Jeddah Central Project, the $20-billion flagship development by the Jeddah Central Development Company (JCDC), last month witnessed the signing of a number of partnerships which will boost the development’s hospitality and leisure offerings.  The move by the developer signals a major commitment to high-end, international tourism infrastructure.

A landmark joint venture was signed by JCDC - a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) - with Midad Real Estate and Kerzner International (the group behind Atlantis and One&Only brands), which will deliver the first Atlantis Jeddah Resort, featuring a waterpark, and One&Only Jeddah resort.

The investment value exceeds SAR7 billion ($1.87 billion). The Atlantis Jeddah project will include branded hotel rooms, luxury residences, a water park, and integrated entertainment facilities. The One&Only Jeddah resort will feature hotel suites and luxury residences offering an exceptional beachfront experience on the Red Sea.

The Jeddah Central Project involves the development of a 9.5-km waterfront, a world-class yacht marina, and extensive beach areas, transforming the city’s corniche.

Further strengthening its hospitality cluster, JCDC also signed a strategic partnership with NMR Group to develop and operate the Jareed Jeddah hotel within the project’s Beach, Leisure and Lifestyle District. The property will feature 108 hotel rooms and 19 branded residences, designed with a blend of modern elegance and traditional Saudi character, introducing one of the kingdom’s leading boutique lifestyle brands to the destination.

Further agreements were sealed with Mandarin Oriental and Hilton (Canopy brand) for hotels and residences within Jeddah Central, highlighting JCDC’s success in attracting Tier-1 global operators.

The Mandarin Oriental agreement will see the brand operate a luxury hotel and serviced residences on a dedicated island, offering 140 hotel rooms, 115 serviced apartments, and 187 branded residences, positioning it as one of the Red Sea coast’s most exclusive hospitality addresses.

Under its agreement with JCDC, Hilton will develop a Canopy by Hilton lifestyle hotel featuring 220 rooms and 120 serviced apartments overlooking the iconic opera house, work on which is currently under way. This addition introduces Hilton’s fast-growing lifestyle brand into Jeddah, further diversifying the destination’s premium accommodation offerings.

The Jeddah Central project aims to establish a global destination with an architectural design inspired by the historical Al-Balad district.

These partnerships, unveiled last month during the TOURISE 2025 Summit in Riyadh where JCDC participated as a main sponsor, demonstrate the project’s momentum in securing world-class operators and attracting global investment interest. They also reinforce Jeddah Central’s role as a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s tourism diversification under Vision 2030.

The Jeddah Central project aims to establish a global destination with an architectural design inspired by the historical identity of Al-Balad district, reflecting the port city’s unique cultural and urban heritage. The massive development is a key initiative to position the Red Sea coastal city of Jeddah as a global tourism and cultural hub.

The destination will comprise six complementary districts: the Beach, Leisure and Lifestyle District; the Sports Park District, housing a comprehensive sports village; the Wellness District; the Cultural and Creativity District blending art and culture; the Marina District offering a global attraction with a unique local touch; and finally, the Central District, representing the pulsating heart of Jeddah Central.

The first phase of Jeddah Central, slated for completion by the end of 2027, includes the construction of the four main landmarks: the opera house, museum, stadium, and oceanarium. The first phase development is located in the heart of Jeddah, between Al-Salam Royal Palace and a water desalination plant.

JCDC, Midad Real Estate and Kerzner International officials signed the deal which will see the development of the Atlantis Jeddah, a waterpark and One&Only Jeddah resort.

The project, which will cover 5.7 million sq m, will involve the development of a 9.5-km waterfront, a world-class yacht marina, and extensive beach areas, transforming the city’s corniche. It will also offer a 2.1-km sandy beach and a 100-m-wide green promenade.

Jeddah Central is set to deliver 17,000 residential units and 2,700 hotel rooms, with the initial phase (45 per cent of the total development) expected to be a significant value-add to the local economy.

Construction work is in progress on three of the four key components – the stadium, opera house, and oceanarium as well as Phase One infrastructure and utilities – of its ambitious project under contracts worth a total of SR12 billion.

The infrastructure and utilities contract was awarded to China Harbour Engineering Arabia. 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.

Overall perspective showing the extent of the Jeddah Central Project.

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.

The stadium, awarded to a consortium led by China Railway Construction Corp’s Saudi branch and Sama Construction for Contracting, will accommodate 45,000 spectators, conform to FIFA specifications, and host international and local sporting events.

The fourth key component is a museum. British firm Heatherwick Studio is tasked with  transforming a decommissioned desalination plant into an industrial museum. Set to open in 2028, the museum will chronicle the industrial history of Jeddah, with exhibits on desalination processes and facilities for artists. Heatherwick Studio’s design aims to turn the plant’s turbine hall into an exhibition space and establish a creative marketplace for local artists.