Construction work is anticipated to begin by the end of this year on Almanar, the first integrated residential community in Makkah of Roshn, Saudi Arabia's leading national real estate developer.  This move will follow the launch in Q4 of sales of homes within the massive development which will offer 4,149 residential units and accommodate over 17,000 people across a 2.5-million-sq-m footprint.

Located at Makkah’s western gate, between the old and new expressways linking the city to Jeddah, Almanar is a 20-minute drive from the Holy Mosque and less than an hour from King Abdulaziz International Airport in the Saudi port city. The community, which was unveiled in March, aims to redefine community living in the city of just over two million which draws in visitors from all over the world.

Almanar's first phase will include a diverse range of residential options, including three- to five-bedroom townhouses, duplexes, and villas. The designs of these homes are influenced by the architectural heritage of Saudi Arabia's western region, featuring ornate details like elliptical and geometric patterns.

The community will also offer a wide range of amenities to enhance the quality of life for its residents. These amenities include retail offerings, neighbourhood commercial centres, a business park, several mosques, recreational facilities such as parks, playgrounds, and community centres for social gatherings and events.

Almanar will offer a wide range of amenities to enhance the quality of life for its residents.

Sustainability is a key focus of Almanar. The project will preserve the natural landscape, incorporating the site's topography into the community design. These sites will become the cornerstone for the community’s ecological systems and will feature indigenous flora and fauna, according to Roshn. Green spaces, including walkways, cycle paths, and shaded areas, will make up 12 per cent of the total footprint.

In step with other Roshn communities, Almanar’s homes are designed to be sustainable and utility-efficient. Houses will include several industry-leading energy-conserving technologies, including modern insulation, solar water heaters and efficient air-conditioning to deliver energy savings in excess of what is mandated by the Saudi Building Code, says the developer. Electric vehicle charging stations will also be available throughout the community.

By combining sustainable living with a variety of amenities, Almanar aims to create a thriving community that meets the needs and aspirations of its residents. The project is expected to contribute to the economic growth of Makkah and enhance its appeal as a destination for both residents and visitors.

The PIF-backed Roshn Group, which was established in 2020 to spearhead the kingdom's ambition of raising homeownership among Saudis to 70 per cent by 2030, is currently building more than 150,000 homes across the kingdom, in a bid not only to meet national targets but also reshape urban landscapes.

The developer has launched seven residential and mixed-use projects in four key regions.  These include its first project, Sedra, which encompasses 30,000 housing units and Warefa (2,300 homes) in Riyadh; Marafy and Alarous, which together will offer a whopping 65,000 homes in Jeddah; Alfulwa (18,000) and Aldanah (2,500) in the Eastern Province; and Almanar (33,000) in Makkah. 

Roshn has significantly expanded its scope beyond residential development. Initially focused on building homes, the company is rapidly evolving toward becoming a multi-asset real estate developer – its latest ventures being a 45,000-seat stadium in Riyadh and another (Aramco Stadium) in collaboration with Aramco in Al Khobar.