by Dr. Shadi Alfar
Director - Mega Projects Department
Being the gateway to the Holy Mosque in Makkah for pilgrims, the King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) City has exceptional importance: the New Gate of Jeddah. A key strategy of this new development is to implement and create an integrated and connected mixed-use destination, a livable and enjoyable community supporting the vibrant and ambitious city of Jeddah. At the proximity to the heart of Jeddah, it covers a 678,000 m2 plot and will hold direct connections, including a network of trains and highways.
The vision of the KAIA City is to create a new destination, crossing beyond the traditional notion of a shopping mall, with creative tourism and business opportunities, while also providing a dynamic lifestyle and family entertainment hub.
The mixed-use development is expected to exceed local and international expectations in its advanced and vast infrastructure, embracing futuristic and sustainable opportunities to cater to the evolving local and regional needs while facilitating travel and stay for international guests.
King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) City project will become a world-class 21st-century haven for global travelers destined for Makkah. It is expected to serve up to 30 million passengers on an annual basis with a long-term plan of serving up to 80 million passengers by 2035.
Location: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Services provided: Independent Engineer
Time Frame: 2021 - 2026
Project land: Over 670,000 square meters
GFA: Over 1,000,000 square meters
DGJ Intervention:
DG Jones and Partners is acting as the Independent Engineer in this Project, by ensuring the alignment of the Developer’s vision with the Owner’s set of requirements. DGJ will provide administrative and management services to allow the smooth progression of this fast-paced landmark project.
DGJ’s team will facilitate effective coordination between the key stakeholders, the client, and the developer. We will support the decision-making mechanisms to implement viable solutions facing any project constraint. DGJ will also assess the project phasing, scale, and schedule, and identify conflict points to avoid hindering the project’s progress.
Our scope of work ranges from developing the permitting process, clearly defining the outlines of each party’s scope and responsibilities, reviewing the design from the owner’s perspective, and monitoring the construction to ensure quality, time, and best practices.
