A SR2 billion ($$533 million) high-rise commercial and residential development to be built in Jeddah is being billed as the first-ever skyscraper project in Saudi Arabia’s western region.

Called Lamar Towers, the project is being developed by Cayan Investment and Development and Zahran Property Investment, and  will offer residences, offices, a shopping mall and a luxury spa.
Lamar, which means molten gold in Arabic, will be developed at the Jeddah’s fashionable North Corniche.
Zahran Property Investment chairman Bader Al Zahrani says the name was inspired by the way the setting sun will reflect off the glass walls of Lamar, “turning them into dazzling sheets of molten gold”.
The project will feature two residential towers, an upmarket mall, luxury spa, offices, indoor squash courts, outdoor tennis courts, swimming pools for adults and children, plus gyms and beauty salons.
The one-to-four bedroom apartments, three-bedroom lofts, half- and full-floor penthouses in the 58 and 65-storey residential towers will all offer stunning views of the Red Sea. Each tower will also have a luxurious VIP lounge where residents can entertain guests.
The 13-storey commercial development will curve its way between the two residential towers and offer offices in various sizes.
The three-storey mall will be home to many iconic international brands and haute-cuisine restaurants, while the Lamar Spa will offer up-to-date treatments in elegant surroundings.
Cayan has commissioned internationally-recognised firms RMJM as the main architect, Turner as project manager, and Saudi Diyar Consultants as local consultant.
Construction is expected to start this summer and the project completed by the end of 2010.