Alma Destination is a major urban development spanning more than 3.1 million square meters, featuring seven neighborhoods, two residential islands, and a network of canals, bridges, and waterfronts, with planned investments exceeding SAR 40 billion.

Jeddah | BETH

November 14, 2026

Jeddah is moving toward a new concept of coastal urban development, one that goes beyond building projects along the waterfront to integrating water into the design of neighborhoods, residents' mobility, and everyday lifestyles.

Located north of Obhur, Alma Destination represents a model of this transformation. Covering 3.125 million square meters, the project comprises seven neighborhoods centered around two main islands, connected by a network of bridges and canals linked to the Red Sea.

The master plan features the first residential water islands within a privately developed project in Jeddah, alongside approximately 12.5 kilometers of waterfronts, more than 5.5 kilometers of pedestrian walkways, and 16 interconnected parks. It also includes boat and yacht marinas, as well as residential, tourism, commercial, and entertainment facilities.

The project's announced investment estimates exceed SAR 40 billion, reflecting the scale of opportunities associated with coastal neighborhood development and the attraction of local and international investors and developers.

The project previously announced the completion of its infrastructure and essential utilities, marking its transition to the real estate development phase in preparation for implementing its urban and tourism components.

BETH Analysis | When the Sea Becomes Part of the City

The significance of Alma Destination extends beyond the creation of two residential islands. It introduces a different vision of the relationship between a city and its coastline.

Rather than remaining merely a destination for recreation and leisure, the waterfront becomes an integrated environment for living, working, shopping, hospitality, and transportation.

This model creates opportunities for real estate and tourism investment, diversifies housing options, and enhances Jeddah's appeal to residents and visitors.

However, its success will not be measured by architectural beauty alone, but also by operational efficiency, service quality, the sustainability of its marine canals, ease of mobility, and the extent to which the city benefits from this urban expansion.

The key question is whether Alma Destination can become a model for developing other Saudi waterfronts, combining coastal beauty, quality of life, and economic returns.

This is the transformation worth watching: from developing the waterfront to creating a city that lives with the sea.

Prepared and Analyzed by | Strategic Media Management – BETH News Agency