Saudi Arabia’s ambitious vision for residential communities in its Western Province is taking shape, with Roshn, the kingdom’s primary multi-asset developer, spearheading transformative projects that will redefine urban living. From the sprawling AlArous community in Jeddah to Marafy which will be built around an iconic manmade canal, Roshn is reshaping the landscape and setting new standards for sustainable development.

AlArous, Roshn’s first community development in the kingdom’s Western Region, is making significant strides since its launch in mid-2022. The project will be carried out over three phases.

Over 70 per cent of its Phase One’s infrastructure is complete, paving the way for the delivery of the first homes by the end of 2025. When complete, this expansive community, spanning 4 million sq m, will feature 18,000 homes and host over 300 amenities, including schools, retail centres, restaurants, mosques, health centres and parks. AlArous will also boast Roshn’s signature focus on lifestyles and quality of life, and provide parks, pedestrian walkways, bicycle paths and electric vehicle charging.

More than 70 per cent of the work on the infrastructure of AlArous community’s first phase has been completed.

Roshn is working with contractor Saudi Pan Kingdom Company (Sapac) on the primary and secondary infrastructure for the entire AlArous project, including phases one, two and three. For Phase One, the mass grading is complete, as are the deep sewers, the deep storm water systems and potable water. The primary substation is being built by AlGihaz and the water tank is being built by Astra Contracting.

Given this is Roshn’s largest project to date in the Western Province and one of the largest projects under construction in Jeddah, the developer has worked through issues such as the project’s scale and the supply chain. Roshn says it has worked hand-in-hand with its supplier base to overcome any hurdles in the project’s development.

Roshn’s strategic partnership with Sapac ensures efficient infrastructure development, while the adoption of building information modelling (BIM) streamlines the construction process.

The first homes of AlArous community are expected to be delivered by 2025-end.

The project will use precast concrete to accelerate its timeline for completion. Regarding amenities, the project is full turnkey and will include a host of services to make it a community that can offer everything to its residents, says Roshn.

The strong demand for AlArous is evident, with over 80 per cent of Phase One homes already sold, including to expatriates holding premium residency, and the company expects that Phase One will be fully sold out by the end of the year.

Excavation work is currently under way on Marafy’s 11-km canal.

Meanwhile, Marafy, a mixed-use development in north Jeddah, is gaining momentum with the groundbreaking of its 11-km canal, which extends alongside the AlArous community project. This iconic waterway will serve as the centerpiece of the thriving community, attracting 130,000 residents and offering a diverse range of retail and commercial spaces.

Once complete, Marafy’s canal will provide a waterfront comparable in size to those of Chicago in the US, or central London, transforming the north of this historic city that has been welcoming traders and travellers for centuries with a new landmark and signature attraction, according to Roshn.

A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

Roshn says it is committed to creating sustainable and livable communities. When completed, both AlArous and Marafy will be connected to each other and the rest of Jeddah seamlessly by an intermodal transport system comprising water taxis, bus lines, a dedicated metro Red Line station, and a direct canal link to the King Abdulaziz International Airport.

Marafy ... a mixed-use development in north Jeddah to be built along a canal.

These transportation links will not only make living in the area more convenient, but they are also designed to reduce carbon emissions and make the city greener and more sustainable. AlArous has itself been planned to have a 4-km central spine planted with trees. This landscaped pedestrian boulevard will connect the whole community and link Marafy. All of AlArous’s neighbourhoods are pedestrian-friendly, with narrow roads that are deliberately narrow to slow local traffic ensuring peace and safety.

Additionally, the development of pedestrian-friendly neighbourhoods, green spaces, and electric vehicle charging stations underscores Roshn’s dedication to environmental responsibility, the company adds.

OTHER WESTERN PROVINCE PROJECTS

Elsewhere in the Western Province, Roshn is embarking on another transformative project: AlManar, which will bring a new concept of living to the city as the first integrated community to be launched in Makkah.

A 21-million-sq-m development, AlManar will redefine urban living in Makkah with its 33,000 homes and integrated community concept. Groundbreaking is expected before the end of the year.

Roshn has been expanding its sphere of operations beyond its core residential offerings and in line with this, unveiled its new brand identity during Cityscape Global last month. Its expansion into new sectors, such as education, healthcare, and logistics, further solidify its position as a leading developer. As Roshn continues to evolve, the company is expected to launch more groundbreaking projects and initiatives in the Western Province and beyond.