Jeddah

The results of efforts to address decades of rapid unplanned growth in Saudi Arabia’s second-largest city are beginning to become clear as transportation plans advance and major development projects get under way. With a focus on public- private partnerships, affordable housing and the redevelopment of large parts of the city, and a number of mega-projects and a $12bn integrated urban transport network in the works, there are considerable opportunities for investors. Efforts are aimed at facilitating sustainable growth and diversification in the coming years and will ultimately help to bolster Jeddah’s position as both the commercial centre of Saudi Arabia and the gateway to Makkah for the world’s Muslim population. This chapter contains an interview with Mazen Batterjee, Vice-Chairman, Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.