Jeddah Economic City

Jeddah Economic City is a large-scale urban development currently under construction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The project spans an area of approximately and is being developed by the Jeddah Economic Company, a subsidiary of Kingdom Holding Company.

History

Jeddah Economic City, originally planned as "Kingdom City," is a large-scale urban development in North Obhur, Jeddah. The project was first proposed by businessman Al-Waleed bin Talal in 2008 as a new economic and residential hub. Initial plans included a "Mile-High Tower" although later engineering studies reduced the height to approximately 1,000 meters. The Jeddah Economic Company was established in 2009 to oversee the development, which was designed to include residential, commercial, and retail areas alongside the tower.
Construction began in 2013, starting with the Jeddah Tower as the first component of the city. The Saudi Binladin Group was contracted as the main builder, and the Jeddah Municipality issued the final construction license in February 2012. In 2015, the project was officially renamed from "Kingdom City" to Jeddah Economic City and the "Kingdom Tower" to Jeddah Tower to reflect its broader urban and economic focus.
Construction of the city has been closely tied to the progress of the Jeddah Tower, which was halted in January 2018 after reaching the 63rd floor. Delays were caused by management changes following the 2017–2019 anti-corruption purge, technical challenges associated with the tower's unprecedented height, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The development was revived in late 2024. A SAR 7.2 billion contract was signed with SBG in October 2024 to complete the Jeddah Tower, which remains the central element of the city.