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Creating better urban spaces

Article - September 19, 2011
Twenty years ago, the late Abdulaziz Abdullah Kamel, maestro behind the Jeddah City Centre urban regeneration movement, founded Urban Development Co (UDC) with the vision to develop sustainable real estate projects that simultaneously preserve Saudi cities’ local heritage and culture, and create profits for both the company and its investors.
THE DIAR AL BAHAR TOWER OVERLOOKS THE SEA ON JEDDAH’S LOVELY CORNICHE
As he was known to say, “Whatever you do, make sure you have a good cause for it.”

Today, Abdullah Abdul Aziz Kamel, managing director of UDC, follows in his father’s footsteps, spearheading new and innovative projects, many of which have become unique architectural landmarks. UDC blends local materials (such as coral stone, which is sustainable in Jeddah’s humid climate) and architectural elements with modern techniques, and takes into account the unique environment and climate of Saudi Arabia. The company also creates niche market projects that “don’t copycat other projects and harm the market,” says Mr Abdullah Kamel.

UDC’s mega-projects include Al-Beutat, an award-winning, affordable residential compound; Beautat Business Park, an office-villa complex considered one of the most elite addresses for companies; Beautat Al Bahr, a series of graceful and elegant beachfront villas; Burj Al Jiwar, an attractive full freehold residential tower located just steps away from Makkah’s Holy Ka’ba and the Sacred Mosque; and Diar Al Bahar, a multi-storey block of luxury flats overlooking Jeddah’s beautifully landscaped Corniche.

Today, the company’s flagship project is the urban regeneration of central Jeddah, a project awarded to Jeddah Central District Company (JCDC), a consortium comprising UDC and various local and foreign partners, and being implemented in partnership with the municipality of Jeddah. 

Covering an area of 600 hectares, the Jeddah Central Development Project will expand the city’s role as a major economic hub, enhance its position as the gateway to the Two Holy Mosques, and contribute significantly to an improved quality of life.

“My father once said that a successful project is the one that employs the largest number of people, respects the environment and culture, and adds beauty to the planet,” muses UDC’s managing director. It would seem that UDC executes one truly successful project after another.

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