Emaar Unveils SR6 Billion First Phase of Jeddah Gate

JEDDAH, 1 November 2007 -- Emaar Middle East has unveiled the first phase of the SR6 billion Jeddah Gate, a mixed-use master-planned community spanning over half a million square meters in Jeddah's new downtown area. The development will feature residential units, commercial towers and a range of cultural, retail and leisure outlets.

Located in the heart of the city, Jeddah Gate is positioned on two sites, Emaar said in a statement yesterday. The first is spread over 413,000 sq m and is located along King Abdullah Street and the second is spread over 140,000 sq m along Abdullah Al- Suleiman Street in close proximity to the main railroad linking Makkah and Madinah to Jeddah. The project will comprise 6,000 residential units, 230,000 sq m of commercial space and 75,000 sq m of gross leaseable area for retailers.

"With Jeddah Gate, Emaar is bringing to Saudi Arabia its core competency of developing master-planned communities that deliver a new way of living," said Issam Galadari, managing director, Emaar International, Middle East and North Africa. "Jeddah Gate will be a self-sustaining lifestyle community with elegant homes, convenient office space, retail outlets and amenities such as schools, mosques and cultural centers."

Alaa Abdullah Saed, chief executive officer, Emaar Middle East, said: "Jeddah Gate forms a key component of Jeddah's new downtown area, which has been designed by the global architectural firm HOK and will spread over 12 million sq m. As one of Saudi Arabia's top development projects to create a central business district in Jeddah, Emaar's project is built to become the new center of the city and drive inward investments to the Kingdom."

Jeddah Gate will feature amenities such as walkways, parks, swimming pools, fitness centers, children's play areas, daycare centers and recreational areas. A wide boulevard housing high-end retail outlets and restaurants is also included in the development plan. Residents can look forward to hi-speed Internet and telecom connectivity, advanced security systems, and 24-hour maintenance support.

"Jeddah Gate is a highly aspirational project that addresses the requirements of the modern Saudis," added Galadari. "The project's overall architectural philosophy will conform to Arabesque traditions while blending most-modern facilities to ensure a unique, relaxed lifestyle."

Besides Jeddah Gate in Saudi Arabia, Emaar is currently spearheading the development of King Abdullah Economic City, the largest private sector-led development in the region.

The Kingdom plays a key role in the company's development strategy of geographic expansion and business segmentation in line with its Vision 2010 to become one of the most valuable companies in the world.

Emaar has a significant presence in 36 markets already and has diversified into education, health care, hospitality and leisure, malls and finance.