$1.33bn committed so far to Jeddah revamp - Mayor

More than SR5 billion ($1.33bn) has been committed to the construction of bridges, tunnels, road crossings and parks as part of plans to improve the city of Jeddah, it was reported on Thursday.

Mayor Adel Fakieh said the city planned to attract more people for education, tourism, work and entertainment, as well as setting itself up to become an "international commercial centre".

“The future plan of the city is to become a beautiful haven for the coming generations and ensure its more than three million residents a high quality living,” Fakieh said in comments published by Arab News.

According to the mayor, Jeddah will also become an global commercial centre characterised by "dynamism and flexibility".

“Jeddah has a diversified economic base and deep-rooted trade traditions that will make it a unique international trade and tourist centre. The city is determined to achieve and maintain its sustainable development,” he told the paper.

Eighteen road crossings costing more than SR1 billion were currently under construction in addition to 35 new crossings at the design stage at a cost of about SR3 billion.

When all the planned tunnels, bridges and crossings were completed, the city, which now has more than a million vehicles making more than six million daily trips, will be free from bottlenecks, officials claim.

The beautification plans for Jeddah also include 100 new parks.

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