275 development licenses in Jeddah with revenues of 42 million riyals in 2025
Introduction to the urban boom in Jeddah
During its active participation in the 13th World Urban Forum, the Jeddah Municipality showcased a range of achievements and pioneering projects that reflect the scale of urban development in Jeddah. This initiative aims to highlight key indicators of urban and investment growth this year, reinforcing Jeddah's position as one of the region's most attractive cities for investment and underscoring the Municipality's efforts to transform the city into world-class tourist and investment destinations.
Details of development licenses and investment projects
In a specialized working paper presented by the Secretariat during the forum, it was announced that 275 licenses would be issued for pioneering, investment, and urban development projects during 2025. These licenses generated total revenues exceeding 42 million Saudi Riyals. The figures were not limited to financial revenues alone, but also encompassed vast areas; the land area of these projects exceeded 55 million square meters, while the built-up area reached more than 128 million square meters. This will directly contribute to providing more than 40,000 new residential and commercial units to meet the growing needs of the market.
The most prominent entrepreneurial projects in Jeddah Governorate
The Jeddah Municipality discussed the details of several major pioneering projects that will transform the city and enrich its urban landscape. Among the most prominent are the "Golden Triangle Project" in the Al-Andalus district and the "Summit Hotel Project" on the Corniche, which will enhance the city's capacity to accommodate tourists. Additionally, the "Marina Central Project" and the "Aqua Raffles Tower Project" were presented, along with a number of other hotels and high-rise towers slated for construction soon, which will significantly enhance the city's skyline.
Historical context and the Kingdom's Vision 2030
Historically, Jeddah is known as the “Gateway to the Two Holy Mosques” and the economic and tourism capital of Saudi Arabia. For decades, Jeddah has played a pivotal role in international trade thanks to its strategic port on the Red Sea coast. Today, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, the city is undergoing a radical transformation aimed at improving quality of life, developing infrastructure, and transforming its landmarks into world-class tourist destinations. This transformation is not solely based on horizontal expansion, but also focuses on sustainability, smart vertical development, and humanizing the city.
Economic importance and expected impact
The economic significance of this urban development extends far beyond local boundaries. Locally, these mega-projects will create thousands of jobs for young Saudis and provide diverse and modern housing solutions. Regionally, these investments enhance Jeddah's competitiveness as a leading financial and tourist hub in the Middle East. Internationally, the alignment of these projects with modern environmental and urban planning standards elevates Jeddah's ranking among the world's most livable cities and attracts foreign capital seeking a safe and prosperous investment environment.
The role of the World Urban Forum
The Jeddah Municipality's pavilion at the forum showcased live models and displays of existing and approved projects for 2025, including the "Downtown Jeddah" project and various urban development destinations. The World Urban Forum, organized by the United Nations, is the largest international platform dedicated to sustainable urban development and housing. This global event brings together governments, international organizations, experts, and decision-makers to discuss urban challenges, exchange experiences, and review best practices in city development. The Jeddah Municipality's participation in the forum is a strategic step to highlight the Kingdom's successes in this vital sector.
