Jeddah Central's key modules taking shape

WITH the award of contracts worth a total of SR12 billion ($3.2 billion) early this year, Jeddah Central Development Company (JCDC) has flagged off the main construction work on three of the four key components of its massive Jeddah Central project.

The ambitious development, which is backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), is a key initiative to position the Red Sea coastal city of Jeddah as a global tourism and cultural hub.

The four contracts awarded in February this year cover the construction of the project's three main attractions - a stadium, an opera house, and an oceanarium - as well as Phase One infrastructure and utilities.

The project's infrastructure and utilities contract was awarded to China Harbour Engineering Arabia, JCDC said. The works will support Jeddah Central's vision to revitalise Jeddah's heritage while showcasing its contemporary culture, with aims to attract global tourists to the Saudi city.

Modern Building Leaders Company secured the contracts to build both the oceanarium and the opera house. The oceanarium is intended to offer visitors a close look at the Red Sea's marine life and highlight biodiversity conservation efforts, while the opera house will feature three auditoriums built to international standards and serve as a venue for cultural events, cementing Jeddah's position as a creative hub.