Crown Prince Unveils Company that Will Develop Downtowns in Saudi Arabia

Crown Mohammed bin Salman announced the launch of Saudi Downtown Company (SDC) that will build and develop downtown areas and mixed-use destinations in 12 cities throughout Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
Crown Mohammed bin Salman announced the launch of Saudi Downtown Company (SDC) that will build and develop downtown areas and mixed-use destinations in 12 cities throughout Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
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Crown Prince Unveils Company that Will Develop Downtowns in Saudi Arabia

Crown Mohammed bin Salman announced the launch of Saudi Downtown Company (SDC) that will build and develop downtown areas and mixed-use destinations in 12 cities throughout Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
Crown Mohammed bin Salman announced the launch of Saudi Downtown Company (SDC) that will build and develop downtown areas and mixed-use destinations in 12 cities throughout Saudi Arabia. (SPA)

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince, and Chairman of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), announced the launch of Saudi Downtown Company (SDC) that will build and develop downtown areas and mixed-use destinations in 12 cities throughout Saudi Arabia.

The company will aim to improve the infrastructure and build strategic partnerships with the private sector and investors, by creating new business and investment opportunities in key economic sectors, including retail, tourism, entertainment, and housing.

The 12 cities include: Al-Madinah, Al-Khobar, Al-Ahsa, Buraidah, Najran, Jizan, Hail, Al-Baha, Arar, Taif, Dumat Al-Jandal, and Tabuk.

SDC will develop over 10 million square meters of land across all projects, creating modern destinations drawn from Saudi Arabia’s diverse local culture and traditional architectural motifs, while using cutting-edge technology in every project.

By launching SDC, PIF aims to increase trade and investment opportunities in various cities across Saudi Arabia to enhance their attractiveness and create a positive impact in their local economies.

The projects will contribute to creating new opportunities for the private sector and new job opportunities for citizens, as well as localizing knowledge and expertise to help entrepreneurs and companies start and expand their businesses.

The launch of SDC reflects Crown Prince Mohammed’s vision to launch development projects in various regions of Saudi Arabia, highlighting the active role that domestic cities play in supporting the national economy.

The company’s strategy aligns with PIF’s efforts to unlock and enable the capabilities of promising sectors locally that can help drive the diversification of the economy and contribute to non-oil GDP growth, in line with the objectives of Vision 2030.



Saudi National Center for Meteorology Warns of Heavy Rain in Makkah

Worshippers are seen at the Grand Mosque in Makkah amid rainfall. (SPA)
Worshippers are seen at the Grand Mosque in Makkah amid rainfall. (SPA)
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Saudi National Center for Meteorology Warns of Heavy Rain in Makkah

Worshippers are seen at the Grand Mosque in Makkah amid rainfall. (SPA)
Worshippers are seen at the Grand Mosque in Makkah amid rainfall. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Meteorology warned on Friday of heavy rains in Makkah and Al-Jumum Governorate including the centers of Rahat and Madrakah.

The rain will be accompanied by strong winds, lack of horizontal visibility, hail, torrents, and thunderstorms.

It said the weather conditions will continue until Friday night.

Meanwhile, the General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, in cooperation with other government agencies working in the Grand Mosque, intensified cleaning and drying of the Mataf area (circumambulation track) after the rainfall witnessed in Makkah on Thursday to ensure the safety and security of worshippers and Umrah performers.

The authority mobilized more than 200 supervisors and observers, 4,000 workers, and more than 500 pieces of equipment to deal with the rain.

To ensure the thoroughness of the cleaning process, water suction and washing equipment were strategically distributed both inside and outside the Grand Mosque.