Work has started on Al Nawras, a mega mixed-use development in Jeddah designed to create an ‘outdoor’ destination that aims to redefine the dining and shopping experience for people in the city.

Located near Al Nawras Square at the intersection of the Corniche Road and Prince Nayef Street, the development covers a 32,000-sq-m site and will be built in two phases.

Wholly owned by Saudi Economic and Development Company (Sedco) Holding, the project is being developed by Sedco Development. Intimaa is the leasing agent, while the retail facilities will be managed by a professional management company, with experience in providing a high level of services to tenants and visitors. The project has been designed by RAK Design.

“The destination aims to create a landmark that engages with the waterfront experience, forming an urban village accommodating diverse programmatic functions within a vertical framework,” Anees Ahmed Moumina, CEO of Sedco Holding tells Gulf Construction.

The first phase provides a leasable area of 15,000 sq m, spread over three floors with magnificent views of the Jeddah Corniche. “All retail spaces, which will have sea views as standard, will offer outlets of different configurations as well as recreational and outdoor seating areas combined with service amenities.

“Having outdoor and indoor seating areas, the facility will be seamlessly connected with exterior public areas and service facilities,” he says.

All outlets will have sea views as standard.

Phase One, which will cover half the total site area, offers a unique mix of innovative retail and food and beverage (F&B) offerings, including upscale gourmet outlets that offer both indoor and outdoor settings.

Moumina says the site’s proximity to a number of landmark public and private real estate facilities and infrastructure projects makes it highly suitable for the proposed land use.

He says a 16,000-sq-m portion of the site facing the Eastern Road will be reserved for future lease/commercial development, which will include a hotel and offices.

Al Nawras is part of Sedco’s investment strategy to contribute to Saudi Arabia’s real estate development, according to Moumina. This strategy is in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the National Transformation Plan 2020 that aims at developing pioneering projects through a variety of real estate investments.

Established in 1976, Sedco is a leading private wealth management organisation that conducts its business according to Shari’ah principles. It manages a wide and diversified spectrum of real estate investments, investments in equities, and other businesses in Saudi Arabia and around the world.