, the enhancement of the Khozama and Ruwais areas and the rehabilitation of central and historic districts.

In June, Cityscape Jeddah 2010 showcased the projects and services of close to 100 local and regional property investors, developers and services providers at the Jeddah Center for Forums and Events, an event inaugurated by HRH Prince Misha'al bin Majed Abdulaziz, the Governor of Jeddah Province.

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FEATURED COMMENT Lets hope these cities are planned properly with clear signage and wayfinding.   2 Comments Read more comments »

Prior to the event Cityscape Jeddah’s director Deep Marwaha said the city needed to build around five million housing units over 20 years to keep pace with demand. “The city needs to redirect its infrastructure growth plans to sustain its growth, and this will require new and substantial investments.”

Two weeks ago, Saudi ministers approved the country’s ninth Five-Year Development Plan, an estimated SR373 billion, for the nation’s infrastructure development, a scheme that will invest heavily in ‘manpower development’.

Saudi Arabia's stock exchange, the Tadawul, closed down 0.5% yesterday to 6,090. The construction company index fell 1.15% though the King Abdullah Economic City, a consortium for the project led by developer Emaar, rose 0.6% to SR8.1.