JODC says completion of Phases Two and Three of Makkah mega master development on track for year-end
JODC said the three phases, once complete, will comprise of 15 towers, including five- and four-star luxury hotels, with 5,000 keys
Developer Jabal Omar Development Company (JODC) said that work on its master development in Makkah is progressing at a steady pace, with completion of Phase Two and Three targeted for the year-end, while Phase Four will be finished by Q4 2024.
In a statement, JODC said that the three phases, once complete, will comprise 15 towers, including five- and four-star luxury hotels, with 5,000 keys that will be operated by internationally renowned hotel operators, including Jumeriah International Hotel Group, Archipelago International (The Alana Makkah and The Royal Alana Makkah), H Hotels & Resorts (H Hotel) and Emaar Hospitality (The Address Hotel).
“As part of the company’s strategic transformation plan, we have started executing on the vital initiatives within JODC’s comprehensive financial, organisational and operational strategic optimisation plan. This has enabled us to set clear targets for all the project’s existing phases as we continue to strive towards increasing delivery rates,” said Khaled Al Amoudi, CEO of JODC, while speaking at the signing ceremony held in Makkah to mark the key milestone and landmark moment.
In June 2022, developer Umm Alqura for Development & Construction announced a 71,000sqm mall in western Makkah.
Al Amoudi pointed out that despite the significant achievements, the challenges the JODC encountered to reach this stage could not be ignored. He noted, “Despite the numerous challenges we overcame during the pandemic in the last two years, our continued perseverance allowed us to attain the accomplishments we have achieved. This reflects strongly on the wise and insightful vision and stewardship of King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Crown Prince, and the relentless efforts of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.”
Jabal Omar said that with a clear roadmap of increasing delivery rates and commitment to utilising all resources available to the company, it will continue to support and contribute to the Kingdom’s Saudi’s Vision 2030 goal of hosting 30m pilgrims by 2030, as well as raising the level and quality of services provided to the pilgrims in order to enrich their experience.
With a land area of over 235,000sqm, the Jabal Omar master project is being implemented in several phases. On completion, it will have a built-up area of over 2.5m million sqm with a total of 46 towers which include hospitality, commercial and residential developments. To date, Phase 1 has been fully completed (in Q1 2017) with a total land area and built-up area of 27,000 sqm and over 523,000 sqm respectively.
In July 2022, BATIC Real Estate Company and Al Mqr Development Company launched a residential neighbourhood community project near the Prophet’s Mosque in the Holy City, while developer Thakher Development Company said the first phase of its $7bn Thakher Makkah project was nearly complete.
During the event, JODC’s Saeed Mohammed Alghamdi, Chairman of the Board and Saad bin Aiban, the Chief Development & Projects Manager, also addressed their partners and commented on the significant milestone. Bin Aiban stated: “We have partnered with renowned experts to complete all the project’s existing phases and the infrastructure as per the revised target launch, which is testament to the entire team at JODC and an achievement we are proud of, especially given the delays in the construction work as a result of the global pandemic, and other challenges that the Kingdom’s real estate sector faced.”
He continued, “From now on, we will work to harness all required resources – from financial to human capital, to ensure timely and on-budget completion of the project, while ensuring we continue to adhere to the highest quality and safety standards that JODC is known for. We look forward to updating the market on a regular basis with our progress as we shape and add vitality to the urban landscape of the Holy City of Makkah with our iconic developments.”
Bin Aiban pointed out that JODC’s focus was firmly on developing Phases 2, 3, and 4, which have completion rates of 88%, 93%, and 63% respectively.
SNC-Lavalin said it won a FM services contract for a PPP schools project in Medina in July 2022.
“Each of the phases are mixed-use developments comprising hospitality, commercial, luxury residential units, and parking lots, with a combined land area of over 68,000sqm. Jabal Omar’s strategic, accessible, and prime location in close proximity to the Grand Mosque as well its deep knowledge and expertise of Makkah’s unique real estate sector, makes it a key enabler and beneficiary of the strategic Hajj and Umrah sector,” he concluded.
