Weekly Architectural Brief: Key Project Updates in Saudi Arabia
As Saudi Arabia’s urban transformation continues to gather momentum, this week’s roundup (ending June 27, 2025) offers a lens into the architectural pulse of the Kingdom. From large-scale infrastructure updates to refined hospitality developments, each project reflects not only local priorities but also a growing architectural ambition aligned with Vision 2030. Below is a curated selection of the most significant project updates announced this week.
Project Update | Bayfront – Al Khobar
Bayfront in Al Khobar Nears Completion with Over 95% of Works Finalized
The Al Khobar Municipality has announced that construction of the Bayfront waterfront development has surpassed 95% completion. This marks a significant milestone in the city’s transformation of its coastline into a vibrant recreational destination.
Spanning approximately 100,000 square meters, the project features 24 commercial units, a leisure beach, and a range of international cafés and restaurants. It aims to boost the local economy by enhancing tourism. Additionally, it improves quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
Architecturally, Bayfront features fluid, modern forms with open public spaces that directly engage with the sea. Recent site photos reveal that the project has entered its final phase, with most structural and finishing works nearing completion.
Redevelopment of Al-Rabwa Neighborhood in Central Riyadh
The Royal Commission for Riyadh City has unveiled plans to redevelop Al-Rabwa, a vibrant neighborhood in the heart of the capital. The project aims to enhance quality of life by upgrading public amenities and expanding green spaces. Moreover, it improves transportation and pedestrian infrastructure. This initiative is part of the “Humanizing Cities” program. Through this, Riyadh seeks to create more livable and locally connected neighborhoods. It aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 to position Riyadh among the world’s top cities for living and working.
Project Update | Jeddah Tower
Jeddah Tower Advances with Floor 75 Underway and Base Structure Expansion
Construction on the iconic Jeddah Tower continues to make steady progress. As of June 22, 2025, concrete molds have been set for floor 75. This brings the structure to an estimated height of 295 meters. Simultaneously, work has commenced on floor 71, further pushing the tower toward its record-breaking ambition.
Notably, the southeast wing of the tower has reached floor 70. For the first time since construction resumed, work has begun on the lower-level structures forming the base of the tower. These components, newly initiated post-resumption, have reached floor 4 in the northern section. They represent a key part of the building’s integrated footprint.
This momentum marks a strong return to form for the development, which aspires to become the tallest building in the world. It is capturing global attention within the architecture and engineering communities.
Project Update | King Salman Park – Riyadh
Construction Progresses at King Salman Park, Complementing Riyadh’s Urban Expansion
Work is steadily progressing at King Salman Park in Riyadh, one of the world’s largest urban green space initiatives. Aerial imagery from the past week highlights the integration between the park’s expanding footprint and the surrounding King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) skyline. This underscores the city’s evolving balance between urban density and open landscape.
The park is envisioned as a major public destination, featuring cultural venues, botanical gardens, outdoor theaters, lakes, and pedestrian trails. It is a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aimed at improving urban livability and environmental sustainability.
Current construction activity focuses on foundational infrastructure works, with large areas being prepared for the upcoming landscaping and planting phases.
✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight
This week’s project announcements in Saudi Arabia illustrate a clear duality: the drive for monumental scale on one hand, and the shift toward refined, human-centric environments on the other. While infrastructure remains a dominant narrative, the emergence of boutique hospitality and experiential cultural sites reveals a maturing architectural language. The diversity of projects—ranging from transit hubs to resort expansions—suggests that the Kingdom is no longer merely building faster, but building with greater spatial and programmatic intention. A pivotal week, where quantity begins to echo quality.
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