JCDC announces award of design and engineering contracts for stadium at $20.4bn Jeddah Central project
Stadium to be one of four key landmarks in Jeddah Central, joining a museum, opera house and oceanarium
The Jeddah Central Development Company (JCDC) has awarded the design and engineering contracts for a stadium at its $20.4bn Jeddah Central project in the Red Sea city of Jeddah. JCDC said the design contract was awarded to GMP International, while the engineering contract went to Khatib & Alami.
According to JCDC, the stadium will be one of four major landmarks in Jeddah Central, with the other three being a museum, an opera house and an oceanarium. In June 2022, following a global design competition, the JCDC awarded the design contract for the Oceanarium and Coral Farm to SOM.
Eng. Ahmed Al-Sulaim, Chief Executive Officer of the Jeddah Central Development Company, highlighted the importance of this contract to design the Stadium, adding that the move will contribute to achieving one of PIF’s objectives of socioeconomic significance for the sports sector and support Saudi Vision 2030 to build a thriving economy and a vibrant society.
In February, the Jeddah Central Project CEO said that the $20.4bn project is being delivered by Saudis.
“This contract comes as part of our plan to launch a project that helps to enhance the economic position of Jeddah and to provide a world-class sports and entertainment destination for the city’s residents and visitors from around the Kingdom and abroad,” he said.
GMP International has built a number of internationally acclaimed stadiums in South Africa, Russia and Brazil, as well as sport cities in China and other countries, the statement added. The stadium design will be unique to Jeddah and is based on international standards that will highlight the sports, entertainment and cultural destination, JCDC noted.
It will feature open spaces, green parks, a world-class pitch, and a dynamic platform that brings together international events, the statement continued. Furthermore, the stadium will promote a healthier and more active lifestyle in the city’s community.
Paul O’Brien, Chief Development Officer at JCDC, added that the construction of the new landmarks will stimulate the efforts to attract local and global quality investments, which will contribute to the development and operation of the Jeddah Central Project’s facilities.
They will also help pave the way for investors to participate in the creation of new promising economic sectors in an attractive environment in Saudi Arabia, he concluded.
In December 2021, Saudi Arabia outlined the masterplan and main features of the then new $20.4bn leisure and tourism destination.
