Saudi PIF Leads Massive Jeddah Waterfront Redevelopment Project

A general view shows al-Tawhid square on the corniche in the Red Sea port city of Jeddah on November 29, 2008. AFP PHOTO/KHALED DESOUKI (Photo credit should read KHALED DESOUKI/AFP/Getty Images)
A general view shows al-Tawhid square on the corniche in the Red Sea port city of Jeddah on November 29, 2008. AFP PHOTO/KHALED DESOUKI (Photo credit should read KHALED DESOUKI/AFP/Getty Images)
TT
20

Saudi PIF Leads Massive Jeddah Waterfront Redevelopment Project

A general view shows al-Tawhid square on the corniche in the Red Sea port city of Jeddah on November 29, 2008. AFP PHOTO/KHALED DESOUKI (Photo credit should read KHALED DESOUKI/AFP/Getty Images)
A general view shows al-Tawhid square on the corniche in the Red Sea port city of Jeddah on November 29, 2008. AFP PHOTO/KHALED DESOUKI (Photo credit should read KHALED DESOUKI/AFP/Getty Images)

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has announced it will lead the redevelopment of Jeddah’s waterfront corniche, creating a unique tourist, residential and commercial destination, to become the “New Jeddah Downtown.”

The project, which will contribute SAR 18 billion of investment over 10 years as well as 36,000 new jobs, aims to create a distinctive and attractive environment to support Jeddah’s ambition of becoming one of the world’s top 100 cities. The project will include spaces for entertainment, shopping, and commercial activities, which are accessible for both residents and visitors.

The project aims to turn the waterfront area into a thriving downtown that will serve as a tourist destination and a residential and commercial hub with 12,000 housing units as well as shops and attractions, according to Saudi Press Agency.

The project will take place across a 5 million square meter development and will be divided into six main sections, including new houses, museums, and cultural and social centers, areas for business and innovation, gardens, amusement parks and sports facilities, hotels and hospitality facilities, retail spaces, as well as coastal areas for seaside activities and walking routes along the private boat and yacht pier.

The overall project is divided into several areas with 42 percent of the space residential, 35 percent retail and entertainment and 12 percent office. When completed it will cover 5 million square meters and be able to accommodate 58,000 people.

Construction is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2019 with the first phase expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2022.

SPA said the Jeddah corniche was in line with the kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan to develop tourism sites and part of an aim to make the city among the top 100 globally.



UN Rights Council Backs Saudi-drafted Resolution to Protect Children Online

Ambassador Abdulmohsen bin Khothaila presented the resolution to the Human Rights Council during its 59th session, on behalf of the Saudi mission in Geneva. Photo: Saudi mission
Ambassador Abdulmohsen bin Khothaila presented the resolution to the Human Rights Council during its 59th session, on behalf of the Saudi mission in Geneva. Photo: Saudi mission
TT
20

UN Rights Council Backs Saudi-drafted Resolution to Protect Children Online

Ambassador Abdulmohsen bin Khothaila presented the resolution to the Human Rights Council during its 59th session, on behalf of the Saudi mission in Geneva. Photo: Saudi mission
Ambassador Abdulmohsen bin Khothaila presented the resolution to the Human Rights Council during its 59th session, on behalf of the Saudi mission in Geneva. Photo: Saudi mission

The United Nations Human Rights Council on Tuesday unanimously adopted a Saudi-drafted resolution aimed at enhancing child protection in the digital realm, a move rooted in a global initiative launched by Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.

The resolution, introduced by Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Mission to the UN and international organizations in Geneva, seeks to advance the goals of the Kingdom’s “Child Protection in Cyberspace” initiative.

It aims to translate the initiative’s vision into concrete action through enhanced technical cooperation and capacity building.

Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Ambassador Abdulmohsen bin Khothaila, presented the draft during the Council’s 59th session under Agenda Item 10, which focuses on technical assistance and capacity development.

The proposal received broad support and was adopted by consensus, with co-sponsorship from Kuwait, Algeria, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and Vietnam.

Addressing the Council, Khothaila stressed that the digital space has become an integral part of children’s lives, offering immense opportunities for learning and connection, while also exposing them to growing risks.

He underscored the need for stronger international cooperation, national capacity building, and technical support to reinforce national frameworks aimed at child protection.

The resolution reflects the core objectives of the Crown Prince’s initiative, including fostering international cooperation, sharing best practices, raising awareness, and equipping stakeholders with the necessary skills to ensure a safer digital environment for children.

It also highlights the importance of tailoring technical assistance to the specific needs and priorities of each country, with the aim of building sustainable national capacities and enhancing communities’ ability to respond to digital threats facing children.

The resolution underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to promoting global cooperation for a secure and inclusive digital space for children worldwide, in line with its leadership role and pioneering efforts in cybersecurity and child protection.