Jazan Economic City

The Jazan Economic City (JEC) is a major planned industrial and economic development project in Jizan Province, southwestern Saudi Arabia.¹ Initiated in 2006, the project is located 60 km north of Jazan, along the Red Sea coast.² JEC is designed to stimulate economic activity and serve as a key driver for national and regional economic diversification.³

JEC’s vision is to become a “global industrial and logistical hub”, that promotes economic diversification and regional development in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.⁴ It aims to attract over SAR 100 billion in investments⁵ and generate substantial employment opportunities in energy, manufacturing and logistics sector.⁶

To achieve its vision, Jazan Economic City spans approximately 102 square kilometers, making it one of the largest economic city projects in the Kingdom.⁷ Key components of the city include:

• Industrial Zone: Holds facilities for heavy industries, petrochemicals, energy production, mining, and manufacturing.⁸
• Port and Logistics Hub: A deep-water port integrated with logistics services to support international trade and regional export competitiveness.⁹
• Residential and Commercial Districts: Housing, schools, hospitals, and retail infrastructure to support industrial labour and regional residents.¹⁰
• Renewable Energy Projects: Initiatives and facilities to produce sustainable energy, supporting low-carbon industrialization.¹¹
• Jazan Industrial Cluster: A 30 square kilometer industrial park dedicated to Chinese enterprises, structured into heavy industry, light industry, and buffer zones.¹²
• Environmental and Recreational Spaces: Landscaped parks, green belts, and community areas for ecological balance and quality of life.¹³

JEC integrates sustainability through advanced water recycling systems, renewable energy installations, and the use of environmentally friendly construction materials.¹⁴ The city’s design incorporates universal accessibility standards, including public transport systems and barrier-free design to accommodate all users.¹⁵

The Jazan Economic City project involves multiple stakeholders. Initially, the project was developed by a joint venture between MMC Corporation (Malaysia) and Saudi Binladin Group (SBG), with the Economic Cities Authority (ECA) serving as the primary development facilitator.¹⁶ Currently, Saudi Aramco is the principal entity executing major infrastructure and industrial works.^{17 18} Chinese manufacturing companies and local contractors are also involved in the delivery and investment in JEC.¹⁹

The implementation is developed in phases:

• Phase 1 (2006-2010): Land acquisition, feasibility studies, and master planning.²⁰
• Phase 2 (2011-2020): Infrastructure development, including the port, roads, utilities, and industrial clusters.²¹
• Phase 3 (2021-Ongoing): Ongoing construction of industrial complexes, residential areas, and renewable energy projects.²²

As of December 2023, 53 major projects have been completed at a combined value of $2.39 billion.²³ The port is operational, and several industrial and residential facilities are in advanced stages of completion.²⁴ JEC is on course to become a strategic center for industry and commerce, contributing to Saudi Arabia’s economic growth and global competitiveness.²⁵