Construction is gathering pace on the first phase of the Islamic World District (IWD), one of the flagship developments within Knowledge Economic City (KEC) in Madinah, with 1,835 hospitality keys currently under construction across Clusters 1 and 2 and the district’s first permanent structures beginning to emerge.
The progress marks an important milestone for one of Madinah’s major new mixed-use hospitality and cultural destinations as the development moves from masterplan into visible construction.
The Islamic World District spans approximately 980,000 sq m at the intersection of King Abdulaziz Road and Prince Nayef Road in the southeastern area of Knowledge Economic City. Located about eight minutes by car from the Prophet’s Mosque, the district is strategically positioned to serve pilgrims, visitors and residents.
Conceived as a meeting point for the cultures of the Islamic world, the destination celebrates the heritage and diversity of Islamic civilisations while drawing on the spiritual and historical character of Madinah.
Designed as an integrated, transit-oriented destination, IWD offers convenient access to Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, the Haramain High-Speed Railway Station, Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport and Quba Mosque. It is also directly connected to Madinah Gate, KEC’s transit-oriented destination at the Haramain High-Speed Railway station.
The Islamic World District spans 900,000 sq m at the intersection of King Abdulaziz Road and Prince Nayef Road in the southeastern area of Knowledge Economic City.
The masterplan brings together hospitality, residential, retail, commercial, cultural and community uses within a walkable urban environment. Landscaped public spaces, an arrival plaza, a Madinah-inspired souq, food and beverage experiences, community facilities and a mosque will help create a destination rooted in Madinah’s identity while embracing contemporary urban planning.
Phase One establishes the foundations for the wider vision, with plans for 5,162 hotel keys, 1,091 residential units, approximately 38,000 sq m of retail gross leasable area and 11,000 sq m dedicated to cultural and museum facilities.
Hospitality forms one of the development’s principal pillars. Agreements have been signed with leading international hospitality groups including Marriott International, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Radisson Hotel Group and Archipelago, introducing a diverse range of internationally recognised hotel brands and hospitality experiences.
Construction activity is progressing across Clusters 1 and 2, which together comprise approximately 1,835 hospitality keys currently under construction.
KEC commenced work on the clusters through its subsidiary, Al Gharra International Real Estate Development Company, with construction packages awarded to Alghanim International and China Gezhouba Group Corporation (CGGC).
Construction activity is progressing across Clusters 1 and 2 of the Islamic World District.
The latest construction progress is increasingly visible across the site, with structural elements and the district’s first permanent buildings beginning to define the future streetscape and transform IWD from masterplan into a tangible destination.
Beyond increasing Madinah’s hospitality capacity, the Islamic World District is designed to strengthen the city’s position as a global centre for religious and cultural tourism. Museums, public spaces and cultural attractions will showcase the heritage and diversity of Islamic civilisations while creating opportunities for learning, interaction and reflection.
The development is also expected to support Madinah’s wider tourism ecosystem and long-term economic growth through employment, opportunities for local businesses and increased economic activity.
Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, IWD supports national ambitions to expand tourism infrastructure, increase hospitality capacity and enhance the experience of pilgrims and visitors. By integrating hospitality, residences, retail, transport, culture and community amenities within a single masterplanned destination, the project will contribute to Madinah’s continued urban and economic transformation.
The Islamic World District forms part of Knowledge Economic City’s 6.8-million-sq-m masterplan, which brings together a portfolio of integrated mixed-use destinations across Madinah.
Alongside IWD, KEC’s flagship developments include Madinah Gate, directly connected to the Haramain High-Speed Railway station; Al Alyaa, a residential community combining modern homes, landscaped green spaces and community amenities within the Haram boundary; Dar Al Jewar, KEC’s first completed residential development; and Multaqa AlMadinah, a lifestyle destination bringing together shopping, dining, leisure and hospitality.
Together, these developments are creating an increasingly connected urban ecosystem supporting Saudi Vision 2030 and Madinah’s continued development as a world-class destination for residents, pilgrims, visitors and investors.