Jeddah Central Project Set to Be Prominent Development Project in Kingdom’s Vision 2030

Jeddah Central Project will push the Saudi city into a development movement that will enhance its presence among the top 100 global cities (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Jeddah Central Project will push the Saudi city into a development movement that will enhance its presence among the top 100 global cities (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Jeddah Central Project Set to Be Prominent Development Project in Kingdom’s Vision 2030

Jeddah Central Project will push the Saudi city into a development movement that will enhance its presence among the top 100 global cities (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Jeddah Central Project will push the Saudi city into a development movement that will enhance its presence among the top 100 global cities (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz launched a development plan for the Jeddah Central Project on Friday. The undertaking sets out to be one of the most prominent development projects of the Kingdom’s national program for transformation, Vision 2030.

It aims to develop the city of Jeddah in support of its ambitions to become one of the top 100 cities in the world.

The project will contribute to developing a vital area suitable for recreation, entertainment, and shopping, transforming the city into a unique destination for various segments of society, including residents and visitors.

The project will be implemented by the Public Investment Fund’s Central Jeddah Development in three phases, the first of which will be completed by the end of the year 2027.

Downtown Jeddah will then begin to receive residents and visitors from inside and outside the Kingdom.

The project aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, especially developing tourism sites that live up to the highest international standards. It also provides investment opportunities that contribute to the development of the private sector and the tourism, hospitality, and entertainment sector.

In addition, the city will benefit from the building and development of modern residential areas, encompassing 17,000 residential units and diversified hotel projects that offer more than 2,700 hotel rooms, and the provision of integrated solutions for the business sector.

The project will feature a world-class marina and stunning beach resorts, as well as restaurants and cafes and diverse shopping options.

The waterfront of the project is 9.5 km long, which includes a promenade, a marina to host local and international yachts, and a 2.1 km long beach. Open spaces and public services make up a significant part of the project area, with the provision of designated walking areas to create a walkable environment.



Saudi Aramco to Buy 10% Stake in Renault-Geely Thermal Engines Venture

The logo of Saudi Aramco is pictured outside Khurais, Saudi Arabia October 12, 2019. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov/File Photo
The logo of Saudi Aramco is pictured outside Khurais, Saudi Arabia October 12, 2019. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov/File Photo
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Saudi Aramco to Buy 10% Stake in Renault-Geely Thermal Engines Venture

The logo of Saudi Aramco is pictured outside Khurais, Saudi Arabia October 12, 2019. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov/File Photo
The logo of Saudi Aramco is pictured outside Khurais, Saudi Arabia October 12, 2019. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov/File Photo

Saudi Aramco will buy a 10% stake in a thermal engines joint venture between French carmaker Renault and Chinese automaker Geely, the companies said on Friday, valuing the business at 7.4 billion euros ($7.93 billion).
Geely and Renault will own around 45% each of the powertrain venture, called Horse Powertrain, which will supply gasoline engines, hybrid systems and gearboxes for thermal vehicles.

“Aramco’s investment is expected to directly contribute to the development and deployment of affordable, efficient, and lower-carbon emission internal combustion engines globally,” said Aramco Executive Vice President of Technology & Innovation Ahmad O. Al Khowaiter.

“With Geely and Renault, we plan to leverage our collective expertise and resources to support ground-breaking advances in both engine and fuel technologies,” he added.

Renault CEO Luca de Meo described the deal in a statement as creating a "dream team" that would "reinvent" the future of combustion-engine and hybrid technologies.

Geely Holding CEO Daniel Li said that mitigating greenhouse gas emissions will require global synergies, multi-faceted technological solutions, and the sharing of expertise.

“With Aramco’s support and expertise in fuel technologies, HORSE Powertrain Limited further cements its role as a leader in pioneering low-carbon and carbon-free fuel technology solutions such as methanol and hydrogen.”