Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — As part of the TOURISE Summit 2025, Mardi Almansour, Chief Projects Officer of Jeddah Central Development Company, spoke with ABC MUNDIAL about one of the Kingdom’s most ambitious projects within its Vision 2030 strategy, aimed at diversifying the economy and positioning the country as a global reference in tourism and innovation.

Located on the western coast of Saudi Arabia, Jeddah Central is being developed over an area of 5.7 million square meters along the Red Sea, aiming to become a world-class urban, cultural, and tourist destination. “We want to introduce this city to audiences in Latin America and North America,” said Almansour, highlighting the country’s growing interest in attracting visitors from new international markets.

The project — owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) — combines residential, commercial, sports, and entertainment spaces, anchored by four major architectural landmarks: an opera house, a state-of-the-art stadium, an oceanic aquarium, and a museum dedicated to the heritage of water desalination.

A City Within a City

According to Almansour, Jeddah Central was conceived as an integrated destination where modernity and cultural heritage coexist harmoniously. “We are building a city within a city, where everything is in one place: the beach, the hotels, the iconic landmarks like the stadium, the opera, and the marina. People will have an unparalleled, truly unforgettable experience,” he assured.

The new stadium, which will be one of the venues for the FIFA 2034 World Cup, will have a capacity of 45,000 spectators and will be equipped with interior and exterior climate control technology, as well as a retractable roof to maintain optimal conditions for both players and the audience.

Around the stadium, a modern district will be developed with restaurants, recreational areas, hotels, and family-friendly spaces, designed so that visitors can enjoy a full day of activities: from attending a match to walking to the opera or exploring the 9.5-kilometer seaside promenade, which includes 2.1 kilometers of beach.

Culture, Sustainability, and Legacy

One of the most unique projects within the master plan is the Desalination Museum, which will celebrate the legacy of Saudi Arabia’s first desalination plant, built nearly 50 years ago. “It will be a symbol of technological development and the country’s relationship with water, a vital resource for our history and future,” Almansour noted.

Additionally, the plan emphasizes sustainability, architectural innovation, and connection with the natural environment, in line with the principles of Vision 2030.

With these developments, Jeddah aims to establish itself as one of the most dynamic cities in the Middle East, offering unique experiences that combine hospitality, culture, entertainment, and nature. “I invite visitors from around the world to come and experience this for themselves,” concluded Mardi Almansour.