If you’ve been hearing about Jeddah Central and wondering what will actually be there, here’s a closer look.

The new waterfront district will stretch across 5.7 million sqm, with enough space for beaches, a marina, hotels and resorts, restaurants, cafés, and shopping areas. It will also include Saudi Arabia’s biggest new cultural and entertainment attractions.

Let’s take a look at what’s coming.

Jeddah Central Stadium

One of the biggest landmarks is Jeddah Central Stadium, which takes inspiration from the traditional architecture of Jeddah’s historic Al Balad.

The venue will seat more than 45,000 people. Saudi Arabia has listed it as one of the proposed stadiums for the FIFA World Cup 2034.

Jeddah Opera House

The venue draws inspiration from Al Balad, Hijazi culture, local geology, and Jeddah’s relationship with the Red Sea.

Plans for this project include:

  • A 1,500-seat opera hall
  • A 750-seat playhouse theatre
  • A 150-seat rehearsal space

The venue will host opera, concerts, orchestras, touring productions, commercial events, and community programmes.

Another reason to visit Jeddah for culture: Islamic Arts Biennale returns in 2027.

Oceanarium and Coral Farm

Visitors will be able to explore exhibits about local plants, animals, coral habitats, and underwater ecosystems.

Jeddah Industiral Museum

Plans for this project include converting the former turbine hall into a large exhibition space, alongside a Makers’ Souk, studios, ateliers, public exhibitions, and spaces for large art commissions.

The museum will explore Jeddah’s connection with water, industry, and creativity.

Hotels and Resorts

Jeddah Central will feature several luxury hotels overlooking the Red Sea, with around 2,700 hotel keys planned.

Confirmed names include Mandarin Oriental Jeddah, Canopy by Hilton Jeddah Central, Jareed Jeddah, and One&Only Jeddah and Atlantis Resort and Waterpark Jeddah.

Opening Timeline

Construction is planned in three phases:

  • Phase One (by the end of 2027): Stadium, opera house, Oceanarium, public beaches, and key attractions
  • Phase Two (by 2030): Museum, library, and wellness district
  • Phase Three (after 2030): Art Village, Coral Bay, and additional lifestyle and cultural destinations

If you want to see what else is changing in the city, check out Trump Plaza Jeddah, a USD 1 billion luxury development on King Abdulaziz Road, and the latest updates on Jeddah Metro.